My fiancee and I were in Costa Rica last year and while it was stunning, we found there were simply too many americans (which we are, by the way). We chose Nicaragua without any knowledge of where we were going. We did make reservations for the first night in Managua and for one night here at Malinche after hearing good things from Tripadvisor.

The hotel was as wonderful as could be. Ramon was charming, good english and there was just a warm atmosphere surrounding the hotel - call it "good vibes" if you will. The room was spotless with what I like to call "everything you need and nothing you don't" - clean towels, clean bathroom, reading lamps, shelf behind the bed for books, and a/c. charming courtyard with a refreshing pool great for after volcano hikes and a bar with amazing cocktails for about $2.50 (YES!!) . Have the fruit platter for breakfast - tropical mango, papaya, pineapple and more! Cafe con caliente leche is wonderful. The only bad thing I have to say is that our three days went to quickly. We will be back. Oh - and I miss Pedro our adopted dog.

Just a wonderful experience. Our one night stay turned into five nights. Our hosts Lidia, Ramon, and Pedro ( the dog) not to mention the rest of the staff made our stay an experience we want to do again next year. The rooms were immaculate, the AC very quiet, and the swimming pool a welcome relief after hiking around the volcanoes,etc. Best of all was talking to our hosts. They were the kind of people you would like as relatives.

I hate to sound like an echo, but the other reviewers who guided me here hit the nail on the head. This is a wonderful place to stay. It's hard to define why. Very nice rooms, but not luxurious (nowhere in Granada is). The pool is small. But this is just a great place to lie in a hammock (of which there are several) and read or snooze. You won't meet nicer staff or owners anywhere. The gardens are beautiful. Perfect location. Really good breakfasts. Somehow, there is a cool breeze going through the garden and pool area most of the time. And there is Pedro the happy dog, who lies around all day, makes you feel like doing the same. Everyone gets to know Pedro, and he makes you wonder why you are ever tense back home. Granada has changed a great deal in only two years since my last visit. Far more tourists. Some English spoken. Many more restaurants. Don't come here looking for a classic colonial city. It isn't, unless you really don't know much about colonial cities in Latin America. But it is fun, cheap, friendly, and alive. I brought a non-Spanish speaking friend who knew nothing about Nicaragua, to see if he'd like it. He tells me that he still misses the place. So do I.

Confirming all that has preceded.

My only gripe: The A/C in room 1 is located on the left parallel to the two twin beds. Despite stopping the oscillation feature it still blew cold air directly at one of the two twin beds. This kept my partner up most of night one and on night two we switched and I slept with track pants and a long sleeve shirt with my head under the covers. Maybe it's not high enough on the wall or would be better off at the head of the bed. Also the most room windows face east and the rising sun. If you don't like getting up early don't forget your eyemask! Otherwise, terrific.

While parking is supposedly safe on the street there is a lot around the corner that kept the car overnight for about $1.50 US.

Their recommended Isleta boat operator charges less than what some organized tours charge per person ! Very nice.

Oh and the crafts from the islands were nicer than most of the stuff in Massaya's market!