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Tourism infrastructure in northern Honduras has been building up substantially since about 2005. Every city has its share of no-frills, family-run hospedajes, but an ever-increasing number of cities have a wider variety of lodging options. The majority accept credit cards and are fitted with Wi-Fi and satellite television, with a few exceptions accepting only cash or not providing Internet. As with elsewhere in Honduras, prices fluctuate depending on the season, but not by much. Hotels are busiest December through February, during Holy Week, and June through August. The low season coincides with the rainy season in October and November.
Along the coast, former houses and beachfront lodges have been converted into bed-and-breakfasts with a small number of rooms, communal lounge areas and excellent personal attention from the owners themselves, many of whom are American or Canadian expatriates. These places cater mostly to foreign travelers, while national tourists largely occupy every place else.
Hotels oriented toward business travelers have conference halls and meeting centers, and the rooms offer quiet, spacious accommodations with work essentials like broad desks, in-room phones, and Wi-Fi service. In hotels overall, the cheapest rooms have tile floors, whitewashed walls and stiff mattresses, but you'll still find them clean and tidy. Air-conditioning can double the price of a night's stay, as electricity bills are astoundingly high in Honduras. Oscillating or ceiling fans—and often both—are at the ready in all rooms, air-conditioning equipped or no. Pricier rooms are the most luxurious, with hardwood furnishings, attractive interior designs and silky soft linens. Bugs, however, are democratic and will find a way into your room regardless. Few are actually bothersome.
Several cities include family-oriented, all inclusive resorts on the beach with restaurants, bars, swimming pools, massage centers, and a variety of recretational activities. Eco- and jungle lodges in La Ceiba offer all the perks of a top-notch hotel, such as private baths with hot water and Internet access, but with stunning panoramic views exclusive to the tropical forest.
Once home to executives of the United Fruit Company, this luxurious complex sits on 30 acres right on the Caribbean. The enormous wooden villas, with two or three bedrooms, are perfect for families. Each is filled with beautiful mahogany furniture. The pool and the adjoining grounds are a delight, especially on weekend evenings when an orchestra plays salsa and merengue.
The first all-inclusive resort on the mainland, Palma Real is set on a pristine stretch of beach. There are cabanas and hotel-style accommodations, a large pool, and even a small water park that is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday. Splashy colors and intriguing artwork decorate the hotel interiors.There is a tour service on site (TURASER), which can arrange rafting, hiking, and canopy tours.
