Item: Hacienda Merida
Author: Mark Hosking

Hacienda Merida Reviews

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Hacienda Merida is a perfect option for those travelers looking to escape city life and spend some time relaxing in a tranquil environment on Ometepe Island. Hacienda Merida is a great options for travelers of all budgets, who are looking to relax and unwind for a few days.

The Location

Hacienda Merida is located on Ometepe Island in the small town of Merida, about thirty-five kilometers from ferry terminal in Moyogalpa and twenty-five kilometers from the ferry port in San Jose. The hostel is located about seven kilometers down a dirt road, which is a little challenging to ride or drive. The hostel is located just off the main road, however it is sign-posted and quite easy to find.

The hostel is located right on the lakeshore, and is in walking distance to a few restaurants, small grocery stores, and a bar.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are private rooms available, some with private balconies and hammocks, all with private bathrooms. There are also dorm rooms available with bunk beds and mosquito nets on each bed. Towels and soap are provided.

The bathrooms are spacious, with places to hang your towel and store your belongings. Showers have only cold water, which is common throughout Nicaragua.

Common Spaces

There are plenty of hammocks around the property, along with lots of tables and chairs. The hostel has an onsite restaurant that offers some delicious food. There is also a lot of information on activities to do in and around the area, and the hostel offers kayak and bike rentals. Wi-Fi is available, however it doesn't reach all the rooms. It does work in main restaurant area. Laundry facilities are also available for use.

The hostel is not a party hostel and an "after 10 p.m. quiet time" is enforced. The atmosphere is very relaxed, with a very friendly vibe.

Summary

Hacienda Merida is an historic, refurnished property, with an interesting history. Even more interesting is the current work the hostel is funding -- forty percent of the profits from the hostel go toward building a free, bilingual public school for the children in the area. The school is built from plastic bottles and rubbish (eco-bricks). This project is meant to help educate the public about waste, and to reduce the amount of waste being dumped (or burnt on the streets), as well as provide quality educate to the local community. The school is located right next door to the hostel, and can be visited during your stay.

If you decide to stay at Hacienda Merida, make sure you head to the jetty to enjoy the stunning, pink-sky sunset.

Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.

Kelly Sheldrick

Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer

Published on 2017-06-06

Verified Reviews by our Community

Hacienda Merida fits the rural atmosphere that is prevalent throughout Isla de Ometepe. It's a bit rough around the edges and the staff are not the friendliest or most helpful but there are a lot of activities available from the hostel and it is a good base to launch an attack on the Maderas Volcano.

The Location

Hacienda Merida is a little way past Merida the village on the lake shore below the Maderas Volcano. The cheapest way to get there is by taking the ferry/lancha from San Jorge to Moyogalpa. From there you have to take a very very slow bus to Merida -- only some of the buses head to that side of the island, so you might have a bit of a wait. From the road you walk a couple of meters down the driveway -- it's not too well sign-posted but you'll eventually get to the reception. There are one or two little shops in Merida but not much else. One of the routes up the volcano is nearby and there are a couple of places to see by kayak along the shoreline.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The private rooms are on the expensive side for what you get (and compared to what's on offer in other parts of the island). The dorms however are adequate and some of the bunks have very comfortable mattresses -- pick wisely. There are about six bunk beds in each dorm, a couple of fans, and shelves for your backpack. There are also camping spots available. The bathrooms are ok and the showers only have cold water.

Common Spaces

The main common area is the hostel restaurant which has a few seating areas, inside and on the porch. It's a bit scruffy but most of Isla de Ometepe is. Internet is on offer, you pay once for your stay and it's a bit expensive if you are only there for a night or two, in the evenings it is also taken over by local school kids to do homework. The restaurant is pretty good value, they have a breakfast and lunch menu and offer famous dinner and breakfast buffets when there are enough guests -- don't always count on it though. There are a number of activities that can be organised from the hostel including hikes, boat rides, and kayaks. There is tons of information available in the hostel regarding these. Volunteering for a number of projects that the hostel is involved in is also possible.

Summary

Overall it's not a bad place to stay -- it's a bit rough around the edges, the staff aren't the friendliest, and it hasn't got to much of an atmosphere but it's a good option to reach the sights on this side of the island and has everything you should need for your stay.

Mark Hosking

2010-06-16

South Africa