I’ve used credit card points to stay at two amazing beach resorts within the last year. The Kimpton Roatán vs. the Kimpton Seafire is on tap today. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of the Kimptons?  Head to Head: Kimpton Roatán or Kimpton Seafire—which comes out on top?

 

How to Book

Both of these resorts are bookable with IHG points. They both run a standard 70K points/night with the fourth night being free if you have an IHG credit card and book with points.

 

Location

The Kimpton Roatán is located in West Bay. Roatán is an island off the coast of Honduras. It is literally steps to the beach, where incredible snorkeling is available. The hotel provides the snorkel equipment as part of your resort fee. Additionally, the Park Ranger will take you on complimentary day and night snorkels (you tip him only).  The hotel also provides glass-bottom kayaks. You can walk down the beach to other restaurants or catch a water taxi ($3-$5/person) to different parts of the island.

 

 

The Kimpton Seafire is located in the Grand Cayman Islands. It is on the popular 7-mile beach, which is gorgeous and one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean. The hotel is, too, steps from the beach. The hotel provides paddle boats, kayaks, and other non-motorized water sports. I don’t think the Seafire is within walking distance of many other establishments, but you can take a taxi.

 

 

Winner: If snorkeling is your thing, the Kimpton Roatán is slightly the winner. If you prefer a long, gorgeous beach with clear water and water sports, the Kimpton Seafire wins.

 

Food

Both resorts served great breakfasts and had good-quality restaurants. The one area where Seafire shines is its Pantry, which lets you grab quick items, especially treats.

Winner: The Seafire because of The Pantry. Both resorts have great food, so you can’t go wrong.

 

 

Decor

I talked to a woman at the Grand Roatán who works for Kimpton, and she said they call the vibe “barefoot luxury.” That vibe resonates with me, and is a reason that I loved both Kimptons. Both hotels were beautifully decorated, although the muted elegance of the Kimpton Roatán edged out the Seafire, but just barely.

Winner: The Kimpton Roatán

 

 

Service

The service at both hotels was excellent. The staff must receive excellent training because they go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. We also received great welcome treats from both hotels.

Winner: Tie

 

Rooms

I really enjoyed both rooms. We were upgraded to ocean views for both hotels, and the rooms were equally spacious and had nice terraces. The bathrooms were also both large. The decor at the Kimpton Roatán was more my vibe as it was more neutral, but it wouldn’t make a huge difference to most people.

Winner: Tie

 

 

Pools/Grounds

We were fortunate that we didn’t have to fight for pool chairs at either Kimpton resort. They also both had flags to let staff know you are ready to order (Alex especially loves that). Both places had complimentary water and sunscreen around the pool. The pool may be slightly smaller at the Kimpton Roatán, but it was never crowded.

Both hotel grounds, especially around the pools, were gorgeous and had many seating options. There was also plenty of beach seating.

Winner: Tie

 

Kimpton Roatán or Kimpton Seafire

Honestly, you can’t go wrong. I would love to return to either (and hope to). The only thing that was a slight edge for the Kimpton Roatán for me was the vibe of Roatán. Walking down the beach or riding a water taxi to see more of the island was closer and less expensive. It was just slightly more of a fun vacation vibe for me, and the hotel felt somewhat more luxurious. This is my opinion, though; someone else might lean the other way.

They are so close in quality that you will love either of them. If you have been to both, which was your favorite? Head to Head: Kimpton Roatán vs Kimpton Seafire—which would you choose?