THE HOTEL on Ambergris Caye: I am Seriously Impressed

I’ll admit.  I was skeptical (I usually am).  A New York style deli?  An Irish pub?  In Belize?  I visited The Hotel yesterday for a St. Patrick’s Day bash and honestly?  I could not have been more impressed.  So much more than I thought it would be.  I am going to try to temper the gushing.As usual, let’s back up a bit.  San Pedro was decked out in green for the holiday.

And lots of bars were having specials and hosting parties.  In fact, revellers were cruising through town on golf carts, dressed in green and pub hopping.  But Molly Malone’s at the new hotel just north of the bridge was the place to be.  Perfect time to see it.

San Pedro’s first official Irish pub.  Everyone was Irish for the day.

Even Heather, Kathy and Martin.

The hotel part of The Hotel (I’m still struggling with the name) is still in the process of opening…they are estimating another 6-8 weeks.  But on the first floor, the New York style deli, the wine bar and the Irish pub are up and going.

The lobby for the Hotel is gorgeous.  And a wine bar (that I think opens in the evenings) is tucked in the corner.

The rooms are looking amazing too.  This is the first one done.

And then up to the roof deck on floor number four.  A bar, an infinity pool with a beautiful teak patio, lounging beds, lots of bathrooms and showers, seating areas and a perfect view over the Tres Cocos section of the reef.

Even the views of the lagoon…and the putting island and driving range they are constructing, are beautiful.

It is not yet fully open.  There will be a spa, a gym, a yoga area…and tons more.  This is a full service hotel.

But…it is St. Patrick’s Day. Time for some corn beef and cabbage and green beers at the bar.

Real corned beef and cabbage!  And a real bar.

With cards and chess and darts.

The manager, Tammy, was decked out like a little satin leprechaun.

The food was amazing, the rooms look amazing and the view…well…it is amazing.  I don’t know what else to tell you…I think this is the new hot spot in San Pedro.  I haven’t tried the deli and I didn’t try the wine bar but I  can only hope that Molly Malone’s is serving that corned beef the next time I am there.

As of the end of 2012, The Hotel is closed.