3-Star Hotels in Rivas, Nicaragua

We came here in hopes of spotting a turtle but unfortunately we didn't get to see any. A very nice employee walked with us on the beach and shared a few stories and fotos of the ones he's seen. They patrol the beach nightly and collect any eggs. While the beach was too small for finding turtles it was perfect for enjoying with the kidos. We had a wonderful time in the ocean and the pool both. We did pass on the food because it was a little too pricey for us. The dining and lounge area was very beautiful and comfy. Our hut was just perfect for space and comfort. The only problems were that one bed had bugs in it... which we live here so we understand there are bugs everywhere. I would guess that particular bed hadn't been used in a week or 2 so the bugs that resemble silver fish were enjoying the comfy warm sheets. And my other negative was the mosquito net for the main bed did not actually enclose the bed... it was really just for looks.. and it had a few dead bugs on top. The staff offered to move us but it was very late and I had already put the little ones to bed, so we just skipped using that bed. I also couldn't get the A/C to work but the following morning my 2 year old was playing with the remote and it turned on much to my surprise... I had tried everything the night before. These were all minor discomforts. We loved the safe parking area for our vehicle, the resort was so nice and quiet, no half naked tourists on the beach, water outside to wash off the sand, loved the shower in the hut... it had an open ceiling so you could see the stars while you showered, and loved the vegetation in the bathroom. Towels were quality!! Beds were cozy, but stairs to get upstairs were steep and curved... beware if that might be a problem for you. Just one queen bed downstairs in our hut.

Overall a nice place to stay, in the middle of nature surrounded by its wildlife. When we arrived it seemed to be not busy in the hotel, so we were kindly upgraded to a cabin with lake view, which we really appreciated. The staff was very friendly, at the reception and restaurant. Unfortunately the room wasn’t that clean. Kindly note that the cabins are made entirely out of wood, which makes that it is open for all insects/small reptiles. The room was quite covered with dust, and it just looked like they only do a “surface clean”. Nevertheless, the room was cleaned daily and we were given fresh towels every day. Just note that the hotel is quite far from the main road, and the road to the hotel isn’t paved. We rented a motorbike and found it a little challenging to drive the 1.7km dirt road to the hotel in pitch black. The breakfast was good and a good choice for all kinds of flavours. The hotel has its own beach with umbrellas and sun-beds/chairs. You can walk directly into the lake for a refreshing swim!

You probably should stay here if you are tourists, as opposed to surfers. There are very few places to stay in SJS for you. This has 12 rooms. New, but there are problems to correct: the light and fan are wired together, so you can't sleep with the fan on if you want the light off. The AC works well but we don't usually like to sleep with that. No elevator, but you get a stunning view from the 3rd floor. But plan on lifting your luggage up the spiral staircase. Great breakfast at the Iguana on the beach included. You will need instruction and experience to get hot water, but its not necessary and not worth the trouble. Hot water doesn't circulate in NICA hotels. Only a block from the beach, we got here from CR via caribeshuttle. They were superb, just late an hour on the first ride. NICA time. SJS is not ready for prime time tourists.