Hotel Villa Caribe

We arranged boat trips through the hotel to Belize, Río Dulce, Siete Altares, and Puerto Barrios, which made getting around much easier. The front desk team were warm and friendly. I also learned that this was the first port where the Garífuna people arrived in Livingston, so the hotel's history added meaning to the visit. Bar Dube is right out front and made a fun place for evening drinks. The scenery is a big part of the appeal. From the restaurant, you can see the river mouth and ocean, and sunrise over the water was especially lovely. It was so peaceful to sit with coffee and watch the light come up. The food was excellent, particularly the flavorful, authentic tapado, and breakfast was consistently very good. Servers were attentive without hovering. The grounds are lush, with birds everywhere. We saw toucans, lots of pelicans, and other tropical birds, and their calls through the day were soothing. The balcony looked out over palms and greenery. Our stay was clean and well kept, with reliable water and electricity, something that isn't always available in Livingston. The shower had good pressure and dependable hot water, also unusual for the area. The bed was comfortable, but there was only a sheet. With the AC on we got cold at night, and with it off the room felt muggy. As Americans, we're used to heavier bedding, so that's something to keep in mind. The rooms are a bit dated. Mosquitoes got inside, likely through the glass-blind style windows that don't seal fully and screens with holes. I'm allergic to mosquito bites, so that was stressful, though I know it's hard to avoid in a tropical climate. This is one of the pricier hotels nearby, but it offers some of the best comforts for travelers who value them. Don't expect a luxury five-star American resort. Expect nature, quiet, and beautiful views.

The location and views are what make this place stand out. It's a very simple bungalow-style hotel, so don't expect much beyond a bed and shower. My room's AC barely worked, and the bed wasn't very comfortable.

Some of the rooms could use renovation. This is the most expensive hotel in town, though part of the price is having electricity and water 24/7 in Livingston, where service stops for at least 4/5 hours nearly every day.

A very good location, with spacious rooms and comfortable beds. The hotel was clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast tasted good, though it got boring. I'd recommend it for a quiet, comfortable stay.