San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula is definitely a city where you want to plan carefully. I stayed at [ Hyatt Place San Pedro Sula] and the staff were very welcoming and helpful, which made me feel comfortable during my trip. The hotel was clean, had strong security, and included breakfast.

For food, I recommend checking out Power Chicken (local spot with great rotisserie chicken) and Factory Steak & Lobster inside the Intercontinental Hotel if you want something a little more upscale. Prices were reasonable compared to U.S. standards.

When it comes to excursions, San Pedro Sula itself is more of a business hub, but you can book tours out to Pico Bonito National Park, Cayos Cochinos, or even Copán Ruinas (Mayan ruins) if you don’t mind the drive.

One big warning: safety is something to take seriously here. I traveled with guides or locals whenever possible, used taxis recommended by the hotel, and avoided walking around at night. During the day I felt fine, but I wouldn’t recommend exploring random neighborhoods alone.

Overall: San Pedro Sula can be a good base if you stick with reputable hotels and plan your excursions. The people I interacted with were friendly and helpful, and I had no major issues as long as I stayed aware.