The 21 Best Places to Stay in Roatan (From a Local)

Looking for the best places to stay in Roatan, Honduras? During my time living on the island, I stayed and worked with some of the best accommodation options in the Bay Islands. Keep reading to find your dream hotel or vacation rental in Roatan.

If you’ve been contemplating booking a trip to picturesque Roatan, let me be the first to say – book it. As someone who spent arguably the most fun year of my life living on this beautiful island, I’ve had the unique opportunity to explore and experience its many charms from a local’s perspective. This culminated in my quest to find the best places to stay in Roatan for all budgets and types of travelers.

I’ve stayed at many of the hotels and vacation rentals listed in this post, and I’ve personally visited every single one of them. From budget-friendly hotels with breathtaking ocean views to all-inclusive luxury resorts on the island’s finest beaches, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for your Roatan vacation.

Ready? Let’s go!

The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Roatan Resorts

If you’re busy and you know it clap your hands…

But seriously – we’re all busy. If you don’t have the time to read through this 4,000+ word blog post, simply screenshot the highlights below.

The Best Places to Stay in Roatan

Since I lived in Roatan for a full year, a hotel room wasn’t going to cut it. After my first month spent in luxury at the Meridian, I ended up renting a long-term apartment in Half Moon Bay. Although the apartment itself was not my favorite…(roaches literally EVERYWHERE), the location could have not been more perfect. If you prefer an Airbnb over a hotel, I would highly recommend searching the options in Half Moon Bay. 

Below, you’ll find a mini guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Roatan. Choose between the three areas below based on your budget, travel style, and who you’re traveling with (honeymoon, solo trip, etc.).

West End = Main expat area, plenty of bars and restaurants, the site of the best Roatan nightlife, easily walkable, more Airbnbs and mid-level hotels, perfect for solo travelers and friends traveling together. 

West Bay = Main tourist area, mostly all-inclusive resorts and high-end accommodations, more expensive restaurants, best beach on the island, perfect for honeymooners or family vacations. 

Sandy Bay = More remote and quiet, not walkable, beautiful beaches, some restaurants but they are few and far between, amazing snorkeling, and affordable accommodation.

Now that you’ve decided on a location, it’s time to browse the best places to stay in Roatan!

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

If you’re visiting Roatan on a tight budget, worry not – the island offers various accommodations that won’t break the bank. Let’s explore some of the best places to stay in Roatan on a budget that combine comfort, convenience, and affordability.

West End Dive Resort

In my opinion, the West End Dive Resort is the best budget-friendly accommodation available on Roatan. Located in the heart of West End (my favorite area of the island), it’s only a short walk away from the best local restaurants in Roatan, the most fun bars, and most of the island’s dive shops.

The resort offers both private and dorm-style rooms, depending on your budget, as well as an on-site restaurant, dive shop, and massive swimming pool. The rooms also have air conditioning – which means you won’t have to add a thousand extra shirts to your packing list for Roatan (because you’ll inevitably sweat through all of them).

The Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel

For those visiting Roatan Island on a budget, the Roatan Backpacker’s Hostel is a great option for accommodation. They offer a variety of dorm rooms, lofts, and private rooms for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room on the island. The hostel also has an on-site restaurant, Mel’s Diner, and a good-sized swimming pool.

The biggest downside to staying at the Backpacker’s Hostel is the location on the far side of Sandy Bay. The location makes walking to the bars and nightclubs in West End impossible and taking taxis everywhere is an added complication on your vacation. However, the hostel does offer plenty of fun activities like this cooking class for Honduran chicken in homemade coconut milk!

Hotel Los Corales

Hotel Los Corales offers a minimalist setting, perfect for travelers seeking a basic yet comfortable place to stay. Although the location requires a brief 5-10 minute stroll on the side of the road to reach West End, the convenience and affordability of the hotel make it an appealing choice for travelers on a budget.

The most notable feature of Hotel Los Corales is the massive turtle statue covering the entirety of the hotel’s roof. It’s either a massive eyesore or completely hilarious…although I guess for me it was both. As a bonus, you’re right across the street from the Petrosun gas station – where you can get a killer breakfast baleada for $1.50.

Posado Arco Iris Roatan

Posado Arco Iris boasts an ideal location in the heart of Half Moon Bay, a location I’m personally familiar with as it’s just a few steps away from my old apartment. While I haven’t actually stayed there myself, I’m familiar with the rooms since a few of my close friends booked this hotel for their Roatan stays.

The small and charming hotel offers basic, yet comfortable, accommodations with all the necessary amenities for a relaxing vacation. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped and their on-site restaurant, the Argentinian Grill, is delicious (if not a bit expensive).

Bananarama Dive & Beach Resort

If you’re traveling to Roatan on a budget but are dead-set on staying in West Bay, then Bananarama Dive Resort might be the perfect accommodation option for you.

Personally, I would prefer to choose one of the budget-friendly options in West End, but my aunt is obsessed with Bananarama, so they must be doing something right. The property has no swimming pool, but since it’s located directly on the beach there’s really no need for one. The rooms are very basic, but comfortable enough, and the resort is a 1-minute walk from La Placita – a street of food stalls where visitors can stretch their Honduran Lempiras into a large and delicious local meal.

Mid-Level Roatan Accommodations

Among the best places to stay in Roatan, these mid-level accommodations offer a fantastic blend of comfort and affordability. They strike a perfect balance for tourists who want to experience the island’s luxury and prime locations without stretching their budget too thin.

The Beach House Roatan

The Beach House Boutique Hotel in West End is without a doubt one of the best places to stay in Roatan. This recently redone hotel is stunning – they even built around a massive tree in the middle of the open lobby.

Although there’s no swimming pool, the Beach House offers an on-site restaurant and bar, room service, beachfront rooms with balconies, and a spa. It’s also right next door to my favorite dive shop, Sun Divers, where you can book dives to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. 

Paradise Beach Hotel

The Paradise Beach Hotel is a great choice for travelers seeking a hotel in a prime location in West Bay for a fraction of the usual cost. The hotel has tons of great amenities including a swimming pool, an on-site dive center, two restaurants, a spa and fitness center, and free parking. They also offer a free shuttle service for travelers arriving at Roatan’s airport in Coxen Hole or from the cruise ports, but reviews online suggest that this service is slow and overcrowded.

Tranquilseas Eco Lodge & Dive Center

If you’re looking for a relaxing and eco-friendly stay, Tranquilseas Eco Lodge in Sandy Bay will be your home away from home. With a low occupancy and serene location, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful Caribbean vacation and undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Roatan.

The resort offers an on-site pool, restaurant, dive shop, beachfront access, massages, yoga, beautiful ocean views, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks. Although the hotel is a bit off-the-beaten-path, it’s easy to walk out to the main road and grab a taxi within minutes. Just don’t get ripped off, it only costs 30 lempiras per person to get to West End. With rooms starting at $200 per night, it’s definitely one of the best places to stay in Roatan. 

If you decide on Tranquilseas for your Roatán accommodation, make sure to mention Madison’s Footsteps at check-in for…

• A free welcome drink
• Free use of stand-up paddle boards and kayaks
• $10 off massages with ocean views

The landscaping around Tranquilseas Eco Lodge will make you feel like you’re living in a treehouse surrounded by jungle! The main walk into the resort is framed by palm fronds and tropical plants. The resort itself is built into a hill with incredible ocean views and is widely regarded, not only as one of the best places to stay in Roatan, but also as one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island.

Tranquilseas’ on-site restaurant, The Sunken Fish, serves delicious seafood and island cuisine. They’re also known for their refreshing tropical cocktails. Pro tip: order the Coco Loco served inside a fresh coconut.

Brisas del Mar

If you’re planning on going out partying during your time in Roatan, then I would definitely suggest staying in West End over West Bay. Although thankfully the island has done away with the pandemic curfew, it can be difficult to flag down taxis after a certain time…especially in West Bay. If you stay in West End, you’ll be able to walk anywhere you need to go!

Brisas del Mar is the perfect mid-level hotel for anyone looking to be within walking distance of all the restaurants and bars. They have their own private pool, bar, restaurant, and beautiful stretch of beach. As a bonus, you’re only steps away from a water taxi to head into West Bay.

La Placita Inn

La Placita Inn is without a doubt one of the best mid-level hotels in Roatan Honduras. The charm of this Roatan hotel lies in its distinctive location —at the end of La Placita, a popular outdoor market in West Bay.

The hotel itself offers an on-site swimming pool, included breakfasts, free parking, air-conditioned rooms, and beachfront access for guests. In addition to the plethora of street food options outside the front door, there’s also an on-site bar and restaurant.

The Lollyday Inn

If you’re wondering where to stay in Roatan with a large group, then look no further than the Lollyday Inn Airbnb on Turtle Beach. 

This four-story Airbnb includes a swimming pool, air conditioning for no extra cost, full kitchen and laundry facilities, and enough beds to accommodate 12 guests comfortably. The best part of this Roatan lodging experience is the panoramic 4th-floor balcony where you can observe scarlet macaws, like the ones in Copan Ruinas, flying over the tree canopy.

Luna Beach Resort

The newly constructed Luna Beach Resort in West End definitely tops the charts as one of the best places to stay in Roatan on the beach. 

The resort offers an on-site swimming pool as well as beachfront access and chairs, three restaurants, a bar, and an on-site dive shop. When I lived in Roatan, I loved to grab breakfast from the Luna Bean Cafe and work in the A/C for a few hours.

Anthony’s Key Resort

Famous for being the oldest resort on the island, Anthony’s Key Resort carries a rich history and charm that enhances its appeal as one of the best Roatan hotels. The resort’s overwater bungalows have become their signature feature, and they’re surprisingly affordable.

Anthony’s Key is also home to Bailey’s Key, the site of Roatan’s dolphin experiences – which I have mixed feelings about. Although AKR is undoubtedly a great accommodation option in Roatan, its location is not ideal for tourists who wish to spend significant time in West End and West Bay.

The Meridian at Lighthouse Point

Another beautiful spot in West Bay, The Meridian at Lighthouse Point was where I spent my first glorious month living in Roatan. With an enormous pool, a gorgeous stretch of private beach, an on-site restaurant, and beautiful, air-conditioned apartments, the only downside of The Meridian is that it’s a bit off the beaten path. However, if your primary goal in Roatan is some much-needed R & R, then The Meridian is definitely the place for you.

Megan and her family could not have been more accommodating during my time at Lighthouse Point. They were always available to answer any questions and even offered to drive me into town themselves during a couple of rainy days on the island. I loved living at The Meridian and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Barefoot Cay Resort

Barefoot Cay Resort‘s tranquil sanctuary in Brick Bay combines affordability with luxury, making it an excellent option for travelers looking for a balance between cost and comfort. Perched on a private cay, the resort offers spectacular ocean views, fully equipped bungalows and villas, and a variety of amenities like an on-site dive center, spa, and one of the best spots for brunch on the island – Silversides.

Psst…I’ve also heard that this is one of the most popular resorts on the island for celebrities 🫣. This isn’t hard to believe considering the amount of massive yachts docked here.

High-End/Luxury Accommodation

Wondering where to stay on Roatan in luxury? These 4 or 5 star hotels in Roatan are perfect for the bougie traveler who’s ready to enjoy their Roatan vacation on a high budget…or with no budget at all. 

Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort & Spa

If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury, look no further than Grand Roatan Resort. With pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, a beachfront pool, and ensuite outdoor showers (woot woot), Grand Roatan is the full, Caribbean package. After its grand opening in 2015, the owners of Grand Roatan have worked hard to uphold strong community standards and establish Honduras as a must-visit tourist destination.

Not only is Grand Roatan the epitome of Caribbean luxury, but it’s also the best place to stay in Roatan for snorkeling! Enter the ocean mere steps from the resort’s infinity pool and beach bar and you’ll witness an underwater world come to life on the reefs. 

With a long stretch of white sand beach and some of the most luxurious accommodations on the entire island, Grand Roatan is the perfect place for some rest and relaxation. To further your relaxing vacay, the resort has announced the opening of its new Kao Kamasa Spa. A four-story building inspired by the cultural traditions of the Pesh, an indigenous Honduran ethnic group, the Kao Kasma Spa includes a spa, gym, and both indoor and outdoor pools. 

Infinity Bay Resort

Infinity Bay Roatan is not only one of the best hotels in Roatan West Bay, but it’s also one of my personal favorite spots on the island. For the entirety of 2021, come Sunday you could find me and my friends with our asses firmly planted in Infinity Bay bar chairs drinking Salva Vidas and dancing to Muddy’s Bandance music. Spending Sundays at Infinity were one of our favorite things to do in Roatan!

If you’re looking for all-inclusive luxury, a great social atmosphere, and tons of high-end guest amenities – Infinity Bay might be the perfect Roatan Honduras hotel for you. 

Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort

The Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort is one of the best places to stay in Roatan Honduras in West Bay – especially if you have the budget for luxury.

The resort’s all-inclusive options cater to a hassle-free vacation, although I personally prefer to get out and sample the local culinary scene vs. eating at the hotel for every meal. Mayan Princess offers a beachfront location with multiple restaurants, a massive swimming pool, and an on-site spa and fitness center. Due to the Kid’s Club, the resort is popular among families – so the noise might not be ideal for a serene getaway.

Ibagari Boutique Hotel

For those seeking the epitome of opulence, Ibagari Boutique Hotel is indisputably the most luxurious hotel on the island.

Nestled in serene Turtle Beach (technically part of West Bay, but a 20-minute walk away from the main stretch), Ibagari offers elegance, natural beauty, and one of the most lavish restaurants on the island – Luna Muna.

While it’s possible to flag water taxis from this resort’s beachfront location, it can be a bit difficult to find taxis (water or land) back to this location after dark. Unless you arrange transportation with the hotel in advance, of course.

Villa Topaz

For those who love to entertain, or simply want the option to cook their own meals on vacation, there are indisputable advantages to booking Airbnb or VRBO rentals over hotels. Villa Topaz – at its luxury location in West Bay – is one of the nicest vacation rental options on the island, especially for large groups.

This luxurious rental offers a rooftop infinity pool (with 180° views), sleeps anywhere from 4-12 guests, is air-conditioned, and includes a fully stocked kitchen and washer/dryer. The location could either be a pro or a con…depending on your mobility. The rental is located in West Bay, but without a vehicle, it requires a 10-minute walk down the hilly roads to get to the beach. During the day this isn’t an issue, but at night there are no streetlights or sidewalks – so the walk could be a bit dangerous.

Ocean One Villas

On our most recent visit to Roatan in March of 2024, my family and I booked our stay in a brand-new unit in Ocean One Villas. We decided on Ocean One because of its ideal location in the middle of West Bay, its ability to accommodate larger groups, the on-site swimming pool, and the high-end, luxurious nature of the property.

Overall our stay at Ocean One Villas was lovely. Guests of the property have full access to all amenities at the Paradise Beach Resort (a feature we didn’t even know about when we booked) and the property is every bit as clean and luxurious as it was advertised. However, Ocean One has only been open and bookable for about a month now—which means there are still some kinks to iron out.

During our stay, we had constant issues with the water pressure (sometimes the showers didn’t work at all) and an unfortunate flooding incident with the washer which made it unusable during our stay. However, the staff was incredibly kind and quick to address all of our concerns and I’m confident that these issues will be fixed promptly for the next guests to rent out the property! We would absolutely stay with Ocean One Villas again.

All-Inclusive Resorts in Roatan

Although I don’t personally subscribe to all-inclusive vacations, I understand the appeal behind them.

If experiencing the enchantment of Roatan through a luxury, all-inclusive resort is your style – who am I to argue? Browse Roatan’s best all-inclusive resorts listed below.

• Infinity Bay
• Tranquilseas Eco Lodge
• Mayan Princess Beach & Dive Resort
• Paradise Beach Hotel
• Anthony’s Key Resort
• Henry Morgan Beach Resort

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Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, folks – the lowdown on the best places to stay in Roatan from a (past) local. Every single accommodation option on this list I’ve either already stayed in or visited multiple times. There isn’t a single listing I wouldn’t book myself! Except maybe the ones with no A/C, but hey – we do what we need to on a budget 😉.

From the eco-friendly charms of Tranquilseas Eco Lodge to the extravagance of Grand Roatan – there’s bound to be an option on this list that’s perfect for your next Roatan vacation. Regardless of where you stay, a trip to the Bay Islands is a trip you won’t soon forget – trust me, I keep going back.

If you enjoyed this post filled with the best Roatan Honduras hotels, then you may enjoy my related posts linked below. And don’t forget to follow along for the adventure on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps.

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