I absolutely loved my stay at Big Surf House in Popoyo. The room was super cozy — I slept so well, and the curtains added a really nice touch. The air conditioning worked great, and the breakfast was honestly amazing. The vibe here is everything — right on the beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, chilling, and meeting people. It’s a very social place with great community energy. The free yoga class is a huge plus, especially if you surf. There are always lots of activities happening, and there’s this beautiful ritual of just catching the sunset from a nearby spot. The Wi-Fi works well, and everything feels so easy and laid-back. The volunteers are incredible — warm, friendly, and always up for a good chat. Big Surf House isn’t just accommodation, it’s a whole experience. Can’t wait to come back!

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing major that I think of.

Good value. The dorm with AC was just perfect and not to cold at night. Common area is very chill, just by the beach. Breakfast included which is very nice. 10-15 mins away walking distance from the main breaks by the beach. Free yoga in the morning if you are into that (did not try it).

Stayed in April 2025

The place was just perfect for us, the staff was super friendly and helpful, the food was amazing I recommend the ceviche made with freshly caught fish We’ll definitely revisit this beautiful place

Stayed in April 2025

This is a sweet place right on the beach, close to the waves. The people working there are very attentive & the food is good. Very clean & calm. I hope to come back someday.

Stayed in February 2025

There are ongoing renovation works but they didn’t bother us. Because this is Nicaragua there are occasional power cuts but there is a generator for light and this is outside the control of the hostel. February is windy!!

The location was fabulous - right on the beach. We had a private room which was lovely

Stayed in February 2025

A kitchen eventually would be great.

The staff, especially Gabby was amazing and very caring about our experience.

Stayed in February 2025

Kitchen could do with cleaning more regularly

Perfect location on the beach, great chillout areas with hammocks, sofas and pool tables, comfortable bedrooms with aircon

Stayed in January 2025

the best ever

Stayed in January 2025

The water from the sink was just a trickle, difficult to work with. The shower stopped working once while I was using it, took 10 minutes or so to start up again, and I was covered in soap. The toilet didn't work very well (people kept clogging it a bit with toilet paper, despite being requested not to), and it took a long, long time to re-fill. (The sink/toilet pipes just need to be enlarged apparently.) The A.C. was either on or off, with no apparent ability to set a specific temperature, so it was either hot in the dorm/bedroom, or it got very cold by the middle of the night. There is no cross ventilation in the dorm/bedroom, which is a problem in a hot climate like Popoyo. The power went out my last night (it often flickers out due to the heavy wind off Lake Nicaragua, but this time lasted for hours.) There was an emergency generator that kept some of the lights on, but not the electricity/lights in my dorm room. So no A.C. for most of that night. They did set up fans which greatly improved the situation. So they do try to address any problems, but if you definitely always need power, this is something to consider. (Seemed like some neighboring places still had power, though those may also have been relying on generators.) No communal kitchen to use to cook your own meals, which is preferable if you're staying anywhere for awhile and want to keep your costs down. Also no large grocery stores around, although a small produce truck does drive by daily hawking wares through a loudspeaker.

Staff was generally nice and helpful. Other guests were also friendly. (Mostly surfers in their 20's/30's.) Food was good. Location was excellent, right on the beach. Great sunsets, nice/pretty beach, good swimming. (Watch out for intense waves though.) Generally quiet, peaceful, undeveloped area, nice natural beauty, though some small bars/restaurants nearby. Lots of stars at night. I liked the hammocks (overlooking the beach), the fact the dorm beds had curtains, and the fact there was storage under the beds. And that you could lock the storage area somewhat. (They gave me a small padlock to use for that.) Rented me a beach towel for 5 days for only $1.00. Small market nearby was helpful for snacks/drinks. They have a small fridge for food items. Beginner's Bay was about a 20-30-minute walk away. Main Surf Break was a little closer.

Stayed in March 2025

Our stay was nice but slightly tainted by the fact there was no filter water available and that the kitchen would be closed for hostel use despite the very expensive price of being able to eat out every day. As a backpacker, no kitchen facilities is a real crunch point, especially when there is no cheap restaurants anywhere close - we got a loaf of bread that cost nearly $5 and was immediately stale… the options are limited. We got moved into a room where the stairs were genuinely pretty unsafe to walk up and the fan, bathroom light, water from the tap did not work. This being said I know at some point bits will be updated. The vibe wasn’t great for backpackers, it’s hard to meet people.

Gorgeous spot, right on the beach. The building is one of the only examples of traditional architecture I’ve seen in a place as touristic as Popoyo so that was a real nice surprise, the high ceilings, airy feel and traditional tile work was all stunning. The manager Gabi was super accommodating and kind.

Stayed in February 2025

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Stayed in August 2025

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Stayed in June 2025

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Stayed in April 2025

There are no comments available for this review

Stayed in March 2025