About Your Stay (FAQ)
About Your Stay
What is the difference between Coconut Row and Buttonwood Belize?
It’s really just your personal preference. Coconut Row is more colorful and right in the center of the village; Buttonwood tends to be a bit more isolated and quiet. Coconut Row has a longer stretch of beach but also more people on the beach, while Buttonwood has a quiet beach and a great rooftop to hang out on. Coconut Row gives a bright and cheery demeanor, while Buttonwood has very luxurious rooms. But really, this is splitting hairs – the beach is great at both places, the rooms are great at both places, the staff works at both places, and the two properties are three blocks apart – about a three minute walk down the street. If you’re still not sure, check out the pictures of both properties and then call or email us; we’ll help you decide! Please note that every unit at each property has its own private bathroom.
How do I get to Hopkins?
What is your booking & payment policy?
We charge a 50% deposit at the time of booking. The balance of the payment is due 30 days before your arrival. We do offer sales and discounts at times. See our Rates page for details. Our minimum-stay requirement is two nights, although we often allow one night bookings at the last minute, or when only one night is available for a given unit.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
If a reservation is cancelled 60 days or more before the arrival date, we will refund your money except 10% of total booking fee. If it is cancelled 30-59 days before your arrival date, you will be charged 25% of your stay (which is 50% of the deposit you’ve paid). If the cancellation is less than 30 days before your arrival date, we will not be able to issue a refund as we’ve blocked that room from being booked by anyone else. In the event of a no-show or a booking reduction after the arrival date, the full amount of the stay will be charged. For date changes (or shortened stays) made less than 60 days before arrival, 25% of stay is charged; if the changes are made more than 60 days before your arrival, then it will be free of charge.
What if we bring extra guests?
As long as the maximum room occupancy is not exceeded, you are welcome to bring extra guests. The per-person charge for more than two guests is $10 or $15 per night per person, depending on the unit. (Only children under three are exempt.) Please note that sofas may not be used to sleep extra guests, and under no circumstances will we exceed the maximum occupancy per unit. Pets are not allowed.
What about flight delays, inclement weather, or other disasters out of our control?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we cannot be responsible for shortened stays or cancellations due to flight problems, inclement weather or other problems affecting travel.
Two sites we recommend to purchase or get a quote on travel insurance are: www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-insurance or www.travelinsurance.com.
Do you have tv's, phones, or wi-fi in the rooms?
All of Buttonwood’s rooms have flat screen TV’s with premium cable, and also phones that work with Magic Jack, allowing you to call for free to the US and Canada. Coconut Row has no TV’s or phones – we want you to relax and enjoy the beach as much as possible! All of our rooms and properties have Wi-Fi for your use and enjoyment.
How late are the stores and restaurants open?
Grocery stores open at 8 am and close at 9 pm. Restaurants generally close somewhere between 10 and 11 pm, though it often depends on the number of customers any given night. During the low season, you’ll want to eat by 9 pm most nights.
How are the Bugs?
Honestly, the bugs won’t be as bad as you think. We generally enjoy a great sea breeze, which keeps bugs away. If there is no breeze, you will get some mosquitos and sand flies, especially at dusk. But while the bugs are generally mild at our place, be sure to bring some bug spray, socks and long pants in case you go elsewhere. If you’re going out to eat, the sea breeze is usually much less at the street. And if you go hiking in the jungle, it’s best to spray up!
Is the water drinkable?
Yes, the water is totally potable! It’s treated at the water tank in the village, and not one of our thousands of guests has ever had a problem. For those guests who wish to stick to bottled water, we do sell water at the bar, and there is a grocery store across the street. But you should have no worries about drinking the village water.
How is the swimming/snorkeling from your beach?
The swimming is simply awesome! The water is shallow and sandy, with no currents, rocks, seaweed or drop-offs. You need to walk far out into the water before it gets deep. The water is warm, relaxing and very buoyant due to all the salt! You can’t have better swimming conditions! Unfortunately, the reef is 8-10 miles out, so there really is nothing to see when snorkeling here, save for the occasional sand dollar, minnow or starfish.
Do I need to change my money for Belizean Dollars?
If you have US dollars, you don’t need to change them – anyone will accept US dollars (not coins) at 1 USD for 2 BZD.
What's the deal with tipping?
There is no standard down here – we suggest you tip if and only if you are happy with the service. The amount is up to you.
How much cash should I bring? Is there an ATM?
There is an ATM in the village, but it often doesn’t work with ATM or Debit cards that have a chip in them (which is most of them.) We do accept credit cards for all tours, food, drinks and services, but cash is often handy and there are often cash discounts in the village. We have safes in our rooms, and the owner also has a safe if you would care to use it.
Are there any needy organizations that we can visit in the village?
Sure! We currently raise money for scholarships for children to go to Holy Family Elementary School (BZD $60/year per child), or Ecumenical High School (BZD $400/year per child for 9th or 10th grade, $1,000/year per child for juniors or seniors.) Many deserving children cannot attend school, especially high school, due to lack of money, so your contribution can make a huge difference! We also accept school supplies for elementary schoolchildren.
Holy Family Catholic Church is also in need of donations. The church is in very poor condition and we are trying to make it suitable as the main church of the village (for a few more years at least). The church is also accepting donations toward the building of a new church, which will better suit the needs of the population. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Where can I check in?
Most days when you’re checking into our rooms, someone else is checking out. Our check-in time is 3:30pm, but we will try very hard to get you in even earlier if possible. If your room is not ready when you arrive, we’ll be happy to store your luggage while you have a welcome drink and/or lunch at the Coconut Husk, or you can relax on the beach!
What is included in the daily rate?
Housekeeping every day, air conditioning every night, coffee every morning, high quality wi-fi, and a welcome drink upon arrival, freshly cut from our coconut trees, with or without a shot of coconut rum inside! Our terrific customer service, beach, and location are also included.. 😉