NYT Checks Out Nicaragua's Victoriano Hotel

Where: Paseo de la Mar, Costado Norte Enitel, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

May 11, 2009 at 10:30 AM | by KatieK | 0 Comments

Truth be told, though our hotel geekery spans the globe, a few pockets of the world exist where we're lacking in comprehensive stalker-like intelligence — like, say, Nicaragua. So we think it's swell when the New York Times goes ahead and dives right in to those spots for us.

This weekend, the NYT reviewed Nicaragua's Victoriano Hotel, the former private home to Hope Somoza, former dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle's widow. The hotel opened a year ago after careful restoration and boasts 21 rooms � including a Mark Twain suite � and Pacific beachfront.

Located on the horseshoe-shaped surfers' beach of San Juan del Sur, Victoriano Hotel has "sweeping verandas" where you can spy on rich Nicaraguans' "palatial beach retreats" as well as the beach, "where couples in rainbow-hued T-shirts, arms linked at the hips, cuddle at night in the shadows of swaying palm trees."

Highlights: Despite a "Pottery Barn-like palette," the hotel "still feels Nicaraguan" with an orange-and-green hibiscus bedspread and hand-carved teak furniture. Six rooms come with French doors opening onto balconies. An "airy and spacious" lobby has free Wi-Fi (!) and paintings by Nicaraguan artists. Food is "excellent and fresh."

Lowlights: If you're not a Spanish speaker, things could be a little tricky, though doable. No gym ("but San Juan del Sur is perfect for exploring on foot"). Service is a little slow (though "friendly and helpful."). All in all, not too shabby.

Bottom line: Rates for double rooms start at $100, which is on the pricey end of the area's spectrum (surfer-style lodgings start at $20). But "no one could call it overpriced, given its idyllic location," writes the NYT.

[Photo: Matt Nager for The New York Times]

HotelChatter

Select a Destination:

Tags: NYT Reviews / Nicaragua Hotels / → All Tags