Booking a Hotel in Belize: How To Get Your Best Deal

So…you’ve been dreaming of a tropical getaway, snorkeling and sunning, and you thought of Belize.  Maybe a friend has visited recently and raved or you stumbled upon one of Belize’s new super cute short videos…

…or maybe even my blog or Instagram account and the MANY reasons that Belize is SO DIFFERENT from just your average Caribbean beach get-away.  (Belize is SO DIFFERENT:  Here’s Why)

rum punch
Sailing on the Rum Punch, Ambergris Caye, Belize

But here’s a tip that might be different for you too.   When booking travel, many use travel websites.   I love Kayak.com for booking flights.

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And I always peruse Expedia, Tripadvisor, Hotels.com to research, pick and often book a hotel.

But did you know that these sites charge hotels (of any size) pretty hefty fees for this listing and the booking?  5% up to 35% depending on the listing?

Belize is a country of personal experiences…small hotels, family run restaurants and tour companies, heck…the whole country only has about 320,000 people.

coconut-leo
Coconut Leo, local legend and man about town, Ambergris Caye, Belize

You can count on one hand the number of hotels in all of Belize that have more than 50 rooms.  We are no Cancun.

So…I recommend that you continue to use those websites for information and review, to compare prices and to gauge the prices but then…

SEND AN EMAIL TO THE HOTEL AND BOOK DIRECTLY.

Tell them that you saw “this price” on FILL IN BOOKING COMPANY but would love to book directly with them.  You hope that they can match the price.

And now you are in direct contact with the hotel.  You are THEIR customer rather than the booking agents.

The Green Iguana Project at the San Ignacio Hotel in San Ignacio, Belize
The Green Iguana Project at the San Ignacio Hotel in San Ignacio, Belize

So…perhaps they give you a better prices than the one on-line…or an upgrade if that is available.  Maybe they can clue you in to a great reef/jungle package they are doing for the week that you are visiting.

xunantunich
Xunantunich Maya Site, west of San Ignacio, Belize

Now you have access to the hotel!  You can ask questions about your plans, your tours, your transportation in Belize, your packing, your dietary needs, your early or late arrival, an extra bed for your son…

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If you have an issue with the hotel…and for some reason are looking for a refund…this can be facilitated directly with the hotel.  Your money is not locked in the Expedia-megaverse.

It will set the entire tone for your trip to Belize from the start.  AND you will be getting the best price available.

Win-win.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU IN BELIZE!

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North Ambergris Caye, Belize

Please note:  I consulted with two friends in the marketing departments at established hotels/lodges while writing this article.

To keep for future review and travel planning, please PIN this post.

How to Get the Best Hotel Deal for Your Stay in Belize

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