Lazy Crab Hostel

We spent three nights at the lazy crab while visiting Ometepe and were the only guests. The location was good, with lots of places to eat and a big supermarket nearby. The hostel is spacious and nicely decorated, and we loved the theme. Anibal was the friendliest person we met in Nicaragua. He helped us book an ATV, suggested things to do around the island, and made a very good breakfast. I honestly thought he was the owner. We booked a double room with a private bathroom, but it smelled strange and didn’t look very clean. There was no furniture for our things, no bathroom mirror, and no hot water. Roosters around the place and motorbikes on the main road made sleeping difficult. The place has potential. I’d suggest the owner spend three nights in the private rooms to see whether they feel comfortable.

The owners are trying to make this a nice place, and it’s good value compared with similar stays nearby. The free breakfast was nice, and the common areas were cleaned daily. Our private room didn’t get cleaned during our five days there, though, and our towels weren’t cleaned either. Every 2-3 days is customary in most places. There were lots of ants, so we had to use Raid a few times, and some mold in the bathroom. The construction felt slapdash, with gaps in the roof, door, and windows that let bugs in. I got severe food poisoning from the water. It’s described as “filtered by volcano,” which may work for locals but definitely didn’t for me. DO NOT drink the “filtered” water offered here. I’d also avoid renting a scooter or any vehicle. Some places on the island offer insurance, and many travel credit cards include it if you rent from a legitimate place that can provide a proper receipt. There was construction inside while we were there. Usually that wouldn’t be a problem, but the kitchen was unavailable for cooking and the fridges were disconnected without warning, spoiling our takeout. They offered to put our food in the staff fridge next time, but left it on the counter instead, and it spoiled again. We visited in August, when the hostel was fairly empty, so there weren’t social activities. The owners mentioned they planned to start a weekly reggae party, which sounds fun. They do make an effort, but the execution and attention to detail are poor. It has potential, but if you can spend a fraction more, there are some lovely nearby places that are much better.

The location is great, and it’s a cool hostel with a nice atmosphere among the other travelers. Nelvin & Anibal treated me like family, and the staff were attentive and helpful. There are motor bikes for rent on site and a pool table. Breakfast was delicious, with 2-3 options. Thanks for everything!

I stayed for five nights at the beginning of October. The room was clean and had a good fan, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It’s well placed for restaurants, with a short drive to the main sunset spots. From upstairs, you get a great volcano view at treetop level, with lots of wildlife to watch. They were finishing renovations during my low-season visit, but it didn’t bother me. I’d usually head out before work started, and it was done before I got back in the evening. The guest kitchen was under renovation, but I could use the staff kitchen if needed. They had coffee ready in the morning before I went out. I’d stay again.