Are you planning a trip to Roatan Island? It’s one of our favorite spots in the world, and we recommend splitting your time between West Bay and West End. West End has a more local and bohemian vibe than West Bay and is perfect for travelers focused on diving. You won’t find a long sandy beach here, but you will find great restaurants, lively bars, dive shops, and calm water at Half Moon Bay for swimming and snorkeling. It’s easy to walk everywhere, and prices tend to be lower than West Bay. Here’s where we love to stay from boutique to budget.
Boutique Beachfront: The Beach House
The Beach House is one of the few hotels right on the water in West End. The rooms are bright, beautifully decorated, and most have balconies with views of Half Moon Bay. Their onsite restaurant is our favorite dinner spot in town. We’ve eaten there more times than we can count.
Pros: Beachfront location, stylish rooms, excellent onsite dining.
Cons: Small, popular property so it books quickly. Half Moon Bay can get busy on weekends.
Central and Diver-Friendly: Splash Inn Dive Resort
Splash Inn is a West End staple, especially for divers. The rooms are simple but have everything you need, the location is as central as it gets, and their onsite dive shop offers good-value packages. Breakfast is included and it’s excellent.
Pros: Dive shop onsite, wonderful included breakfast, good value, friendly staff.
Cons: No pool, basic rooms, some street noise.
Budget Beachfront: Mr. Tucan Hotel
Mr. Tucan sits directly across from Half Moon Bay. The rooms are clean and basic, and they’ll set up loungers for you right on the beach. The central location allows you to walk to anything in West End within minutes.
Pros: Affordable beachfront, loungers on the sand, great location.
Cons: Basic furnishings, limited onsite amenities.
Quiet and Spacious: Cocolobo
Cocolobo is just far enough from the main strip to be peaceful but still less than a 10-minute walk into town. This is actually where we stay most often because it offers a great experience and a reasonable price point.
The rooms and suites are large with kitchenettes, there’s a small pool, and the ocean views are beautiful. We loved watching the deer and agoutis play along the rugged shoreline. And we made friends with the resident cats. The only downside is that the walk into town at night is rocky and dark, so bring a flashlight.
Pros: Large rooms, quiet location, wildlife watching, ocean views. This is truly one of our favorite places.
Cons: No beach access, isolated at night.
Family and Group Friendly: Sunset Villas
Sunset Villas is a gated community with vacation rentals ranging from one-bedroom condos to large villas. Many have full kitchens and access to a shared pool. It’s a bit of a walk from the main strip, but nothing in West End is more than 20 minutes away on foot.
Pros: Spacious, kitchen facilities, good for groups.
Cons: Not directly on the water, and quality varies by unit. Some are in need of a renovation.
On Our List: Posada Arco Iris
We haven’t stayed here yet, but Posada Arco Iris gets consistently great reviews for its central location, tropical garden setting, and friendly staff. Rooms are simple, some with kitchens, and the rates are very reasonable.
Pros: Affordable, close to restaurants, garden setting.
Cons: Not beachfront, some rooms don’t have AC.
Quick Recommendation Guide
- Boutique and beachfront: The Beach House
- Best for divers: Splash Inn
- Budget beachfront: Mr. Tucan Hotel
- Quiet and spacious: Cocolobo
- Great for families and groups: Sunset Villas
- Affordable and central: Posada Arco Iris
What’s your favorite spot at West End? Do you prefer West Bay or West End? Let us know in the comments.
Up Next: Tune in tomorrow for our post on best places to eat and drink in West Bay.
Explore More of Roatan
- Roatán Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Plan Your Vacation
- Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- One Week in Roatán: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Roatán: Weather, Crowds, and What to Expect
- Roatán: West Bay or West End? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
- Is Sandy Bay Worth a Visit?
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I love the pros and cons of each stay!
We’ve stayed at Cocolobo that last few times because you just can’t beat the privacy and price. We don’t mind the short walk into town.