Paradiso Hostel

The shared dorm was better than I expected, with really comfy beds and large bathrooms. A few more curtains to block the light would help. The place feels like paradise, with lots of seating to enjoy the sun and nature, plus kayaks to rent for free, a pool board, and a table tennis table. The restaurant is good and has several options. For a great view of the Laguna from above, I'd suggest taking a taxi to the Catarina or Caballito mirador. You can also walk around San Juan de Oriente and see how people make artisanal pottery in the Pre-Colombian way. A great place to unwind for a day or two.

The food was great, though portions were a little small, and the staff were welcoming, helpful, and excellent. There are also extra amenities that make the visit more enjoyable. The views are absolutely beautiful, especially at sunset, and this is one of the best places I've visited in Nicaragua. Getting there is the main drawback. As I see it, your only choices are to take a taxi and pay the absurd fare, or drive yourself. I'd happily give it 5/5 if it weren't so difficult to reach.

The rooms are pretty nice compared with other hotels in Nicaragua, but I don't see much reason to stay here. Day passes mean it gets extremely crowded, even on weekdays. I can't imagine how bad weekends get. There aren't really any perks for hotel guests, and the rooms are quite a walk from the lagoon and restaurants. After waiting an hour for lunch, I gave up on my order and ate snacks instead. I tried to get dessert, but it was all sold out. The kitchen closes at 7:30, and there's not much to do afterward. Since day pass holders can use everything, staying in Granada might be a cheaper option. You also have to pay $3 to rent towels, which feels ridiculous. The kayaks and paddle boards are kind of old, and may be hard to get when it's busy. You don't have to pay a resort to use the lagoon, either. There are places with free access.

We can only speak to the facilities, since we didn't stay in a room. It was nice that campers could stay overnight for a fee and use the facilities. The bathrooms were clean and the facilities easy to reach, though there were no power outlets or a view. The concept is nice, and the palapas where dinner is served have a pleasant atmosphere. Weekends and daytime get very crowded, and some equipment, including the kayaks, could be maintained better. Food was only average. IVA/VAT isn't included in food and drink prices, adding about 15%, and once you add everything up the total comes to roughly 25% more than expected.