We recently stayed at Margaritaville Ambergris Caye, and while we had some genuinely wonderful moments, the overall experience was uneven—a mix of heartfelt hospitality and a long list of frustrating oversights.
The Good
First and foremost, the staff is genuinely lovely. Ken, Allan, and Flor stood out with their warm, personable service. Ken especially went out of his way to make us feel welcome, sourcing a hard-to-find favorite beverage and making a birthday celebration truly special. On our final night, he upgraded us to the penthouse suite and surprised us with a gorgeous floral display. It was thoughtful and memorable.
The location is stunning — serene and beautiful, with postcard-worthy scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
We also participated in a Belizean tasting menu dinner with some friends we made during our stay. That meal was hands down the best food we had from the resort — flavorful, well-presented, and a welcome taste of local culture.
The Not-So-Good
Resort Design & Maintenance
The infrastructure feels hastily built and poorly maintained. Stair risers throughout the property were inconsistent in height (a tripping hazard), and the wooden decks were unsealed in many places. Our original room’s showerhead fell off mid-use, and faucets regularly sprayed water in all directions.
In the bathrooms, sinks were set too far from the faucets, causing water to flood the counters and drip onto the floor. Showers had no barrier or lip, so water ran out across the bathroom regularly. The rugs in the various rooms all had noticeable stains from previous guests.
Sadly, these issues were even more pronounced in the penthouse suite. Patio doors squeaked and rattled in the wind, and during a particularly breezy night, the noise was nearly constant. The air conditioning units drained directly onto the wraparound balcony, leaving slick, slippery tiles — a real hazard.
Staffing & Cleanliness
The resort’s staffing model appears to be poorly thought out. The pool bar was frequently unstaffed, even during busy hours. When the pool was crowded (mostly with day-trippers, not overnight guests), no one seemed responsible for cleaning or upkeep. We regularly saw glass bottles left out (a serious safety issue), broken pool toys, dirty dishes, and food messes that attracted bugs, some of which were left overnight.
Dining Experience
There is only one restaurant on-site, with a minimal menu, and the quality is deeply inconsistent. Simple dishes like tacos, hummus, and burgers vary wildly in taste, presentation, and even ingredients from night to night. The food variety and quality do not match the prices, especially compared to other Margaritaville resorts we've visited.
Rotating the menu or adding variety would help immensely for guests staying more than a day or two. The website also felt misleading—for example, the BBQ experience must be booked 24 hours in advance, and portions are only practical for groups of 4 or more. Everything else offered comes from the same limited, inconsistent kitchen.
Lack of Activities & Communication
There were no advertised event schedules or activity boards anywhere on the property. Without venturing into town, there was little to do besides sit by the pool or navigate the Sargassum-covered beach.
We were encouraged to use the resort boat to get into town, but weren’t told until checkout that there was a fee for the service — a detail that should have been made clear upfront.
When we asked about activities, we were told about a rum tasting (which we did and thoroughly enjoyed — it was well-priced and fun), but the mixology classes advertised online weren’t available. Truthfully, we found better tourist activities available by tagging along with friendly and generous guests Mike & Lori - so be on the lookout for these fabulous people if you stay there !
Retail & Branding
The retail experience was surprisingly underwhelming. The gift shop had a limited selection of merchandise, especially for a brand known for its marketing. We expected more Margaritaville-branded items and fun, beachy souvenirs. Even the poolside atmosphere lacked that iconic island vibe — we had to request Jimmy Buffett music several times during our stay.
Communication & Operations
After we were generously upgraded to the penthouse, we were surprised when security interrupted us mid-shower to question why we were in the suite. Apparently, the front desk hadn’t updated its system. While we appreciate the attention to security, a quick internal check could have avoided the awkwardness.
Management
We met the GM, Shawn, during our first night. He introduced himself in a friendly (if somewhat inebriated) way and didn’t mention his role at the resort, so we assumed he was just a chatty guest. As we learned more about him and some of the resort’s issues, he shared a few challenges of operating in Belize (strict import/export laws, etc.).
That said, having visited other Margaritaville properties, we couldn’t help but feel that Shawn didn’t quite embody the laid-back, vibrant "Parrothead" spirit that defines the brand. The energy, polish, and Margaritaville vibe just didn’t feel present.
Final Thoughts
There is something special here. The staff is kind, and the setting is stunning, but the experience doesn’t live up to the Margaritaville name—at least not yet. With better maintenance, consistent food and service, transparent communication, and a deeper embrace of local Belizean culture and Margaritaville’s signature charm, this resort could be a true gem.
For now, it feels like a beautiful but unfinished property—one that isn’t quite ready to deliver the premium, island-time experience it aims for.
US
CA