Vapues Travel

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 Rooms are a bit "outdated/old school" for Western standards - but everything was clean, functional and usable.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 Location made "up" for outdated decor.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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Outstanding guiding by Jose Maria.

Outstanding guide, Orlando

Outstanding guide, Orlando

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.

Perfect location in the heart of Old Town. Beautiful hotel. Excellent breakfast.

Clean, spacious room. Beautiful rooftop pool and bar.

Spacious room and bathroom. Loved the balcony with the hammock overlooking the rainforest. Hotel also had a beautiful lobby and nice food options.

Hotel was probably an incredible resort at one time but is in need of some maintenance and cleaning. The attention to detail was not there. Pool water was not clean and pool and beach loungers were not comfortable. Room was musty but that resolved after a few hours of having the air conditioner on . Stains on the sofa fabric. Breakfast was good. We moved after one night.

Luis, our tour guide was exceptional!

Exceeded expectations. Luis, our guide, again was exceptional. Between seeing the ships traversing the Canal on the lake and meeting some local wildlife up close and personal, it was a great way to transition from the city to the jungle.

Seeing things from the water gives you a whole other perspective. We enjoyed both Bird Island and Starfish Beach!

We were on our own and went to the Amador Causeway and rented bikes and rode up and down the causeway with the locals on the bike path. That was a lot of fun!

I absolutely loved this hotel! So clean, wonderful staff, great breakfasts, and nice icy cold AC! One of the best hotels I stayed in during my trip. Great location as well right in the middle of the city. Would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Not my favorite hotel, but my guide told me it is one of the best in Esteli, so there you go! On the plus side, it was very quiet, had working AC, there is a restaurant downstairs, and the staff are all very nice. It is in walking distance from the city center. On the not so great side...the rooms look out into a hallway, the lights are fluorescent (feels sort of like a hospital), the hot water in the shower does not work, and I ended up being attacked by bed bugs (at least 30 bites). The room felt clean, but I had bites all over my stomach and legs and torso for days after. I would try to find someplace else if I go to Esteli again.

Loved this hotel! The hotel gets 5 stars, and Victor at the front desk gets 10! :) The hotel itself is just gorgeous and you feel like you are walking around at one of the finest resorts in the world. The rooms are huge, with patios and huge bathrooms. My room was spotless, and the AC was so nice to feel after walking around in the hot / humid city! This was one of the few hotels I stayed in as well which actually had working hot water in the shower. I could have stayed here a week. The breakfasts were very yummy, and they had a pool. It's right smack in downtown and within walking distance of everything. Victor at the front desk is a total star...helped me out and answered questions...always smiling and happy to help. I was ready to move in and only wish I could have stayed here longer! I saw other people mention the noise, but my room was in the back away from the street, so it was very quiet at night. Totally loved this hotel!

Who would have thought there would be a 5 star experience like this on the island of Ometepe? Truly this is one of the most unique and most amazing places I have ever stayed. I had my own little bungalow right on the beach, and only heard the waves and monkeys at night. It was so peaceful and serene. One of the few places I stayed in all of Nicaragua with a hot shower as well! It was super clean. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and the restaurant provides great service and food at very reasonable prices. I only wish I could have stayed here longer (like a month!) It is a magical place and I can't wait to come back.

I really enjoyed this quaint little hotel, and don't judge the hotel by its facade! It looks a bit odd on the outside and rundown, but the interior rooms are very clean, bright, spacious, and well decorated. I had my own little balcony and it is mere steps from the beach. I picked this one over the Hotel Victoria and I am overall glad I did. My only not so great comment would be that the breakfast included is served across the street at a restaurant, and while the view from there is amazing (you are right on the beach!), the breakfast itself was probably the worst I had in Nicaragua. It was edible, but I would not pay to eat there again, which is odd, as I had a dinner there the night before and it was really tasty. Anyways, the hotel was great and I would stay there again...had a mini fridge which I found really nice to have while traveling.

We hiked so much! Oscar showed me all around the city and was willing to keep going much longer than I was! I loved getting to see so much of the town.

Oscar did a wonderful job showing me the city.

Really enjoyed the hike to the top and then sliding down. Oscar made me feel very safe and it was super fun. Wish we could have done it again, but would have been quite a hike again to the top!

This was so fun! The guide was so good at spotting things to see!

Probably one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. Our guide, Carlos, was amazing. Started out as a 20 minute walk and turned into 3 hours...and a great jeep ride back to the city!

Really enjoyed this day. Oscar went out of his way to make sure I saw the whole reserve, the waterfalls, and an extra hike to the top of a mountain so that we could make the most of our Sunday. I was supposed to have the afternoon off, but it was Sunday, and everything was closed. Oscar found an extra hike we could do and filled the day with more fun things for me. Above and beyond treatment. I was so grateful.

This was very fun! I loved the hike to the active volcano, and Oscar made sure I got the best views. I enjoyed the little artisan market and seeing how pottery was made. We made a few stops and got to do some extra walking.

This was much more than I expected! I loved seeing all the little islands, getting to take a walk on one, and being able to feed a mango to a monkey!

Loved our hike to the top! Oscar made sure I got to see everything, was able to take my time.

Oh, I loved this island! I only wish that I could have had Oscar as my guide instead of Donald. Donald was very good, but I got very spoiled by Oscar and all the extra things he did for me. Nonetheless, Donald was quite good and made sure I got to see as much as possible. The driver of the car, Elma (Alma?) was also really nice and I enjoyed having a woman along for a bit!

Super fun! It was much more than I expected, and the ride to the top was scary but the driver made me feel safe. Great value, and I was so happy Oscar could do it with me.

The location of the hotel is perfect and the hotel itself is beautiful and relatively comfortable. The room we got for 3 people was *very* small - we could really not all be standing at the same time without bumping into each other. If it were just 2 of us, I would have given it 5 stars. But the room was clean, staff were very friendly, breakfast was delicious.

Los Mandarinos was probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at. The views of the mountains from the hotel AND the pool were incredible. Our room was very comfortable, and the location was quiet and peaceful. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to/through El Valle.

The Palmar was a very nice hotel and the only reason I gave it 4/5 stars is personal preference. Our room was very comfortable (A/C was critical to cool down once or twice a day), staff very friendly and helpful, RIGHT ON THE BEACH. The restaurant and bar were very nice and we enjoyed the variety for a week without tiring of the menu. The only drawback of this hotel (for us) is that some nights can be a little more of a party atmosphere - nothing too big and certainly not loud enough to keep us awake. I probably would have loved this in my 20s....

I think this was one of my favorite days of the entire trip. Our guide Jose was very knowledgable about the rainforest plants and animals, as well as the fort at San Lorenzo. The drive to the fort and the walk down there road were spectacular - we saw so many animals and really got to quietly observe and have branches dropped on us by howler monkeys! The views were beautiful, and even though the workings of the Canal Locks was not my primary interest of this outing, I found them fascinating and am very happy we were able to watch a huge container ship going through the lock system.

Beautiful setting for a kayak trip!

Loved this tour - what an amazing place. If we could put videos below, I'd add the 3 species of monkeys we saw up close. We also saw a crocodile, numerous bird species, iguanas, and turtles. Our boat driver knew where to find certain animals and being on the lake with the big ships nearby was surreal. Also, being in the shade on the boat kept things a little cooler and more comfortable in the heat.

It could have been the timing of the particular tour we took, but we were a little disappointed with this tour. We shifted the time to 4pm to try and avoid the hottest part of the day. We did not get to do the chocolate tasting that our son was looking forward to b/c of the day it was scheduled for, and we were only able to see the interior of one church in town (and not the one directly across from the hotel). We also weren't even aware that the Presidential Palace was in the area until our driver the next day mentioned it while we were leaving town. My guess is we only experienced a portion of what this tour should have been... and again, this could have been b/c of the shifted time. It was a little disappointing b/c those were our surroundings during our stay and I would have liked to learn more about it. What we did see and learn about was very interesting. But there was not really any discussion about the current political environment around some of the changes the area has undergone to revitalize tourism (eg; we saw some signs on our own that locals were trying to resist gentrification - would have liked to learn more about how the will of the locals is balanced with tourism).

The island is beautiful, the water was warm, the food and drinks were delicious. It was a nice relaxing day after a few busy touring days.

This day was beyond amazing - tied for my favorite day of the whole trip. Cecelio was such a kind, fun, and warm host for us and the mountains are breathtaking. I kind of wish we had more days like this!!!! The slot canyon swimming hole is SO beautiful and refreshing - I cannot imagine a more perfect place.