I traveled with a few friends to surf a few days in Playa Maderas, Nicaragua and we stayed at Surf Zone. This place was super nice. It is all open air, surrounded by tropical jungle, with a small, but pretty pool. The paintings on the walls are awesome...palm trees, parrots, waves, sunsets...made of colors that all blend to create a beautiful, tropical atmosphere. The beach is about a 15 minute walk away and there is a sort of steep section to climb, but I thought it was an enjoyable hike, passing through the hills, by the palm trees and plants and flowers, accompanied by hundreds of butterflies. The waves can get really good at Maderas and the sunsets are amazing. Back in the hotel, we would rinse off in the pool or in the showers made of bamboo with rock floors and then drink some local beers while watching surf videos. If you rent a car or quad or call a taxi, you can be in San Juan Del Sur in 20 minutes to enjoy the nightlife or you can just lay low in the hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast is included in the already affordable price. Coffee and Gallo Pinto (Rice and beans) with eggs and tortillas...delicious, and the young man who cooks was very helpful and polite. They are also beginning soon to sell sushi and sandwiches and other dishes for lunch and dinner. Outside they have hammocks and lounge chairs that are perfect for resting in between surf sessions and they even have WIFI, for if you feel like playing on the computer for a while. I didn`t want to leave when the taxi arrived to pick us up. This place is not right on the beach or in the center of the action, but it is tranquil and comfortable and an ideal option for surfers!

Do not go to this plqce, you can do so much better in San juan Del Sur and even in the street where this so called hotel is located, this is 30 minutes drive from san Juan Del Sur.
The owner does not seem to be able to motivate his staff, heard horrible stories about him. The pool was dirty as was the rest of the place, we were stuck here and could only walk to the beach, 40 minutes walk !!!!!! The roof leaked when it started raining, there is no generator when the power drops, and it seemed to drop every night.... Avoid this place at all cost !!!!!! The internet even did not work...

On the whole, loved Surfzone and we look forward to going back with friends during the winter holiday. Beautiful spot, nice rooms, and walking distance to two stunning beaches. Totally off the grid and away from the heavy party scene in San Juan, but close enough if you wanted to catch a shuttle in for some people watching. Chely was a great host and beautifully maintains the property. Our only negative experience was our interactions with the property manager - Edwin - who is based in San Juan. We booked Surfzone unaware that there are two additional related properties. When we arrived in San Juan we were booked at a hotel different from what he had asked for - pretty sure he tried to up sell and booked us in a more expensive room. When we explained that we had wanted the resort closer to Playa Maderas he tried to downplay the resort that we were requesting, noting that his was a better deal. The things that we found a little lacking at Surfzone were no doubt due to the fact that Edwin didn't relay our reservations to the property manager (internet wasn't hooked up, had to ask for towels, didn't have meals available, etc.). Despite the annoying start and somewhat shady character, we highly recommend Surfzone near Playa Maderas and are definitely heading back in the near future!

We stayed in Surf Zone for three nights and it was amazing. The hospitality of the couple running the place is the best (try there delicious meals and cocktails!), the rooms are beautiful and because the hotel only has four rooms, you'll always feel that you have a luxureus hotel all for yourself! It's near to the best surfing beaches of San Juan and the hotel can hook you up with surf lessons of board rentals. If you're looking for a great chill out place out of town, Surf Zone is where you should be!