During my recent trip to Belize, I spent a night at the Golden Bay Hotel in Belize City. Located right by the sea, the hotel offered a comfortable stay with solid facilities and the added advantage of being close to restaurants and a large shopping mall.
Background
Belize City, Belize’s former capital, was the final stop on my week-long journey. Before arriving here, I had spent time on Ambergris Caye and in the western town of San Ignacio. I chose to stay in Belize City for one night before my outbound flight, and selected the Golden Bay Hotel primarily for its proximity to dining options.
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The Golden Bay Hotel in Belize City
I arrived around 4 p.m., and check-in was quick and efficient. The hotel is currently undergoing expansion, with a new wing under construction that will include additional rooms and a conference centre. Because of this, the present entrance felt somewhat temporary, and notably, there are no public toilets in the common areas.
The Room
The room itself was spacious and comfortable. It featured a king-size bed, a TV console with drawers, and an interesting piece of furniture whose exact name I couldn’t quite pin down – somewhere between a chaise lounge and a traditional louhan bed. Its purpose seemed to be casual seating, ideal for conversation or enjoying a drink or snack. There was no dedicated work desk, however.
The king bed was sturdy and comfortable, with bedside tables and lamps on both sides. The television offered close to 300 channels, from local and international options. I even noticed a few Indian and Chinese channels, along with Al Jazeera.
The Bathroom
The hotel’s bathroom was compact but functional. The shower was fitted with a curtain, toiletries were adequate, and hot water was readily available.
Coffee and Other Facilities
The room included an electric kettle, though there was no coffee machine. Coffee packets, several types of tea, sugar, creamer, and two bottles of water were provided. A refrigerator was also available.
Additional amenities included an iron, ironing board, and an in-room safe. Setting up the safe was a bit of an adventure: any existing code had to be cleared first, a new code set (including at least one alphabet), and then a knob turned to lock or unlock it. Interestingly, the safe was mounted at a fairly high level.
Wi-Fi and Power Outlets
Wi-Fi connectivity was strong and reliable throughout my stay. Power outlets were conveniently located on both sides of the bed, along with a USB charging port. Apart from these, there were only two additional outlets near the coffee area.
Construction Around Golden Bay Hotel in Belize City
As mentioned earlier, the hotel is expanding, and my room faced the construction site. Work starts quite early in the morning, so light sleepers may want to request a room on the opposite side if possible.
Restaurant
The hotel does have a restaurant, though I didn’t get the chance to try it. When I stopped by in the evening for a beer, it had already closed for the day.
Service
The staff were professional, friendly, and accommodating. I requested a late checkout, which they kindly granted without any fuss.
Final Thoughts on My Stay at Golden Bay Hotel in Belize City
One side of the hotel opens directly onto a large shopping mall offering everything from alcohol to electronics, which proved very convenient. There are also several restaurants within easy walking distance.
Overall, the Golden Bay Hotel offers a comfortable stay with good facilities and a prime location. Despite the ongoing construction, it is a solid option for a short stay in Belize City, especially if convenience and accessibility are priorities.