Hotel El Mesón

The family and staff were exceptionally kind and tried to meet our needs, and the hotel is conveniently close to the central park and La Colonia supermarket. But that kindness doesn't make up for how basic and poorly kept the place was. We stayed two nights, April 2nd and 3rd, 2016, choosing room 4 with a shared bathroom because we liked the terrace. It cost US$20.00 per night, and there was no credit card option, so bring enough cash. The bathroom was filthy, and the shared kitchen on the first floor was also far beyond acceptable, with ants everywhere. I'd rate the hygiene 1 out of 10. Our room had a window facing the terrace, a comfortable bed, a small TV that worked, and a piece of furniture for our belongings. The walls were so thin that privacy was out of the question. There was a tiny fan we didn't use, and Wi-Fi worked better on the first and second floors. Using the small refrigerator near room 4 cost an extra $1.00 per day. Some rooms have private bathrooms, and longer stays can be very cheap, especially monthly. A man from Quebec was paying $9 Canadian per day for room 1 with a private bathroom while we were there, though its usual rate was $26.00 US per night. We were given two keys, one for our room and one for the exterior gate, which is always locked. The stairs between the first and second floors are very narrow, which could be hard to get through if you're overweight. Several rooms had a large gap between the walls and ceiling. We managed to enjoy the terrace a little, but it was less pleasant with eight people there. You can hang a hammock if you bring one. Complimentary breakfasts are no longer served, despite what older reviews say, so travelers could be misled. We wouldn't return or recommend this hotel. Review written on April 9, 2016 in Ocotal, Nicaragua.