Cocos Hostel Ometepe Review: My One-Night Stay

We arrived in Ometepe with absolutely nothing booked, which was basically how we were traveling through Central America at the time. Once we got off the ferry, we opened Booking.com, looked for somewhere cheap that wasn’t too far from us and found Cocos Hostel with a private room for around $12 total.

That was enough for us.

We had already rented a bike near the port, so we jumped on and drove over. The hostel is right in the center of Moyogalpa and within walking distance of the port, which ended up being one of the best things about staying there.

Location

For me, the location was fantastic.

Some places to stay in Ometepe are much further across the island, which is fine if you have your own transport, but can be much more annoying if you don’t. Cocos Hostel is right in Moyogalpa, so you have restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and the ferry port all within walking distance.

That is especially useful if you’re like me and can’t actually ride a bike yourself.

We had rented one and my friend was driving, so getting around the island wasn’t a problem for us. But if I was traveling alone, I would definitely appreciate staying somewhere where I didn’t need to depend on a bike just to get food or reach the port.

Our Private Room

I really wasn’t expecting much for the price.

We were paying around $6 each, so I was basically expecting a very simple room where we could sleep for one night and move on.

Instead, we got a huge private room with three beds and our own bathroom, which felt like such a ridiculous deal for what we paid.

There was no air conditioning, but we had a couple of fans in the room and that was completely fine for us. I don’t remember feeling uncomfortable because of the heat at all.

For around $12 total, I genuinely thought we had found an amazing deal.

What the Hostel Felt Like

Cocos Hostel felt very homely.

The people working there were really kind, and there was nobody else staying at the hostel while we were there, so we were basically the only guests.

That made the whole place incredibly peaceful and quiet, which was exactly what we needed. Our trip had been so hectic that having somewhere calm to come back to after exploring Ometepe was perfect.

Obviously, because we were the only guests, I can’t really tell you what the social atmosphere is normally like when the hostel is busier. For our stay, it was completely quiet.

Was Cocos Hostel Worth the Price?

Absolutely.

For around $12 for the entire private room, I really don’t know what else I could have asked for.

We had loads of space, a private bathroom, fans, a central location and really kind staff. Considering how little we paid, I thought the value was excellent.

This is exactly the kind of place I love finding while backpacking because I don’t need luxury. I just want somewhere clean, comfortable, well located and cheap enough that I don’t feel like accommodation is eating half my budget.

Cocos Hostel did that perfectly.

Who I Think Cocos Hostel Is Best For

I think Cocos Hostel is a really good option if you’re backpacking Ometepe and want to keep your accommodation costs low without automatically going into a dorm.

I’d especially look at it if you’re arriving in Moyogalpa and don’t have your own transport, because the central location makes life much easier. Being able to walk to food, shops and the ferry instead of immediately having to figure out transport across the island is a huge advantage.

It also worked really well for us because we were only staying a short time and needed somewhere practical rather than somewhere remote.

Would I Stay at Cocos Hostel Again?

Yes.

If I went back to Ometepe and found the same kind of price again, I would happily stay there.

The location worked really well for us, the room was much bigger than I expected, the staff were kind and the hostel gave us exactly what we needed for that part of the trip.

For around $6 each, I really couldn’t complain.

Read My Other Nicaragua Guides

Costa Rica to Nicaragua: Journey to My Country #53/197

Ometepe Island: The Nicaragua Stop I Immediately Fell in Love With

Is Ometepe Worth Visiting? My Experience on the Island

How Many Days in Ometepe? How Long I’d Stay Next Time

Best Time to Visit Ometepe: When I’d Go Back

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