We could stay at a 5 star resorts, but we elect to stay with the locals as much as possible while traveling so we can get a feel for the area. To our surprise, the Corona del Mar has surpassed all expectations. We felt like family here. When we arrived the handyman Frank, took us to the office to check in and delivered our bags to our room. Then he made us rum punch drinks, and by the way they were free. Frank has the don't worry, everything is going to be alright attitude, and he does deliver. When we asked him about his laid back friendly attitude. His reply was, "We like you to go home and tell people about us, so the come and stay at here. Believe me we will. Frank even bought us beers at the bar. When was the last time a handyman at a hotel bought you a beer? We find out later that Frank and the staff have made friends with their guest all over the world. A few days after our stay at the Corona, we were at the Belize City airport, a car pulls up and out pops Frank, as he wanted to say hi to us. Wow, now that's another first.

The hotel was nice and quaint, our ocean view room with the beach just steps away and town is just a 10 minute stroll down the beach. There are hammacks, and lounge chairs on the clean and raked beach.There are 2 great local restaurants, George's and Caroline's next to the hotel and Robin's bbq is just around the corner. The AC blows cold and there is plenty of hot water. There is a pool with barstools and there is a bar right there.

Out on the pier we met Leroy, from Tuff Enuff tours, and he arranged for our diving trip. Leroy has a happy attitude, as everyday he will greet you with Happy Thursday, Friday, etc. He is a great guy who's knows the term 77. Ask him when you meet him.

We had a wonderful stay here at the Corona and it was hard to leave. Carla called a taxi for us and even went outside and waved goodbye to us as if we were off to college. We appreciated the great hospitality that we have never experienced anywhere else.

We stayed in a first floor ocean front apartment that was steps from the beach. It was only a 15 minute walk along the beach to the center of town. Our room had 2 queen beds and a fold out futon in the living room. There was a complete kitchen and they provided ice and purified water. There was a flat screen cable tv, free wi-fi and safes in the bedroom. It was a very relaxing place to stay. You can hang out on the covered porch, relax in the beach chairs or chill in the hammocks. The staff at the hotel is amazing. Leroy always has a friendly greeting for you and will happily plan any excursions that you would like. Happy Friday Leroy : ). Frank and his wife Mel are beautiful people and will help you with anything you need. Make sure you plan a game of horseshoes with them on Sunday. Frank will be sure that you know that there are "no problems" when you are staying with them! The security staff is excellent.They even walked to get us dinner one night and delivered it to us at the bar. The owner, Terry was staying at the hotel during the same week as us and he was very kind. You can see why he has such a great staff. Our new best frinds are the bartenders Marge and Jasmine. I can't tell you how great these two ladies are. They will definately take good care of you. Thank you so much girls for putting up with our wild crew! Make sure you ask them for a new drink they created and named after my dad while we were there. It is called "The Burly" There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the bar. Our favorite was Caroline's restaurant right next door and the teenagers were regulars at AJ's for chicken wings. We had a great time and can't wait to go back!

I found this Hotel/Apt. by viewing and reading Tripadvisor. This hotel was well worth the money we paid. Very spacious and clean. We stayed in a beach front suite that was able to sleep 4 adults and 1 child. 2 Queen beds, couch that folds out to a bed and a twin size rollaway bed. We had more then we needed. Large livingroom/diningroom with A/C. A medium size kitchen, including a full size fridge, stove and microwave. All utencils, dishes, pots and pans were provided. Bedroom has A/C, two safes, dressers and standing closet. Bathroom was nice size, with shower. Lots of hot water at all times too. We did not have a hair dryer.
The breakfast was very basic, bread, peanut butter, and fresh fruit. Coffee and punch. This would be the only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars. I think they may offer other items, but while we were there they did not. Now if you like Rum Punch, and that is FREE Rum Punch, you will really like this place.
The beach is built up from the water, which you do find in front of alot of hotels in San Pedro. Maybe due to the seagrass? There are beach chairs, horse shoes, and hammocks. The beaches are all soft white sand. And if you don't like the sand and sea, the hotel has a pool that is good size. And it has bar style seating on one end of pool. Plus there is a outdoor bar that is open all day and well into the night.
The hotels location is just right, not too busy, but not too slow. We had plenty of resturants next to us to choose from. George's and Caroline's Kitchen are both wonderful. And both are located right next door.Now if you don't feel like a night on the town, you can buy fresh fruit and veggies at the fruit stand located at George's. Or there is also another one located down the road. There are grocery stores where you will find most of what you need.
To get to the heart of town, you can easily arrange for golf cart rental at front desk. Or you can walk. The beach is the safest way to walk into town, because the road in front of hotel is very busy. The walk is about 15 minutes, and found it to be safe.
The staff was able to help us with our excursions. We used Tuff E Nuff Tours which is located on Corona del Mars boat dock. They were able to arrange snorkeling, trip to ruins and cave tubing at a very good price. They use licensed tour guides.
The staff at Corona del Mar were very friendly and helpful. Not to forget Sunny the hotel dog. We enjoyed our stay and only wish we could have stayed longer!
At first I had problems finding the right website, so make sure you use Official Website. And official email address corona@btl.net

The hotel is located away, but not too far, from the town of San Pedro, which is ideal. On one hand, you may spend time on the beach without tourist crowds trampling over you, and on the other, a 15 minute walk brings you to the town center, with all the restaurants, docks and other places of potential interest. Also, the excellent Casa Picaso restaurant is just around the corner.
The staff is very friendly, and LeRoy the travel agent is always on the premises, helping you to arrange snorkeling, diving and other activities.
The view from the rooms is divine.
On the downside, there's not much in the way of swimming (due to the turtle grass), but that's true about almost every hotel in Ambergris.
It is not cheap (more that $100 a night), but you get what you pay for.