Placencia is more laid back, better beaches, smaller beachfront inns, quaint village, nice restaurants, the reef is 19 miles from shore.

The beachfront is certainly less developed in Placencia. The beaches around town on Ambergris are dotted with docks and piers.

I'm not sure there are any properties close to Placencia village that have a pool and are in your price range. But, it's been several years since I was there.

For diver/non-diver people traveling together, I would Ambergris would be better. Because the reef is so much further from shore in Placencia, I think most of the dive trips are all day. On Ambergris, you can do a two tank dive and be back in your room in time for lunch, although, a late lunch.

I'm admittedly biased toward Ambergris. Fell in love with the place the first time we went. I found the water bluer and the sand whiter and softer on Ambergris than in Placencia.

i'm prone to placencia, not that familiar with san pedro, placencia, more laid back. try e-mailing info@ctbelize.com, i know she has a couple of nice places with pools...