Hostal Brisas del Ometepe

Max and Marta, along with a few others, were the best. If you’re passing through and miss the last ferry or whatever, or just need a base in Rivas for a few days, this place is great. Just ask for help in Spanish and they’ll sort it out.

We had a room confirmed by phone and email, but when we arrived they said it had already been taken because we hadn’t confirmed. We had confirmed. We called the owner afterward, but she showed no interest in helping us or arranging compensation for a replacement room. After a long call, we got a different location and had to walk 30 minutes to reach it after a very long day. We’re unhappy with her behavior and how this was handled. That isn’t hospitality, and it shouldn’t happen.

Max and Marta were easily the nicest people I met in Nicaragua. Their home is modest and certainly not luxurious, but it’s a basic, comfortable place to stay with a very loving family. The rooms are simple, and we shared a bathroom, but we were never too hot, weren’t eaten by mosquitoes, and didn’t feel unsafe. It’s handy for the ferry port and bus station, and after running into so many scammers around town, I was glad to find this family. They were helpful, super likeable, and friendly. If you’re after a five-star room on a one-star budget, don’t waste your time here.

The owner is lovely and helpful, and the rooms are spacious. They can get pretty hot, but there’s a fan. Great hostel!