Mame Tree Bungalows (tel. 504/403-8245, U.S. tel. 718/710-4392, www.mametreebungalows.com) is set on a bluff above town, just a minute or two’s walk along a hillside path from West End’s main drag and beach, a perfect place for being close to the hubbub of town without being in the middle of it. The two main bungalows have two bedrooms and can sleep up to five each (US$157 with a view, or US$133 without), while new smaller rooms are perfect for romantic couples (US$68–80). The young American owners have decorated with a lot of character (mosaic tiling in the Caribbean room, lush fabrics in the Moroccan), as well as with luxury touches such as flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet, and soundproofed walls.

Although only a short path separates Half Moon Resort from Cocolobo (tel. 504/9898-4510, www.cocolobo.com, US$122 d, including breakfast), this new hotel feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of West End. Rooms have a sweeping view of the iron shore and ocean. Conceived by a British environmental architect, the wood structures are designed with windows that create cooling cross-breezes—but the air-conditioning is there for those who can’t live without it. Luxury touches include an infinity-edged pool, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks, but the vibe is relaxed, perfect for grown-up beach bums. Small apartments are also available on a weekly basis, with peek-a-boo ocean views.

A big whitewashed development set back a few steps from the main road is the well-appointed Sunset Villas (tel. 504/445-4100, U.S. tel. 603/782-4470, www.roatanhotels.com, US$75–98 s/d). Hotel rooms are in a building above the large pool, and are outfitted with either a king bed or two doubles, as well as attractively tiled bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and a mini-fridge (suites with kitchens cost US$30 more). Spacious and fairly deluxe one- and two-bedroom condos with Tommy Bahama furniture and full kitchens are available for US$153–276 (if you know what Tommy Bahama is, then this is the place for you).