Belizean Dreams, Hopkins

We recently got back home from here and will not be returning. I would like to start by saying we are very happy people by nature; however, might be considered beach snobs because we have been to Anguilla where they have the most beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. My first experience with Belizean Dreams after a 45 minute drive down the bumpiest, non-paved road you will ever experience was not the best. As we were checking in, the front-desk guy was obviously hard-selling the excursions so he could get his commission. The half-day snorkel trip was $170 US per person! Because we have been all over, we knew this was very expensive and not a great way to instill trust in your guest. We did not take him up on the (with lunch) $400 per couple trip to go snorkel. Then he took us to the room where the previously mentioned encounter could not get out of my head. The room was decent at best. I realize we were in Belize and technologies should be limited to increase relaxation - but a TV and wireless Internet would have been nice if not expected. We are 30 somethings that like to stay in touch even if we are on vacation. Then after seeing the room he took us to the beach at the resort. We are from Texas and expected something more than a Galveston-like beach. The water was murky and the sand was dirty so there was definitely no snorkeling on site. After my bubble bursting on the price of snorkeling and the crappy beach (I know that sounds so snobby with any beach being better than work) - we decided to go to dinner. The special that night at the resort restaurant was shrimp and rice. Little that I knew that 2 orders and 3 beers would cost us $80 US. Needless to say, I was feeling let down from the begging and if it wasn't for us meeting some other couples of having choice beverages with them - we would have pulled our hair out. Keep looking at other places close by or even another country because it might not be the adventurous spot you are looking for.

Our stay in Hopkins was enhanced by the Belizean Dreams Resort. The staff were so friendly and catered to our every need. We booked with off season rates even though the weather was fabulous almost the entire week we stayed. Our Balcony Room was clean, spacious, and looked out to the ocean; you couldn't have asked for a better room. Since it was off season, our entire villa was vacant so I can't rate how the experience would be with other tenants. The food was excellent and so fresh with different specials every night. The cleaning crew always constantly cleaning the grounds and if you get up early enough, you see the men rake the sand on the private beach. Mariano makes the BEST drinks; he won the best bartender award two years running! If you want the best resort in Hopkins, stay at Belizean Dreams!