With so many hotels on Roatan, picking the right one can be a challenge. We’ll admit that we were initially a bit overwhelmed by the number of choices and possible destinations. So, how do you know which hotel is best for your trip? With so many travel blogs, Instagram feeds, and websites dedicated to hotels and resorts, it can be hard to know which one is best for your vacation. While information like price range and locations are important, some things are harder to find out unless you are willing to spend hours reading reviews, checking TripAdvisor, or talking with friends who have already been there. With this in mind we thought it would be helpful to share our experiences at the Paradise Beach Hotel on Roatan Island in Honduras. Here is our honest review of staying there, amenities offered, and whether or not we’d recommend it as a place to stay for your vacation.
What to know before you go
Before you book your trip, there are a few things you should know about Paradise Beach Hotel. First, the hotel is located in Coxen Hole, Roatan, Honduras. Visitors should be aware that there are pretty strict travel warnings for anyone heading to Honduras. However, when we were there in September 2018, it was not a problem at all. This is a beach-side resort, so tourists can expect lots of sand, sun, and warm weather. Another thing to consider is that there are big waves, so if you have small children or are sensitive to the water, be careful. Finally, this is not a resort for those who want to be entertained or stay active. It’s a very laid-back vacation, which we really liked.
Awards and Recognition
Paradise Beach Hotel has been recognized as one of the top hotels in Roatan, Honduras since its opening in 1989. This charming oceanfront resort also recently made it into the top 20 hotels in Central America. Being named among the best hotels in Central America means that this is a place tourists can trust when they want to relax and unwind on their vacation. The hotel has also been awarded a few TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence over the years. If you’re the type of traveler who looks at TripAdvisor reviews, this is a great sign that this is a quality resort.
Best season to visit
If you want to visit Paradise Beach Hotel, you’ll want to avoid tourist high seasons in the Caribbean. While it’s possible to visit during these times, you’ll likely pay a higher price for your room. The best times to go to the Caribbean, generally speaking, are the months of December, January, and February. These months tend to be the coolest times of the year in the Caribbean and are generally good for both rain and sunshine. The Caribbean is also known for its high winds and rough waters during the winter months. This can be a good thing, as it means there are fewer mosquitoes to worry about. You’ll want to avoid visiting the Caribbean in the summer, when it’s at its warmest and there is a risk of hurricanes.
Rooms & Services Available
Hotel location and amenities
The Paradise Beach Hotel sits right on the beach in Coxen Hole and is a short drive away from the town of West End. The location is truly stunning and offers a great view of the sea. However, it’s important to note that the hotel sits at a relatively low elevation. The beach is very calm and shallow, making it a great place for those with kids and those who aren’t strong swimmers. This is a very family-friendly spot. We really enjoyed the large infinity pool and the beachside hammocks. We spent a lot of time by the pool when we weren’t exploring the island. If you’re looking for a place to stay where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a little pampering, this is a great option.
The Good
The best things about Paradise Beach Hotel are the beautiful location and the laid-back vibe. The beach is beautiful and rarely crowded; it was nice to have such a peaceful and private place to sit, relax, and enjoy the water. The hotel also has a shuttle that takes you to Coxen Hole and West End at no cost. This was a nice way to explore the area and get a local feel for the city. We really enjoyed the hospitality at the hotel. The staff was friendly and welcoming at all times. When we asked for recommendations or advice, we always got an honest response from someone who was eager to help.
The Bad
There are a few things that we weren’t completely crazy about about Paradise Beach Hotel. First, there’s no food or drink at the hotel. You have to take a taxi to the nearby town to eat or get something to drink. While this is normal for many hotels in the Caribbean, we would have preferred a restaurant or bar on-site. However, the taxis weren’t expensive and it was nice to explore the town. Also, we were expecting a more luxurious experience as the hotel is a bit more expensive than many other options in the region. While the staff was friendly and helpful, the rooms were a bit dated. This isn’t a huge deal, but it is something to be aware of.
Getting there
Visitors to Paradise Beach Hotel will want to fly into the Tegucigalpa-Toncontin International Airport (TGU). From here, you’ll want to book a flight or hire a shuttle to Coxen Hole. We flew into the airport from Houston with American Airlines. The flight was about four hours long, but the time went by quickly thanks to the in-flight entertainment. The flight landed in Tegucigalpa around 3 p.m. From there, we booked a shuttle to Coxen Hole for about $60 USD. The ride was about 2 hours long.
Bottom line
Overall, we had a great experience at Paradise Beach Hotel. We loved the beach location and the beautiful views. We especially enjoyed the friendly staff and the shuttle service to town. While the rooms need a bit of updating, this is a great place to unwind and relax. We would recommend Paradise Beach Hotel to anyone looking to enjoy a quiet and secluded beach vacation with great ocean views. This hotel is best for travelers who are looking for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
