Personalized trips to Nicaragua
for independent travelers

Let me start out that Emily had suggested a different hotel to begin with. From the photos of the other one and this one, Bahia looked "more authentic/cultural/historical" rather than very "Western". We were already booked at several "nice/some-what luxury" accommodations. We wanted to experience a bit more authenticity/culture while we were traveling. So Emily had originally planned something different for us, I requested based on the pictures and reviews I saw - to change her suggestion to the Hotel Bahia. Also Noted: Your company, people, general public and/or travelers do not always know about local construction, improvements, road closures, etc. ahead of time. So that was NOT the fault of Emily or anyone involved with your company. I'm sure when there's an actual paved road and not dozens of trucks, tractors, pavement processors, etc. directly in front of the hotel and in either direction for 2-4 blocks it is nice, convenient and in a great close to water location. However we experienced a dirt, pot holed, water filled, muddy main road lined with construction vehicles and cones. Which like I stated before - is necessary and glad they are making improvements, but it's sorta a shock from what we were initially expecting. We made the best of it, and our guide Cesar was very helpful, had already wrapped our luggage in plastic to protect it from the rain and mud, he made sure we were taken directly to the hotel in a car and delivered right to the sidewalk in front of the hotel. He also was going to be helping coordinate the next days activities and he shared that he had a brother in Real Estate and his sister helps him with their touring company. He was very professional, friendly and informative. The hotel is historic - a bit over 150 years old. I think one of the first on the island - so the history, the architecture and design are very interesting and unique. It has most of the original pine and hard wood paneling, trim and structure which were very well maintained and taken care of. The over all facility was clean, maintained and there was always a staff member at the front. They did give us extra towels when we asked and were friendly and accommodating. The first day/night they were a bit stand off-ish and sorta "paranoid" to answer our questions. But the following few days everyone warmed up. The upstairs common balcony was a nice spot to have (bring your own) cocktail/beer and watch the sunset. The reason for the 3 stars is that it definitely was a "down-grade" from our previous rooms. It was very small, very basic, out-dated, outlet plugs were questionable and we had to "jimmy-rig" our chargers to stay in the wall. Bathroom was super tiny (as I realize over 100 year old construction would be), no refrigerator or microwave - they did have a small lockable safe. No actual closets or drawers - all open bookshelf like corner unit which was functional. Garden view consisted of their side yard and the adjoining street. Some effort was made with a few plants - but it was basically the side of the property/building. We kept the curtains closed. The sheets were clean, pillows were adequate no blanket or comforter - only sheets. We used extra towels for a makeshift blanket. A/C did work. Hardware on door to room was very questionable - it was the only place that we used our 2 safety devices for traveling. Overall it was functional, clean and we were able to sleep, shower and dress. For an island in a 3rd world country I'm sure it's considered decent to acceptable. And like I said, we managed and worked with the situation realizing that we ARE traveling. But something to consider for your company and future travelers - is to look up any disruptions in normal services, etc. so everyone knows what they are getting into and can choose to stay or make other arrangements.

Environment, location and grounds AMAZING! Water/shore views from the dining area and some of the private cabins. Beautiful garden views for other cabins/rooms. "Older" property but cared for and maintained very well. Staff were professional, friendly and very accommodating. Menu options for restaurant were a great variety of culture/local food and some "tourist" friendly options. Included breakfast was fabulous and NOT a buffet style. Blue Crested Jays, hummingbirds and bumble bees were active around the dining area and a treat to start the day with. Pool and bar located right on above the sandy beach. Beautiful scenery and little walking trails leading to the beach. You can walk from the hotel shore along the water to the little town of Playa Santa Cruz. Tiny little town along the ONE island highway. Little shops, bars, restaurants, market stalls, homes, hostiles, etc. very cute and lively with music, BBQ and people enjoying themselves. Rooms are a bit "outdated/old school" for Western standards - but everything was clean, functional and usable. A/C in the room worked great. Custom tile in the shower, and we were able to use the existing outlets/plugs to charge our devices. Location made "up" for outdated decor. Comfortable deck chairs and hammock on our own private entry patio was very nice to see the sunset/sunrise with a drink to relax. Considering it's an island in a 3rd world country it was actually VERY doable, comfortable and safe. Would stay there again just as it is. VERY happy with our experience here.

Beautiful hotel in the centre of Grenada overlooking the main plaza. We had a room overlooking the plaza but it was incredibly quiet when the balcony doors were closed at night.

Fabulous hotel on a huge sandy Pacific Ocean beach. Great architecture of main dining/sitting/entertainment area and spacious comfortable cabana.

We arrived after a long day of travelling back up the San Juan river and across Lake Nicaragua to Rivas and then across the lake to Ometepe. The hotel is on the lake shore which was lovely and although we had booked a standard room, it was not in a great location so we asked to be moved to a better room. The receptionist was very helpful and understood our thoughts, (the standard room was quite small and didn't have a lake view). We were moved to a larger room with two double beds a separate shower and WC and a lovely sitting area outside with a hammock and lake view - perfect! The hotel was quite busy but service was good, except they had run out of fruit for breakfast the next morning. The hotel organised a motorbike for us for a tour of the island which was great fun.

Fabulous location on the River San Juan with great staff and excellent food.

Fabulous location in a cloud forest on a fully sustainable coffee farm. Great walks, bird tour and farm tour with outstanding guide, Jose.

Unfortunately we felt that our guide was a bit tired of taking yet more travellers on this tour, everything was a bit rushed and we had to tell him that we wanted more time at the Masaya volcano museum to look at photos and read signs after his good description at the beginning of the tour around the relief model of the volcano. In addition, as the volcano is a bit active at the time, only one small path and area where the smoke/heat vents are located, was open. We enjoyed the visit to the pottery but again there, the potter and his staff were a bit bored with the presentation and we were in and out in about 10 minutes despite asking questions. The Pueblos Blancos were a bit disappointing overall as it was very touristy although the pre ordered lunch was nice and in a quiet spot away from the parking areas. In hindsight we should have chosen the Mombacho volcano tour which would have given us (hopefully) a more in depth visit to the area without the touristy part of the tour although we did want to see the handicrafts of the villages but only saw these at the market in Masaya.

Outstanding guide, Orlando

Outstanding guide, Orlando

Outstanding guiding by Jose Maria.