Review: Mata Rocks Resort

a white building with palm trees

Mata Rocks Resort is a beachfront resort on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize. While you can find large resorts on the island, there aren’t large hotel chains.

My family and I stayed here last year.

Location/Arrival/Check-in

Business Center Mata Rocks Resort.Debra Schroeder
Intimate business center across from the check-in desk

Free transportation from the airport is provided as part of your room rate at Mata Rocks Resort. It’s not necessary to arrange your ride in advance. Grab any taxi and when you arrive at the resort, the hotel pays the driver.

Check-in was a little slow. But there was only one person working the desk and they also worked as the bartender.

Room/Suite

Bed in the junior suite at Mata Rocks Resort. Debra Schroeder
King Bed

Although we had booked a room with two beds, we were upgraded to an oceanfront Junior Suite. This was great because the Junior Suite had more space, a kitchenette, and a balcony.

The bed was comfortable. But the air conditioning unit leaked on my head during our entire stay. You can see the water drips along the wall in the photo. So not only did I wake up each morning with a wet head, I also worried about getting Legionnaires disease.

The sofa bed was a standard pull-out couch, great for kids, not so comfortable for adults.

There was a TV attached to a swivel wall-mount. Two lamps and nightstands were on opposite sides of the bed.  A small travel alarm clock was on one of the nightstands.

Complimentary continental breakfast is included for all rooms.

Bathroom

Shower
Shower

The bathroom resembled a traditional older apartment bathroom: functional with decent counter space, toilet area, and tiled shower.

The shower was large enough for two adults. The shower had one low-flow shower head. The water pressure and temperature varied.

Sitting Area

Sitting Area Mata Rocks Resort. Debra Schroeder
Room to stretch out

If you’re in a Junior Suite you have a small sitting area to watch TV, stretch out, or enjoy a meal.

There’s also a kitchenette: two burner electric stove-top, coffee maker, sink, microwave, small refrigerator, and cabinets containing dishes, cooking pots/pans, and utensils.

Elite Status Recognition & Benefits

Mata Rocks Resort is not part of any loyalty programs nor do they have their own loyalty program.

Facilities

Squirrel's Nest Bar. Debra Schroeder
Squirrel’s Nest

Despite the name Mata Rocks Resort doesn’t offer much in the way of amenities. But there is a pool and beachfront bar called the Squirrel’s Nest.

Free bike rentals are also available. This is a great way to cruise the island.

Cost & Summary

The cash rate for a Junior Suite in the middle of summer is $180 a night. Whereas standard rooms start at $120 a night.

The beachfront location is great. You can snorkel right from the beach or jump off the boat dock into the water.  If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay on Ambergris Caye with some basic amenities, a good choice is the Mata Rocks Resort.

Overview

Release Date

May 16, 2016

Pros

Beachfront
Free transportation from airport
Free bike rentals
Free continental breakfast

Cons

Limited amenities
Older hotel and facitilies

Service

Location

Rooms

Features

Convenience

Value

Elite Recognition

Overall Rating

Conclusion

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay on Ambergris Caye with some basic amenities, a good choice is the Mata Rocks Resort.

2.7