Arca Hotel Roatan: Hotel Review from an Ex-Roatan Local

During my recent trip back to the Bay Islands, I had the pleasure of staying at Arca Hotel Roatan—one of the island’s newest luxury hotels in West Bay.

This stunning boutique Roatan hotel combines high-end comfort with a strong commitment to sustainability and community. From the moment I checked in, it was clear that Arca was designed to offer a unique, intimate experience—one that stands out in Roatan’s constantly growing hospitality scene.

Since living on the island in 2021, Roatan has always held a special place in my heart. I planned my trip this year around a dental procedure that I, fortunately, didn’t end up needing, and spent three weeks on the island working remotely, reconnecting with old friends, and drinking way too many Salva Vidas.

I moved around quite a bit during my stay, but my time at Arca was definitely a highlight of my trip. In this Arca Roatan Review, I’ll walk you through exactly what you can expect when staying at this luxury hotel and help you decide if it’s the right accommodation for your next vacay!

*Arca Hotel graciously offered me a 3-night complimentary stay at their hotel for the purposes of this review.

👆🏼 Love this edit? Shop my done-for-you Lightroom Presets to level up your travel photography game in just one click!

Introducing Arca: West Bay’s Newest Addition

Arca Hotel is a boutique luxury property located smack dab in the middle of West Bay Beach—the most beautiful and sought-after stretch of sand on the entire island.

The hotel first opened its doors in late 2023 (taking the place of the Vintage Pearl Restaurant for those long-term Roatan visitors like myself) and quickly established itself as a standout accommodation for travelers seeking a high-end, intimate stay on the island.

Arca offers a boutique experience with just 16 rooms, including junior suites, luxury suites, and private villas—all located just steps from the ocean.

The hotel also features a delicious on-site restaurant and bar, Ahari, where they serve up some seriously delicious dishes and homemade cocktails (that Spicy Luna Mezcalita had me falling in love 🤩). And if you’re hoping to book some excursions to get out and see the island (which I always highly recommend), Arca makes it easy to customize your stay with a variety of guest experiences like diving, snorkeling, mangrove tours, and more.

Long story short—if you’re searching for a small, boutique-style hotel in the best location possible, Arca Hotel Roatan is the perfect choice for your trip. Keep reading to find out exactly what it’s like living it up in paradise at this luxury property (and unlock a special discount code! 🤫)

👉🏼 Already made your decision? Book your stay at Arca here!

Meet the Owners: Rachael & Charmi

Meet Rachael and Charmi: the owners of Arca! Fate brought these two world travelers together in a Peruvian hostel back in 2019—and it was love at first sight.

Rachael has been visiting Roatan since she was 15, spending summers on the island with her mom while doing nonprofit work. Her mom even built a school here, making Roatan a second home for their family.

Originally from Oklahoma, Rachael went on to become an ICU and travel nurse, a career that took her all over the world. It was during one of these adventures—while traveling solo in Peru—that she met Charmi, a fellow traveler from Paraguay who would later become her fiancé.

During the COVID lockdowns, the couple found themselves stuck in Roatan and ended up living in Rachael’s mother’s property on the island. After things opened back up, she and Charmi returned to the U.S. for a real estate project, but they couldn’t stay away from the island for long! Now, they split their time between Roatan and the U.S., expressing their passion for hospitality and love for the island through Arca.

Sustainability/Community Support

I always keep sustainability top of mind when traveling—whether I’m booking a hotel, choosing an excursion, or deciding where to eat—but it’s especially important on an island as small as Roatan.

Even in the four years since I lived in Roatan, I’ve seen firsthand the degradation of the coral reef, and it’s only getting worse as more cruise ships bring irresponsible tourists to an island that simply isn’t built to support them. That’s why I love staying at hotels that actually care about their impact. Spoiler alert: Arca is one of them 🫶🏼

From the very beginning, the owners were committed to preserving the natural beauty of the property. They fought to keep every tree intact during construction and sourced local materials like Caña Brava, a bamboo-like plant grown on the island.

Most of Arca’s furniture was handcrafted by local carpenters, all rooms are stocked with refillable bottles for drinking water and toiletries, and the hotel exclusively uses organic and biodegradable products. Guests are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen and are provided guidelines on how to protect Roatan’s delicate marine ecosystem.

👉🏼 Learn more about how you can get involved through the Roatan Marine Park!

Beyond sustainability, Arca is deeply invested in the local community. They employ local staff, partner with responsible tour operators, and ensure that every aspect of their business supports Roatan and its people.

Long story short—Arca is dedicated to making a positive impact on the island.

My Experience Staying with Arca

From the moment I arrived at Arca Hotel Roatan, it was clear that this was a luxury boutique hotel in every sense.

The staff was immediately warm and welcoming and went out of their way to make me feel at home. After check-in, I was given a tour of the property, and a staff member delivered all of my bags (my Roatan packing list is long) to my room.

They also took the time to explain everything I might need during my stay—from how to book activities to details about the on-site restaurant and guest amenities.

From my very first impression, I knew my stay at Arca was going to be something special…and I was 100% right!

👉🏼 Arca checking all your boxes? Lock in your stay before it’s sold out!

The Location

There’s a reason why many of the best places to stay in Roatan are located on West Bay Beach—it’s just that beautiful.

This area is known for its beautiful white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, fantastic snorkeling spots, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect location for families, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a Roatan vacation with a luxurious twist.

The area is incredibly walkable, with a variety of high-end resorts, beachfront restaurants, lively bars, and local gift shops just steps away. There’s even a small grocery store down the beach (Roa Market), and if you’re looking to explore further, the water taxis to West End leave directly from the beach, making it easy to access the rest of the island.

For those of you worried about safety in Roatan, first of all—don’t be! However, if it eases your worries, Arca is located in the safest and most luxurious area of Honduras.

The Rooms

The moment I stepped into my room at Arca, I immediately fell in love with the beachy yet sophisticated decor! The layout was thoughtfully designed and incredibly spacious, making the room feel both airy and luxurious.

My room could have easily housed three people—four if you pulled out the trundle bed. It might have been a bit snug with four, but definitely doable, and there would still be plenty of space for everyone’s suitcases.

One of the first things I noticed was the mini fridge, which, surprisingly, a lot of hotels in Roatan don’t have. But how else are you going to keep your Salva Vidas cold? 🤪

The room also came stocked with drinking water that was refilled daily, reef-safe toiletries, and strong A/C—an absolute necessity in the Caribbean heat. The bathroom was massive, featuring both indoor and outdoor showers (because honestly, nothing says beach luxury like an outdoor shower).

But my favorite part? The huge private balcony with comfy patio furniture—perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or winding down at sunset with a craft cocktail.

Fun fact: For the first two days, I was very confused about the sheerness of the curtains that covered the sliding glass doors. On my third and final day, I finally realized there was a light-blocking, black blind that provides complete and total privacy during your stay 😂. Cue me changing in the bathroom for the first 48 hours.

👉🏼 Luxury property, beachfront access, and top-tier service—book your stay at Arca here!

The Property

Now that you know where you’ll be resting your weary little head at night, let’s move on to what you can expect from the Arca Roatan property.

The first thing you’ll come across when you arrive is the outdoor front desk, where a member of the hotel’s friendly staff is always waiting to answer any questions you may have.

Right next door is the indoor portion of Arca’s on-site restaurant, Ahari, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a beautiful view.

At the center of the property, you’ll find the saltwater swimming pool, surrounded by the hotel’s two-story guest suites and plenty of lush greenery. The owners were serious about preserving every single palm tree during construction, so there’s a ton of natural shade around the pool. (If you’d rather bake in the sun, though, don’t worry—you can do exactly that on one of Arca’s beachfront lounge chairs.)

At the far end of the pool, you’ll hit Ahari’s beach bar and restaurant—the perfect spot for sipping homemade margs with your toes in the sand. You get bonus points if it’s during a killer Roatan sunset.

Lastly, from there, you can step right onto Arca’s private beach area, where guest-only lounge chairs are included with your stay. And the best part? The whole walk from the front desk to the water takes less than 30 seconds.

Guest Amenities

Guests at Arca Hotel Roatan will enjoy tons of luxurious amenities and perks of staying with the property. Below are a few of the most popular:

• Airport shuttle (making getting to Roatan a breeze!)
• Saltwater swimming pool
• Beachfront access and exclusive guest chairs
• On-site restaurant and bar
• Room service
• Amazing breakfast
• Free wifi
• Daily housekeeping
• Concierge service
• Luggage storage
• Laundry
• 24-hour security
• In-room safes

On-Site Restaurant & Bar: Ahari

For such a small island, there’s a lot of variety in Roatan’s restaurant scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a $2 baleada, homemade pasta, the freshest catch of the day, or a luxury meal with five-star service—you’ll find it on this island.

I had the pleasure of spending three days trying the best dishes at Ahari, Arca’s on-site restaurant, and let me tell you—I was blown away. Flip through the carousel below to see highlights of what I tried during my stay. Everything was delicious, but if I had to pick favorites, these would be at the top of my list:

• Típico Honduran Breakfast – Fried red beans, plantains, chorizo, scrambled eggs, avocado, mantequilla, Honduran cheese, and corn tortillas. I’ve had a lot of típicos during my time on the island, and Ahari’s might just be the best I’ve ever had. I don’t even really like corn tortillas, but I’d sell my soul for one of these.
• Sashimi Hamachi – Fresh hamachi marinated in a special spicy dressing and served with corn chips and jalapeño. This was some of the freshest yellowtail I’ve ever had—I barely even used the sauce, the taste of the fish itself was just that good.
• Spicy Luna Mezcalita – Mezcal, seasonal natural juice, lime, jalapeño, simple syrup. I looove a spicy drink, and this one was legitimately spicy while also being citrusy, incredibly fresh, and strong as hell 😉.

If you’re staying at Arca, you’ll definitely want to carve out some time for a meal (or 10) at Ahari. And, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to click here to browse the Arca Hotel Roatan restaurant menu beforehand.

Hotel Excursions

There are a lot of exciting things to do in Roatan, and all of them can be arranged for you by Arca’s stellar concierge service.

For certain activities, like visiting the East End or Cayos Cochinos, I would recommend letting the hotel know in advance so they have enough time to make the necessary arrangements. For simpler asks, like diving, you probably don’t need to give as much notice.

When discussing Arca’s excursions with Rachael, I was told that the hotel can pretty much accommodate whatever you want to do—so get creative!

👉🏼 Think Arca is the perfect fit? Lock in your stay while you still can!

Dive Trips

Although Arca doesn’t have its own on-site dive center, the hotel partners with West Bay Divers (a dive shop just a few steps down the beach) to provide guests with a fantastic diving experience close to home.

If you’re new to diving, you can also set up a Discovery Dive with the dive shop to see if a certification is something you’re interested in pursuing. For those who have their certification but are in need of a refresh, you can book a refresher course before heading out on a fun dive.

Snorkeling Trips

If diving isn’t your thing, but you’re still hoping to see some turtles during your stay (who isn’t, right?), you can always book a snorkeling excursion instead.

You can hammer out the details of location and duration with Arca’s concierge service, but pro tip–we just did an amazing snorkeling trip to Pigeon Caye to swim with nurse sharks 😍. I highly recommend exploring that option.

Yoga

What better way to relax during your Roatan vacation than with a little beachside yoga?

If you’re traveling with a group, Arca can coordinate a group yoga session on the pool deck or the restaurant terrace. For individuals or smaller groups, they can also coordinate yoga classes off-site (as well as transportation to and from).

Fishing

If you’re not afraid of an early wakeup, consider booking a fishing charter during your time on Roatan. Arca offers both flats and deep-sea fishing—so you can tailor the excursion to your wants and needs.

After the trip, you can bring back whatever you catch and the chefs at Ahari will cook it up for you, along with delicious sides and craft cocktails!

Spa Services

When it comes to relaxation, Arca can accommodate whatever your heart desires. Whether that be a deep tissue massage, mani/pedi, facial, or anything in between—the hotel’s expert staff can arrange for a service provider to be brought to you in the comfort of your hotel room.

Day Trips

If you’re looking to explore beyond West Bay, Arca can arrange day trips by boat or by car (although I personally find boat trips far superior).

Take a mangrove tour, visit the Garifuna community in Punta Gorda, or zipline through Gumbalimba Park, where you’ll find monkeys, macaws, and iguanas. Nature lovers can explore Carambola Botanical Gardens, while adventure seekers can boat out to Cayos Cochinos for untouched beaches and epic snorkeling (if the weather cooperates).

Whatever you’re in the mood for, Arca’s concierge service can make it happen!

Is Arca Boutique Hotel Right for You?

Not every hotel is the right fit for every traveler, and Arca is no exception. If you’re looking for a luxury stay in a peaceful, beachfront setting, this might be the perfect spot—but if you’re after a budget stay or a party scene, you may want to look elsewhere. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide!

Arca is a fantastic choice for you if:

• You’re looking to stay in a luxury property on Roatan
• You prioritize attention to detail and a boutique feel in your accommodations (instead of a big resort vibe like many other West Bay Roatan hotels)
• You want to be in a relaxing, walkable area with easy access to a stunning beach
• You want the best of both worlds—beachfront access and an on-site swimming pool
• Budget isn’t a concern
• You’re traveling with friends or family

Arca might not be the best fit for you if:

• You’re on a tight budget and looking for more affordable accommodation options to save your lempiras
• You’re solo traveling and hoping to meet other travelers
• You want to be in the heart of Roatan’s nightlife scene
• You’re planning to rent a car and explore more off-the-beaten-path areas (since the hotel doesn’t offer parking)

If Arca sounds like the right fit for your trip, keep reading to find out how to book your stay!

Book Your Stay with Arca Hotel

Ready to book your Roatan vacay with Arca? Good news—you’re currently on the only blog offering 10% off your entire stay on the official Arca website!

Enter your email below to subscribe to my email list and unlock your special discount code for 10% off your booking with Arca Hotel Roatan👇🏼

Not ready to subscribe today? No problem! Book your stay with Arca without my special discount code below.

Final Thoughts

After spending three days at Arca, it’s obvious why the online Arca Roatan hotel reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Between the stunning location, thoughtful design, and top-tier service, this boutique hotel offers an experience that’s hard to beat (and I should know—since I’ve stayed with 15+ hotels on the island).

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a luxury stay with incredible dining, or easy access to some of Roatan’s best excursions, Arca delivers on all fronts. When you factor in the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and community outreach, there’s really no other property on West Bay Beach that compares.

Ready to book? Click here to lock in your dates. Or enter your name and email below to unlock a special discount code for 10% OFF your entire stay!

Pin this Post