Paradiso Hostel

Decided to spend a day at the lake and heard this was the better option of the local places to get a day pass. It’s OK but could be much better run. When we arrived, we were informed that towels were not included in the day pass rate AND the dryer had broken down that day, so they had none anyhow. Tough luck… It had rained over night and all the beach chairs were completely soaked. Food at the restaurant was OK but at the highest prices we found in the grater Granada area. This must be how they make their money, rather than with the $7 cover charge. Can’t imagine the backpacking guests that come to stay at a hostel being thrilled about the cost of the food here. What I found really annoying, were 6 stray dogs walking around the restaurant area at all times and begging for food. Street vendors walk around selling snacks and "ceviche". They don't take reservations for the day pass and I guess they limit the number of day passes they sell. We were told that to guarantee access we should get there by 10 am, but I saw people walking in until early afternoon. It looks like this place is visited by a lot of locals, so I assume during the week-ends it must get packed.

Decided to spend a day at the lake and heard this was the better of the local places to get a day pass. It’s OK but could be much better run. There were 6 stray dogs walking around the restaurant area at all times. When we arrived we were informed that towels were not included in the day pass rate AND the dryer had broken down and they had none anyhow. Tough luck… Food is OK but at the highest prices we found in the grater Granada area. Can’t imagine the guests that come to a hostel being thrilled about the cost of the food here.

This hostel build up a steep slope next to Laguna de Apoyo is very well staffed and has many spaces where you can sun or sit in a chair and watch the lake. The restaurant also serves several levels and has a great selection of foods that are very reasonable. Our room for 3 was very tiny and pretty hot. It had 3 fans but only 1 worked. One of the two windows was sealed shut. There is no place to hang clothes but there are a few drawers. It did have it's own tiny bathroom with a decent shower. The beach is pretty rocky but there are inner tubes, and kayaks available and easy to grab. The water was warm and clear but a little choppy when we were there making swimming a little challenging.

HIGHLY recommend staying here or getting a $7 day pass if you’re visiting for a day trip as we were (from Granada). Beautifully manicured grounds, fun food, awesome drinks (had probably too many Howlng Monkeys), and the VIEWS. I definitely see how people recommend staying a few days. Truly relaxing and stunning to float around in the warm water and then read in a hammock or chair overlooking the whole crater. Really cool experience (and we only did it from about 11-3 but that was still great!)

Paradiso caters primarily to the youthful respectful European backpacker crowd with about 30 dorm style beds but also has about 8 rooms (rooms quite average). La Laguna de Apoya (the name of the lake) has a string of hotels along the west shore - most 3 star, all priced pretty similar (about $60/night US as of writing, and a couple 4 star which I found pretty cold atmosphere, however quite elegant and pricey. All of them have many steps down to the waterfront - so people with problems with stairs/steps - look elsewhere. What I liked about Paradiso, people were friendly and respectful and a mix of nationalities worldwide. The bar restaurant had a great selection of casual food and drinks well prepared - service was very good and a great place to hang out in the shade all day very close to the beach and good scenery (and I am not talking about the lake -yuk yuk). There were free kayaks tire tubes and a big raft out front. The swimming there was superb, warm water and small waves. Late January early Feb. is windy in Nicaragua and onshore breezes can make swimming difficult, however day/nght breezes make sleeping more comfortable without A/C. This place was nice all-round and one of our best experiences. There were no COVID issues or theft/crime issues in the entirety of Nicaragua (within limits of common sense) and localized areas of the native Mosquito people (whom are desperate). Again common sense prevails - taxis are reasonable. great place - two thumbs up. Try to book ahead - it gets quite busy in late Feb/March..

Me and my friend stayed here for 4 nights over Christmas. We were in awe of how beautiful the place was, and enjoyed soaking up the sun, swimming and using the kayaks. The staff are all super friendly and helpful. I would say that if you're on a budget to stock up on some snacks if you don't want to eat lunch and dinner every day at the restataurant. Also take a big water as they do charge for refills. We were able to eat some vegan meals here, but there was sometimes a misunderstanding regarding salad for the fajitas being dressed in mayo, and sauce in the veggie burger. But this was all rectified, so there is options for vegan, also Chinese rice and salads. Overall we had such a lovely time here, it really is paradise! Its great you can also do the day trips to the volcano, bird watching and other trips. Thank you for a great stay :)