Roatan Backpackers' Hostel

We're a small hostel with a warm, friendly atmosphere that'll make you feel right at home. Many of our guests stay for several weeks or even months!

I live on property most of the year. I have one staff member Belkis, who has been with me for several years, and sometimes hire on one or 2 other workers, depending on the time of the year and whether I'm away. We have space for up to 3 volunteers at a time. Volunteers are accommodated in a room of the staff apartment, which has a bunk bed and a single bed (and the room next to it is for a staff member, when I have one living on property). Meals aren't included, but there's a communal kitchen that volunteers are welcome to use. Volunteers help out in a variety of things around the hostel, wherever needed. There's always something to do at the hostel- if it's slow, there's gardening, or sometimes painting.

All experiences

Help us with housekeeping in our tropical paradise! =)

Housekeeping Gardening Cleaning

Roatán, Honduras

Reviews

4.5
(14 reviews)14

Staff & Host

4.5

Hours & Tasks

4.5

Hostel

4.5

Learning & Fun

4.5

United States

2

This WP experience, in my opinion, was not fun and required a lot of hot and dirty work for only accommodation in return. If you’re wanting more of a backpackers environment, this work exchange is definitely not for you. I was the only volunteer there and the hostel is very isolated from any fun locations you can walk to. One of the employees at the hostel was rude to both the guests and volunteers and does not foster a welcoming environment. I was asked to do repetitive tasks such as clean the same guest room when no one was checking out or in for multiple days in a row. Would not recommend.

7 months ago

Mel replied

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your experience. The volunteer position is clearly explained as cleaning, and we are in the tropics, so hot and dirty is kind of unavoidable. I understand that your medical condition is aggravated by the heat, which is something you should definitely take in to consideration and inquire about in advance if going to any other volunteer spot that is in a warm climate- our hottest months here are August and September.
When we're in slow season, deep cleaning empty rooms is standard- dust accumulates quickly here, and we need to make sure rooms are always ready for any last minute reservations. There's not a need for multiple volunteers when it's quiet, but volunteers are definitely welcome to socialize with hostel guests. We are located in Sandy Bay, which is mainly residential, with some tourism businesses mixed in (botanical gardens, dolphins, a few dive shops, restaurants etc). To me, a great part of volunteering is getting immersed in the local community, not just being around other travelers, and Sandy Bay is a good spot to get to know locals.

United States

5

Roatan Backpackers Hostel was an amazing experienceI I Volunteered for 7 weeks Mel is a Fantastic owner as well as a host she constantly interacts with her guests as well as her volunteers it was a true pleasure to meet her as well as volunteer for her I really hated leaving but unfortunately Backpackers move on to explore new adventures... Again Thank you Mel..

about 1 year ago

United States

5

My first Worldpackers and I recommend this stay for anyone, especially female solo travelers. The hostel is gated & in a quiet and safe neighborhood. Work hours were 3-4 hours/ 6 days a week w/ 1 off day, leaving plenty of time to explore the island. Work task included cleaning rooms & kitchen, bathrooms, gardening, sweeping the pool deck. Living quarters had the necessities, but the ants will go marching so get some raid from the local store. The work is simple but very dirty. Mel is extremely communicative & kind. Belkis was very helpful, especially with my Spanish.

over 1 year ago

United States

5

This was a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to see the island at the same time. I would definitely recommend.

over 1 year ago

Germany

4

We had a very nice time at Mel's place! The working hours were as agreed to and also the living space. We were there when the Hostel wasn't that busy. The supermarket isn't far away & the Hostel kitchen is fully equipped, so you can cook what ever you want. After work we still had enough time to explore the island. To use the Pool on a hot day is also really good ;)

almost 2 years ago

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Business

Contact with nature

Beach

Family

Adventure Sports