We drove from Guatemala to Panama, hoping to find affordable places to stay with our 2 children (5 & 7). Esencia Nativa was our first stop and our favorite place to stay on our trip. On our way back to Guatemala, we chose to stay at Esencia Nativa again, instead of exploring Honduras. Most of the rooms are private with... More

The place was great - stayed in a larger, private room with AC which was lovely. Alex, the owner, was amazingly friendly and helpful. Food was delicious and cheap, and the chill vibe was exactly what I was looking for. The dogs are friendly and since I love dogs didn't find them to be a problem. Normal noise level for... More

We understood that this is a small funky hostel-style hotel, and that was fine with us. The rooms were small but decent, the local ladies who work there were very nice, but the big dogs turn the place into more of a kennel than a hostel. They smell, they're wet, they stay on the furniture in the common areas, they... More

The four big dogs have the run of the place, including the interior areas, and they bark a lot at night. Smelly in the rainy season, too.

The problem with reviewing places like Esencia is that it is tops in its class. Clean, neat, superb food, great pool area ... everything is 5-star. Except that its overall facilities are only 2 or 3 star, mainly because of some dormitory accommodations and shared bathrooms. So, for what it is, it necessitates the top rating with the caveat that... More

We went to E.N. on a little surf getaway from Antigua for 2 nights. El Zonte is a great place to surf if you already know how but maybe not the best place for learning. This place is awesome, it isn't as spectacular as it looks from the website pictures but it is definitely cozy and charming. The pool is... More

Stayed here for three nights in October 2010. Lovely pool, bar and the most delicious pizza ever- if you stay here, make sure you order some! The rooms are pretty nice (we had a private double), clean, comfy beds. The bathrooms are clean. There's nothing to do in El Zonte if you don't surf, unless you're happy to lie in... More

The owners are amazing, and Alex' is a great surf teacher. Can rent boards and everything there. just yards from the water, great pool too, food at restaurant is awesome and the outdoor area is so beautiful with a great rooftop patio. Hammocks everywhere. All the guest staying there were so nice, a lot of solo travellers and surfers. Would... More

Stayed in the dorm. Really nice place. Alex the owner is really helpful and a great surf teacher. The food is super especially the pizzas which are big enough for two people. El Zonte is a great place if you like to surf.