The four big dogs have the run of the place, including the interior areas, and they bark a lot at night. Smelly in the rainy season, too. More

The problem with reviewing places like Esencia is that it is tops in its class. Clean, neat, superb food, great pool area ... everything is 5-star. Except that its overall facilities are only 2 or 3 star, mainly because of some dormitory accommodations and shared bathrooms. So, for what it is, it necessitates the top rating with the caveat that... More

We went to E.N. on a little surf getaway from Antigua for 2 nights. El Zonte is a great place to surf if you already know how but maybe not the best place for learning. This place is awesome, it isn't as spectacular as it looks from the website pictures but it is definitely cozy and charming. The pool is... More

Stayed here for three nights in October 2010. Lovely pool, bar and the most delicious pizza ever- if you stay here, make sure you order some! The rooms are pretty nice (we had a private double), clean, comfy beds. The bathrooms are clean. There's nothing to do in El Zonte if you don't surf, unless you're happy to lie in... More

The owners are amazing, and Alex' is a great surf teacher. Can rent boards and everything there. just yards from the water, great pool too, food at restaurant is awesome and the outdoor area is so beautiful with a great rooftop patio. Hammocks everywhere. All the guest staying there were so nice, a lot of solo travellers and surfers. Would... More

Stayed in the dorm. Really nice place. Alex the owner is really helpful and a great surf teacher. The food is super especially the pizzas which are big enough for two people. El Zonte is a great place if you like to surf. More

Alex and Emilia the owners are very welcoming, the vibe around the hotel is relaxing with lots of hammocks and views of the surf. About a 1 minute walk to El Zonte which is a great cobblestone point wave. Escencia is a nice location that is close to other surfbreaks like Sunzal, KM 59 & KM 61, El Tunco (great... More

private rooms & Dormitory, pool, restaurant, bar, helpful and friendly people, surf boards for rent, surf lessons available, collection of movies on dvd, easy to find (oposite to the "Horizonte Surf Camp"), by bus from Libertad, had a single room which was nice and clean, felt fully save there, no hassle at all – highly recomendable More