Roatán is long and narrow, and where you stay mostly decides your beach, your atmosphere and your budget. Most visitors base themselves at the western end, around West Bay and West End, with a smaller number on the south shore near French Harbour. This guide matches three areas to five hotels.
West Bay: the beach strip
West Bay is where the famous beach is, and most of the larger resorts sit on or beside it. Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort and Spa is the luxury choice, with four restaurants, a spa, a beachside infinity pool and a children's pool. Infinity Bay Spa and Beach Resort is the mid-range favorite, with 113 rooms, two pools, a free breakfast buffet and a free airport shuttle. Mayan Princess Beach and Dive Resort is all-inclusive with diving and snorkeling included and 60 rooms. Choose West Bay if you want to walk to the sand, to restaurants and to dive operators.
West End: the village
A short drive away, West End is the island's village for restaurants, dive shops and boat trips. Posada Arco Iris is a small, well-reviewed inn at Half Moon Bay with kitchen units, free parking and an on-site grill, and it suits budget travelers and divers. It has no pool, and the nearby beach is small, so you will take a taxi to West Bay for a longer beach day. Choose West End if you want a lived-in feel and easy boat trips.
French Harbour: quiet and away from it all
On the south shore, Fantasy Island Beach Resort sits on its own cay with a marina, three pools and an all-inclusive plan. It is the least expensive all-inclusive in this guide, but guest scores are lower than at the West Bay resorts, so read current reviews. Choose French Harbour if you want to stay put, dive and save money, and you are happy to travel for sightseeing.
Choosing between them
For couples who want polish, Kimpton Grand Roatán is the obvious pick. For families, Infinity Bay and Kimpton both have children's pools, and Infinity Bay lists a free airport shuttle and breakfast. For divers, Mayan Princess includes diving, and Posada Arco Iris is a simple base near West End shops. For budget, Posada Arco Iris and Fantasy Island are the most affordable of the five.
Getting around from each base
From West Bay you can walk to the beach and many restaurants. From West End you can walk the village but need a taxi for the main beach. From French Harbour you will use taxis for most outings. Airport transfers are available at several hotels, either free or for a fee. If you plan to hire a car, check parking policies.
When to book
The cruise and dry season, roughly November to April, fills the beachfront resorts early, so reserve ahead. Early November is the tail of hurricane season, so ask about cancellation terms. Whichever area you choose, the island is small enough that beaches, gardens and reef trips are never far away.