Pooks Hill Road, Belmopan, Belize | (501) 832-2017
Charming (if not luxurious) thatched-roof bungalows
Gorgeous jungle setting on a 300-acre reserve in the Cayo district
River tubing and bird watching on-site
Tasty international cuisine, served communal style
Warm, friendly service
Mayan ruins on the property
Free hiking guides (for on-site hikes) for guests
Hot water in rooms only during limited hours
No air-conditioning
Somewhat more rustic than other Belize jungle lodges
Expensive room rates for the quality and space of the accommodations
Hard beds
Pook’s Hill Lodge isn't as evolved as other high-end Belize eco-lodges: It feels like it's about where its competitors were when they first opened some 25 years ago. It’s a perfectly fine place to stay in a wonderfully remote location; just don’t arrive expecting luxury on par with that found in other long-established properties such as Chaa Creek. There’s no pool, the 11 rooms are fairly basic and small, meals are served communal style, and hot water is only available during limited hours. It’s also hard to get to, and priced about the same as higher-end jungle lodges elsewhere in the country. Adventurous travelers looking for rusticity might like it; other travelers may want to reconsider.
