When I hear someone say Roatan is "expensive" it makes me slap my head... (which hurts...) Why Roatan is great deal and more observations...

I was just back in the US during April for my youngest daughter's graduation. In effect, I was a tourist visiting where I'd been a radio show host in Southern California for 25 years. I was fortunate enough to stay with some friends. But at times I was on the road and did the hotel thing. So, I have some observations that I brought back with me.

First is that Roatan is an amazing deal and West Bay Beach in Roatan is one of the most beautiful places in the world, even when compared to the beauty of Carlsbad, California, or Encinitas, California. Both are amazing beach towns. And I love them dearly.

But Roatan is in a class all its own. White sugar sand beaches, warm water, snorkeling immediately off the shore, easy waves that allow you to hang out with friends and talk in the water and stand around while you do it.

The best-priced hotel I found in Carlsbad was $87 per night plus taxes. Clean and safe but not much else. And not near the water. At times during the slow season, you can stay at Caribe Tesoro for that price and you are on the beach (100 meters walk to the sand beaches or jump off the pier and swim over), with a pool, and breakfast is free.

LA near the airport, the best priced hotel was $105 plus taxes. Parking for the rental car was $50 per day. Breakfast wasn't included. And no view. Good business travel hotel.

Car Rental was $80 per day for a nice truck, brand new Toyota Tacoma.

Again... prices at Caribe Tesoro for a garden room were often less than $150 per night with breakfast for two during 2023 first six months (assuming you bought a package for three days). And this included free snorkeling or kayaking. Roatan car rental can be as low as $35 per day. If you want to drive, you have the option.

Now when you are on vacation, you generally relax the diet selections. I have my favorites like Swami's for breakfast. For two that ended up around $60. There are buffets on the beach in West Bay where you can eat all you want for less than that, (with two people.) And if you want a baleada, you can do that for around 2 bucks. Caribe Tesoro's breakfast is included.

California Pizza Kitchen makes great pizzas and every kind you can imagine. My daughter and I went there. I had a pizza; she had a salad and we shared dessert. I think that was around $60. You can do way better at West Bay Beach.

For a getaway, whether it's with your loved one or your family. when comparing prices with other destinations like Hawaii, the Bahamas, or Mexico, Roatan generally offers a more budget-friendly option. If you want to get spendy though, you can. We are making some amazing changes with the main mansion. The work of turning it into an artistic has been an undertaking but will leave people breathless. The rental for the six mansion rooms will allow us to accommodate up to 30 people family style or group style. It will be a Caribbean Treasure Castle on the water.

The Villas we have on the pool level are great for families too. Each can accommodate up to 8 and has three rooms. Both the Reef and Cayos, and the Suenos Villa have gourmet kitchens and patio areas for relaxing at night.

Something similar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, or Kona, Hawaii, or the Bahamas or Grand Cayman are available for $1500 per night.

Food and dining in Roatan are also relatively inexpensive. Local eateries and street food stalls offer delicious and affordable meals, while restaurants with international cuisines are also available at reasonable prices. This can be a significant advantage, especially for families or budget-conscious travelers.

Or you can go the other direction and enjoy dinner with incredible service at Sea Salt, which is 10 minutes away down Tamarind Drive and on the beach. Or you can choose the older Ibagari or Xbalanque...

When it comes to activities, Roatan offers a variety of options such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, zip-lining, and exploring the island's natural beauty. These activities are generally more affordable in Roatan compared to popular tourist destinations in the United States or the Bahamas. Excursions, tours, and equipment rentals are often reasonably priced, allowing you to enjoy the island's attractions without breaking the bank.

Transportation costs in Roatan, including flights and local transportation, can also be more budget-friendly compared to destinations like Hawaii or the Bahamas. Flights to Roatan may be cheaper, especially if you're flying from the mainland of the United States or other Central American countries.

I like to go cheap when it comes to the airfare. I usually fly into San Pedro Sula where the immigration line is shorter and then hop a puddle jumper via Sosa or CM and I'm here in 1/2 an hour.

So, when I hear someone say Roatan is expensive, I must ask, compared to where? I can suggest a backpacker hostel that's nice if you are really wanting to save, but when I saw the prices in the US in San Diego, the average price was almost 50% more than Caribe Tesoro most of the time for the bottom end of those properties. And when the Caribbean Treasure Castle is finished, its immersive art will make the stay even more unique.

And none had white sugar sand...