Where to Stay in Belize: Best Budget-Friendly Spots in 2024!

Are you thinking of visiting Belize in the near future? That's an excellent choice! Whether you're headed there tomorrow, in a few months, or it's on your travel bucket list, you know that at some point, you'll need to tackle where you'll be staying. 

It can be daunting to find a place to stay, but we want to help make it a little easier for you. So read on for our recommendations of the best places and where to stay in Belize!

What part of Belize is best to stay?

Before we dive into specific places to stay, let's first get to know the neighborhoods of Belize. 

Belize is divided into six districts, which each have its own constituencies (with 31 in total). Each constituency has sites to visit, and a different vibe. With so much to do in Belize, you can't go wrong, but here are some of the best areas to stay in Belize:

Belize City

Here you'll find historical and cultural sites and a thriving nightlife. It's also home to San Pedro, a popular tourist destination filled with budget-friendly hostels, delicious restaurants, and beautiful views. 

In Belize City you can also find islands like Caye Caulker where you can scuba dive and snorkel in the clear, blue water. 

• Caye Caulker: best place to stay on a budget
• San Pedro: best place to stay for nightlife

If you're headed to Belize for the nightlife, be sure to check out our guide for all the top spots here!

Corozal

Located close to the Mexican border in the north of Belize, Corozal is home to Mayan ruins and beaches, so there's a little something for everyone. 

You can also make some day trips to fishing villages and take in the super laid-back vibe of the district. 

Cayo

If adventure and the outdoors are your cup of tea, the Cayo district is the perfect place in Belize for you to visit and where to stay! 

Not only will you find Mayan sites in Cayo, but it's also home to two national parks. 

Located in Western Belize, this district is a perfect base for getting your outdoor adventure on. You'll find most backpacking hostels located in San Ignacio. 

• San Ignacio: best place to stay for the jungle

Stann Creek

If you want to head further South in Belize, but still stay along the coast, Stann Creek is home to several beach towns, including Placencia. Placencia is one of the most popular beaches in Belize, so if you want to kick back and relax by the sea, it's not to be missed!

• Placencia: best place to stay for the beach (in Stann Creek)

Where is the safest place to stay in Belize?

While you have many areas to choose from when finding a place to stay in Belize, some may feel safer than others. 

In general, big, touristy cities in Belize are safe, but pickpocketing or opportunistic crimes can still happen so you'll need to be careful. 

The Caribbean coast is the most popular area of Belize among tourists, which means that many of those areas will be safer during your travels. Areas such as Corozal, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro are safer places to choose in Belize. These places will allow you to be surrounded by other tourists if that is something you look for while traveling. But of course, you should still be mindful of your belongings!

Best Hostels in Belize

We all love a good hostel, and Belize is no exception in offering budget-friendly options. 

Whether you're looking for a backpacking vibe, traveling on a budget, or just want to meet other travelers, you have plenty of spots to choose from! The only downfall is that they are limited to certain areas of Belize. 

Where to stay in Belize City

If you're headed to Belize City, check out The Red Hut Inn. With 7.6/10 stars on Booking.com, this hostel has rooms with and without AC, is located in a quiet neighborhood, and even offers airport pickup for only $25. 

Where to stay in Caye Caulker

If being near a beach is a priority for you, check out Caye Caulker and their fabulous hostels. 

Within a five-minute walk from The Lazy Lizard beach area, Go Slow Hostel offers air-conditioned rooms, and holds a superb 8.5/10 star rating on Booking.com. 

All dorms also are ensuite, equipped with a fridge and microwave. 

Where to stay in San Pedro

Maybe Caye Caulker isn't the beach area for you, and you'd prefer a place with active nightlife like San Pedro.

For easy ocean access, check out Drift Inn. It's near dive schools if you're interested in taking scuba lessons, and it also has an outdoor kitchen with a courtyard. Rated 8.5 out of 10 stars, other travelers have clearly enjoyed their stay! 

If Drift Inn doesn't float your boat, nearby in Ambergris Caye you'll find Sandbar Beachfront Hostel. Each bed comes with a privacy curtain, locker, shelf, and electrical plug so you can keep your devices charged. You'll have easy beach access, towels, and ample common area space to get to know your fellow travelers!

Where to stay in San Ignacio

For adventurous travelers hoping to head to Cayo, most hostels are located in San Ignacio. 

The Old House Hostel boasts excellent reviews, includes towels, and is well connected to all the things to do in San Ignacio, including hiking and visits to archeological ruins.

If you want to try a new adventure and stay in the jungle itself, check out Hidden Haven. Located a short drive from Mayan ruins, you'll have the unique experience of waking up to the sounds of animals while being near a lagoon and ample wildlife. They even have a saltwater swimming pool!

Where to stay in Stann Creek

If you've got Placencia on your Belize bucket list, you'll want to stay in Anda Di Hows Hostel. 

Every bed in this hostel has its own fan. This spot is located directly in the city center, so you have easy access to the beach and restaurants, bars, and shops. There is also a communal kitchen you can use!

Where to stay in Belize: Beach Edition!

If your Belize priority is being near a beach, you'll want to stick to coastal cities and the islands. 

You should aim to stay in Caye Caulker for the best access and affordability. San Pedro also offers good options while allowing you to take advantage of being near to the sea for all underwater adventures. Heading south to Placencia will give you one of the most popular beaches in Belize, so you know the beach will be lovely, but you can expect that it may be crowded!

Get planning with Pilot!

Whether Belize is your next destination or further down your travel bucket list, now you have some good resources to start planning where you'll stay when you visit. When you're ready to start putting together your itinerary, check out Pilot to help you with your planning!