Suggestions for where to stay in Roatan, please.

[KatieMac]

I like West End. It's where everything is - restaurants, shops, parties. That said, there are places just outside where you can get away from the activity when you want to. I just got back from Lost Paradise Inn, just at the end of West End Road. It's 800m (1/2 mile) to the traffic circle so an easy walk for anyone. This location has individual cabins with bedroom, bathroom, coffee maker, front porch. And they have a range of full beach/sea view to a bit more shaded. Not a dive shop though and no food. When we go, we travel with family who has a toddler so it's obviously quiet enough for her to sleep.

There is also Sueno del Mar at that end of town, also just on the outskirts. 8 rooms all with full view of the sea. They do have a dive operation. They also have their own beach and Tita's Pink Seahorse right on the premises for food for lunch and dinner. But it's also a local hangout so can get loud at night and it's hard to escape if you don't want to participate. And there is no shade.

There are also things just east of West End that would provide you with the same balance of "close to activity but removed enough to get away".

I've been to West Bay many times. Can't see staying there ever. It's more like a resort beach than a divers spot and the beach can be very busy. The beach really is gorgeous though. But I was constantly running into people staying in West Bay who were taking the water taxi to West End every day to eat/shop.

 

[victorzamora]

I've been to West Bay many times. Can't see staying there ever. It's more like a resort beach than a divers spot and the beach can be very busy. The beach really is gorgeous though. But I was constantly running into people staying in West Bay who were taking the water taxi to West End every day to eat/shop.

I've stayed in West Bay a handful of times, and I think it's a great place to stay as long as that's what you're after. For a dive or two max in a day during your beach vacation, it's much better than West End (imho). West End doesn't really have a beach (Half Moon Bay doesn't count) and the water taxi is more than convenient enough. Also, if you stay in Luna Beach you're as close to West End as West Bay gets and can walk (if you're so willing).

For a dive trip, though, I agree. West End or CCV/AKR are better ways to go.

 

[diversteve]

Inn of Last Resort advertises on their website that you won't hear any noise from the West End. I think you would at Sueno though - it's pretty close. On a map locate the water taxi station or Nova Bar - stay as far from there as you want to walk. Kind of anything west of the west point of Half Moon Bay is going to be louder. I think it's only Th-Sat though - early in the week things were quiet.

Beside IOLR on the east point of the West End there's Sea Grape Plantation - who has their own dive operation/boats there, Cocolobo - a more upscale property who may not serve dinner - no dive shop but they recommend two in town - Sun Divers or Reef Gliders. RG is a panga boa operation but I like them - the owners (the Montgomery's) are divers/acquaintances that used to live here till they bought/relocated there about 5-6 years ago. Also the farthest resort east - still walking distance - is Posada Los Orchideas.

There's kind of path/road combo that runs thru that whole area and feeds you towards town. So the walk is shorter than it looks. I rent the house on the west side of that point - from it we can see the West End and on quiet nights outside could hear the music drifting in. However most nights there's waves crashing up against the ironshore cliffs so it's nature's white noise.

A little closer - actually on Half Moon Bay is Half Moon Resort. Eco Divers is on site there and also the Stanley Sub operations. They're supposed to have one of the better restaurants in the West End, the best is Ooloonthoo if you like Indian food. Argentinian Grille was decent and one day make the walk west to Rotisserie Chicken - it's pretty casual with excellent food.

The "traffic circle" is also where you'll find cabs. Coconut Tree Divers is located in the big building behind it. Also one of two local (small) markets - the other is Woody's about a block further east.

Here's a map that shows/names everything I (and others) have posted about (see map changes in next post):
http://roatanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/West-End.png

similar maps of other areas: Roatan Maps, West End, West Bay Beach, Sandy Bay, Coxen Hole, French Harbour, East End Maps

 

[KatieMac]

Here's a map that shows/names everything I (and others) have posted about:
http://roatanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/West-End.png

Funny, this map shows Lost Paradise in the wrong place. In the pic, it s/b just below Sunset Villas Road and above Sueno. Other changes in town too.
- Creole Rotisserie moved to the larger space next door at Rudy's. Yay, more space for guests but still a full house every day. Not sure if Rudy's moved or left.
- There is now a pizza show where Creole's was. I heard it's good but didn't try it.
- The Mares dive shop has moved. It's no longer near Tylls. It's moved to across from Sundowners
- El Boske is no longer. Apparently new owners.
- There's a new cafe by coconut tree called Bean Crazy. It had amazing breakfast sandwiches. I highly recommend them.
- Luna Beach is a gorgeous property but it's not operating anymore. This is the second year in a row - nothing is happening. Apparently the owner is trying to sell.

I haven't walked down to Sea Grape but I will definitely check it out next year. I have heard good things

 

[Doc]

#1 Trip Advisor - Ranked PADI Scuba Dive Center in Roatan

Is that supposed to be a good thing? Twit Advisor?

Now, Theres a reliable source of SCUBA info, right there.