Pelican Eyes Resort & Spa

I3078PAmonicag wrote a review January 2018
New Jersey

Once upon a time...

This hotel must have been awesome but now it has gone down hill with the new owner (hence two stars, otherwise I would have given it one star). Overall, the views are very nice and the grounds have a lot of potential but the rooms are outdated, dirty, and the staff is horrible. Missing lightbulbs, cigarette buds, murky water in pool, missing tiles, dirty bathroom, etc., which is far from anything close to luxury at this price point. Our shower was outside of the room and there was so much debris. It looks like it was never cleaned. Also, the staff at the front desk or restaurant were far from accommodating or helpful. When we were checking out we were simply given our hotel bill without a thank you or a smile. We saw the cleaning maids watching TV in the room next to ours and then chatting away on the phone. No wonder the place is far from clean. I would not stay again.

Date of Stay: January 2018

TonyS159 wrote a review January 2018
San Diego, California

Average nothing to brag about

Stayed here from 2 Jan to 6th Jan, property is large, we were put in the rear of property and you need to be driven to your room, the drivers show up most of the times, other times you are stranded,you can walk to the main area but it will take you 10-15 min to get there. They stop the rides at 10 pm and then your on your own.

The breakfast is included, the food is avg, the service is ok, but we were there when there was a wedding and they forgot about the reat of the guess staying there.

There is a second restaurant, but was closed the 4 days we were there. Leaving you no choice but to go out in town. There is nothing to do at the hotel. Small lobby area in the front. The staff was not frendily they were there to earn a pay check.

Not impressed for the price. Better accommodation in town for 1/4 of the price.

We checked out they did not even ask how you stay was. O the wedding party was more important then the guess staying there.

Save your money, dirt roads and closed restaurants. They could use some training on how all guess should be treated.

Date of Stay: January 2018

839jeremyh wrote a review February 2018
San Juan del Sur, Rivas Department

Yoga in the Butterfly Garden

Had an awesome yoga class in the Butterfly garden at pelican eyes. Katie is the best yoga teacher. Beautiful setting, must do if in SJDS.
Very adaptable to the needs of the individuals, and their unique physical capabilities. Appropriate for all levels of expertise.

Date of Stay: February 2018

RenAroundTown wrote a review March 2018
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Lots of steps, good service and very close to town

When deciding where to stay in Nicaragua, we voted against an all inclusive or staying at an eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle as we wanted to be near a beach town to experience the local food & culture. Everywhere we went in Nicaragua, people were wonderful and friendly. We never felt unsafe at all but that doesn't mean you still shouldn't be aware of your surroundings. We were extremely happy with our time there. Choosing Pelican Eyes Resort was definitely the right thing to do. Warning though - it's not for those who can't or don't like to walk steps. The walk to San Juan Del Sur is only 5 minutes (but there are still steps). Our first impression of Pelican Eyes was a good one. There is a gate and security as you arrive. Reception was very nice and greeted us with drinks. We were lucky as our Casa was fairly close to the main pool so we didn't have to walk too many steps to and from that pool or to town (about 40-50 steps). The resort has lovely landscaping and gardens and is very peaceful. However, the upper level pools are quite a hike (maybe 150 steps), but there is always a driver and shuttle waiting at the reception area to take you up and down if you can't/don't want to walk. The food is ok - not great - but service was good (there is still a bit of a language barrier, so please keep that in mind as they do try and work hard). The wine is terrible - they def need someone who actually drinks wine to buy their supply. We had a limited menu breakfast included with our package, and it got a bit redundant after 12 days as there's not a lot of choice. The views from the pools are lovely. THE NEGATIVES: 1) They only have about 4 lounge chairs at each pool which aren't comfortable at all. This really needs to be improved and they need to add more loungers and def more comfortable ones. There is plenty of regular seating, but that's not what tourists want at the pool. 2) Lots of other tourists who weren't staying at the hotel and from the hostels in town come up to the resort in the late afternoon to view the sunset. Groups of people were there every day, smoking, drinking and taking up the viewing area and (limited) chairs by the pools during sunset, so that people who actually PAID to stay there were inconvenienced by this. We were told that the resort charges visitors a "$15 fee to come to the resort but they have to buy $15 worth of drinks/food". $15 is hardly enough to discourage groups of people. If we had known that, perhaps we would have stayed elsewhere and just paid the $15 to view the sunset as well!
Rooms do have hair dryers, soap, shampoo, and they leave bottles of water every day. Our room was cleaned every day and they do a decent job. We had a lamp that didn't work and our headboard wasn't attached, but we called and they fixed both right away. Keep in mind that Nica is just getting started in the tourist industry so try appreciate their culture and treat then with respect.
We went to town every day/evening as there are a ton of restaurants and many are very good with decent food, drinks and happy hours. A lot of the restaurants rent comfy beach loungers and umbrellas (w a table too) on the beach for $15 a day and provide drink and food service too They book up, so get there early. The town has a a lot of local eats, but also a brewery, pizza places, Italian, Thai, and some shopping and a vendor market.
During our stay, we also wanted to experience some of the other beaches, so at the bottom of the hill as you leave Pelican Eyes, there's a surf shop called Coconut Surf (and hostel). If you tell them ahead of time that you want to go to Remanso, Hermosa, etc., they will transport you for $7 US (round trip). All the beaches have restaurants which are quite nice, restrooms, surfboard and boogie board rentals, etc. We also spent one day in the town of Granada, visiting volcanoes, and Caterina.

Date of Stay: February 2018

Es_bo wrote a review March 2018
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Great rooms, great views, great service

My only complaint about Pelican Eyes is that there aren't enough lounge chairs by the pool (s). Especially on Sundays when they allow non-guests to pay to use the facilities, only having 3 lounge chairs is ridiculous.

Date of Stay: March 2018

bouffardmc wrote a review March 2018
Montreal, Quebec

Beware of scorpions

We stayed 3 nights at the Pelican Eyes Resort with our two kids ages 6 and 7. A 5 star hotel ... not so sure of that. Unfortunately, our experience has not lived up to our expectations. First of all, we did not receive any information when we arrived regarding the activities offered by the hotel, nor information about the wifi or the hours of opening / closing of the pools.

Also, fumigation campaigns do not serve much purpose. At the price we paid, we did not think we needed to use mosquito nets to sleep. None were provided in the room and no installation allowed us to install ours. We then thought we could lower our guard and sleep peacefully. Unfortunately, in the morning, my spouse walked on a scorpion on the floor of the room. He was extremely lucky and did not got stung. There were two scorpions in the room. We had the jitters since one of our girls could have been the one to step on the scorpion. In addition, there were spiders and an ant nest near the bathroom. We had one night left to do. We notified reception and the staff was not happy to see our photos. We asked for a discount for the last night, but they did not want to give us a credit. They offered us a massage instead ... or to change rooms. We did not want to have to redo and unpack our luggage for the remaining night and there coild be scorpions in the other room as well... Nothing else was offered to us, apart from a can of insecticide type Raid.

In addition, we were offered free travel to Granada. We even asked twice that this transport was free. When they told us that no compensation would be offered for our stay, they mentioned at the same time that the shuttle is not offered for free and we should pay $ 80. Yet in town this same service is offered at $ 50 !!!

Finally, the cleanliness of the room leaves something to be desired. We expect a lot more from such an expensive place. There was a pair of dirty socks from a previous guest in the room upon arrival and the balcony was not clean.

The prices for the various services offered are inflated by two and sometimes even three compared to the city.

We recommend avoiding this hotel at all costs.

Date of Stay: March 2018

GlamGram9989 wrote a review April 2018
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

wonderful view but many steps and cats abundant

wonderful view, not so happy with cats abundant (1 of 2 of us were). Great gem of a property but needs some work to make it a great stay. Disappointed with no bar service at pool - check in service told us bar service would be available and then it wasnt. stairs were abundant and not such in great condition - good to know ahead of time.

issues with language barrier for breakfast - really heard with being vegan - had contacted via email prior but with no response.

Date of Stay: April 2018

Ingelisse wrote a review April 2018
Golden, Colorado

Mostly good, but overpriced

Considering the $220/night price tag, this hotel could use some updates. The rooms are spacious and clean, with good A/C units, but the bathrooms are sadly outdated (toilet seat stuck, garbage bin ancient). You also need to climb hundreds of steps every day, because the property is on a steep hill, so it's not for the elderly or handicapped. The plus is that the views are unparalleled, especially sunset from the upper pools. The infinity pools are wonderful, but could be cleaned more frequently of leaves, flowers and bugs. And yes, cats often bother you at dinner. Food is okay, neither bad nor excellent. Just average. Plus: you can walk everywhere. Downside: City noises abound, even at 6 am.

Date of Stay: April 2018

joseu854 wrote a review May 2018

Old, Dirty Room and Overpriced...

The pool area, food and service were excellent! Very friendly and nice staff!

My complain is really with the room.
Regular price was $245 + tax but they were nice enough to give us a discount down to $175 a night for a 2 bed suite as SJDS is empty due to the political tension in happening in Nicaragua at the moment.
Even at this discounted this was the most expensive hotel right in the town.

The A/C is old, loud, and it doesn’t cool well enough. Wen I called from desk they sent a guy and he said “these are old AC units.” They never offered to change us to another room.

I could see the dust in the wooden beams that ran across the room. In the bathroom there were a few roaches, and the garbage bin lid was pretty dirty with stains from previous guests throwing used toilet paper in. In the shower a ball of hair got stuck in my toes.

Date of Stay: May 2018

Cberry18 wrote a review May 2018

Great restaurant and rooms

The villa we got was gorgeous I side and out with a beautiful water view. Arriving late at night I’m sad I didn’t get to enjoy the 1 night stay more. For breakfast I went to their restaurant and ordered some fresh seafood. The fish and octopus were yummy! Not only that but the several was great and view was even better! They even have a pool there!

Date of Stay: May 2018

V3255XCthomasj wrote a review September 2018
New York City, New York

Old and Overpriced

My family and I stayed at this report for 4 nights in May of 2018. Overall i was very disappointed with the place. The view is really great but for the price one would expect much better amenities and cleanliness. This resort is OLD and it shows. It is in desperate needs of an upgrade to be considered remotely "luxury" which is how it is being advertised. My understanding is that it was recently sold to new management. Our first room was literally infested with termites as evidenced by the hundreds of holes in the wood beams, out of which insects would fly out regularly and end up dead on the room floors. Others critters would turn up in our bedding and in our room. Bathroom appears old and dirty, leaving one to hope for the best when going to the restrooms. Fridge did not work in our room and when opened had the foulest smell. Occasional leaks from the ceiling provided entertainment at nights with puddles on the floor and having to strategically move the bed to not end up in a pool. Talking about pool, the swimming pools in the upper levels were barely maintained, filters were often not running leading to murky water and having to compete with floating bugs. This probably was ONCE a nice place, but I would recommend anyone to stay away especially considering how much they charge per night.

Date of Stay: May 2018

kha1831 wrote a review March 2019
United States

Very luxury

I loved the room, service, the whole place specially food. I stayed there for few days and everybody was extremely friendly, when I asked for anything they made it available immediately.. The view is majestic.

Date of Stay: September 2018

dennysinnott wrote a review April 2019
Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Beautiful Sunst

We popped up here for sunset and drinks and were not disappointed. The view was amazing and the beer and mojitos refreshing. The service was very good and prices good, especially for the location. Highly recommend!

Date of Stay: April 2019

Kelleeeeee wrote a review May 2019
New York City, New York

Beautiful property

Located about an hour and a half from Managua, this hotel is a gem. My family and I had such a great time here. The butterfly garden was a plus. The view from our villa was unbelievable. Everything is walking distance, or you can rent a car to drive down to the beach.

Date of Stay: July 2018

jrwshngtn wrote a review July 2019
Ocala, Florida

Superb

We stayed at Casa Cooper, ad adjoining rental house. Fantastic, spacious, elegant, clean, beautiful views.

Friendly people in San Juan del Sur, very welcoming.

Beach areas have very rustic road access, but well worth it.

Date of Stay: July 2019

MBaudoin wrote a review September 2019
Montreal, Quebec

badly welcome....

Went there 2 years ago to try the famous Pelican Eye.....Badly welcome by Spanish (from Spain accent) guy that judged me by my appearance and the one of my brother in law....but when he saw my Visa....then the smile came back. For me it was too late. He was out and in my black book. Not impressed at all. American Breakfast was horrible.....My brother in law, a pure Nica, took Huevos a la Rancheros....and at least the local breakfast was pretty good.....Personal was local and gentil people though....No arrogance like the guy at the desk.....

Won't go gain. Don't spend your money there. Too expensive for the welcome you get...Room ? OK to sleep.

Date of Stay: October 2018

MattyH1908 wrote a review October 2019

Don't waste your money

This place is terrible.
We stayed for 6 nights and there was no:
Restaurant, pool staff, bars, or wellness area open. The internet constantly goes out. The power goes out which I get but they don't use the back up generator. There isn't even a reception area. Don't bother trying to use the phone in the room because no one answers it.the pool area was packed with old mattresses and furniture. You couldn't even sit in the area.I was looking to invest in one of these condominiums but I'm so glad I stayed here and saved my money.

Date of Stay: October 2019

Melii-arce wrote a review January 2020

2020 NYE Party

Music and crowd were excellent, very inviting, but the bar service was poor. Bar tenders charged wrong + overpriced, and when my friends and I tried to give feedback to the supervisor/manager in a positive tone, he was pretty much a jerk about it. Didn’t like his attitude at all, and that must definitely be the reason for the poor customer service overall.
What a pity! I do not recommend celebrating NYE if they keep same staff at the bar.

Date of Stay: January 2020

839jeremyh wrote a review February 2020
San Juan del Sur, Rivas Department

Restaurant

This restaurant used to be good, with the new staff, service is very poor. Not sure if it was just a bad night for them. But obviously not very attentive to customer needs.
In past years the staff, wore Pelican Eyes attire. Suspect now it’s been outsourced. No uniforms.

Date of Stay: February 2020

SMSMarie wrote a review February 2020
London, Ontario

Restaurant

We visited this restaurant a week ago!
The food was absolutely amazing!
I would highly recommend this place for any visitors to San Juan.
We went around 3 o’clock in the afternoon enjoyed the pool had appetizers and then our dinner. And then of course the amazing sunset!
Two hoots for the amazing chef for his fantastic preparation and presentation ... I think his name was Eddie!

Date of Stay: February 2020