On arrival, it is a fine site, strikingly white and colonial. Its welcome was warm and the rooms were comfortable.Relaxing on the verandah is fun even if the views are somewhat blocked by fauna. Breakfast in the bakery next door (with your BZ$5) was different but dinner in Radisson was not what our fellow contributors reported. During our overnight stay we were not particulary taken with Belize City except for its fine British Colonial buildings but had fun jumping on the chicken bus and going out to the Belize Zoo which if only for the jaguars, pumas and large birds of prey is really worth a visit. Overall, the Great House (a guest house not a hotel) is probably worth half the cost but gets from us a 'recommended'. Remember not to go for rooms on the reception floor. Their wifi did not work while we were there.

The location is good, and the water pressure was good. Other items that contribute to a pleasant and memorable stay were regrettably lacking.

Having received advice to choose an hotel away from the city centre, we felt we made the right choice in staying at the Great House for our one night in the city before driving inland.

Our room (no 2?) just off reception, was spacious, well appointed and very comfortable. Some hotels would probably have called it a suite, having a table and easy chairs as well as the very large bed.

It was very hot and humid, so we were very grateful for the efficient air-conditioning and ceiling fan.

Despite arriving some time after lunch, the friendly and helpful barman quickly arranged for some food to sustain us until dinner which we planned to take in the outdoor restaurant area. At dinner, many of the menu items were unavailable - but it was the low season, so perhaps unsurprising. What was surprising was the look of shock on the face of the waitress when I wanted to order a bottle of wine. She then would have seen the look of shock on mine when she told me the price of a very ordinary bottle. Stick with rum or beer!

The hotel is but a few steps to the sea front so we had a blow of sea air before taking breakfast in the coffee shop, which is part of the Radisson, but accepts breakfast vouchers provided by the Great House.

Free WiFi is available in Reception.

A friend and I stayed at the Great House for a few days this past September. The rooms are huge - at least 2 times the size of a regular hotel room - and are all uniquely furnished. Our room had hardwood floors and french doors that entered off the huge wrap around porch in the front. It also had a double vanity in the bathroom, wireless internet (free!) and cable tv (if that's important to you). Be aware that this is an old house that has been converted to a hotel, and is not handicapped accessible, although if one could get to the hotel area (second and third floors), a wheelchair would easily fit through the doors and around the rooms. The ground level is shops, a new wine/cigar bar, and a restaurant, so the front desk is on the second level. The people were vere very friendly and accomodating (especially when I couldn't follow the directions on the safe and locked all of our valuables inside on a Saturday night :< ) It's across the street from the Radisson and you can use their facilities/restaurants if you want. We thought it was much nicer than the Radisson and less expensive as well. Overall, would highly recommend and would definitely stay there again if we were going to go back to Belize City again.

As an aside, we saw another reviewer's note about a local driver named Homer B, and took his name/number with us. As luck would have it, we bumped into him, though it was after we had already made plans. We did get hire him to take us to the airport ($25 US total for us both). He was in the Belize Army for many years, and has integrity and is honest and trustworthy. He was also very knowledgable about the history, culture, and area. If we were going back, we would definitely hire him to take us around and show us the sights. Local Cell: 604-4619.