Anyone stay at The Resort at Marble Hill Roatan lately?

[mbergen21]

My husband and I are planning a 1 week dive trip at the end of February. We were thinking about Roatan. We are a bit bougie and like the highest end available. Does Marble Hill fit that description and how is the diving experience there? I am specifically looking for info from recent visitors since I understand there have been changes over the last few years with the new ownership.

 

[laurenceh]

For "bougie" I can recommend Ibagari Boutique Hotel (small and very cool) or The Kimpton Grand (large, new and rather fancy). Both are partnered with good dive ops. Sorry but I can't comment on Marble Hill as I haven't been there since their overhaul.

 

[Gdog]

Couldnt agree more! Depends on the atmosphere you are looking for.

 

[Mbheiron]

My husband and I are planning a 1 week dive trip at the end of February. We were thinking about Roatan. We are a bit bougie and like the highest end available. Does Marble Hill fit that description and how is the diving experience there? I am specifically looking for info from recent visitors since I understand there have been changes over the last few years with the new ownership.

We’ve spent a week there twice. We go back Jan 13th. We love it but it’s not like a boutique it more like luxury camping. It’s a small place. There’s a brewery and cheese factory but that’s not why I go. Meals are at the big house. Nice food. No pool just plunge pool in the bungalows. The grounds are nice in a rustic way. Small beach but it’s really all about the diving. Sites are a few minutes from the pier. Really easy. Usually only a small group of divers.

 

[mbergen21]

We’ve spent a week there twice. We go back Jan 13th. We love it but it’s not like a boutique it more like luxury camping. It’s a small place. There’s a brewery and cheese factory but that’s not why I go. Meals are at the big house. Nice food. No pool just plunge pool in the bungalows. The grounds are nice in a rustic way. Small beach but it’s really all about the diving. Sites are a few minutes from the pier. Really easy. Usually only a small group of divers.

Thanks so much for the info. We are booked for the last week in February. You keep going back, so there must be something good there. I am looking forward to it. Even as luxury camping.

 

[cuddle_fish]

Thanks so much for the info. We are booked for the last week in February. You keep going back, so there must be something good there. I am looking forward to it. Even as luxury camping.

Save your trip while you can, cancel it, terrible experience at Marble Hill. Not to mention the roads alone to get there are terrible you need a SUV or truck. Not as advertised from website - bottom line.

I can elaborate with a full document of our issues with proof.

In short:
- Reviews seemed stellar in 2023. Resort has gone downhill from then. Multiple ownership changes.
-1 restaurant (not 4 as they state) not good, mediocre food at best not "luxury" cuisine at all.
-All amenities were closed: creamery, distillery (appeared under construction), brewery not open.
-Short staffed (we were 3 of 5 guests staying here)
-Open water diving course was delayed 2 days because instructor certification was expired. Upon waiting for renewal. (Super nice instructor sadly probably the resorts fault)
-Over priced requires a pp charge per room (makes no sense because nothing was include like most dive resorts include 3 meals, 2 dives, etc.)
-Very much like a secluded camp ground.

Only positives:
-The grounds and landscaping was beautiful.
-Bungalows were nice scenic views and clean, but was lacking luxury touches (poly sheets/made me sweat - limited decor)
-Management was open to hearing our concerns and rectified a compromise with $ off our stay.

 

[mbergen21]

Can you report when you get back? Someone posted today about a terrible experience. I am going to email them now and find out what is open. The review today indicated everything was closed.

We’ve spent a week there twice. We go back Jan 13th. We love it but it’s not like a boutique it more like luxury camping. It’s a small place. There’s a brewery and cheese factory but that’s not why I go. Meals are at the big house. Nice food. No pool just plunge pool in the bungalows. The grounds are nice in a rustic way. Small beach but it’s really all about the diving. Sites are a few minutes from the pier. Really easy. Usually only a small group of divers.

 

[Mbheiron]

Just finished 7day trip and nothings changed around here. I would not come here to get certified, that’s a waste of dives. There is almost nothing to do here but dive and snorkle. To wait for a dive course would be aggravating but I’d have gone snorkeling on the south side of the island. I’m still here and love the diving.
There are 4-5 couples here now and everyone loves the place. The excursion to pigeon caye was a blast. Beautiful wall, nurse sharks and sting rays on sugar white sand,
I think there are no bad dives here only bad weather occasionally. We had a short rain 1-day.
The main thing here is diving and relaxing in the afternoon
The road is paved now I noticed on the way in.
There are direct flights from Houston so super easy.
The downside for us is “the hill”. We’re >65 and the steps to the dock are plentiful. It’s a hike uphill to the big house for meals also. The steps suck honestly and lack of some handrails makes it to challenging for us to be back. We have to leave this place to the younger crowd.
The lack of pool or hot tub is noteworthy also.
The internet has been spotty but normally it’s been good.
Regarding price, you have to remember where you’re at. I looked it up and electricity off the grid is 38 cents/kWh. But there is a grid!
I’ll post pictures when I get home.
Also, the “no see um” bugs are aggressive and you need bug spray for yourselves and the rooms. We put up fly-papers in the room.

 

[Mbheiron]

Star gazing has been awesome this week also

 

[DancinDiver]

For "bougie" I can recommend Ibagari Boutique Hotel (small and very cool) or The Kimpton Grand (large, new and rather fancy). Both are partnered with good dive ops. Sorry but I can't comment on Marble Hill as I haven't been there since their overhaul.

I can enthusiastically recommend the dive op, Duna Divers, at Ibagari, led by Axel and his wife, Lou. I’ve spent many hours in the water with them and had the best night dive of my life with Lou. They’re wonderful people and excellent guides.

We were last there in 2022. We didn’t stay at Ibagari, but we thoroughly enjoyed the diving, spa, and bar. It was a beautiful, small resort.