3 Reviews of Property 18178 in Roatan, Bay Islands Honduras
Private 300 Ft. Sandy Beach - View the Dolphins
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Private 300 Ft. Sandy Beach - View the Dolphins
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p18178vb
(310) 455-7551 (California, USA)
Sandy Bay
Roatan
Great location but some slight misrepresentations
Submitted: June 7, 2012
Stayed: February 2012
My fiance and I visited Roatan at the beginning of February with another couple. We stayed for 2 weeks and were very happy with the location and accomodations. The area is quiet and the locals quite friendly, and there are a few little markets nearby for basic supplies. If you don't need to be at the center of the action, you will love this place. We spent days watching the dolphins next door and watching the other tourists watching the dolphins. We also enjoyed watching the local kids playing in the ocean and having a sense of ownership over their island despite the tourist economy. Dave the caretaker was incredibly helpful and always available to answer our questions. We did not rent a car, just took a cab into town every few days for grocery shopping or to dine out. We don't really feel you need a car. We dove with TranquilSeas a 5 minute walk down the beach. They have a great program, but are a little pricey. We felt it was worth it to not have to get to town for diving and no more than 8 people on a boat ever. The restaurant at Tranquilseas is also very cool, definitely worth checking out. If you're not a diver, the snorkeling is fantastic as well.
When we were there, the wifi that was promised was not yet set up which was unfortunate for our friends who had been told it would be available. Also, one of the things we were very excited about was the boat in the pictures. We asked multiple times before arriving if the sail boat was in good working order and were assured it was so. When we arrived, we were told that the boat didn't exist and had not been there for as long as anyone could remember. Also, we were told that we were to give the deposit to the caretaker upon arrival but then the owner charged the deposit to our credit card without notice and we had to follow up after vacation to make sure we got the deposit back. The kitchen equipment is adequate, but we would not characterize it as well appointed. The coffee maker was one of those mini ones that makes 2 mugs at a time. We also asked if there was some kind of a docking station to play music, which there was, but only 1 for the entire property, so other guests didn't have a way to play ipods without us giving ours up.
When we were there, the wifi that was promised was not yet set up which was unfortunate for our friends who had been told it would be available. Also, one of the things we were very excited about was the boat in the pictures. We asked multiple times before arriving if the sail boat was in good working order and were assured it was so. When we arrived, we were told that the boat didn't exist and had not been there for as long as anyone could remember. Also, we were told that we were to give the deposit to the caretaker upon arrival but then the owner charged the deposit to our credit card without notice and we had to follow up after vacation to make sure we got the deposit back. The kitchen equipment is adequate, but we would not characterize it as well appointed. The coffee maker was one of those mini ones that makes 2 mugs at a time. We also asked if there was some kind of a docking station to play music, which there was, but only 1 for the entire property, so other guests didn't have a way to play ipods without us giving ours up.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/2
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Private 300 Ft. Sandy Beach - View the Dolphins
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p18178vb
(310) 455-7551 (California, USA)
Sandy Bay
Roatan
Wonderful week at The Sandy Bay Beach House
Submitted: May 28, 2012
Stayed: May 2012
[May 2012] Our family had a wonderful week at The Sandy Bay Beach House. The house is directly on the beach, about 30 feet from the water’s edge. The view from the large deck is outstanding, overlooking the ocean and the large dolphin pens operated by Anthony’s Key Resort for their “Swim With The Dolphins” education program. It’s clear that the dolphins are extremely well cared for, including being taken for “walks” out side the pens.
The house has two generously sized bedrooms, each with it’s own air-conditioner and private bath (showers, no tub). There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, and a very spacious living room with a flat-screen TV and cable. Wi-Fi is available via a USB “key” that plugs into your laptop. There is also a window air-conditioner in the living room, although during the day it’s best to open the French doors and let the sea breeze cool you. The house is a bit rustic, but very clean and comfortable.
For transportation, you should definitely rent a car. We ended up with a 4-passenger pickup, which was very handy for transporting dive gear and luggage. Also, if you can’t drive a car with a clutch you should confirm that your rental car reservation says “automatic.”
For snorkeling, the coral reef starts about 50 yards out and only gets better the further you go. Although shore diving at the house isn’t practical (the deep reef is just a little too far out for that), the Octopus Dive School is a full-service dive operation that’s just a short walk down the beach. Located at the Blue Bahia resort, we found Octopus to be very conscientious and accommodating, and fairly priced. There are excellent dive sites all along the island, just a short boat ride from the shop. They have lockers where you can store your gear.
Several good restaurants are within easy driving distance.
The house has two generously sized bedrooms, each with it’s own air-conditioner and private bath (showers, no tub). There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, and a very spacious living room with a flat-screen TV and cable. Wi-Fi is available via a USB “key” that plugs into your laptop. There is also a window air-conditioner in the living room, although during the day it’s best to open the French doors and let the sea breeze cool you. The house is a bit rustic, but very clean and comfortable.
For transportation, you should definitely rent a car. We ended up with a 4-passenger pickup, which was very handy for transporting dive gear and luggage. Also, if you can’t drive a car with a clutch you should confirm that your rental car reservation says “automatic.”
For snorkeling, the coral reef starts about 50 yards out and only gets better the further you go. Although shore diving at the house isn’t practical (the deep reef is just a little too far out for that), the Octopus Dive School is a full-service dive operation that’s just a short walk down the beach. Located at the Blue Bahia resort, we found Octopus to be very conscientious and accommodating, and fairly priced. There are excellent dive sites all along the island, just a short boat ride from the shop. They have lockers where you can store your gear.
Several good restaurants are within easy driving distance.
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Adventure Seekers,
Families with Teenagers,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 2/2
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business
Private 300 Ft. Sandy Beach - View the Dolphins
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p18178vb
(310) 455-7551 (California, USA)
Sandy Bay
Roatan
AMAZING Beach House
Submitted: May 15, 2012
Stayed: April 2012
My husband and I went back to Roatan after not visiting for 3 years. First time we went we were in West Bay. This time we wanted to try a different location & man did we find a gem! We stayed in Sandy Bay in the Sanctuary Beach House. This place is truely, truely amazing. Where do we begin - location is to die for. You can't tell exactly from the photos - but at the end of this private peir - you are literally 20 yards from the dolphin sanctuary of Anthonys Key Resort. The view from this porch and from the pier is a closer veiw than the guests from the resort get. We were awakened our first morning very pleasantly by the trainers feeding and training the dolphins. Very Cool! We found some great little restaurants walking distance - Tranquil Seas - and Ms. Marleys became our favorite spots! We also took advantage of one of the best dive shops right down the way. There is also (in my opinion) one of the best spas w/ in walking distance. No car necessary here. If you want to go to West End or West Bay - literally a 5-7 minute cab ride. Our host Dave was great! He was very knowledgable and had great suggestions for us as far as dining and nightlife and shopping! He is also in a band - so we had the pleasure of watching him at one of the bars one night and having a really good time learning about the island! The house equips you with 2 cell phones as well as a free wireless internet card. The phones were great - loaded w/ Daves # just in case we ever had any questions. The house was clean and we were even sent a cleaning lady a couple of times during the week. She even offered to do laundry if we needed it. In our opinion - this is a house that you must check out. Rate is great - location is phenomenal - you have everything you need to relax and have fun right at your fingertips! Thank you Dave and Lucille! We hope to see you again next year!
Recommended for:
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 5/5
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