Along with life long friends we had almost completed our sixteen day day Belizean adventure. Yes, I know some of the guide books say just move on, forget Belize City. I am glad we went against the tide and spent two nights at DNest Inn. Never did I feel any thing but safe and happy here. The inn is located in a pleasant part of town. There is a police station just a couple of blocks away. When you drive by the officer on duty may wave to you.
Our first evening Otty helped us find the Riverside Tavern where we enjoyed the outside patio overlooking Haulover Creek. While sipping our Marguerita's two magnificent barn owls kept flying back and forth across the water.
Not to miss a thing we got up early to enjoy the orchid filed garden along the water's edge before breakfast. Then it was off to the Community Baboon (howler monkey) sanctuary where with our guides help I held hands with a two year monkey. We spent the afternoon driving around downtown. No, my husband did not find this particularly daunting. We stopped for a limeaid at the Smokey Merimaid in the colonial era Great House Inn.
The next morning it was very simple to drive from DNest Inn to Crystal Auto rental's airport location to return the car. A simple walk from there took us to our airline's check in counter.
I would like to thank Otty and Gaby for their many kindnesses.

My wife and I were going on a late honeymoon and D'Nest was recommended by the place were staying at in Punta Gorda, as we arrived into Belize City on the 4pm flight (too late to drive all the way south that evening). Mr. Gaby was very helpful in sending us detailed directions from the airport, even e-mailing us a GoogleEarth shot of their place. We were welcomed right away and given a beer within the first 5 minutes. They were also nice enough to drive everyone staying at D'Nest to a local restaurant that evening, as none of us had any idea where to grub - food was rockin'.

The place was booked solid, so they settled us in (I knew beforehand) to one of the "overflow" rooms in downstairs (within their personal home). The AC wasn't blowing supercold, but Mrs. Oty hooked us up with two, additional floor fans. I've since been told by Mr. Gaby that the AC had been fixed and shootin' out ice cubes. Hehe. The bed was super-comfy and along with a tropical rain shower in the night, we slept like babies.

The next morning, Mrs. Oty fixed a delicious, Belizian breakfast, that would make ya wanna slap your mama. Coffee was great and food was plentiful. Their garden is wonderful, with my wife spending the better part of an hour or so taking photos of all the beautiful flowers. Their property butts up against a canal that eventually connects to the see, and another visitor (a fly-fisherman) was having a blast tryin' to hook onto on of the many "baby" tarpons off their back dock. Mrs. Oty was also kind enough to give us, some "old bread" she had set aside for her grandkids to feed the many fish that were poppin' off the dock.

I'm originally from Louisiana, and know what Southern hospitality is all about - Mr. Gaby and Mrs. Oty are originals and would probably give you the shirt off their backs for you to feel at home. We will definitely be back.

Having lost vacation time due to Northeast storms before, we planned to leave a couple of days before the dates we set in a few different areas in Belize. we wanted a nice place, close to the airport where we could get our first taste of Belize. We definately got that at D'nest. Gaby and Oty make you feel like you live there. Oty's breakfasts are incredible. You're also right on a canal (which they don't advertise) and can watch tarpon roll right from their garden. I actually walked around the neighborhood and caught tarpon with my travel rod...A great place to just hang out near the city and airport. Room was very clean and comfortable. Much less expensive place to stay and Gaby set us up with a great excursion which really added to our stay. Will definately visit them again.

Wonderful find in Belize. Very comfortable room with a hot breakfast in the morning. GREAT air conditioning and placement in the room. Most important as it is very hot and humid in August. Each room has it's own bathroom. Entrance and exit is upstairs. Whole 2nd floor are guest rooms. All were full and I never heard the neighbors. You can smoke on the balcony or downstairs in the garden. The balcony overlooks a canal. Must ask for internet password. Oty and Gaby are very nice. The place is loaded with antiques and each room is hand painted with designs. Lot's of gorgeous tile work. It is well maintained. Oty does a lot of work for charity. Her project is the poor of Belize. She is also the gardener of the family. Gaby is the antique man.
Grocery stores are within walking distance. Brody's is about a mile walk and they have everything from food to clothing to gifts. There is a deli inside for a sandwich. Sticker shock for US foods. A pint of Ben and Jerry's cost 26.50 Belize (13.25 US). Opt for the small cups of Belize ice cream for $1.50 Belize.