The rates quoted here are the normal rack rates. Less expensive weekend, corporate, or group rates are often available on request or through the website. As well, many of the higher-end hotels (in particular the Honduras Maya) will offer their smaller rooms for as low as US$60 d when business is slow.

The best service and rooms in downtown are at Hotel Excelsior (tel. 504/237-2638, US$99 s, US$110 d, suites also available), on Avenida Cervantes two blocks toward the parque from the Hotel Honduras Maya. The staff is attentive and most speak English well. The rooms have orthopedic mattresses and even hypoallergenic sheets! Hotel services include wireless Internet, a swimming pool, and a casino.

On a hill overlooking downtown from the east, the Honduras Maya (Av. República de Chile, tel. 504/280-5000, www.hotelhondurasmaya.com/english.html, US$104 s, US$135 d) has long been the hotel of choice for wealthy guests both foreign and local. Its central location in Colonia Palmira makes for an easy walk or short cab ride to many popular restaurants and bars, and with its Mayan motif it has the most local character of the big high-end hotels. The Maya has 164 rooms with all the amenities (including free wireless Internet), as well as more expensive executive suites and 18 apartments.

The downstairs restaurant is nothing special, but the outdoor patio at the Bar Mirador is a great place to have a drink with a view. Other services include a lovely outdoor pool, a couple of souvenir shops, travel agent, hair stylist, a decent masseuse, and a large convention center. Many staff—including front desk—speak limited English. Prices here seem to be especially subject to fluctuation depending on how full the hotel is. Next door, under different ownership, is the Casino Royale, Tegucigalpa’s best-known casino.

A few blocks east of the Honduras Maya is the boutique hotel Portal del Angel (Av. República de Perú 2115, tel. 504/239-6538, www.portaldelangel.com, US$128 s, US$145 d, $35 less for weekend nights). Set in an attractive mansion, with a restful dining room/sitting area, the hotel has 14 rooms on two floors with tile and wood floors, carved wooden furniture, tasteful decorations, and all the amenities, including an outdoor pool. Room prices include continental breakfast and airport transfer.

East of downtown are the high-end Inter-Continental and Marriott hotels. Hotel Real Inter-Continental (tel. 504/290-2700, U.S. tel. 888/424-6835, www.ichotelsgroup.com, weekday rates start at US$135 s/d, with significant discounts available on weekend nights), directly across from the Mall Multiplaza on Juan Pablo II, is the most prestigious in town, with a spacious atrium and adjacent outdoor patio with pool, 157 rooms, and seven suites. Their concierge services are the best in town.

Nearby, also on Avenida Juan Pablo II (although neither the mall nor much of anything else is within walking distance), is the Marriott Tegucigalpa (tel. 504/232-0033, www.marriott.com, US$159 s/d), a looming 12-floor structure of glass and concrete with 154 rooms, full-service restaurant as well as a bar, outdoor pool, and exercise room with machines and free weights. Shuttle service to the Mall Multiplaza is available. Again, much lower rates are offered on the weekend.