I knew that Banana Beach would be basic, but I expected more for the price.

Good:
- take any taxi to the hotel and they will pay the cab, very convenient
- beach access
- walking distance to downtown is not bad, go via the beach for a nice walk
- large room
- clean
- fridge and safe in room

Bad:
- bed could be more comfortable and with nicer bedding
- staff did not seem very friendly to us
- no Wi-Fi in the rooms
- our restaurant service was not great, the waiter seemed annoyed when we wanted to sit outside. the food was mediocre

My wife and I were at the Banana Beach Resort January 9-16, 2013. We had a great time. We spent a lot of time kicking back and reading by the water or on our deck. The view from the deck (Suite B-331) is beautifully situated over the ocean with a palm tree within reach. The room is very nice with tile floors and a small kitchen. We had to bring several small things to management's attention- light bulb not working, stuck bathroom window, outdoor table missing from deck, but within a few hours all of the issues had been addressed. BBR is about a 20 minute walk into down town San Pedro- which we saw as a benefit, because it was the most predictable exercise we got each day. You can rent golf carts (I think they were about $45 for 8 hours) which we did one day. There is a nice restaurant at the resort, and there are small grocery stores, a bakery, and some other stores close by and on the way into SP. We spent one day back in mainland Belize (by express boat) and did the cave tubing, zip-lining, and the zoo all in one day. It was a full day but very manageable and a lot of fun. Our guide was very good. I think that day cost us about $500. The weather was very good almost all of the time. San Pedro is fun and we did a lot of bar hopping and talking to locals and especially to ex-patriots, of which there appear to be quite a few (American and Canadian). There is a lot of activity along the beach in San Pedro a number of good restaurant / bars. For an English speaking country, you will be surprised how much Spanish you hear. We really had a good time. It is our second visit and we can't wait to go back!

I stayed here with 3 other friends. There was hot water but the pressure was a little low. I loved all the plants they have around the pool courtyard. This is a very short distance from the beach. They serve drinks right on the beach and the water is very shallow here. Good restaurants are a short distance away like Caroline's and Rico's. If you go to the Restaurant here, you have to try the Ceviche. It's the best I have ever tasted. I also tried the salad and a soup both were really good, some of the wait staff are a little stiff but the front desk service is good, . We had four to a room and my bed was a pull out sofa with a matress on top. It was very uneven and difficult to sleep on, but since it was just me on the bed I was able to adjust myself to a fairly comfortable position. This place is located a little farther from downtown. A taxi ride is about $5.00 USD to the downtown shopping area. I was told it's a 30 minute walk to downtown but never actually walked it.

The rooms are basic and sparsely decorated with well working AC and a small balcony. Everything is worn but clean.

There are two cold swimming pools surrounded by lounge chairs, and lounge chairs right along the beach in the back. There was a bar area set up near the ocean but it was never open while we were there.

We couldn't get internet in either of our rooms, but there were two benches along a walkway next to the restaurant where my friends and the other hotel guests were able to get a signal. That is where people congregated with their handheld devices. There is a computer in the main office and each room is allowed to use the internet for 15 min/day. The front desk closes at 8pm.

There is a restaurant attached to the hotel (not very good), and one or two restaurant/bars within walking distance along the beach, but the main streets of San Pedro are about a 40min walk from the hotel. If you want to walk around downtown, go shopping or go out to eat, you have to take a taxi.

The "Monkey Business" office books adventure packages through the various local tour guide companies. Don't use it! Book directly through the tour companies instead. Monkey Business goes through several different avenues and it's nearly impossible to get your money back if your "adventure" goes awry (They really don't care as long as they have your money). Be sure to get a print-out or receipt that shows exactly what you paid for and what's included in your adventure package. Don't take their word for it.

We stayed here four nights and rented two rooms that each slept two people. They cost 189USD per night. That was too high for what they were, but it's a tourist area and the price is lower than other similar hotels in the area.