CASA DEL MAR - belle maison en bord de mer dans le centre de 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.

Just got back from Casa Del Mar three days ago. Loved the spot, loved the house, the town was unique and safe. The house was well equipped, tastefully decorated, and conveniently located.

We made a few meals at the house and ate out quite a bit at the wide variety of small restaurants scattered along the main road.

The ride into Leon was easy via the Chicken Bus and finding a cab back was just as easy (we spoke no spanish). The upstairs large bedroom is roomy and has a wonderful beach breeze almost all the time.

We took surfing lessons from Roger at Pelican Surf just a short walk down the beach, I highly recommend him (they aren't well off and really appreciated the few items of clothing we left behind for him and his wife, they have a 2 yr old son as well that could use a few things). Abel and Sorocco are very friendly and take good care of the place every other day or so. Don't hesitate to ask for something if you notice something is missing, they are glad to help. We didn't find the store across the road to be overly expensive, however it is very basic.

The waves are large yes, but we didn't find there to be a huge undertow and the water is quite shallow for a while making it easy to play in the surf while keeping your feet on the ground for safety.

April is HOT HOT HOT....didn't get below 40 degrees the whole time (not complaining, just an observation).

Barca De Oro, Simple Beach, Sua, and Playa Roca were all places we tried for food and liked every single one for different reasons.

We took the bus into town to meet up with Quetzaltrekkers for a Sunset Hike of Volcan Telica....would highly recommend this group as they give away most of their profits to the less fortunate in Leon.

We also had Abel pick up food for us because our arrival time would have made it impossible to get anything, he was happy to pick up anything we needed and had the fridge nice and full for our arrival.

We definitely recommend this place!