Nothing

The location was perfect, just on side of town but only 5 mins walk. With the most amazing view of San Juan! It was so nice just to sit in the communal place or even better in the swimming pool and see the sunset.our host elvin was lovely and very helpful. Also if you stay here you must go and get a coffee with the lady just around the corner from the hostel, we went here everyday to get our morning coffee, run by a lovely couple from their home and very nice coffee!

Stayed in August 2025

It was basic but exactly what we needed.

The bedroom was comfy and the staff were incredible - shoutout to Elvin who was really helpful; he got up in the middle of the night to help us, and gave us lots of tips on where to go and where to eat.

Stayed in August 2025

The stairs

Such a great place over looking the beach. A little up the hill in a quiet environment. Great facikities on the top floor - pool, kitchen, pool table and much more.

Stayed in July 2025

The Hostal was locked up and I couldn’t get in after it was arranged I would arrive between 1-2pm. I had to leave and go to another hostel

The view is the one good thing going for it.

Stayed in July 2025

One small issue is although it says you get aircon on booking.com it isn’t actually included!! There is a $7 per night charge to have aircon in the room which is a bit cheeky as on the booking they confirm the room has aircon but doesn’t mention it being an additional cost. Would advise change this to not mislead future guests!

Great view Very friendly staff - good recommendations Pool table Swimming pool

Stayed in June 2025

Its kind of expensive for a room with no AC or fridge but that seems to be the norm in Nicaragua. But that view from the hammock though..... 😍

You go here for that view on the relaxing balcony, and its fantastic. Sandra, Jimmy and Elvin, who run it are all great and happy to answer any questions. And they'd just opened up the pool area when i got there for sunbathing

Stayed in April 2025

Couldn’t control temperature of shower (I found too hot!) Hill up to property and lots of steps up to rooms. Toilet very cramped.

Lovely comfortable, friendly well equipped Hostal. Fabulous views of bay. Saw birds and squirrels from terrace. Staff helpful. Bed comfortable and big. 2 fans in room. Optional a/c.

Stayed in April 2025

Very friendly and helpfull people! The place itself is beautifull, the facilities and rooms are great. Would recommend anybody to stay here.

Stayed in April 2025

Better then expected. We liked everything.

Stayed in April 2025

Few cobwebs we had to clean in our room Exposed nails in the wall behind our bed (the hosts did say they will be cutting these) Very thin walls so not much privacy

Great common areas (hammock, pool, sofa) Lovely view over San Juan Very tasty coffee Big room Helpful hosts (arranged our airport shuttle) Friendly guests Good local recommendations

Stayed in April 2025

Our room was right next to the communal area so you did hear everything but it was quiet from around 10:30 and also we came across the biggest tarantula AHHHHH!! 😂

Amazing views of San Juan, the owners were so friendly and helpful, the breakfast was great too and the rooms were clean. The location wasn’t far from town at all but it’s in a more local area so there will be dogs barking etc but it’s not bad, just bring some ear plugs and you’re fine.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Great location and hosts. Excellent value for the money.

Stayed in February 2025

They are building a swimming pool, so that’s quite noisy, but within a few months it will be the perfect place to stay!

Spacious room, nice view from the terrace. Tasteful different breakfast every morning and available kitchen, with fridge and tea and coffee for free!

Stayed in February 2025

I really liked the vibe at Buena Onda Backpackers. It's welcoming, personal and very relaxed 🙂 the owners and the other guests during my stay there were very friendly. My room was extremely clean and comfortable and the breakfast was really good. Lying in one of the hammocks while overlooking the bay of San Juan gives you the 100% holiday feeling! 🙂

Stayed in January 2025

Construction work at the moment was a little noisy quite early in the morning, but they compensate with a free breakfast at the moment which was welcomed. Bed needs more pillows or cushions as there is no headboard. Free drinking water would be a nice touch but they do sell bottles.

High quality accommodation with amazing sea views. Huge bed with comfortable mattress, the room feels luxurious for a hostel. Sandra was so welcoming and gave us lots of useful information.

Stayed in February 2025

A great stay! Felt like being in the middle of the jungle! Friendly staff. Thank you!

Stayed in January 2025

Steep hill but no views without it. Roosters and dogs near property very noisy at night

Stunning views over the Bay and great hosts. Pool table and free breakfast. Massage arranged at property was excellent

Stayed in December 2024

Our stay at buena onda was one of the best on our travels, the view over the bay is amazing, the rooms are spacious and have comfortable beds and the price for value is great! Charlie is an absolute lovely host!! He went out of his way to make us feel comfortable and helped us with any problems we had with our travel plans.

Stayed in June 2024

Absolutely unreal view and such a cool setup. The rooms are great and the common area is sick, complete with a pool table. Charlie the owner is a legend. We extended our stay from 2 nights to 5 nights and will absolutely stay here again if I’m ever back in town

Stayed in May 2024

This hostel had an amazing rooftop terrace to relax on that was the highlight of our stay! It was such a nice space, with comfortable chairs and a great view. We spent a lot of time hanging out here enjoying it. The kitchen was well stocked and the breakfast each morning was amazing. Our room was comfortable, with a big bed and effective fans. The hostel also has three really cute and friendly dogs. Would highly recommend! We loved our stay here

Stayed in May 2024

Only downside was the occasional flurry of ants in our room, but I think that is to be expected in Nicaragua

Don’t think it’s possible to get better views in SJDS. Charlie is an exceptional host. Rooms are spacious and location is decent. All in all a great stay.

Stayed in April 2024

Constant dogs barking at night in the neighborhood (not the guesthouse’s fault)

Great views from the hillside, especially with breakfast

Stayed in April 2024

There was only one socket in the room, with a fan attached we had to charge our equipment in turns. The room was very hot and the fan didn’t help. We would also suggest composting leftovers from the kitchen, we were in many places during our trip and in almost all they collected and reused organic waste.

A beautiful view from the roof, especially from a hammock, great breakfast prepared with feelings! We didn’t try cocktails but they looked amazing. Very friendly well behaved dogs, the property is a bit away from the central part but it’s just a few minutes.

Stayed in April 2024

Could be cleaner (floors, bathroom and especially under the bed etc.). Many guests mention the breakfast as a big plus, however for us it was more like a “snack”. Yes, it was interesting and different every day, at some point tasty. But the portion size was not adequate enough to call it a “breakfast”. Maybe for a kid it would work but definitely not for an adult person. Sorry for that.

Very beautiful place in a lovely area. Very nice view and friendly staff.

Stayed in March 2024