Hotel Don Vito

I spend winters in Nicaragua and like Esteli’s climate. A friend suggested Don Vito, and I’ve stayed there every time. It’s much quieter than the hotels near the plaza iglesia, really clean, and close to Calle commercial. In April there are ripe mangos from a tree above the swim pool. From 2021 to 2023, I figured out which rooms are quieter. Avoid the ones near the pool entrance later in summer, especially after February and during Samana Santa week. I didn’t see a gym. Breakfast is OK, and the staff know what I like. I recommend tipping them: they work six days a week for more or less $200 a month. The owner raised single room prices around 40% in February 2023, but the staff didn’t get raises. I met the owner or manager last March and asked why the staff hadn’t had a pay increase. I think he was surprised. His reply was, "Always more..." There are two festivals in Esteli before Christmas, when hotels raise their prices, so ask when booking. The hotel often has business conferences and gets too busy, especially in the breakfast dining room. The staff service is great, though. DM

The staff were very nice, the rooms were clean, and the breakfast was amazing. Try the pancakes, AKA "Panqueque", they’re delicious. If the weather’s nice, have breakfast on the balcony for a great view. Nothing fancy, but a very comfortable stay. They’re quite strict about guests, though there’s a good reason. There’s a bar within walking distance. I’ll stay here if I ever return to Estalí.

The rooms were comfortable and clean, and breakfast was good, but the coffee was nasty. I wouldn’t ever come back. You have to be OK with a very religious atmosphere, prayer meetings and missionaries holding noisy meetings in the public areas, strict guest policies, and Bible sayings left on your bed every night. If that suits you, this is the place for you.

Really nice, gorgeous hotel. The place was very clean, service excellent, and breakfast both delicious and quick. I’d come again!