Villa Paraiso is certainly not perfect, but is probably the best place
to stay in the Playa Santo Domingo section of Ometepe, a very poor island, with limited lodging options. Our cabin - number 25 - was comfortable and relatively clean; request it specifically. Santo Domingo is a bare bones beach area - no retail district, nowhere to walk to for food alternatives, or entertainment, or shopping. You are essentially dependent upon your hotel in the evenings. That said, Paraiso's restaurant was decent, with a wide range of average to decent food. As one goes to Ometepe for the natural wonders, one should not expect the Ritz Carlton in terms of food & amenities. The staff, however, was super. They picked us up at the dock, helped us arrange tours, and were generally kind and polite. Antonio and Javier, especially, are gems. For its location, price and service, this is the place to stay in Santo Domingo; high-maintanence nitpickers, though, should avoid Ometepe altogether.

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.