Nomad Beach House - Hostel

We had a private room for six with three double beds. There wasn’t much space or any storage, and the room itself was fine. But the kitchen was dirty and had cockroaches. The ceiling fans were painfully slow and useless in the intense heat, with only one other fan in the room. This hostel is very basic, and I wouldn’t stay again.

Avoid this place. Nomad is very basic, poorly maintained, and has lots of broken, unsafe things. I’ve stayed in all kinds of accommodation in many countries, but this is the first time I’ve abandoned a paid booking. It’s the kind of quality I might have found in India 20 years ago. International visitors won’t be satisfied. Maybe you could put up with it if it were much cheaper, but it’s not a good option. The location is by a crocodile-infested lagoon that you have to cross to reach the beach, so it doesn’t feel safe. Stray dogs gather in groups and could be aggressive. The beach is on the scruffy end of town, with fishing-boat oil staining the sand. Locals are unfriendly and don’t want gringos around. Foreigners would prefer the upper part of town, Bacocho and Carrizalillo.

The kitchen could have been better, but the staff and other guests made up for it. When my flight was cancelled, they helped me out, and the place felt like staying with family. I enjoyed my private room, and the location was good too.

Being right on the beach is the best thing about this place. The food was really yummy, though there isn’t much choice on the menu. There’s a menu in the room binder that you’re supposed to scan, but it’s no longer accessible, so they should update it. The breakfast “buffet” was okay, not really worth it, though it’s nice to have the option. They need double rooms with A/C because the rooms get so hot even with the fan, almost uninhabitable. Seriously, get A/C or stay elsewhere. The daily cleaning service was lovely, and the place felt very safe. Chris at the front desk was really nice :)