Chris makes Nicaragua move

Writer and tourism professional Chris James was once best known for his work at a variety of Cayman locations in the hotel and restaurant business.

Indeed, such was his affinity with that area that he released a book about the history of Rum Point.

His vast experience is now being put into play with his new project – a hostel in Granada, Nicaragua.

“I love colonial cities as they are so photogenic but this city is small, more like a small town and just like Cayman you can pass by people you know on a daily basis, plus it is a safe, conservative and friendly,” he told the Compass.

“We could see the amount of tourists here was triple or more of what we were seeing in beach towns or cities in its neighbouring country Costa Rica; it was ideal for a small business.”

Mr. James had many different ideas for his own business, all related to the hotel and restaurant trade he knows so well.

“We found two properties on our second visit but the one that struck us the most was a 400 year old Colonial House in the centre and only one block away from everything, banks, restaurants, bars and shops.

“The house was bare bones but structurally was sound and needed work but we could see it had lots of potential to become a hostel.”

Full conversion

Renovation and conversion began in October and by December workers had revamped the interior and exterior including a dormitory, private rooms, lounge areas and iPad stations.

“The name also was very important and we wanted a Spanish name that stuck and a catch phrase I could use when advertising, so we came up with Hostal El Momento – somewhere worth being in the moment !

It took a lot of organising and my Spanish soon improved as I learnt plenty of words that I had not come across before,” said the Liverpudlian.

Business has been brisk so far with favourable TripAdvisor reviews and word of mouth leading to 96 per cent occupancy on private rooms and 84 per cent in the dormitory. It’s a growing market, added Mr. James.

“Nicaragua is still a baby in the tourist market and Granada is applying as a World Heritage Site so the influx of tourists will be huge in the near future. Anyone from Cayman looking for a different adventure should check online for more information on the country and the Granada area as it has many lakes, volcanoes and things to buy in Masatepe and Masaya.”

And, of course, he is bringing some of that Cayman – and Rum Point – flair to a wider world.

“Caymanians and expats in Cayman will not feel to far from home as I have jerk burgers and mudslides available in the hostal… I miss Cayman and I still call it my home even though I originate from the UK but I do hope to see many friends visit.”