Roger Ramirez's One-on-One Spanish Tutoring Academy vs Casa Xalteva

[gatita loca]

Does anyone have personal experience with either Roger Ramirez's One-on-One Spanish Tutoring Academy or Casa Xalteva?  You thoughts and comments would be much appreciated.

[¡Un Buen Viaje! Jessica]

What timing! I wrote to them, just today, about taking classes for the month of October. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has something to say about them as well.   Jessica  www.ToursToNicaragua.com

[Joshua Berman]

They both get good reviews from former students -- I just visited Xalteva though and love the setting and the energy there. There's a lot going on, some great classroom spaces, and great activities happening all the time. Would love to hear from more folks about either school. Also, if you don't NEED to be in Granada, you should consider Mariposa Spanish School as well.

[gatita loca]

I think I am leaning toward La Mariposa.  All of the reviews about La Mariposa are excellent.  I am also debating over doing a hotel stay or a home stay.  Any thoughts?

[Joshua Berman]

Gatita -- are you in Nica now? do you have the time available to go to La Concha and take a look at Mariposa first? their rooms are excellent and you may prefer having that private time to study at night, depends on what you want. nothing beats a homestay for full immersion.

[Ardilla]

I have been studying Spanish for a couple of years.  Last year I went backpacking and took lessons in Spain.  Next year I'm going to Nicaragua.

After exhaustive research I've decided to stay in La Mariposa for a month next May.  Reasons: 
1)  Great reviews on various web sites including the Trip Adviser   
2)  One-stop-shop - A family-feel hotel (only 8 rooms with private bathroom) providing 3 meals a day (mostly vegetarian); one-on-one Spanish lessons in the morning and field trips in the afternoon and day trips in the weekends; all hotel staff help students practice Spanish outside classes; all these for only US$300 per week or US$1,000 for 4 weeks;
3)  Admirable course - this is an eco-hotel growing their own organic farm; the revenue of the business provides employment to locals; the hotel supports other community projects including an elementary school; the hotel is powered by solar energy. 
4)  The owner - Paulette, an admirable lady, sold her house in UK a couple of years ago and moved here in pursuit of her dream - contributing in the sustainable development of Nicaragua; I've only read about her, emailed her a few times making booking for next May, can't wait to meet her in person;
5)  Immersion - the activities are designed to help students see the real Nicaragua.

I'm so looking forward to this trip. 

This is the hotel web site http://mariposaspanishschool.com/index.html