This has the all the makings of a truly idyllic place to stay. The location is perfect, it benefits from the prettiest stretch of beach on the isthmus. The cabanas dotted around all have beautiful views of the lake, some with porches and hammocks. However, the level of hygiene is poor, the food at the restaurant is mixed - coffee sometimes instant which is inexcusable on the island that produces some of Nicaragua's finest! However, the fish dishes are excellent - particularly the lobster! Front of house were sullen and rude although the other staff were attentive. This is a place that with a little tweaking could be outstanding but is sadly let down by hygiene standards, large groups of tourist and front of house. Mixed feelings......

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.