I want to know some more about this place..it sounds nice. How is the water and beaches? And is it pretty cheap there or pricey? It sounds like it is a very relaxing place. I saw that they have direct flight from Houston..so it would be a close trip for me. Any insight into this place would be nice.

whocares: I've been to Roatan three times. I very much like it. However, it depends on what you're looking for. Can you tell me what you'd like to find there? I'll then try to better direct you (i.e. more dive-oriented, or beach-oriented, resort vs. self-catering vs. B&B, etc.). Roatan can be quite cheap.

Thanks DianeG! I did a search about it on the Latin America forum but didn't really find any pertinent info. We don't dive..although I would love to try sometime, we like to snorkel and just relax on the beach, husband enjoys deep sea fishing. We are looking someplace to go next March or June..I'm getting kind of burnt out on the Carribean so I would like to go someplace different. I've looked into Belize too...which is better if you've been to Belize also?<BR>If you could recommend any hotels...AI or not, probably more resort type of places. And please tell me about the activities there...nightlife, snorkeling, etc.? It sounds like a nice place that many travelers haven't discovered yet.

Try this site, it has several hotels listed:<BR><BR>http://www.roatanet.com/accom.htm<BR><BR>

I agree that it depends on what type trip youre looking for. We had a stop in Roatan on a cruise. The excursion we chose took us around the island and to a beach resort to snorkel. I've been to many islands and truly didn't enjoy this experience. The water was not blue and wonderful - although I'll admit it wasn't great weather. All the snorkelers said they couldn't see anything. It was a waste of $65 for the excursion as the beach resort was not very nice.<BR><BR>I liked Belize better.<BR><BR>Theresa

whocares, Theresa's post is very indicative. Cruise types, Atlantis types and the Marriott types would probably not enjoy Roatan at all.<BR><BR>The beaches are not outstanding, neither are the resorts. The pace is slow and informal. People are really nice, the taxis rattle and you can count "gourmet" category reaturants on one hand. (Although I know one B&B owner who prepares the most amazing meals for her guests, at Coral Beach Inn)<BR><BR>Personally, I like the laid-back nature of the Bay Islands & the lack of crass commercialism that usually takes hold with mass tourism.<BR><BR>Roatan's beauty is underwater. Here are two resorts that I would recommend - both for the quality of the accommodations and for the dive shop:<BR><BR>1st choice: Bay Islands Beach Resort (www.bibr.com)<BR>2nd choice: Anthony's Key Resort (www.anthonyskey.com)<BR><BR>There is good snorkelling from both of these and both would offer the Open Water certfication for beginner divers (which can easily be done during your week stay). Both also have really laid-back beach areas. BIBR control the sand fleas (noseuums) and have great hammocks.<BR><BR>West Bay Beach would also be a good choice for accommodation. There's quite a bit of choice there. If you stay in West End or West Bay Beach, I'd strongly recommend diving with the Sue&ntilde;o del Mar Dive Center (www.suenodelmar.com)<BR><BR>Avoid Fantasy Island Resort. I hope this helps.

Thanks for your help and suggestions Diane. I don't do the cruise thing either--went on one a few years ago and don't care to do it again. I will definitely look into this.