Tucked between jungle and reef, Roatán has a laid-back rhythm and just the right dose of adventure. The best places to stay in Roatán range from sleek beachside resorts to hillside hideaways and arty boutique escapes — all within easy reach of sand, sea and spectacular sunsets. Whether you're here to dive, detox or dine on Caribbean-fusion cuisine, this is an island that makes it easy to unwind.

Days drift by in Roatán with little effort. You could snorkel straight off the beach, dive the Mesoamerican Reef, or simply sip something cold under a palm tree. The island’s west end is lively, with buzzing beach bars and dive shops, while the east offers serenity and seclusion. Foodies can expect a mix of Creole flavours, fresh seafood and upscale Caribbean-American fusion, often served with a view. Galleries, local craft shops and boutiques pepper the coast — perfect for post-beach browsing. For more active types, there’s paddleboarding, ziplining, fishing and kayaking, or even day trips to smaller cayes. If you're wanting a little culture, visit Garifuna communities or explore Roatán’s maritime history. Come sundown, you’ll find toes-in-the-sand bars, fine dining terraces or art-filled spaces with curated cocktails. Choosing where to stay is part of the fun: some hideouts are all about eco-luxe calm and hillside views, others blend bold design with beach access and a grown-up feel. Then there are the classic resorts where you can do everything — or nothing — without lifting a finger.

The hotels here can get booked up early, especially during the peak season. To guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Roatan, we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

The best places to stay in Roatan

For a beach Resort

• Las Verandas Hotel & Villas is a small resort with luxury accommodation (from rooms and suites to large villas) and spectacular sea views. Rooms boast large terraces, white-on-white style and contemporary bathrooms. A fine dining restaurant serves up Caribbean/American fusion fare. This is a chic resort with multiple activities on tap, and plenty more that can be arranged for you.

For An Artful Escape

• Creative flair meets Caribbean calm at Ibagari, a design-forward boutique hotel where sculptural interiors and lush surrounds set the tone. Expect sunset dining, curated art, and an intimate, grown-up atmosphere, steps from the sea.

For Eco-Chic Style

• Minimalist and serene, Arca is tucked into Roatán’s verdant hillside, with open-air spaces and featuring natural materials that blend into the landscape. It’s a soulful stay with warm service, sea views and a strong sense of place.

For an apartment or villa

• If you're travelling with a larger group of family or friends, or simply want something a little more flexible and independent, then perhaps the answer is a villa or apartment. We recommend the selection with our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly directly to the Juan Manuel Galvez International Airport (RTB), which is served by international and domestic flights. Ferries also run from the coastal city of La Ceiba twice daily (Galaxy Wave Ferry) and the Bay Island of Utila.
• The weather in Roatan is temperate year-round with temperatures ranging from 22-27 degrees Celsius. Rainy season lasts from October through to December however, if you choose to travel at this time, you will find the rain showers do not last that long. Roatan also has the advantage of being situated in the Western Caribbean, which means it is seldom affected by hurricanes.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include Utila or La Ceiba.
• Browse through all our recommendations in Honduras.
• Widen the net and view our best places to stay in the Caribbean.
• Alternatively, call or email one of our gurus for advice.