Pelican Eyes in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
We’ve had our eye on Pelican Eyes in Nicaragua for a while, but felt like some improvements needed to come into play to make this a true upscale travel lodging option. Also known as Piedras y Olas (Rocks and Waves), this is a San Juan del Sur institution that started out modestly and grew along with the destination.
With an expanding number of villas in the mix as nightly room choices, Pelican Eyes now offers reason enough to stay in San Juan del Sur rather than venturing on to Morgan’s Rock. There are still some obvious rough spots, especially when it comes to service and shuttles, but there are enough other positives to make up for it.
All of the two-floor, two-bedroom casas (houses) and smaller casitas (townhouses) are constructed with the same smooth, whitewashed style as the original hotel. They are airy and expansive, luxuriously outfitted with hand-carved furnishings, locally sewn linens, salto ceramic tiles, skylights, and delightful bedrooms overarched with adobe brick ceilings reminiscent of a Spanish wine cellar. All the units open onto marvelous private patios and porches; the casas have two.
Full gourmet kitchens, with hand-painted tiles, professional cookware, and an assortment of appliances (mixers, blenders, and more) are complimented with tasteful dining areas. Enormous, modern marble and glazed-cement bathrooms have rainforest showerheads and thoughtful amenities.
With two restaurants with a view, pools, and a great panorama of the bay throughout, this is the best place in town to kick back and take it all in.
See our detailed review of Pelican Eyes in San Juan del Sur.
See more luxury hotels in Nicaragua.
April 8th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
These are quite nice. From the pictures on the next page the view looks beautiful. My wife & I want to go to Nicaragua & these homes & casitas would be a nice option. How up to date is the pricing? I would like to find out more.
April 9th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
I’ve heard that if you stray off the beaten path in Nicaragua even a little bit that it is dangerous. Is this true?
April 12th, 2011 at 9:17 am
In a way, just like where you live. Every place has a bad side of town you don’t want to be in, especially after dark. But I’ll take most of Nicaragua over most of the USA—compare the crime stats and the handgun ownership rates. And besides, San Juan del Sur is certainly on the beaten path anyway.
April 12th, 2011 at 9:17 am
There’s a link to the property at the end of the full review.
April 12th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
Timothy:
Do you think Nicaragua would be good for someone new to travel but wanting to visit a few countries in Lain America?
April 14th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Yes, it’s easy to visit Nicaragua in conjunction with Panama and Costa Rica.
June 13th, 2011 at 7:02 am
That is my dream! Always wanted to go to Nicaragua and because of your post my husband was convinced. thanks!
July 7th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
These are quite nice. From the pictures on the next page the view looks beautiful.Do you think Nicaragua would be good for someone new to travel but wanting to visit a few countries in Lain America?
July 8th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Sure, you can go overland to its neighbors easily, or or a Nature Air short flight to Costa Rica.
December 25th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
I’ll take most of Nicaragua over most of the USA—compare the crime stats and the handgun ownership rates.Anyway,thanks for sharing.