CASA DEL MAR - beautiful oceanfront house in the center of Las Peñitas

This is a very basic beach front open concept beach dwelling. Really only the bedrooms are contained . the upstairs bedroom is lovely ( lots of bugs but it does have a bug net) and has its own bathroom. the two bedrooms downstairs are dark but at least had bug screens on the windows. bathrooms are outside. one bedroom downstairs had only one window and had a bat in it while we were visiting. to keep the property secure a fair amount of work needs to be done to lock everything up every time you leave.

kitchen equipment ( fridge especially) is in poor shape. we think this is due to the fact is is right on the beach. lots of plates, cutlery and utensils.

sunsets are amazing. good restaurants near by. small food store just across the street.

Local bus drops off just in front of the house and can be very noisy early in the morning.

We stayed in the upper bedroom and really enjoyed it. views are great and the ensuite makes it very nice.

The house is perfectly situated for beach and restaurant access.

The house is spacious, has nice shaded seating areas and garden.

Susanne and Abel (local manager) are both very responsive and helpful.

Having said that, there are a few things that we would have been happier with.

The house was not clean and was poorly equipped with basic necessities. For the ~$115/night for two we would have appreciated a couple of hand towels in the bathrooms, towels for the beach, clean/newer kitchen towels, a fresh bar of soap in the bathroom, and maybe even shampoo. We had to request extra toilet paper (we were only there for 4 nights) and we barely had enough sugar. The wifi, while not an important part of our vacation, was barely functional.

The house in general would benefit from some 'tender loving care' and some upgrades - especially the kitchen.

A broader problem of Las Penitas (an in many other parts of Nicaragua) is that local burning does make it hard to enjoy the evenings and nights - especially since one has to keep windows open. (Remember, no A/C.)

We did enjoy our stay and would consider returning to Las Penitas. It is still authentic Nicaragua and the people are really great.

I booked this property because of the promise of a view. It did not disappoint. I spent as much time as possible (when not bird watching) on the balcony enjoying the sound of the waves. There were many restaurants easy walking distance, but I should probably have taken up the offer of homemade cuisine by the housekeepers. Benefits of the house were the close proximity and approx. 5 minute walk to boats to Juan Venado Island with stunning birds and turtles hatching. Would definitely stay again. I had GREAT COMPANY.

Loved the house, in a great location right on the beach. Very private yet open to the ocean. Took ourselves minute to get the way of life here right but as soon as we did...wow. Las penitas is an excellent town and an easy jump to leon and more. Some of the grandest sunsets I've ever seen.

Will be back.