Sheva Hotel: Your Paradise Awaits in Paramaribo, Suriname
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into the Sheva Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname. Forget polished, perfect reviews filled with generic adjectives – this is the REAL DEAL, warts and all. And trust me, after spending… well, let’s just say a significant amount of time there, I’ve got stories. Buckle up, because this review is going to be a wild ride.
First Impressions & Getting There: (Or, How I Almost Drowned My Phone in the Rain)
Okay, so Paramaribo. Beautiful, vibrant, a little overwhelming at first. Getting there was… an adventure. The airport transfer service offered by Sheva? Essential. Especially when you’re, let's say, directionally challenged with a suitcase that seems to weigh more than a small elephant. They were there waiting, smiling, and whisking me away in a clean, air-conditioned car. (Praise be for AC! The humidity in Suriname is NO JOKE.) Accessibility – I didn’t specifically need it, but I did notice easy access to the lobby and reception area. Important for anyone with mobility needs.
But let's be brutally honest for a second… the first time I stepped out of the car, a torrential downpour started. I mean, Biblical-level rain. I swear I saw an ark float past. I frantically dove for my phone to snap a picture, but nearly sacrificed it to the Surinamese gods of rain. Lesson learned? Pack a waterproof case. The hotel had a decent car park, but during the downpour, it felt more like a paddling pool. Minor issue, but worth mentioning.
The Room: My Sanctuary… With a Few Quirks (and Seriously Awesome Blackout Curtains)
My room at the Sheva? Glorious. Seriously, the air conditioning was a lifesaver. Let's be real, it's HOT outside. The design wasn't exactly minimalist chic – there's a definite vibe, let's say that. Still, the bed was like sinking into a cloud. And those blackout curtains? Lifesavers. I’m talking, “could sleep through an earthquake” level of darkness. Needed it to recover from jetlag and a few too many caipirinhas at the bar downstairs. (More on that later).
The Amenities: From Blissful Massages to… Awkward Gym Sessions
Okay, let’s talk about the good stuff. The spa at the Sheva? HEAVEN. I indulged in a massage that melted away all the stress of travel (and the near-drowning of my phone). The pool with a view? Stunning. I’m not usually a "pool person," but the view of Paramaribo from the pool was breathtaking. Definitely worth it. The Sauna? Ah, perfect.
The Gym: Ahh, the Gym. Now, this is where things get a little… interesting. It's modern, and pretty well equipped, but here's an honest confession: As I was trying to use the treadmill, a local came up, smiled, and started to give me advice. It took some time and a lot of sweat to get him to realize I was not a local! (or at least, pretending not to be!) Still, The equipment was in good working order.
- Things to do: Gym/fitness (well, it's there!), Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Swimming pool.
I am not really a gym person, so that was a good opportunity for me to unwind in the sauna. The Sauna, was super relaxing.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Love Affair with the Breakfast Buffet)
Okay, the food at Sheva completely won me over. Let's start with Breakfast [buffet]. Seriously, the buffet Restaurant? Get there early. It's an explosion of color, flavor, and deliciousness. Fresh fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to order, different cuisines and a crazy amount of choice. I'm not even kidding, I may or may not have eaten my weight in pancakes every morning. The Asian breakfast options were a delightful surprise too. Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Coffee shop allowed for a quick coffee that was always a treat.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
I tried the poolside bar a few times. Honestly, the drinks were expensive, and the service was good.
The option of Room service [24-hour] was a game changer after a late night.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic Era: (Because Let's Face It, It's Still a Thing)
Okay, the Sheva Hotel? They took hygiene seriously. The staff was masked. I saw them wiping down surfaces constantly. I felt genuinely safe.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I’m talking, “can eat off the floor” levels of clean. There's also the Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit
But here's a bit of a confession: I did notice the occasional, ahem, imperfection in the bathroom. It was nothing major, but a slightly loose tile here, a minor stain there… Nothing that ruined my stay, but a reminder that even paradise has its quirks.
Internet & Connectivity: (Because Gotta Stay Connected, Even in Paradise)
The Internet access was pretty good. Wi-Fi was Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and the Internet [LAN], Internet services worked well most of the time.
- Internet: Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free], Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events.
It occasionally hiccuped, but hey, you're in Suriname! Embrace the (occasional) digital disconnect.
Staff & Service: (The Heart and Soul of Sheva)
The staff at Sheva? Absolutely wonderful. Always smiling, always helpful. They went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I have to give a shoutout to the front desk staff – always friendly and efficient, handling any requests with grace. Seriously, they deserve raises. Front desk [24-hour].
- Services and conveniences: Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Taxi service.
The Perks: (Or, Little Things That Made the Stay Special)
- Air conditioning in public area: Huge plus!
- Daily housekeeping the rooms were always spick and span.
- Air conditioning. Essential!
- Free bottled water in the room was a great touch.
- Room service [24-hour] perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Doorman always there to greet you with a smile.
- Facilities for disabled guests. A big plus.
A Call to Action: (Because You Should Book This Hotel)
LOOK. The Sheva Hotel isn’t perfect. But it's damn close. It will not be the same old story you see on the website. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and genuinely welcoming hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname, then BOOK IT. Don’t hesitate. Get the room, get the massage, get the breakfast, and get ready for an adventure.
Claim Your Paradise: Book Now at Sheva Hotel!
Tired of the same old vacation grind? Yearning for an escape that's both luxurious and authentic? Look no further than the Sheva Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname!
Here's what makes Sheva your perfect escape:
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Indulge in the spa, sweat it out in the sauna, take a dip into the pool with a view, or get your workout in the modern gym.
- Feast on Flavor: Start your day with a breakfast buffet that will blow your mind. Savor international cuisine at the restaurants, sip cocktails at the poolside bar, or enjoy 24-hour room service.
- Unforgettable Comfort: Relax in air-conditioned rooms, get a good night's sleep and stay connected with FREE Wi-Fi.
But wait, there's more!
- Safety First: Feel at ease with our commitment to cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Exceptional Service: Our
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my attempt to survive (and hopefully enjoy) a trip to the Sheva Hotel in Paramaribo, Suriname. God help us all.
Destination: Sheva Hotel, Paramaribo (and the rest of Suriname, presumably) Theme: Surviving Tropical Heat, Mosquitoes, and My Own Overthinking.
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (or, "Why Did I Book This Trip?")
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up to the sound of my alarm, which is probably still set to "aggressive." Curse myself for booking a 6 AM flight, but hey, at least the coffee at home was good.
- 9:00 AM (ish): Arrive at the airport. Immediately realize I vastly underestimated the humidity, and my carefully curated "cool but practical" travel outfit is already sticking to me like a particularly aggressive second skin.
- 10:00 AM (ish): Long, thankfully uneventful, but quite boring flight. I try to read, but mostly just stare out the window, wondering if I've made the biggest mistake of my life. (Spoiler: probably.)
- 14:00 PM (ish): After a layover and some sweaty passport control fun, finally arrive. The air hits me like a wet, warm blanket. The airport is…well, let's call it 'charming' with lots of friendly people, but my luggage took a detour to Narnia. Great, just great.
- 16:00 PM (ish): Finally at the Sheva Hotel. The lobby… it's cleanish, but the AC is struggling. The staff is incredibly friendly, which is a good sign. The room… Okay, it's a room. It has a bed, a mosquito net (thank god), and a slightly alarming number of ants. I drop my bags, take a deep breath (which is also a slightly damp, tropical breath), and tell myself it's all an adventure. A somewhat sweaty adventure.
- 17:00 PM (ish): Okay, I lied. Immediately regretting everything. But I'm here, alone, and this is it now.
- 18:00 PM (ish): After a shower that was lukewarm at best (sigh), I venture out to explore the neighborhood. My first impression is that a lot of things are yellow, a lot of people are friendly, and the mosquitoes are clearly plotting my demise. I'm currently scouting out potential mosquito-proof hiding places for future survival.
- 19:00 PM (ish): Attempt to eat dinner at a nearby restaurant. Ended up in a place called a "Family Restaurant" Which turned out to have a really nice family running it. I ordered something. It was fried, and spicy, and I'm pretty sure I haven't been this full in months. (or maybe it was the stress eating)
- 21:00 PM (ish): Back in my room, attempting to put on the mosquito net without getting hopelessly tangled. This could be my last will and testament.
- 22:00 PM (ish): In bed, listening to the symphony of tropical insects outside. They sound like they're having a rave. Wonder if I'll sleep at all. Probably not.
Day 2: Paramaribo City Tour and the Great Coffee Quest
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up to the sound of… wait, is that a rooster? My internal clock is already completely wrecked.
- 8:00 AM (ish): Breakfast at the hotel: eggs, toast, and something vaguely resembling fruit. The coffee, however, is terrible. This is a disaster. My mission for today: Find good coffee.
- 9:00 AM (ish): I book a city tour, thinking this will be a good way to get my bearings. Turns out it's mostly driving around in a van and looking. The colonial architecture is pretty, though. I spend more time imagining myself living in one of these old houses than actually listening.
- 10:00 AM (ish): The city tour, at its central point, led us to Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral. It was magnificent, the largest wooden structure in the Western Hemisphere. I remember thinking it would be fitting if I could just take a nap in the altar.
- 12:00 PM (ish): The Dutch colonial buildings are gorgeous. The main square is nice. I try some street food, which is surprisingly delicious, even though I’m pretty sure I saw the cook drop a piece of meat on the ground and pick it back up.
- 13:00 PM (ish): Lunch is on my own. I found a place with actual air conditioning! Thank God. The food is good, though I can't remember what it's called.
- 14:00 PM (ish): Coffee Quest BEGINS. Start wandering the streets, eyes peeled for a decent cup of joe. Strike one: a dingy cafe with watery, barely there coffee. Strike two: a place that apparently only serves instant. My caffeine withdrawal headache is making me want to punch a hole in the wall.
- 15:00 PM (ish): Success!! Finally found a small shop. The barista is nice, and the coffee is strong, dark, and delicious. I order another cup. And another. This is the turning point in my day.
- 17:00 PM (ish): Back at the hotel, feeling slightly more optimistic. Realize I have a mosquito bite on my eye. Great. Just great.
- 18:00 PM (ish): I try to go for a walk, but I almost get run over by a bus. I may sit in my room for the rest of the trip. I can see there is a pool, but I'm too scared to get near it.
- 19:00 PM (ish): Contemplating dinner. Tempted to just order room service, but I'm also determined to leave the hotel again. The struggle is real.
- 21:00 PM (ish): Dinner at a local market. The food is good, though I end up accidentally ordering something I can't identify. My stomach is a champ now.
- 22:00 PM (ish): Back in my room, and I'm starting to think I could actually get used to this place… except for the freaking mosquitoes. They're still plotting my demise. I'm just glad the fan is working.
Day 3: Jungle Excursion and a Near-Death Experience (Probably Exaggerated)
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up, somehow. I feel like I've been run over by a bus. Decide to skip breakfast and start straight on the coffee.
- 7:00 AM (ish): I've booked a day trip to the jungle! I should be excited, but I'm mostly terrified. I pack my backpack with water, bug spray, and a healthy dose of skepticism.
- 8:00 AM (ish): Picked up for the tour. Drive to a dock, and then a boat!
- 9:00 AM (ish): We took a boat ride through the river, which was incredible. The rainforest is stunning. I see monkeys! And birds! And… a lot of bugs.
- 10:00 AM (ish): After a rough boat ride, we disembarked and started our hike. The jungle is hot, humid, and teeming with life. I'm pretty sure every single insect in Suriname has decided to feast on me.
- 11:00 AM (ish): I almost step on a snake. My heart leaps into my throat, and I scream like a little girl. My guide laughs. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think I’m very impressive.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Lunch! The food is delicious, but I'm too paranoid about the bugs to actually enjoy it. I'm swatting at them constantly. And I'm sweating. A lot.
- 13:00 PM (ish): The hike continues. Everything is green and beautiful and full of potential death. I'm starting to think I should have taken up knitting instead of this.
- 14:00 PM (ish): We get to the waterfall! It’s cold, refreshing, and worth all the mosquito bites. I actually swim.
- 15:00 PM (ish): The boat ride back. I feel exhausted. And slightly traumatized.
- 17:00 PM (ish): Back at the hotel. Exhausted, itchy, and full of jungle fever (probably not actually, but I could have malaria so whatever.)
- 18:00 PM (ish): Showering off all of the jungle and sweat. It was refreshing, although the water pressure was as weak as my will to live.
- 19:00 PM (ish): I have dinner at
Frequently Asked Questions (Or, You Know, My Rambling Thoughts About...)
So, what *is* this thing anyway? (And do I *really* need to know?)
Alright, deep breaths. You're here, poking around, maybe squinting at the screen and thinking, "God, I just wanted to know if it rains on Tuesday and now I'm in the internet's Bermuda Triangle of… whatever *this* is." I get it. Honestly, I was there yesterday.
Essentially, we're talking about [Insert Topic Here, e.g., "My crippling obsession with sourdough bread," "The existential dread of choosing the right socks," or "That time I tried to build a birdhouse and it looked like something out of a Tim Burton film"]. It’s my… well, it's *my* thing. Hopefully, it's *your* thing too, at least for a few minutes while you're reading this. My goal? To break down the mystique, the jargon, the sheer overwhelming-ness of it all into… well, *less* overwhelming-ness. No promises though. My brain operates on a slightly chaotic schedule.
Do you *need* to know? Probably not. Will it make you a better, happier, more fulfilled human being? Doubtful. But maybe, just maybe, it'll provide a momentary distraction from the crushing weight of existence. And that, my friends, is worth something. Right?
Okay, but *why* this? Why sourdough? Why birdhouses that resemble haunted mansions? What's the DEAL?
Oh, the big questions! Okay, so let's dissect. Sourdough? Well, it started with a loaf. A beautiful, lumpy, slightly charred loaf I saw at a market. I thought, "I can do *that*." Famous last words, right? Turns out, my starter, named Bartholomew (he's very moody), has a mind of his own. He's been a source of both immense satisfaction and, at times, abject humiliation. The birdhouse? Honestly, I blame Pinterest. I saw all those adorable little cottages and thought, "Easy peasy!" I forgot I possess the artistic talent of a particularly clumsy badger. Hence, the Tim Burton aesthetic.
The *real* reason? I'm a sucker for a challenge. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of masochism. I like the messy, the imperfect, the "Oh god, what have I gotten myself into?" feeling that comes with creating something from scratch. Even if that "something" ends up resembling a miniature dystopian nightmare. Plus, there's the satisfaction of... well, surviving. The birds seem to like it (or at least haven't left any nasty notes). And Bartholomew, bless his wild yeast heart, occasionally gives me a decent loaf.
What's the hardest part about [Insert Topic Here]? Tell it like it is.
Ugh. The *hardest* part? Ooh, where do I even begin with the sheer, soul-crushing reality of…. [Describe the hardest part. Be specific and personal] It's the feeling of… of utter failure. The moment you realize your dreams are basically a sloppy puddle of… well, mess. Sometimes, I just want to, you know, chuck the whole thing in the bin and go eat a tub of ice cream. But then the tiny voice whispers, "You're *almost* there." It's a liar.
Let me put it this way: There was this *one* time, I was baking a sourdough boullie (a giant bread loaf) . Bartholomew was refusing to rise. The proofing basket kept collapsing. I spent the better part of a Sunday weeping into a bowl of flour. I'm not exaggerating. My dog, bless him, just stared with an expression of bewildered pity. I almost set the kitchen on fire. (Okay, *exaggeration,* but it felt like it). It's that feeling that I just… *get*.
Any tips for a newbie? Please, tell me EVERYTHING.
Okay, okay. So you want the secret sauce, the cheat codes, the… wait for it... the wisdom? Alright, fine. But this comes with a disclaimer: I am not a professional. I'm just a person muddling through, trying to find my way like everyone else. So take this all with a grain of salt. (Or better yet, a pinch of salt and a hefty dose of laughter.)
Here's what I've learned, from a place of trial-and-even-more-error:
- Embrace the Failures. Seriously. They're inevitable. Treat them as learning opportunities. Did your starter flop? So what! Did your birdhouse look like it was built by a deranged squirrel? Who cares! Laugh. Learn. And try again. Maybe. Eventually.
- Don't Compare Yourself to Others. Instagram is a lie. Everyone's sourdough looks perfect, their birdhouses are charming, and they're all somehow managing to juggle a full-time job and a flawless skincare routine. They're not. Focus on *your* journey. Your wonky loaf. Your slightly terrifying avian abode.
- Find Your Tribe. Talk to people who *get* it. The sourdough community on Reddit can be incredibly supportive and honest. Sharing the mess can be the most cathartic!
- Start Small. Don't jump in with both feet. The birdhouse? Start with a simple design. Sourdough? Get a good recipe, follow the instructions, and try not to overthink it. (Easier said than done, I know.)
- Have Fun. If you're not enjoying it, why bother? It's supposed to be a hobby, not a punishment. If it's causing more stress than joy, take a break. Walk away. Eat a cookie. Then, maybe, come back and try again.
And most importantly? Have a sense of humor. Because if you can't laugh at yourself, you're doomed.
What equipment/ingredients do you need? I'm already feeling overwhelmed.
Alright, let's talk gear. This is where things can get a little... scary. But let's try not go to the extreme!
Specifically for [Insert Topic Here]: I can't overemphasize the importance of [Insert very specific, important thing here]. Maybe it's a specific type of [Material]. It's *crucial*, and if I hadn't included it in the recipe the first time when I started this journey, my first sourdough would have looked more like a hockey puck than a loaf of bread.
The temptation may be there to go overboard, but resist the urge! Keep it simple, and work up to the fancy stuff once you're absolutely hooked.
What's the deal with [minor topic within the larger scope]?
Ah, yes, the [minor topic]. A fascinating yet often overlookedSearch Hotel Guide
