Rental Villa FAQs
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent Roatan Casa?
Where is Roatan?
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Will I need an electrical adapter?
Can I drink the water?
What is the climate in Roatan?
How do I get there?
What are the necessary travel documents?
How do I get around once I am there?
Will I need a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
Are there mosquitoes?
Is there crime on Roatan?
Where is the nightlife?
Where is the grocery store?
Where are the restaurants?
Can I use U.S. dollars?
How is Roatan governed?
Is there medical care on the island?
Are there churches on Roatan?
Roatan Phone Numbers
How much does it cost to rent Roatan Casa?
Christmas and Easter – $8,000/week
January through April – $6,000/week, $1,100/night (3 night minimum), $18,000/month.
May through December 15 – $4,000/week, $650/night (3 night minimum), $12,000/month.
Plus 16% Roatan tax
25% of rent is due when booking, balance is due 60 days before arrival. Reservation/security deposit is $2,000 (cash or credit card authorization).
Check-in time is 4:00 PM
Check-out time is at 10:00 AM
Weekly rentals are typically Saturday to Saturday.
Rental Agreement
See Calendar page for more details.
Where is Roatan?
Roatan, Honduras is an island just north of mainland Honduras, 270 miles south of Cozumel, Mexico and 110 miles west of Belize. Click here to see maps for Roatan.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Most islanders speak (Creole) English as well as traditional English which is taught in schools. Spanish is the official language of Honduras, but most people on the island also speak and understand English.
Will I need an electrical adapter?
The electricity on Roatan is 110 volts AC, 60 cycles, (the same as in the U.S., using standard U.S. plugs). Like many of the Caribbean islands, it is not uncommon to have the electricity go out for a few hours. Roatan Casa has a power inverter for continuous power to security systems plus a portable backup generator in the event of a longer power outage.
Can I drink the water?
Most islanders and tourists drink bottled water. Travelers to/from any country run the risk of getting diarrhea when drinking foreign water. The water at Roatan Casa is collected directly from the roof during rain storms. A 20,000 gallon cistern holds the rain water before it goes through additional filtration and is used in the home. Supplemental water comes from well water if necessary. Guest should only drink and rinse their mouth with bottled water. There is a bottled drinking water dispenser in the kitchen serving hot, cold and room temperature water.
What is the climate in Roatan?
The average temperature in Roatan year round is about 80F (28C) with the trade winds providing a gentle breeze. From January until October, the weather in Roatan can be compared to that of Florida; lots of sun with occasional showers. During the rest of the year, it will rain more often but rain rarely compromises the snorkeling or diving. The island is not in the direct path of most hurricanes, as they usually spin north before reaching our shores. Water temperature varies from 78°F/25°C in winter to 84°F/29°C in summer, and underwater visibility is typically 80 to 100 feet.
How do I get there?
Direct, non-stop flights between Roatan and North America are provided by Continental Airlines and Delta. Additional flights are available on American Airlines, TACA and vacation charters.
What are the necessary travel documents?
Travelers should have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it and $34.00 for departure tax.
How do I get around once I am there?
The island is easy to navigate by car. the island is only about 2-3 miles wide and 33 miles long. One paved main road runs east-west from Oak Ridge to West Bay Beach with dirt or gravel side roads. Driving is on the right side of the road the same as the U.S. and most countries in the world. Roatan Casa offers a car for guest use or there are several car rental companies on the island. Drivers are required to show a valid driver’s license and a major credit card or a cash deposit when renting. Of course, there are also taxis and buses.
Will I need a 4-wheel drive vehicle?
4-wheel drive is not necessary, but the entry road to Roatan Casa has not been paved yet so there is about one mile of dirt road. Also, there is an unsightly landfill that you drive past about a mile before the entrance to Blue Harbour. The mile-long dirt road to Blue Harbour is scheduled to be paved and the garbage dump is being moved to a different location. The Hyundai Santa Fe at Roatan Casa has automatic 4-wheel drive, automatic transmission, air conditioning and seats 5 people.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes, there are mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most common in the rainy season from October through January. There are also sand flies (no-see-um's/midge). Bug repellent with deet is most effective.
Some people will not get any bites while others in the same spot at the same time will get attacked. If you find the bugs are biting, simply move to a different area. Bugs seldom bite when there is a gentle breeze. Even the fan on the terrace and palapa can be enough to keep the bugs away.
The best advice is to go about your normal routine, if you're getting bit, quickly move to a different area or apply bug repellent with deet.
Is there crime on Roatan?
Stealing is the biggest crime on Roatan. If you leave valuables unattended, don’t be surprised if they are stolen. However, you will feel safe walking down streets at night. Guests should not leave anything unattended on the beach, dock or outside of the house and doors and windows must be locked when you leave the home.
Where is the nightlife?
The town of West End (6 miles from Roatan Casa) is where most of the nightlife is from a tourist's perspective.
Sundowners is a real beach bar. It is busy every night, on Wednesday they have 'CHASE THE ACE', when the jackpot is big it is crazy in there!
Nova tends to get lively slightly later in the evening. They often have live DJs and Texas Hold Em. This is one of the best new additions to West End.
Blue Channel is a popular little place in the center of town with good food as well.
Twisted is a nice mixture. It is half tourists, half locals and probably the wildest bar in West End. Drinks are cheap and the music funky; people can often be seen dancing on the bar. It is located before Sueno Del Mar towards West Bay.
Fosters - a recently remodeled over the water bar and grill in West End features a first floor dance floor and bar with a 2nd floor sports bar feel. Great spot to get a beer, watch a game and take in the view.
Oasis Lounge is a pool bar located in Sandy Bay with great prices and relaxed atmosphere. This is a fantastic place to take the kids for lunch and a swim, or in the evening for a nice meal away from West End. They have satellite TV and usually show major sporting events.
Hungry Kiwi - Located in Lawson Rock just a few miles from Roatan Casa. This full service Breakfast, Lunch Dinner option features AC and high quality food and service. A great option for a reasonable price.
Where is the grocery store?
Roatan is an island and the selection of food products continues to improve but keep in mind a popular local saying "In Roatan you can get anything sometimes and nothing all the time" The property management company will gladly provision the home for your arrival and often travel to 4 or more stores to find your specific requests. Well worth there 15% surcharge for the time to do the shopping.
Plaza Mar is one of the larger grocery stores conveniently located between the airport and Roatan Casa. The three-story Plaza Mar includes a good variety of groceries, appliances, shoes, clothing, spirits, food cafe, and internet café. Look for the blue building located on the hill behind the gas station on the main road connecting the airport and Roatan Casa (about 3 miles from Roatan Casa).
Super Mega is another larger grocery store located in French Harbour in the new Mega Mall.
Eldon's in French Harbour carries many American style groceries.
Woody's in West End carries the largest selection of vegetarian and soy products.
There are several other grocery stores and mini-marts in West End, Sandy Bay and Coxen Hole.
Many items have the additional cost of being shipped to Roatan and are therefore more expensive. You can expect prices to be 20-30% higher on prepared foods like frozen pizza, name brand snacks and toiletries. Unprepared, generic staples tend to be less expensive than U.S. prices.
Where are the restaurants?
Sandy Bay - 4 miles from Roatan Casa, turn right onto main road:
Blue Bahia - Great food and company overlooking the beach. Full assortment of seafood, steak, pulled pork, sandwiches, etc. Specializing in smoked meats that are highly recommended. Watch for the sign just west of Anthony's Key Resort. www.bluebahiaresort.com
Coxen Hole - 3 miles from Roatan Casa, turn left onto main road:
Pizza, Bojangles, and Chinese Restaurant (recommended) - on the highway near the Gas Station.
Merry Seaman's Bar and Restaurant - island cuisine and ice cold drinks. On the main street, just west of Thicket Mouth Road.
Flowers Bay Beach and Culture - Offering fried chicken, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, fried fish and shrimp, and, of course, cow foot soup and conch. Hours: Noon - 10pm, Mon-Sat.
West End Village - 6 miles from Roatan Casa, turn right onto main road:
Luna Beach Resort- Cuisine includes local Honduran and traditional American style dishes. Grade “A” beef, seafood, fresh fish, vegetarian, chicken, desserts, appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, fresh fruit and a variety of beverages are served. Open 7:45 am to 6:30 pm, depending on the season.
Argentinean Grill - Right next to Woody's Groceries, steaks and seafood.
The Bistro - Tantalizing Vietnamese cuisine next to Tyll's Dive.
Half Moon Bay Restaurant - Island cuisine featuring seafood and chicken dishes.
Lighthouse - On the "Point," specializes in seafood island style.
Ooloonthoo - Indian cuisine next to Woody's, Sun-Fri for supper.
Roatan Rick's - Caribbean/American, burgers, fish sandwiches, and a variety of fish and meat dishes plus some international dishes with live music most nights.
Pinocchio's - Seafood and quiche; ice cold drinks away from the Main Street crowds.
Pura Vida - Island and Italian cuisine in the heart of the village.
Rotisseria Aleman - German style rotisserie chicken, salads, cold drinks.
Rocket Burger - An old-fashioned burger joint next to the beach.
Velva's Roadside Restaurant - A little past Woody's Groceries, seafood & vegetables, best value.
West Bay Beach - about 8 miles from Roatan Casa, turn right onto main road:
Island Pearl- French cuisine with pates, salads, pork, and seafood with a full bar.
Thirsty Turtle Bar and Grill - Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on West Bay Beach and look for the nightly drink specials.
Mangiamo Market & Delicatessen - Salads, spreads deli meats, cheeses, wine, crackers and much more. Tuesday Nights Sushi 6 to 9.
Las Rocas Resort - Piero's beachfront restaurant offers Caribbean food with an Italian twist.
Cabana Roatana - Snacks and Bar
Mayan Princess - Bar and Restaurant
Henry Morgan - Bar and Restaurant
Fosters - Beach Bar and Restaurant
French Harbour - 10 miles from Roatan Casa, turn left onto main road:
The new Mega Mall has a Wendy's, Applebees and several local places to eat.
Can I use U.S. dollars?
Yes, most guests use U.S. dollars. The Honduran currency is the Lempira (nicknamed "limp") and it is common to pay in dollars and receive change in Lempira. Try to spend the Lempira before you leave, or exchange it at the airport or use the Lempira to pay your $34 departure tax.
The exchange rate as of 2010 is roughly 18.9 limp to 1 dollar. The quick math is: multiply times two and move the decimal one digit to the right (or divide by two and move the decimal to left). For example: if your gas is 800 limp (divide by 2 = 400, move the decimal = about $40), if you pay with a $50 bill, your change should be about ($10 x 2 = 20.00, move the decimal = 200 limp).
How is Roatan governed?
Honduras is a republic with a democratic form of government, Roatan is a state within Honduras with a strong mayor form of government.
Is there medical care on the island?
There is one hospital on the island and several clinics along with two decompression chambers.
A new, three story Woods Medical Center has been built in Coxen Hole about 4 miles from Roatan Casa. the medical center is good for off hours or emergency situations. 445-1080
Anthony's Key Resort (on the road between Roatan Casa and the town of West End) - decompression chamber and anything non-emergency, the doctor here works during normal office hours plus Saturday and Sunday morning.
www.anthonyskey.com/en/diving/recompression.html
Clinic Esperanza: www.clinicaesperanza.com
There is a small doctors office outside West End by the gas station, open 4pm to 7pm.
Ambulance 445-1500
Police 445-1138
Fire 445-1198
Where else is Roatan Casa promoted?
HomeAway Vacation Rentals
Are there churches on Roatan?
There are many churches scattered around the island of Roatan.
