VIDA Small Hotel and Restaurant Recommendations:
Being a small organization it would seem natural that we choose to support
small businesses and cooperatives. Actually there’s more to it. More than just
great service, small businesses, especially family-run businesses, offer lasting
friendships and give a human touch to business. Not only are these small
businesses valuable to customers—customers are valuable to them. By utilizing
the services and products of people and organizations that struggle to offer
their best, we are supporting them in the tough environment of big business.
The recommendations listed here have been used by our staff for several years
either on a personal or professional level. We only recommend small hotels or
restaurants that we have a relationship with and we can safely say that there
services are superior to others in the area.
We welcome any feedback on our recommendations either via email at
info@vidavolunteertravel.org
or the blog. We will be adding new hotels and restaurants recommendations after
6 months of quality service provided to our staff and groups.
 Costa
Rica:
Sanchiri Lodge
Telephone: 506-2574-5454
Located 1 ½ km south of Paraíso, heading towards Orosi. Sanchiri lodge has
breathtaking views of the Orosi Valley, excellent food, and friendly staff.
Sanchiri is a family run establishment with several brothers and sisters
actually working at the hotel and restaurant. Rufino, Jorge Luis, Leonardo to
mention a few, will provide you with top quality service. The Mata family takes
pride in their hotel and it shows. They have newly refurbished rooms, several
more rustic cabins as well as a house for rent. Here you will find peace and
tranquility, not to mention the spectacular views of the Orosi Valley.
Hotel Geliwa
506-2556-1566
This family run hotel is located on the road to Volcano Turrialba; take a
right after the bridge, 300 meters, entrance on the left side. This friendly
hotel offers fairly comfortable rooms, small pool and gardens. The only issue is
that there are no fans or a/c (not that it is warm there), but if you are a
light sleeper, you may want to consider another hotel as it is not a sound proof
structure.
Stella del Nord
506-2575-0103
This Italian restaurant is owned by an authentic Italian gentleman, and was
recently opened in 2006. Excellent pastas, pizzas, and grilled meats await you
here. Located 3 km south of Paraiso on the road to Orosi. Groups larger than 10
should definitely make an advanced reservation. If you would like separate
checks for each individual, then you should indicate that prior to ordering to
avoid delays when paying. Actually, that is good advice for every restaurant in
Central America.
Bar/Restaurant Coto
506-2533-3032
Located in the center of Orosi, just north of the soccer plaza has excellent
typical Costa Rican food.
Hacienda Moravia
(506) 2225-5128
Located in Moravia, Chirripo (near Grano de Oro, Turrialba), this working
ranch is a fun environment for groups as well as families. Dr. Soto and his wife
Ana Lucia run this friendly hacienda and open it to the public for groups only.
Excellent Costa Rican meals are cooked by Dona Chavala. Lodging and meals are
typically packaged together, along with optional horse back riding. There is a
pool near the owner’s home.
El Pizote Lodge
(506) 2750-0227
www.pizotelodge.com
This lodge is amazing, a black sand beach, a beautiful pool, children’s pool,
pool table, hammock area and the many beautiful plants and trees line the
property. El Pizote Lodge is located in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica on the main
road into the village. Congo monkeys can be heard in the mornings. The owners
are very friendly and accommodating. Basic rooms are clean and comfortable with
screens and ceiling fans. The luxury bungalows have a/c and are great for
families.
 Nicaragua:
Casa San Juan
(505) 278-3220
This quaint hotel located in a very nice
neighborhood in Managua is managed by Martha Mejia Baltodano, a lovely woman
interested in a satisfied customer. Martha and her dedicated staff cater to
their guests and offer a very nice breakfast included in the price. Rooms are
clean and offer hot water, cable tv and a/c. The neighborhood is safe and quiet.
Finca Venecia
(505) 887-0191
This great hotel is located on the island of Ometepe, right on the lake beach. The owners of this hotel are wonderful people
and will treat you like family. The little 2 story cabins are freshly painted
and most come equipped with a/c. The hotel is located off the main highway
between Altagracia and Moyogalpa. We would highly recommend this hotel if you
are on the island of Ometepe.
Hotel El Raizon
(505) 279-8520
This wonderful hotel is located off the main
highway towards Masaya. The owners are a great family of sisters who take great
pride in their hotel. They have a large capacity for receiving several groups at
a time and treat all their guests graciously. The rooms are spacious, clean and
offer hot water and a/c.
Hotel Nicarao
(505) 563-3812
This hotel is located in downtown Rivas next to Pali. The hotel has had a significant amount of remodeling in the past 2 years
and it is very lovely, if not a bit out of place. The rooms aren’t overly
spacious, but do offer hot water, cable tv and a/c. Private secure parking
behind the hotel is a bonus. The only unfortunate aspect of the hotel is that
the front desk staff are not overly attentive to large groups. The breakfasts
are wonderful and the rooms always very clean. Since the remodeling, the hotels
prices has risen dramatically.
 Panama:
Hotel Alambra:
(507) 758-9819
This hotel is owned by a well known local
middle eastern family in the town of Changuinola Panama. This hotel is located
on the second level of a multi-use builing (bank & supermarket) which actually
come in quite handy when working with large groups. The rooms are spacious and
clean; staff are accommodating and pleasant. The walls are thin so you will want
to ask for a room on the ends of the hotel or at least away from the main lobby.
Rooms have hot water, a/c, and cable tv.
 Honduras:
Coming soon!
 Guatemala:
Coming soon!
 Mexico:
Coming soon!
|
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. ~Andrew Carnegie
|
|
●