The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel — Hotel in Stann Creek District

I wouldn't get near this hostel. There's sargassum 3 feet deep up to 7 feet out in the ocean in some spots. It smells so you can't even enjoy sitting out by the beach. It's also getting hotter every year and there's no air conditioner. So intense heat with no air conditioning or beach, is no vacation. The sargassum amounts and times with sargassum are also growing rapidly.

They also have a cat that was rubbing against me and trying to jump on me and loudly begging for food. I'm allergic to cats and kept sliding the cat away with my foot. The woman who works there asked me not to do that. I asked her to please put the cat in the office so I could enjoy my dinner. She said the cat was going to stay there and that's how it is. I said then I'd keep sliding the cat away.

She literally runs across the courtyard and puts her finger in my face yelling. I'm backing up with my hands in the universal "I'm unarmed" position and she keeps stepping into me with her finger in my face. At one point she says she's going to call the police. I say, "Please, I'm asking you to call the police. You're stepping into me." I did go to the police afterward as she seemed very unstable and I wanted them to know what was happening (they weren't open it was at night). I've never had to do that before. I packed my things and got out of there as fast as possible.

The owner lied in the response and said guests asked me not to kick the cat, not true. People just need to decide for themselves if they want a loud, begging cat jumping on them, and unstable staff.

I've traveled extensively for years and have never seen anything like what the staff person did, from other people in communities, let alone staff. She had mentioned she was making minimum wage in Belize, $2.50 USD an hour, and it was hard to pay rent as rents were increasing.

The people I met at the hostel were leaving, as again high heat, smell, and not being able to swim are a bad combination. The owners are trying to sell the place, probably as the sargassum and heat are increasing.

Also, the owner checked me in and showed me to my room when I got there. Days later the staff person who charged me was cleaning the room right next to mine after someone checked out, and the screen was ripped. I told her it was ripped when I got there so they'd know it wasn't the last guest. She asked me literally over half a dozen times why I didn't tell them the screen was ripped (and there was a huge tear outwards it was obvious).

I told her the owner checked me in, and someone checked the other guest in and out, they could see it as easily as I could, and I have no idea how they do upkeep (as many other people mention toliets and other things were often broke). I'm walking away from her as she makes no sense to me, and she's following me continuing to ask why I didn't tell them the screen in the other room was ripped.

I mentioned to the owner it was unpleasant and odd to have a staff person following me asking me why I didn't report the screen. The owner reponded, "Yeah, why didn't you tell us about the screen?" And again, it was her, the owner, who showed me to my room, which was right next to the screen. And then she lies in the reply and says she never heard about the screen. It's just that kind of a place.

*Please read all the comments online about how many people find them rude or irritable, there's a tremendous amount of 1, 2, and 3 star reviews. It's easy to game the system and get positive reviews. Again, I found the place toxic and left. There's a sign in the office, "National Sacasm Club, like we need your support." And this is an email I use to buy things. My name is Jeff. It was clearly the Funky Dodo (the locals call it the Funky Doodoo). In...

Short Version: The Funky Dodo was a comfortable, clean, safe, and funky place to stay in Hopkins. The very nice hosts, Anna and Roy, know the area very well and can give you recommendations and in some cases can get you discounts on activities. I would highly recommend The Funky Dodo to anyone visiting Hopkins, whether just passing through or for an extended stay.

Long Version: My wife and I stayed one night in the 4 person private room with en-suite bathroom. The room was clean and cozy, and included two standing fans to help circulate the air. The bathroom was nice, and had a solar water heated shower which was very effective for giving a nice hot shower. The only oddity was the door for the bathroom didn't quite cover the entire opening to the rest of the room, but it was easy enough to work around. The common area of the Funky Dodo was really great. The kitchen had burners, cookware and dishes for use, and two refrigerators for guests to store groceries in. There was bar seating and a large table for eating/hanging out on the internet, and hammocks in the shade to relax in. We were passing through Hopkins on our way to Glovers Atoll, and the hosts made everything extremely easy for us. They pointed us to the grocery store and produce stand a couple buildings down where we could buy all the food and supplies we needed, they helped us find a local who sold gas by the gallon to top off our rental car before returning it and let us use their phone to contact the rental company, they recommended a bunch of restaurants we could check out that night, and they set up our transportation to Sittee Marina in the morning to catch our boat. Anna also had knowledge of fun activities and tours in the area and recommended several things we should do if we ever come back. There was also a security guard on duty overnight, to add an extra level of safety. The Funky Dodo was a great place to stay for a night, and I think would also make a great and affordable home base for an extended stay venturing out into Hopkins and surrounding areas. With knowledgeable and pleasant hosts, it is a...

I had only planned to stay at Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel for one night, but ended up staying an entire week – and I’m so glad I did! From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the incredible team: Anna, Alison and Lorraine. Their genuine hospitality and friendly vibe made it a joy to stay there, and there was none of that sterile atmosphere you get with some hostels. ||||The staff went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. They were also incredibly knowledgeable and approachable and gave me great advice on things to do in the local area and beyond, and even helped me plan onward travel for the next leg of my journey. ||||I stayed in a large family room with an ensuite bathroom at the back of the hostel. It was immaculately clean, spacious, and quiet. The room included a comfortable double bed and two bunk beds, perfect for groups or solo travelers who enjoy extra space and privacy. ||I also noticed that the communal showers and toilets were cleaned frequently and kept in great condition.||||Another reason to stay at the Funky Dodo is its perfect location—right in the heart of Hopkins Village. The beach is just a one-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient for daily swims and sunset strolls. Plus, the beach area is lined with a variety of great restaurants and bars, offering plenty of dining options. The local supermarket is literally a 30 second walk away. ||||The communal facilities are excellent. The common area is relaxed and welcoming with lots of benches, hammocks and tables . It is also spotlessly maintained, and well-equipped with two refrigerators, a microwave, gas stove, and a coffee machine – everything you need to feel at home (oh and there is free coffee in the mornings). There is also a beautiful roof top terrace that is worth checking out and is quiet too. ||||My only regret was that I didn’t spend longer! Funky Dodo, thank you for an unforgettable stay. Your warmth, cleanliness, and attention to detail in terms of customer service made this one of the best hostel experiences I’ve ever had. I hope our paths cross...