Was there January 9th-16th 2012. I travel 3-4 times a year this was 1st time in Central America. Stayed on second floor with huge private balcony. You have to go on terrace on 1st floor to get to door so 1st floor is not private. 1st floor condo is larger but my neighbour from downstairs poltely asked that I took of my high heels when I got in (I only wore flat shoes so sound looks bad...)
Rained only 5 minutes during the day but 3 consecutive nights. Water was dripping heavily from the ceiling on my kitchen floor but it was solved within 1.5 hours of reporting it.
It is not really an all-inclusive. You only get thee 15 cocktails on their list and local beer or you pay. To get a shandy, you have to order a beer and seven up, they won't mix it. From 2 to 7, you can't eat without paying as there is no snack bar. But, they will distribute very light snack around 4:30 around pool or at the beach (mozzarella sticks, quarter of a hamburger, etc) People from cruises can come to the resort for 10$ by person, they have their own section on the beach and are given a beach towel. As a result, there are almost NEVER clean towels for guests. Also, although, beach waiter service is appreciated, they are rareiy seen in the guests section when cruise people are in. (5 days out of 7)
Food is very good, one of the best places I've eaten. Buffet is small but very goood. There is a lineup at 7. Small things could be improved, dressings should be placed after salads and seasoning so you don't have to go back in line. Also, the cook preparing something on grill, pasta , etc is at end of line so it creates waiting just to go to the buffet. He should be separate. I ate a surf & turf at à la carte, it was EXCELLENT! Food & Beverages Manager is always there to make sure things run smoothly.
Beware of beach chair guy, he'll overcrowd cruise section so you try to get an empty chair on that side before they arrive. He won't let you until you offer money... Great way to make money but not really customer oriented...
I was fine for sand fleet bites until 2 last days. Maybe the rain brought them? I always wore Watkins cream at night but not enough...We were told by Sunwing Rep the trick is to wear oil (any type, coconut, cactus, suntanning oil, etc) as insects glide on it.
Pool is by far the best in West Bay. Beach is awesome but you get hassled a lot by vendors when cruises ships are in. There is no lobby and just one bar. No entertainment at all during the day. There was a singer a few nights from 7 to 9, karaoke, garifuna dancers. After 9, there is noone outside, there is nothing else to do than go back to your room ( I read 3 books in a week...) Vegetation is luxurious and Roatan is VERY "green" compared to other destinations. Mattress was perfect and maid service too. I was woken up a few times in the morning while sleeping lightly when the air conditioning started. Resort grounds are beautiful. I visited Henry Morgan and Paradise and the rooms and site is best at Mayan Princess as we were also told by Sunwing Rep.
Staff seems shy and don't talk or smile much except Jan & beach waiters and the beach security guy which is really friendly. I spent more than an hour one night alone at the bar with my book, the waiter never talked to me or offered anything as he had nothing to do; I never saw that anywhere. As I am used to travelling alone, sitting at the bar is usually the best place to chat.
Did the full day Island Tour trip offered by Sunwing, the tour was no longer offered the next day because of too many complaints; we were given back 20$ each out of 68$. We drove non stop for 3 hours during the day and did not see much. The tour offered now has already been improved. I also did the snorkelling with dolphins and went out for dinner in West End Village.
To sum it up, I had a great week. I'm glad I visited Roatan as the weather was perfect in January but there are other destinations where you.ll have peace & quiet on the beach with real All-Inclusive for same price.
Room Tip: Second floor for private balconies and no one walking on your heads
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC