FAQs

Welcome to Serenade Hotel in beautiful Placencia, Belize. To ensure a seamless experience for all our guests, please review our updated cancellation policy below.

1. Booking Deposit
   • 50% Deposit Required: A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. This deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your stay.
2. Cancellation Terms
   • No Charge:
     • **Cancellations made more than 30 days before the scheduled check-in date will receive a full refund of the deposit paid.
   • Partial Charge – 50% of Deposit:
     • **Cancellations made within 30 days but more than 14 days before the scheduled check-in date will incur a charge equal to 50% of the deposit.
   • Full Charge – Full Deposit:
     • **Cancellations made within 14 days of the scheduled check-in date will result in the full deposit being forfeited.
3. No-Show Policy
   • If a guest does not arrive by midnight on the check-in date without prior notice, the reservation will be considered a no-show, and the full deposit will be forfeited.
4. Early Departure
   • Guests who check out before the end of their reserved stay will be charged for the entire reservation period.
5. Special Considerations
   • In cases of natural disasters, serious illness, or other emergencies, please contact us directly. We will review such situations on a case-by-case basis to offer possible adjustments.
6. Group Bookings (3 Rooms or More)
   • For group reservations, cancellations must be made 21 days before check-in to receive a full refund of the deposit.
   • Group cancellations made within 21 days of check-in will forfeit the entire deposit.

Serenade Hotel office is open from 8 am to 8 pm.

Contact Anna Muslar at +501 – 626 2582

Open to all of our guests to be prepared their own meals.
Guests need to clean up behind themselves.
You need to purchase your own ingredients.

Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The temperature averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and November

The local currency is the Belize Dollar or BZD. US$1 dollar is equivalent to BZD$2. Banks and ATMs throughout the country include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, and Scotia Bank.

Hotel tax is 9% (included in our Serenade Hotel price)

Tipping is voluntary. Usually, 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service in some cases, a gratuity charge may be added to your bill. This practice varies with each establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.

Same as the US, 110 volts AC power.

Medical care is available at hospitals and clinics.

Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.

English is the official language and is widely spoken. Other languages/dialects include Creole, Spanish, Maya, and Garifuna.

The population of Belize is approximately 350,000, comprising Creole (African – European), Garifuna, Mestizo (Spanish – Indian), Maya, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian, and European. Due to racial harmony and religious acceptance, all of these cultures have blended successfully.

Most denominations are represented in Belize; the majority being Roman Catholic. There are also Anglican, Methodist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, amongst others.

Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, the same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is not observed.

Belize is an area of only 8,866 square miles. It is situated on the east coast of Central America, on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s territory as well as three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere.

Tap water in Belize is potable

Land Borders: It is possible to enter Belize through the Northern Border in Santa Elena and the Western Border in Benque Viejo Del Carmen
Sea Ports: The following are seaports where vessels may be entered or cleared: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. Additional information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16
Airport: All international aircraft must clear through the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize.

Passports: Both adults and children require passports valid beyond the duration of their stay, plus proof of return.
Anyone traveling with an infant must provide proper documentation for the child, including a valid passport. When traveling with one parent, a notarized letter stating that the parent has the authorization to travel with the child must be presented at any entry point.
Visa: Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, most Caribbean countries, Brazil, Argentina, France, German, and Chile in South America, do not require visas to enter. Visitors from other countries should check with their local embassies for visa requirements.

Importation of Currency: Under the Customs Laws of Belize, each person is allowed to import up to 10,000BZD or foreign currency equivalent. If you are importuning in excess of $10,000BZD or foreign equivalent you must declare this to Customs Officials

Arriving passengers are entitled to the following exemptions:
Apparel, jewelry, toilet requisites, and any portable articles in accompanied baggage or on your person, which you might reasonably be expected to carry for regular and private use.

If 18 years or older (and not returning from a visit to a neighboring Border Town or City), a one-liter total of wine or spirits and 250g tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes.

IF BELIZEAN:
In addition to the above, you can claim duty exemption on accompanied goods acquired abroad for personal or household use, or as souvenirs or gifts, with a combined value of BZD$200 twice a year through other ports or places of entry

Under the customs Laws of Belize, every person importing any goods, whether for commercial, personal, or any other use, must declare such goods to Customs and pay the appropriate duties. The total value of all items acquired abroad must be declared.
The amount of duty to be paid will be determined by a Customs Officer. It is serious to evade or attempt to evade Customs duties

Pets being brought into the country must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a registered veterinarian in the country of origin and should also be accompanied by an import permit that should be issued by BAHA. You can contact BAHA at +501 – 224 5230 or email [email protected] for more information on obtaining the permit. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SERENADE HOTEL.

An Airport Departure Fee of US$39.25 is required. This consists of an US$18.00 Airport Development Fee, a US$15 Passenger Service Fee, a US$2.50 Security Fee, and a US$3.75 Conservation Fee, which is used to promote, enhance and conserve Belize’s protected areas. That Fee might be included in your flight as well, check with the airlines.