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Reviews of Buena Onda Backpackers 1 stars

Barrio Frente Sur, de Casa Dragon 50 m a mano izquierda, 99999 San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

#2 of 32 hotels in San Juan del Sur

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 132 hotel reviews

9.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.4

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    9.3

  • Staff

    9.6

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free WiFi

    9.2

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 21 May 2024

    10
    Amazing view/owner/location
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely unreal view and such a cool setup. The rooms are great and the common area is sick, complete with a pool table. Charlie the owner is a legend. We extended our stay from 2 nights to 5 nights and will absolutely stay here again if I’m ever back in town

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2024

    9.0
    Highly recommended! Great stay with amazing rooftop terrace
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This hostel had an amazing rooftop terrace to relax on that was the highlight of our stay! It was such a nice space, with comfortable chairs and a great view. We spent a lot of time hanging out here enjoying it. The kitchen was well stocked and the breakfast each morning was amazing. Our room was comfortable, with a big bed and effective fans. The hostel also has three really cute and friendly dogs. Would highly recommend! We loved our stay here

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 April 2024

    10
    Best views in SJDS. Great staff. Best breakfasts we’ve had in Central America!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Only downside was the occasional flurry of ants in our room, but I think that is to be expected in Nicaragua

    Don’t think it’s possible to get better views in SJDS. Charlie is an exceptional host. Rooms are spacious and location is decent. All in all a great stay.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 April 2024

    9.0
    Nice views and great breakfast a short walk up the hill from town
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Constant dogs barking at night in the neighborhood (not the guesthouse’s fault)

    Great views from the hillside, especially with breakfast

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2024

    8.0
    A pleasant and quiet place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was only one socket in the room, with a fan attached we had to charge our equipment in turns. The room was very hot and the fan didn’t help. We would also suggest composting leftovers from the kitchen, we were in many places during our trip and in almost all they collected and reused organic waste.

    A beautiful view from the roof, especially from a hammock, great breakfast prepared with feelings! We didn’t try cocktails but they looked amazing. Very friendly well behaved dogs, the property is a bit away from the central part but it’s just a few minutes.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    9.0
    Great place!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The place had a good chill spot with hammocks, property looked great and the breakfast was very good!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 February 2024

    10
    Nothing to fault, would recommend.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Perfect environment for a couple that want to be social and party while also enjoying peace & quiet. Breakfast every morning was amazing and different, felt like home. Beds were very comfortable and king size, clean bathrooms/rooms. Charlie is very nice and accommodating. Will definitely stay again when we return!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 February 2024

    10
    Awesome hostel with incredible view
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Incredible view, delicious breakfast every morning, the rooms are bigger than they appear in the fotos, the terrace has plenty of space to relax

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 February 2024

    8.0
    Nice hostel for a stay in San Juan
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Unfortunately there were a lot of cockroaches in our room.

    Location is a bit out of the city center on a hill, but therefore a perfect view on San Juan and the bay. Comfy chill area with hammocks and a bar. Breakfast is very tasty :) !

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 January 2024

    8.0
    Really enjoyed te stay, owner is making improvements and very helpful got us set up on how to use ATM and a SIM card rea
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could use a light at entrance gate to find the place in the dark, hard to open with code as the first number doesn’t register And had to be redone several times. Need one railing next to dining table as it is a 3 foot sudden drop.

    Room clean, lovely patio to hang out on, great breakfast. Met fellow travellers and shared info on other countries to visit. Actually this is a ten,

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 7 January 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It is very noisy and insects can easily enter the room

    Location, staff and view were great!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 December 2023

    8.0
    Great location, tasty breakfast
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    1. Our room was a bit moldy. We noticed it too late, and because of the mold, the smell was really unbearable. We had to keep all the fans on, which helped a lot. We've learned that the ownership changed a few days before we arrived, so hopefully, they'll take care of that issue. 2. Cold showers. It would be nice if they could install heads that change the water temperature. We had it in the of the places we stayed on Ometepe Island. Makes a big difference.

    Great location and a really nice view from the common are. The breakfast was very delicious and different every morning. You can also hear howler monkeys, which adds to the experience of the place. 5 min walk to the beach and all the restaurants and shops were walking distance.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 December 2023

    9.0
    great place to go and stay
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    WiFi did not work during the whole stay. Not that important but sometimes an essential thing while travelling.

    Ver nice place with friendly staff ans delicious breakfast.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 December 2023

    10
    Quiet hostel up on the hill
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We loved our stay at Buena Onda! We stayed for a week and appreciated that it was relatively quiet at night, had a great view in the morning, had new and interesting breakfast every day, and had a full kitchen that we used to cook a couple meals at the hostel. The new managers were so helpful with all of our needs, gave us great recommendations (food, surf instructor, etc.) and we met several other interesting travelers there too. It was also great having breakfast with other guests in the common area and allowed for everyone to get to know each other. We also instantly adored their two sweet dogs Bonnie and Max. Thank you for a wonderful stay!

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very nice rooms, perfect view and different breakfast every day

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 November 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I needed more pillows!

    This place is rustic but the amazing views, delicious breakfast, friendly young host, pool table, lovely outdoor spaces, shared kitchen and good vibes makes it a wonderful place to stay for a few nights while you visit the beaches of San Juan del Sur.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 November 2023

    9.0
    Lovely, beautiful place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Guests can smoke anywhere in the outside areas, which isn't nice when they smoke near or around the kitchen. No free filtered water (I think the new owners will change this) and especially when they have an eco lodge vibe about them seems hypocritical to encourage people to buy plastic bottles of water.

    New owners are a young Quebecois couple who are trying really hard to make the place their own so a bit of a transition period. They are super proactive and made delicious breakfasts. Rooms are spacious and bed is huge and so comfy! The fan is super powerful and we slept really well. kitchen is big and perfect for cooking. I get more a guest house vibe rather than a hostel definitely ideal for couples looking for a beautiful relaxing stay (the views of the harbour are incredible!)

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 25 October 2023

    9.0
    Comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    One thing we found was that the room was extremely hot at times. We did not find the fans very good or helpful.

    Great location and suggestions alongside the breakfast each morning. Could have stayed far longer only for having onward plans. It felt comfortable, peaceful, and a relaxing place to stay.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 October 2023

    9.0
    Great breakfast and chill views, perfect for relaxing hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private External Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No hand soap

    Breakfast was the best! Next to that, the chill room with the view and hammocks!

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 August 2023

    9.0
    Magic place with a beautiful seaview. The common área is really relaxed and beautiful with hammocks and Nice chairs.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We liked everything.

    Magic place with a beautiful seaview. The common área is really relaxed and beautiful with hammocks and Nice chairs. Breakfast is different everye day and really good! It is A 5 minute walk from the city centre.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 August 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Twin Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The host Baba was fantastic. The minute we checked in, he showed us a map and marked out lots nearby..He even organised our taxis to airport. The breakfast was delicious every morning. The view was stunning from the property. Close walk to town. Would highly recommend!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 22 August 2023

    8.0
    Good value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Lots of cute cats at the hostel but unfortunately this meant cat hair everywhere :( including in my breakfast lol all over the kitchen counter tops, beds etc which gave it a bit of a grimy feel overall if you wanted to cook in the kitchen

    Baba and Celine were lovely and the breakfasts were amazing! My favourite out of the 3 months worth of hostels I’ve stayed at. Excellent shared areas as well, the roof terrace with hammocks was comfy and perfect for chilling out in

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2023

    8.0
    Great time, great hosts, delicious breakfast. We had a great time!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The hosts where amazing. Super kind and really helpfull. They even gave us a little surprise at the end! The accommodation is clean and the place is beautifull. They really take care of the place. Definately would recommend this stay!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 July 2023

    9.0
    The hostel is very good. It's in a residential area a few blocks from the town center.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Like much of Central America, the neighbors burn stuff in their yards. Something to keep in mind if you have a breathing condition as the smell of smoke can be quite noticeable at times. The cats and dogs weren't very personable (must be the heat).

    Gourmet breakfast, bitchin' pool table, great views of the Bay, awesome owner(s)

    Stayed in July 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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