This was a lovely place to stay, but there aren't many alternatives, especially when you book from the states and you are not sure of what you may find. The food was terrible, (egg salad sandwich came as scrambled eggs on bread), and you are actually a little captive, it's not like there are other places to eat. But swimming in the lake was amazing, and I hiked to San Ramon waterfalls - quite the experience with the best guide, Jose Maria. The path was out in many places and we had to cross fast moving water many times, but his mission was to get me to the top - and he did! If I go again, I will not stay at Pariaso but try another place.

I have read the many reviews of the Villa Paraiso. Having traveled widely in Latin America - both the first and third worlds here are my reactions.

Location - spectacular. You walk down to the beach (its warm water and windy in march) and see volcanoes as borders, horsemen smiling going by, the occasional running tame dog. Pretty nice.
My cabana - nice clean space. great TV reception during march madness. more than ample and comfy hammock blowing in the wind.
Service - this is central america - what do you want?! Its a little removed (but Ometepe doesnt need to pander to tourists - it has authenticity) but give a smile, get a smile.
Food - above average - but sameness, weak coffee (a curse in the region since the good stuff heads north). fair prices for beer, water, rum.
Options: you can climb two volcanoes (I recommend them) do nothing ( recommend that!), horseback ride, hot springs, relax.

Bottom line - fair value, special island. quityourbitchin about the towels, linens, people not jumping high enough. If thats what travelers crave DONT go to places like this!!!! I will return.

We stayed at Villa Paraiso in Feb 2007 as part of REI Adventures ,Active Nicaragua Tour. This is an excellent tour that I can highly recommend. The tour guide , Gerald, was excellent.
We found the food to be excellent. It's not gourmet but we had fresh fish and other entrees well prepared. There is a pleasant area outside to eat and the magpies are always entertaining.
The hotel is in a really pleasant location along the best beach on the island. Swimming in Lake Nicaragua was very pleasant.
The cabanas generally built in a hillside overlooked the beach and lake are well situated. You have a hammock out front to lie in and enjoy the everpresent breeze.
When you evaluate the rooms, keep in mind that this is rural Nicaragua. You might see a lizard or insect in your room and maybe the shower is tempermental. Villa Paraiso and Ometepe island are really pleasant and relaxing places to hang out for a few days.
We found the staff accomodating and had no problems with our bill. Some of them might be a bit shy. i would love to go back.

Spent ten days in Nicaragua (Ometepe, Granada, Managua and Corn Islands) and this was our least favourite place - mainly because the people (owner and reception staff) weren't very friendly - unlike the rest of the the Nicaraguans we met who made us feel very welcome. When they have more competition on the island they will have to do better. Food was ok, but everything had a nasty stale oily taste which we couldn't stand after three days. Nice situation overlooking the beach, but the room was really basic with none of the nice touches we found in other places. Cabanas seem to vary a lot, so make sure to get a good one with a beach view.