San Ignacio Resort Hotel Family History Timeline

1973

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

In an effort to foster initiatives in Belize, banking institutions extended loans for business ventures focused on tourism during this time. Mr. Escandar Bedran took this opportunity to begin the construction of San Ignacio Hotel.

August 17, 1976

OPENING

San Ignacio Hotel opened its doors to guests with a dance event held in its Dance Hall which is now the “Bedran Hall”. The event counted with the presence of ministers, family, townspeople, and other influential personas from Belize. The San Ignacio Hotel consisted of 14 rooms, a small family-style restaurant, tennis court, and conference facility.

1976

"GATEWAY TO TIKAL"

This was the slogan used by the hotel during its inception as the property became a popular destination for travelers coming through Guatemala or those wanting to visit the neighboring Tikal Maya temples.

June 25th 1978

MRS. MARIAM BEDRAN & MR. JOHN ROBERSON'S WEDDING

Mrs. Mariam Bedran and Mr. John Roberson’s wedding. This momentous celebration counted with the attendance of over 1000 individuals and chefs from the British Army. Up to this day, the Bedran-Roberson wedding continues to be the largest wedding in the hotel’s history. Mariam tells the story of her father printing extra invitations and just giving them out to all his friends! He was obviously very proud of his hotel and wanted a big celebration. Now 40 years later we still boast the best wedding destination venue.

September 1980

"THE GROTTO" NIGHTCLUB

Mr. Escandar finishes construction of the very popular night club known as the “the Grotto” located under the Bedran Hall. The “Grotto” disco and nightclub reigned as the best club and place to be in Cayo for 8 years until 1988.

September 21, 1981

BELIZE CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE

Cayo celebration of Belize Independence is held at the hotel. The hotel’s tennis court and bleachers which can host several hundred guests was the venue for musicians from the Caribbean who came to celebrate our Independence with a concert.

1980-1983

MRS. MARIAM ROBERSON STARTS WORKING AS COOK

Mrs. Mariam Roberson, the 2nd daughter of Mr. Escandar Bedran, returns to Belize and begins working at the Hotel part-time as a kitchen cook.

1983

POOL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Extension and construction of the hotel’s pool recreational area begins. Mr. Bedran first built a swimming pool at his residence so he could then learn and design the one for his hotel. The first pool he built was dedicated and named after his grandchildren.

1984

LOWER HILLSIDE ROOMS ADDED

The lower hillside rooms are introduced at the Hotel increasing the room count and availability. These rooms are today called the Regal rooms, after the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1994.

1986

PAULITA BEDRAN JOINS TEAM

Mrs. Mariam is promoted to Manager at the San Ignacio Hotel on full-time basis. Paulita Bedran, the youngest of the family, jumps on board in the hotel’s operations in the Accounting Department.

1989

MRS. MARIAM RECEIVES AWARD

Mrs. Mariam receives The Florida State University Department of Hospitality Administration’s Salut Au Restaurateur Award.

1992

MS. PAULITA BEDRAN & DR. RAMON FIGUEROA'S WEDDING

Ms. Paulita Bedran marries Mr. Dr. Ramon Figueroa! Wedding reception was held at the SIRH.

1994

QUEEN ELIZABETH II VISITS

Queen Elizabeth II visits Belize during her Jubilee Tour and stays at SIRH. A historic and honorable day for all of Belize and especially for San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Today a wall of fame in our lobby has been dedicated to Her Majesty’s visit.

1994

MR. ESCANDAR BEDRAN RETIRES

Mr. Escandar Bedran retires from San Ignacio Resort Hotel and leaves his four daughters in charge of the hotel’s ownership and operations. Mariam is then given the title of Managing Director.

1995

CONFERENCES HELD AT SAN IGNACIO HOTEL

Two eco-tourism conferences are held at San Ignacio Hotel on behalf of BTIA & BTB.

1995

CHANGE OF MANAGEMENT

Mrs. Mariam becomes Managing Director and Mrs. Paulita becomes Operation Manager of San Ignacio Hotel.

1996

GREEN IGUANA CONSERVATION PROJECT BEGINS

In an effort to increase the population of green iguanas in San Ignacio, Mrs. Mariam Roberson and Daniel Velasquez begin the Green Iguana Conservation Project. An interactive exhibit for the hatching, rearing, and releasing process of the specie.

October 15, 1996

BEDRAN FAMILY REUNION

Bedran family reunion was held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel bringing the Bedran family together for the first time from all over the world.

2003

THE STORK CLUB OPENS

The Stork Club is opened at the hotel in remembrance of Mr. Escandar’s old bar. History of the Stork Club is on our website.

2003

THE CARACOL ROOM IS BUILT

The Caracol Room, the second largest event venue at the Hotel is built.

2003

THE RESTAURANT BEGINS RECONSTRUCTIONS

The restaurant begins a new reconstructions and relocation phase.

2005

NEW SLOGAN: "A NEW ERA OF LUXURY”

”A New Era of Luxury” slogan is launched and begins a movement that marked a transition and expansion towards becoming a luxury property.

2005

LOBBY BEGINS UPGRADE

San Ignacio Resort Hotel’s lobby area begins and is remodeled into an area showcasing marbles columns and furnishings.

2007

HONEYMOON SUITE ADDED

The main Lobby is completed and the first Suite is introduced into the Hotel’s second floor—Honeymoon Suite.

2009

BEDRAN HALL RENOVATION

Renovation phase for the Bedran Hall takes place and ends in 2010 with a luxury venue showcasing ample space for large conferences and events. It is the largest event venue found in Western Belize.

2010

MS. KRISTIN ROBERSON WEDS AT THE SAN IGNACIO RESORT HOTEL

Mrs. Mariam’s first daughter, Kristin Roberson, weds at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. An event that marked the beginning of a family tradition within the Bedran-Roberson family.

2011

35TH ANNIVERSARY

35th Anniversary is held at San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

2012

SIRH CATERS FOR PRINCE HARRY

San Ignacio Resort Hotel caters for Prince Harry during the Royal Jubilee Tour held at Xunantunich Maya temple.

2014

JOHN TRE ROBERSON WEDS ARIADNA PUENTE CARDOSO

Mrs. Mariam’s only son, John Tre Roberson, weds Ariadna Puente Cardoso.

2014

NEW KITCHEN

New kitchen premises are constructed at the resort.

November 7 2015

SIRH HOSTS MICE EVENT

SIRH hosts the first ever MICE event in Belize, Central America.

August 1 2015

SIRH WINS HOSPITALITY AWARD

SIRH wins Hospitality Award 2015 and Mrs. Mariam B. Roberson wins the Minister’s Award.

July 9 2016

SIRH'S KEVIN CHI WINS TASTE OF BELIZE 2016

SIRH’s Prep Cook, Kevin Chi, competes at the Taste of Belize 2016 hosted by the Belize Tourism Board and wins first place in the National Amateur Cook Competition.