Volunteer in a small hostel in Roatan, Honduras

Honduras

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Host rating
Feedback
35
Last activity
08/12/2019
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 1 day
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Availability

2019

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Description
We have a small, friendly hostel on the beautiful island of Roatan. I'm a single mom of 2 boys. We're located just a few minutes walk from the Carambola Botanical Gardens and the dolphins at Anthony's Key Resort and a few minutes in taxi from West End, the hostel is set in a friendly residential neighbourhood.
Type of help
Gardening
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Help in the house
Helping with Tourists
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
It's a very fun atmosphere, you'll meet lots of people, and learn a bit about running a hostel. I have many people tell me it's their dream to have a hostel- helping out in one is a good start in seeing behind the scenes to see if you'd enjoy it, and what it involves. I love my business, and enjoy the various volunteers that come through.
Help
I like a minimum commitment of 1 month for workawayers, several months is even better. You'll be responsible for hostel cleaning, as well as helping out with laundry, gardening, sometimes painting: it's around 18-20 hours of helping per week (usually 3 hours a day with 1 day off, though if you'd prefer 2 days off, we can plan for one day with 2x 3 hr shifts. In exchange, a dorm stay is offered (no meals). Occasionally I'd have you meet a new hostel guest and show them around, if I wasn't going to be home. You'll have plenty of time to go enjoy the beautiful island, head out snorkeling etc. I prefer helpers who are at least 22 years old- I haven't had as good success with younger helpers. I take on 2 volunteers May-Nov, the rest of the year is 1.
Languages spoken
English, Spanish, French
Accommodation
Bed in a shared dorm. I don't include meals but there's a communal kitchen you can use. I include internet access for my workawayer. We have a great pool and patio area you're welcome to use.
What else ...
There's snorkeling, diving, ziplining, sailing, beaches, monkey and sloth sanctuary and lots more.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Around 18-20 hours per week

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Feedback left by and about host (35)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)

Cultural exchange:
(3.5)

Communication:
(5.0)

18/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Faith)

Faith is wonderful- a friendly, outgoing personality, and always ready to help out. We really enjoyed her enthusiastic spirit. She was a great volunteer, and would be welcome back with open arms anytime.

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Faith) for host

Oh my gosh… where to start! I volunteered here for 5 ½ weeks… & ended up staying for 6. This island, specifically THIS hostel & the wonderful people who call this place home… they’re a black hole (meaning you’ll get sucked in & never want to leave)!

I worked 9-12 everyday, except on Wednesdays (which was my day off). Mel is super flexible &… read more willing to work around your schedule if you want to work a double shift & take a full day off or whatnot. My typical day looked like: looking at the hostel spreadsheet to see who’s checking in/out & which dorms & rooms need to be cleaned for the day. Then you walk the sweetest & most well behaved dogs (Lily & Cocoa) along the beach first thing in the morning, then clean the kitchens; which included: cleaning the fridges, wiping down & washing the counter tops, cleaning leftover dirty dishes, labeling food, washing the burners, sweeping & mopping the floors, taking out the compost, the recyclables & the trash. Everyday in the dorm rooms you change the sheets, clean the fans, sweep the floors then mop them, take the trash out, clean the showers, sink, & toilet, & tidy the place up. In private rooms you’ll clean the bathrooms as well & make the beds. In common areas you’ll sweep, mop & tidy up as well. Usually all this work will take you up to 12. If not, Mel will have you do some other odds & ends around the hostel like: folding laundry, checking people in/out, showing new guests their dorm bed/room & explaining things to do & see around the island.

Please note- this Workaway does involve a lot of stairs, & it’s extremely hot- meaning you’ll be sweating a lot, but it’s great exercise if that's what you're looking for! Things to take note: you have to pay for drinkable water here, which is $3 for a 5 gallon tank. Laundry is $6 a load.

Transportation around the island: rent a car for the day with other people & drive to the east end of the island to explore & visit Camp Bay (my favorite thing I did on the island), use the colectivo buses (18L), or the colectivo taxis (30L to West End), or rent or buy a moped (depending on how long you’ll be volunteering here). Everything you need is in walking distance- so no worries!

As for things to do around the island: CHEAP scuba diving on the second largest coral reef system in the world, swimming in the hostel pool, get cheap baleadas at Simone’s (20L), buy groceries & beer at the Colonia just around the corner, walk to the beach & snorkel on the reef in Sandy Bay, walk to the Beach Grille & other restaurants for lunch or dinner, & the list goes on… SO MUCH TO DO!

This place was one of the HIGHLIGHTS of my 3 ½ months traveling throughout Central America & I miss all the wonderful people I encountered here! So many amazing memories were made here.

Thanks for everything Mel- wish you & your hostel the best & hope to be back to this gem of a place soon!

(Excellent )

31/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Leigh) for host

Mel was a fantastic host. Work expectations included cleaning, change over of beds, some gardening and assisting with guests. Be aware that there are considerable stairs. My Fitbit tracked 28 flights and 16,00o ion average steps in the three hour shift. Mel was great at adjusting the job due to some back issues I had as a result of the stairs.… read more

(Excellent )

21/02/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Elodie)

Elodie helped out at our hostel for 5 weeks. She was a great volunteer- positive and friendly, and a good worker. We'd be happy to have her back in the future.

(Excellent )

21/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Elodie) for host

I worked for Mel for 6 weeks, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience! The hostel itself is wonderful. It's a clean, welcoming, beautiful place where I've made some great life long friends. Mel is also such a great person to work for. When I needed extra days off for activities, she was flexible with the schedule. The work was straight… read more

(Excellent )

14/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sydney & Floyd) for host

staying at the backpackers hostel with Mel and her Family was amazing. this was our first workaway, and it set the bar high. my partner and i did a month long stay, and mel was flexible on our check in. she understood we were traveling a long ways, and needed a day or two to rest before jumping into things. upon arrival she gave us an excellent… read more

(Excellent )

25/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Michael ) for host

Working for Mel, staying at her Backpacker's Hostel, and absorbing as much of life there on the island was all, indeed, a worthwhile undertaking for a month. The hostel itself has a tropical feel, with much vegetation in the yard out front and out back around the pool. The pool provides welcome relief on hot afternoons or a place to grab some rays… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Michael )

Michael helped out at our hostel for a month, with various tasks including cleaning common areas, assisting with gardening, painting and helping out with guests. He's hard-working, easy to get along with, respectful and observant, offering good suggestions on things around the hostel. We'd welcome him back any time.

(Excellent )

24/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Juan )

Juan was a terrific helper. He's enthusiatic and a hard worker, and fun to have around. We'd welcome him back anytime.

(Excellent )

22/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Juan ) for host

Mel muchas grácias! Mi estadía en el Hostel fue muy agradable. Espero haber cumplido con tus expectativas. Éxito en los futuros proyectos y viajes...Esta fué mi segunda experiencia en Workaway, el trabajo en mi caso consistía en prestar ayuda de todo tipo, pintura y limpieza principalmente. No sentí presión en cuanto al horario, generalmente se… read more

(Excellent )

07/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Maximilian) for host

I volunteered with Mel for a bit less than a month after replacing someone else who had been scheduled as a volunteer here on Workaway. The experience was great and Mel was a relaxed and friendly boss. I was impressed by her development of the property and organization. The work was three hours six days a week as advertised, and I never felt… read more

(Excellent )

07/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Maximilian)

Max helped us out at the hostel for several weeks, mostly with cleaning of common areas. He was very easy going and willing to help out with whatever was needed. We'd recommend him to any other host that's considering him for a workaway experience.

(Excellent )

04/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew & Rebecca)

I really, really loved having Andy and Becky here. They were hardworking and humorous, lots of fun to be around. They were always willing to help out, caught on quickly to the calendar and the routine of things, and were a huge asset to our team. They'd be welcome back any time.

(Excellent )

04/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Andrew & Rebecca) for host

We were with Mel for 1 month and our time went so quickly because we enjoyed it SO much! We felt so appreciated and respected.
We stayed in the loft space where the restaurant is, which was very peaceful and cool during the evening.
We felt like part of the team and would definitely go back to stay and work as Mel makes you feel genuinely… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Dina) for host

This was my first Workaway experience and it has left me with a desire for more! Mel is a pleasure to work with as she is extremely organized, very clear with her expectations and extremely flexible. The working hours are between 9am and 12pm and most days you can finish up sooner so there is plenty of time for fun, relaxation and getting to know… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel )

Daniel is an amazing cleaner, he really put everything in tip top shape! He's very easy going and a hard worker. Unfortunately his stay was cut short because of illness, but we hope he'll be able to come back again sometime in the future.
Thanks for all your help, Daniel!

(Excellent )

18/11/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Louise & Joseph )

Louise and Joseph fit right in to our hostel family :) They were enthusiastic and hardworking, and a pleasure to have around. They stayed with us for a month, and we would have loved to have them longer. They were not only volunteers, they became friends, and we hope we'll see them again in the future!

(Excellent )

14/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Louise & Joseph ) for host

Working with Mel for a month was a highlight of our trip in Central America. She had trusted us to handle check-ins from the moment we arrived. Communication with her was great and she allowed us to work the same shifts so we could explore the island together. Really felt like a family rather than actual work. We were busy and could see our… read more

(Excellent )

18/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Meg) for host

I had a fantastic time volunteering at the Backpackers, can not recommend it enough.
Mel was unfortunately away for the month I was working so we only got to meet the day I was leaving, for the brief encounter we did have she was lovely and very smiley!
I was welcomed by the wonderful Melissa and Colleen who were also working there at the time… read more

(Excellent )

31/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Denise) for host

This was my first work away and I couldn't have asked for a better place for it. Mel and her kids were amazing. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms into your hostel. The work was easy and straight forward. The ambience is very chill, making it an awesome place to make new friends. I stayed there for a month, and I definitely did not want to… read more

(Excellent )

25/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Preston) for host

I stayed for one month with Mel as a cleaner/ hostel helper and I highly recommend it. The work only took 2-3 hours in the morning each day, then the rest of the day I was free to explore Roatan. There is spectacular snorkeling and diving that's just a few minutes walk from her place!

(Excellent )

16/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)

I can't believe I forgot to leave feedback for Jess! She was our helper in the fall of 2016, and I was just looking at some photos from when she was here, remembering what a terrific help she was. Friendly, enthusiastic, hardworking- she was really wonderful to have around, I enjoyed her company and would love for her to come back someday.

(Excellent )

14/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Svenja)

We loved having Svenja at our hostel! She stayed with us for 3 months, and was a terrific helper. She was friendly and social with the guests, did a good job of cleaning and helping out, and was always willing to lend a hand where needed. We'd love to have her back again in the future.

(Excellent )

05/04/2017

Left by Workawayer (Svenja) for host

I stayed with Mel for 3 months and I had an awesome time. I did the cleaning in the Hostel and it took me around 2 hours in the morning, she also had a local girl who worked in the hostel and helped me with the cleaning if there was a lot to do. Whenever she asked me to work a little longer I got a day off in exchange. I loved staying with her and… read more

(Excellent )

18/02/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Julianna)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

17/02/2017

Left by Workawayer (Julianna) for host

I was responsible for cooking the “Family dinners” which was new for the hostel. I was told that my dinners were free, then I was told I could basically just eat the leftovers after serving everyone else who paid, and later I found out that dinner was actually not being provided to the other volunteer even though she seemed to be working more… read more

(Neutral )

12/01/2017

Left by Workawayer (Ange & Nicole ) for host

We stayed one month with Mel, she created a position for us cos she just opened a restaurant and it was amazing. Mel is incredibly awesome, genuine and caring person, her two boys became my little"brothers" and Lily the dog is just the cutest. We will come back in a heart beat

(Excellent )

11/01/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Ange & Nicole )

Ange and Nicole were great, we loved having them here! They helped get our new hostel restaurant off to a great start, and did up a bunch of recipes to use for the future. They were friendly and enthusiastic, and will be missed. We'd have them back in a heartbeat :)

(Excellent )

16/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Iva) for host

I meant to leave the feedback log time ago as I stayed with Mel and Cecilia in February :) I painted the porch of Mel's other house ad helped aroud the hostel with general cleaning and a bit of gardening. The atmosphere in the hostel was super homey and Mel made everyone feel welcome. I had a lot of free time to discover Roatan and make friends on… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2016

Left by Workawayer (Cody) for host

The backpackers hostel was awesome and i highly suggest it to anyone. Mel was incredibly nice and mindful of your time on the island. I had plenty of free time to tour Roatan and spend time on the beautiful beaches. The work was basic cleaning of kitchen, bathrooms, and turning over some beds when guests leave. The atmosphere at the hostel is… read more

(Excellent )

16/09/2014

Left by Workawayer (Michael) for host

I had A great time Staying with Cecilia at the Hostel. Cecilia was a great manager and easy to get along with. Unfortunately I had to cut my trip short by a week but it had nothing to do with the hostel. the work load was minor and I got to explore and see as much of the island as I wanted to. For any one who doesn't mind pitching to help for 2-3… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2013

Left by host for Workawayer (Hiromi)

Hiromi and Aaron helped me out for a week, when my last helper left without notice. They were wonderful- they did the daily hostel cleaning, and helped out with new arrivals if I wasn't there. I'd have them back to help anytime.

(Excellent )

26/12/2012

Left by Workawayer (Crystal) for host

Mel is a lovely lady who works super hard. Her kids are adorable and I enjoyed having homework time with them. Roatan is an amazing place to scuba or snorkel.

(Excellent )

19/11/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Dan and Lizzie were wonderful! They were a great help with my hostel and my kids, and we miss them!!!! I'd have them back any day.

(Excellent )

19/11/2011

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

We loved working for Mel!

(Excellent )

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