We stayed five nights in August 2009 and really loved it - we had great weather and this helped enormously as it meant we were able to do all the outdoor expeditions we wanted. Giovanni was in charge whilst were there and he was ably supported by an excellent friendly team. The location is stunning and we enjoyed the wildlife and scenery.

Dislikes - the 6 mile track to get there - but we got used to it - I am just thankful that I don't run a car hire business in Belize! The lighting at night - was really difficult to read by. The lodge is totally independent of mechanised energy having their own small hydroelectric generator and solar power - but this means they have to be careful about power consumption. Food choices - could have been more varied - especially with teenagers more basic, always available, options would have been good. You can't go out somewhere else to eat easily even with a vehicle.

This was our first trip to Belize and we had agonized over where to stay for the mainland portion of our trip, but I am so thrilled that we picked Black Rock Lodge!

It is approximately 2.5 hour drive from the airport. The last 6 miles to the lodge is long and bumpy, but so worth it for the amazing location. We booked our transfer straight through the lodge and were very pleased with the service.

The grounds are gorgeous, and the views over looking the river and surrounding mountains are breath taking. Black Rock has certainly capitalized on their location and every detail is perfect. The dining lodge is wonderful with a bar over looking the river and mountains where we sat every morning for coffee and for drinks before dinner. The lower deck over looking the river is also a wonderful place to relax. Rooms are a bit rustic, but this truly is an ecolodge, not a luxury resort. No a/c and only one outlet in the room, but plenty of hot water, beautiful setting and a hammock on the patio. Its perfect if you are looking for a jungle feel and experience, yet enough amenities to be comfortable.

But beyond the setting, the staff is superb. Everyone we met from our transfer driver to the wait staff, office staff and tour guides were exceptional. The social feel of the lodge is wonderful as well. Dinner is served family style and allows you to interact with other guests, which we enjoyed. Food was wonderful also. We were a bit concerned about being isolated and having limited food options, but the breakfast and lunch menu had a great variety of foods at reasonable prices. Dinner is a choice between a meat and vegetarian option. The variety was wonderful and everything was fresh and flavorful.

We booked all tours through the lodge and were very happy we did. The convenience was wonderful and the guides were the best. We did ATM and Tikal tours and would highly recommend them both, especially ATM. Black Rock has their own guide, Hector, who we just loved.

On site activities were also great, we did not do many, but the lodge offers canoeing, tubing, guided hiking, night hikes, horseback riding. We did hike to a cave on the property, one of the summits and about a 30 min hike to Vaca Falls.

My only complaint is that we did not have enough time there to enjoy everything the lodge has to offer. We stayed 4 nights, but I easily could have spent a week just there. We hope to go back soon and would highly recommend Black Rock!

Black Rock Lodge is beautiful, comfortable, yet blends in seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest. There's great hiking, canoeing 6 miles down the river where they pick you up and bring you back and lots of other activities. Our 10 year old daughter especially liked the horseback ride through the jungle and swimming in the river (the lodge is great for adventureous kids 9 and up but wouldn't recommend bringing younger kids). Trips to Tikal arranged through the lodge are a bit pricey but worth it if you want convenience. We drove our rental car to the Guatamalen border where there were numerous taxi drivers who will take your whole group to Tikal for about $60 round trip. It was completely safe and we saved a lot of money.

Loved all four days. Great food and a professional and courteous staff. Well landscaped and the view of the river and mountain is something to be seen especially in the morning. You have to tour Tecal and ATM. A lost paradise in the jungle. CLBonner - Richmond VA