Best Place on the Island!
We were so happy with our stay at Seaside Cabanas; we've only been back for a week and we're already trying to figure out when we can visit again. If you're staying any amount of time on Caye Caulker, this is definitely the place to be!
Staff
The office staff were exceptionally accomodating. We just told them the trips we were interested in taking (there's a handy binder inside each room with ideas) and they set them up for us. All the trips were charged to the room so we didn't have to worry about paying various vendors. The staff also gave us the best advice of the week - don't make any trips to the mainland (cave tubing, ruin trips, etc.) on days the cruise ships come in. We went zip lining/cave tubing the day after the cruise ships came in, and there was a total of four in our group and it was awesome, we only saw a couple other small groups here and there. Our guide told us the same activity the day before had seen 912 people crammed in.
While we were there, the wi-fi was on the fritz, and Is'rael discovered the switch on the box was burning out. The next day he took the water taxi to Belize City and got a replacement and the wi-fi was up and running in no time. It was great to see how quick they acted to please their guests!
Rooms
The rooms are festive and exceptionally clean. Don't expect lush resort-style accomodations - that's not what Caye Caulker is about. But the beds are comfortable (some other reviewers have said they are hard, I just think they were on the firm side), there's a cable TV in every room, a small fridge and plenty of wardrobe space. Each room has a private bath with a decent sized shower. The toilets functioned fine while we were there (don't flush the toilet paper, though, as the sign clearly reads - place it in the trash). The housekeeping staff cleans everything top to bottom each day and provides new towels.
My ONLY gripe is that hot water was very spotty - we had two good hot showers during our five night stay, and those were at odd times of the day. But my bet is that's pretty standard for anywhere on the island.
Seaside Cabanas seemed very safe and secure, but if you are bringing valuables you can leave them in the safe in the office. Also, there are no hair dryers in the room, but you can borrow one from the office.
Pool
Seaside Cabanas has one of just two pools on the island. All of the rooms border the pool, which is small but clean and warm. Plenty of chairs with thick padding are along the deck - it was never crowded. Around the deck and leading into each room, the area is covered in white sand, which just adds to the quaint appeal of the place. If you request rooms 1 - 4 (cabanas), you'll have a private rooftop terrace to enjoy the view.
Bar
Uno Mas is a great little bar, a perfect place to begin your night or end it (or both). While we were there, a group of outgoing guys from Kansas City took over the sound system with their iPod's, which was cool with everyone around, including the bartender. Uno Mas has great happy hour specials! A staircase leads to a rooftop terrace, which is a great place to relax and enjoy the breeze. If you're relaxing by the pool, the bartender is happy to bring your drink out to you.
Location
Seaside Cabanas is directly adjacent to one of the two water taxi service piers, and about a block from the other. We flew in on a puddle jumper and the taxi ride (which is just a golf cart) took just 3 or 4 minutes. It's only about a half mile from the Split, at the far end of the island, and within walking distance of just about every restaurant, tour company and bar on Caye Caulker.
The pool area opens directly onto the beach, just 20 feet or so to the water. Be sure to wake up early at least once to catch the sunrise!
Overall, I highly recommend Seaside Cabanas. Out of curiousity, we took a trip to the bar at the other place on the island with a pool - it seemed more vanilla. For example, their bar played smooth jazz, while Uno Mas played reggae. Seaside Cabanas just seems more authentic and more chill.
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