Single to Roatan - accommodation advice?

[cwan]

Hi!!
I'm a single woman in late-20s, heading over to Roatan. Want some suggestions on where to stay... I've been reading about West End versus West Bay... I'd like somewhere relatively uncrowded and low-moderately nice, but still accessible to nightlife.. don't want any romantic, mainly-couples type resorts, but not hostels either-- something in-between. West Bay's beach sounds perfect except it seems isolated- I was looking at Bananarama and Las Rocas. Also, should I do an all-inclusive versus just booking a hotel and dives separately? I'll be there a week, want to do dives maybe 4 days of the 7, just seems the all-inclusives I'll feel obligated to dive every single day...

Thanks so much in advance, I can't wait! anyone been there in June?? how's the weather and vis?

 

[farsidefan1]

I've been the last week of May and the weather and vis were excellent! I'll be there again the second week of May. I can't speak to your other questions because I always go all inclusive and dive every moment. And I love it!

 

[marcaumarc]

We stayed in West End and will do so again in a couple weeks, at the Posada Arco Iris - Lodgings and it was great. The rooms were very nice and the hotel is a bit back from the main (dirt) road amongst the trees so it was quiet, but also near all the restaurants/bars/etc in town. West End really doesn't seem that crowded, and we were there over New Year's, so in theory that may have been about as busy as it gets. I would recommend Coconut Tree Divers - PADI 5-Star IDC Dive Resort on Roatan, Honduras - scuba diving courses, divemaster internships, instructor development, tec diving, and more! for diving. They're great, really friendly and professional. Also their front deck, which is near the main, and I guess only, intersection in town is a pretty good hang-out spot when folks are done diving for the day. We have a little bit about the shop on our web site: Coconut Tree Divers, Roatan | Les Fruits De Mer

Definitely email if you have any questions!

 

[LynnB]

We will be there at Las Rocas June 19-27.. I have a 19 and 21 year old with me...When are you going?

 

[guavagrov]

Try Guava Grove a small micro resort in Sandy Bay, 5 minutes to West End. Has a lovely swim-up pool bar, restaurant on site, internet at the pool if you have a lap-top. Economical. $200 per week for a kitchenette, queen room with private bath with hot water. Clean new place. Great spot! check the website. Guava Grove Villas

 

[cwan]

thanks everyone... LynnB i'm going the first 2 weeks in june!

 

[ktownhero]

I'm heading to Roatan alone tomorrow for two weeks. I'm staying in CCTD's dorm room while diving with them the first week, then some friends are meeting me and we're heading to Bananarama in West Bay for the second. I'll let you know how it goes!

But I'll give you the advice I came across while researching. If you are diving, I don't think you can beat CCTD's dorm room for $5/night, but they also have private cabins for reasonable prices and there's also Chillies which I read nothing but good things about.

If you want cheap accommodations then West End seems best, plus there's more to do. It's not like the island is big though, you can stay in West End and visit West Bay every day if you want.

 

[ktownhero]

cwan,

I just got back from my two weeks in Roatan, and I can now wholeheartedly recommend staying with Coconut Tree Divers. I stayed in their dorm room for $5/night, which was air conditioned, had a private shower with hot water, and had lockers for storage. Most of the time I was there alone, with a few travelers coming and going during the week, all of which were a pleasure to have around. If you want a private room I think they charge $45ish/night, which is also totally worth it. I saw the inside of them, they are very spacious and clean and even have a kitchen.

As far as West Bay goes, I think you will find it a bit boring alone. While it's certainly beautiful, the diving is more expensive, and you're quite out of the way, so-to-speak. I found myself walking/cabbing to/from West End every night anyway. When people say the West End is "busier" keep in mind that they are speaking relatively. It's not like Roatan is Miami or something, even in West End things are very relaxed, quiet, and slow-paced. On the other hand, you'll find that there is literally nothing to do in West Bay in the evening, and little-to-no choice in terms of food, which is all more expensive than in the West End.

That said, if you do choose to stay in West Bay, I can offer first-hand experience on both Bananarama and Las Rocas. Bananarama is a very nice place, with quiet, comfortable, and clean rooms and top-quality service. The bar is decent and the food is great, though a bit on the pricier side compared to what you'd get in West End. Four of us stayed in one of their king suites, which worked out to only be about $35 per person, per night and we had ample room for the four of us.

I didn't stay at Las Rocas, but I did have a 2-week long relationship with a girl who did during my stay . Seems like a pretty awesome place that is VERY quaint. It's very quiet, secluded, and their dive operation seems to be top notch (though, again, in line with the higher prices you'll get in West Bay). I arranged my shark dive through them since I did it with several of their patrons, and all of the instructors I met there (and later had drinks with) were super cool. The people I met that dove with them enjoyed the fact that there was usually only 2 or 3 people on every dive. Bugs did seem to be a bit more of a problem at Las Rocas though.



Anyway, here's the short story:

I spent two weeks in Roatan in both the West End and West Bay and when (not "if" but "when") I go back, I'll both stay and dive with Coconut Tree again, hands-down. Their prices, equipment, instructors, DMs, owners, and general sense of community and camaraderie were just too enjoyable for me. They are people first, business second, and I think there's no better way to build a loyal customer base, which they clearly have. Add me to that list of customers.

All said and done, I don't think you can really go wrong with anything you do in Roatan. It's a great place, with countless quality dive, food, and hotel operations. Take my advice at face value, and I hope you have a great time!

 

[James Bond boat entry]

The numerous times I have stayed in the west end, I always stay in their air conditioned rooms. Hint, stay in the room closest to the main building.

Home - Mariposa Lodge

Diving, what ever shop close by that suits your fancy... make note of the quality of the rental gear, some places have complete crap.

 

[LynnB]

ktownhero
I am glad to hear your reviews on Las Rocas. We are going there in June and very excited. We picked there because we could have our own room and our 2 kids (19 and 20) could have their own space. I have heard and spoken with CTD and they sound awesome but we are already booked. HOpe to do some dives with them but nice to hear that the crew at Las Rocas is awesome too.
Thanks
Lynn B