We had Roatan on our visit list forever, and renting a house is one of our favorite ways to see an island. First, the owners were fantastic: they emailed us with updates, answered questions, and even called us a couple nights before the trip to answer questions and give advice.
The house was perfect for our group of seven: good kitchen, dining and living areas for gathering, and rooms with several bathrooms for space from the group. The top deck is excellent for sun, and the middle deck perfect for shade and sea breeze.
The downsides of the house are the gate locks and the beach location (only reason this review isn't 5 stars) It is a waterfront house (gorgeous views) but I wouldn't call it a beachfront house as it is more hard packed dirt leading up to the water - not a place I would take beach chairs and sit (people drive this section of the beach). The gates accessing the house use a variety of keys (and the rusty locks take manipulation) - hopefully the owners will address in the future.
We love the island (first visit) and found this house (and rental van) perfect for the location in the middle of island options. The house is in the middle of the town Sandy Bay - which has a large local population. the positive is that there are friendly people in every direction, local meals you can buy a couple houses down, and regular soccer games on the grounds by the water. Downside is the noise at night - lots of dogs barking and vehicles passing, but we just turned the TV on and drowned out the noise.
Awesome central location. Several good beach bars a short drive away, and loads of activities a short drive or walk. Sol-y-mar (free entry on Sunday+blue octopus diving) a mile away; Anthony Key = museum, gift shop, and dolphin encounter half mile away; Blue Bahia beach bar 1 mile (Wed for lobster; Friday for burgers); Grocery store about 8 miles; West end (nice little beach, snorkeling, beach bars, shopping) 5 miles-park in the lot in front of medical building and pay the nice ladies at the house next to lot; West Bay Beach (awesome beach, beach bars, resorts, snorkeling) about 10 miles- we parked at the Mayan Princess paid $10 pp for access, pool, and beach chairs.
Driving on the island is a fun adventure; main roads are improved but still narrow and full of pedestrians.
Snorkeling awesome everywhere - took kayaks from shore 1/4 mile and snorkeling is pristine. Owners - thank you for sharing your home and quick repayment of deposit