Help us with housekeeping in our tropical paradise! =)

Belgium

5

Simply amazing. Not to close from West End but not to far, transport is very easy to catch. The location gives it a peace and quiet. Shortly said the location is magnificent. The hostel itself has everything needed for a great stay. Kitchen with all the necessities, comfortable beds, and a staff and owner that have the knowhow of the island and activities. For relaxing moments is the pool definitly a recommendation.

12 months ago

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..

over 2 years ago

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.

almost 2 years 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

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 2 years 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.

almost 3 years 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 ;)

about 3 years ago

United States

4

Mel was a fabulous host and a great person to work for. The environment and vibe of the hostel was great, and I had so many opportunities to explore the rest of Roatan while I was there. The housekeeping work is dirty and hot, but it's easy and only 20 hours a week.

over 3 years ago

United States

1

Impossible to recommend this hostel...owner living in Canada, "mgr." only works 3 hours a day/6 days a week and often said: "I don't tell guests that I live on property because I don't want them to bother me". Entire property is run down and needs lots of work, paint and TLC - inside and outside. Beginning 6/1, there will not be a manager. I cannot and do not recommend this hostel.

about 4 years ago

Mel replied

We were shut for about 8 months with border closures and flight cancellations this last year. Due to the huge impact to the tourism industry, the hostel is still extremely slow, sometimes with multiple days of no guests, so staff is cut back to limited hours. We have 2 staff members, one who is leaving in June, and the other, who has worked with us the longest, who will be increasing her hours to cover this absence until the position is replaced. I (the owner) am currently up in Canada working to help financially support the hostel. Maintenance is being done on an ongoing basis- at the moment, our pool waterfall is being reconstructed, an a/c unit is being replaced, a hot water heater is being replaced, and 2 of the rooms have recently been repainted. In a time of financial difficulties, it is not possible to have everything done all at once, the running costs of the hostel and most essential maintenance work always takes priority.
John spent a little over a month at the hostel. He didn't give any indication that he was unhappy, just a few times had friction with staff members, but usually said he loved things. He messaged the morning of his day off, saying his was 'going on an adventure', and then was never seen again. All his belongings were left in his room, after 2 nights of no replies to messages and no sight of him, we were all very concerned. We contacted police and the US Embassy, who were able to ascertain through his passport that he had left the country. He finally sent one reply to my email of concern, just saying 'I'm fine, don't contact me again'. This review was the only additional information that I've gotten, which still doesn't really answer my questions of why he would leave without any message, with all his belongings still in his room.

New Zealand

4

Well, it's more like a home stay, as it's situated more in a little village. Quiet; with a good breeze often in the front smoking aloud porch. Which I spent quiet a bit of time in! The kitchen facilities are fine for cooking your own food. They have three dogs there that are endearing as you get to know them. It's in a central position, with only a short mini bus ride to West End beach, or Coxen Hole. The collectivo taxi's & mini buses are cheap & regular.

almost 6 years ago

Honduras

5

I spend a month in the hostel and it was awesome, Mel is a great host, i got to know so many people and had so much fun exploring the island.

almost 7 years ago

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