We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Selina Maderas

200 meters north of Empalme Marsella, Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur 48600 Nicaragua
avatar-imageavatar-imageavatar-image
Traveler (167)
Dining (22)
Room & Suite (9)

View prices for your travel dates

Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#1 of 1 guest house in Playa Maderas
Location
4.3
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.5
Value
4.5
Maderas is arguably Nicaragua’s best kept secret. This town is full of good vibes, amazing surf, and interesting people from all over the world. Renowned for having one of the best beach breaks in Nicaragua, the beaches here offer sandy stretches alongside rocky tidepools ripe for exploration. Leave behind the hustle while still being a short trip away from beautiful San Juan del Sur. Wake up to the sound of Howler Monkeys and exotic birds while you enjoy the best vacation. Stay at Selina Maderas to enjoy healthy food, art, and more – even get some work done in our CoWorking space. Calling all serious surfers! For beach bums and anyone chasing the perfect wave, Selina Maderas is happy to host you. Stay in our dormitories, standard, deluxe, or private rooms. Experience a new way to stay with Selina Maderas. Enjoy surf classes, 7 minute walk from the best surf break in the area, jut 500m away from one of the most glorious beaches in the world. Soak in the amazing views, relax by the pool and playground area, kick back, and enjoy, you can even get some work done in our CoWorking space. Selina Maderas is the place to be!
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Outdoor pool
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Airport transportation
Parking
Wifi
Yoga room
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Poolside bar
Shuttle bus service
Business Center with Internet Access
Baggage storage
Concierge
Outdoor furniture
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun terrace
Laundry service
Show more
Room features
Walk-in shower
Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
1.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
349Reviews3Q+A34Room tips
Traveler rating
  • 210
  • 95
  • 25
  • 12
  • 7
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
  • More
Selected filters
  • Filter
  • English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Most Recent
avatar-image
Andrew TK wrote a review Mar 9
6 contributions1 helpful vote
Staying at Selina's hostel in Maderas for a week was an experience I will cherish for a long time. From the moment I arrived, the warmth and friendliness of the staff were palpable, creating an inviting atmosphere that felt like a home away from home. One aspect that stood out was the exceptional service provided by the bartenders, David and Samir. Their welcoming nature and eagerness to go above and beyond made me feel like family. Their eagerness to make everyone feel welcome from the moment they walked into the hostel was truly unique. The hostel itself boasts a charming location, offering a blend of tranquility and adventure. The communal areas were always clean and well-maintained, fostering a sense of community among the guests. Whether it was lounging by the pool or participating in one of the many activities organized by the hostel, there was never a dull moment. The accommodations were comfortable and thoughtfully designed, ensuring a restful night's sleep after a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings. The hostel's commitment to sustainability was also evident in various aspects of its operation, aligning with the values of many travelers today. It was amazing to see the management team drive down to the beach for a sunset beach cleanup. Overall, my stay at Selina's hostel in Maderas was a delightful experience. The friendly staff, especially the remarkable service and close proximity to the beach made it a place I would eagerly return to and recommend to others seeking a memorable stay at playa maderas. The WiFi, staff, and accommodations truly can’t be beat in Playa Maderas and I look forward to coming back in the near future. Thank you for an amazing trip Selinas!
Read more
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Bruun N wrote a review Jan 2024
1 contribution
Salinas at maderas was one-one the best experience I have had, despite I have stayed at many Salinas in Central amarica Grab a drink in the bar, and ask for the bartender "Carlos from Granada". Despite being a bit of a character, his amazing drinks, crazy stories and passion of singing hakuna matata will give you a true local experience. Carlos from granada will provide you with travel advises, and tell you information regarding animals in the area, which was extremely usefull for me as a solo traveller in nigeragua.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
KathleenH25 wrote a review Oct 2023
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica15 contributions2 helpful votes
+1
Located in the foothills about 600 meters from Playa Maderas, Selina Maderas is the best hostel I have ever been a guest at. With a modern yet rustic and festive vibe, an excellent and helpful staff, state of the art pool you definitely want to stay here if visiting this beach and area. The co working space is excellent with views of the mountains, air conditioning, and great Wi-Fi speed. I teach online and did not have any issues. There is plenty to do in the evening and you can arrange a tour, or just chill in any of the comfortable rooms, whether opting for a shared or private room. I stayed in both. I definitely would like to visit again. If you surf, you can rent a board here and pick it up at the beautiful Playa Maderas. Thank you to the wonderful staff for being so accommodating and kind.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: Make sure to bring either the local currency of cordobas or dollars. You can pay with credit or...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Selina Management Global, Revenue Management at Selina Maderas
Responded Nov 4, 2023
Hi Good Morning Mrs Katheleen , Thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. We really appreciate that you're helping us to continually create a better experience for our guests. Safe travel! Front desk: Tara Hills
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Gillian wrote a review Nov 2022
Edinburgh, United Kingdom8 contributions4 helpful votes
This hostel is definitely a place that is very well designed, but just not well maintained. I had a fine stay here but there are a lot of small annoying issues which made it feel like it wasn't worth the far more expensive rates you pay compared to many hostels. For me the most annoying thing is that they didn't have daily yoga on as advertised on their profiles and even in their app of daily activities - it's not running at weekends at the moment, which meant that I could only do it on one of the three days I was there even though this was a big reason I booked. In the room itself, which is basically very nice, there were lots of small issues like a missing handle on the door, a half-working toilet, broken light when we arrived, and no soap in the dispensers. Outside there's only one proper sunbed in the whole place, few hammocks if you're not in a private room, and the brick paths are SO slippery that everyone is sliding around and tripping. The kitchen is pretty nice and well equipped but they clearly don't clear the fridge out, so even though there weren't many people there while I was staying and it's a big fridge, it was really hard to fit anything in. Also didn't love the loud music playing all day but that's probably more personal. There are plenty of positives too - it's very pretty, big and nice dorms, good food (though pricey), beautiful yoga space - but all the small issues made me not want to pay the rates any longer and I moved elsewhere after a few days.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Ginniva Bozo, Revenue Management at Selina Maderas
Responded Nov 23, 2022
Hello Gillian! Greetings from Selina Maderas! We wanted to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to answer our post-stay survey. In Selina we care a lot about our guests' experiences and your input is extremely valuable to us. Thank you for staying with us and we hope to see you back soon. Sincerely, MC Destination Supervisor
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Jonath wrote a review Mar 2022
3 contributions
Very tranquil and customer service was amazing (especially Lisbeth and Lijah). Lisbeth made us feel at home and Lijah made sure we ate well and offered us a delivery service when we were hungry. I would definitely return here and recommend this place to others. If you can, get the suite at the top where You can see everything.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Selina Management, Revenue Management at Selina Maderas
Responded Mar 31, 2022
Hello dear Jonath, thank you so much for so nice comments, we´re glad you enjoyed your time at Selina Maderas, feel welcome to come back any time you want, we wish you the best and a nice trip. Love, Selina Maderas
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
SK wrote a review Dec 2021
Oslo, Norway18 contributions1 helpful vote
Nice and relaxed hotel close to the beach. The location is pretty far from San Juan, and well suited if you want to relax by the pool or surf at Maderas. The rooms are very nice and quiet - you sleep well here. Staff is friendly and you are made to feel welcome.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Selina Management, Revenue Management at Selina Maderas
Responded Dec 14, 2021
Hello dear SK, we´re glad you enjoyed your time at selina maderas, hopefully you can come back and keep sharing more memories with us. Greetings.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
Lay wrote a review Oct 2021
Ireland38 contributions25 helpful votes
Nice, comfortable room with a/c and a hot shower. General vibe wasn’t great, the staff were a bit standoffish and cold. Great for surfing on Maderas but not a good option if you plan on going back and forth to San Juan, taxi is $20EW. The hostel do offer a shuttle for $5 but this only goes 3 times a day.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Selina Management, Revenue Management at Selina Maderas
Responded Oct 20, 2021
Dear Layla, thank you very much for visitng us, we are honored that you enjoyed your times with us at Selina maderas,we are going to have your comments in mind for future improvements hopefully you can come back to Maderas in the future to keep sharing memories with us. Greetings.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
avatar-image
LMLL2017 wrote a review Sep 2021
Berlin, Germany16 contributions4 helpful votes
Great vibes, reasonably priced and short distance to Playa Maderas! The food (ceviche & tostones con queso) was excellent and the staff was super friendly. Hope every guest gets the chance to meet Jonathan and Julian - they’re a great add-on to the place. All in all I definitely recommend staying at Selina’s - especially when traveling alone and looking for people to meet (SJDS itself was sadly quite dead and not very lively).
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Aeolius A wrote a review Sep 2021
1 contribution
We had a fun, restful stay, much needed as we've been traveling for a while.. The management accommodated our needs incredibly, kindly and professionally. Special thanks to Jonathan for all of your help.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
avatar-image
Frauke B wrote a review Jan 2020
Dortmund, Germany19 contributions23 helpful votes
I chose to stay at the Selena in Maderas for three nights as I was looking for a nice hostel close to a beach near San Juan. That said, it was a bit disappointing to find out that the Selena is not at Maderas Beach but a 15 to 20 Minute walk away from it (first have is up hill the second down hill). Also it is a bit of a drive from San Juan which I did not mind - BUT if you want to do Sunday Funday, I recommend choosing a hostel in San Juan. The Selena in Maderas did not offer a shuttle bus late at night on Sundays in December 2019 so that everyone who went to party in San Juan either had to book another hostel in town or had to pay 15 USD for a taxi back to Selena. The Hostel itself is quite stylish and the rooms are spacious with their own ensuite ( I stayed in a female 4-bed dorm). The staff unfortunately was not the most helpful. During my stay they ran out of fruit and banana bread on Sunday during breakfast and were unable to provide any solution (any alternative would have been welcome). Also when I asked the reception why our room was not cleaned everyday, their response was "it probably was not dirty". I did receive better service in Nicaragua.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Previous
123456
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Playa Maderas area.
PRICE RANGE
$22 - $64 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
NicaraguaRivas DepartmentSan Juan del SurPlaya Maderas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
45
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing

SELINA MADERAS $24 ($̶8̶1̶) - Updated 2024 Prices & Guest house Reviews - Nicaragua/Playa Maderas, San Juan del Sur

Frequently Asked Questions about Selina Maderas
Which popular attractions are close to Selina Maderas?
Nearby attractions include Mirador del Cristo de la Misericordia (2.4 miles), Latin American Spanish School (3.4 miles), and San Juan del Sur Beach (3.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Selina Maderas?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Selina Maderas?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Selina Maderas?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Selina Maderas?
Conveniently located restaurants include Nacho San Juan Del Sur, Dale Pues, and Simon Says Smoothie Bar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Selina Maderas?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool and yoga classes during their stay.
Does Selina Maderas have airport transportation?
Yes, Selina Maderas offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Selina Maderas?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.