Must-see hotels in Central America

  • Playa Grande Surf Camp

    Península de Nicoya

    Aside from offering boards, lessons and trips, the surf camp is also a great budget-accommodations option. Three cute, thatched, A-frame cabinas have…

  • Las Caletas Lodge

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    This adorable lodge consists of colorful wooden cabins and safari tents, located near the picturesque beach of the same name. The owners are warm hosts…

  • Buena Vista Surf Club

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Take a right where the road dips after Parque Maderas to get to this lovely getaway with spectacular views over the bay. Six tree house–style cabañas, all…

  • Hostel Cabaña Mis Ojos

    The Road to Chirripó

    This charming wooden cottage overlooks the river, northeast of the soccer field. Guests rave about the warm welcome and tasty meals prepared by the owner…

  • Hotel Anáhuac

    Western El Salvador

    To many travelers, Hotel Anáhuac is synonymous with Juayúa. Space is used effectively throughout, from the internal garden to the upstairs double room…

  • Kasa Kiwi

    Quetzaltenango

    Despite its distinctly un-Guatemalan name, Kasa Kiwi has quickly established itself as a top player on Xela's hostel scene. Generously sized dorms mean…

  • Park Eden

    El Valle

    A beautiful country retreat run by a North American–trained Panamanian designer and his Ecuadorian wife, this gorgeous property has two rooms and two…

  • Hotel Pumilio

    Jacó

    In a wonderfully peaceful location along an unpaved road 2.5km north of Jacó, this intimate hotel caters to travelers who want to do their own thing yet…

  • Dreamboat Hostel

    Panajachel

    The paint was barely dry when we visited this hostel, but it was already building a good reputation. Bright four-bed dorms (mixed or women only) stop…

  • ThunderBomb Surf Camp

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Run by Bostonian Jonathan, this excellent surf camp is all about hitting the A-frames, pipes and barrels up and down the coast. There are several…

  • La Posada del Arcangel

    Managua

    There's much to love about colonial-style Posada de Arcangel, from the quirky art collection and leafy garden to the guest rooms with crimson accents,…

  • Candelaria Lodge

    Alta & Baja Verapaz

    The Candelaria Lodge is a refined hotel so lovely it seems bizarrely out of place here in the relative nowhere of central Guatemala. The rooms are…

  • LazDivaz

    Playa Sámara

    They call it a B&C. No breakfast, just coffee. The rest is basically a dream: cozy and colorful, three darling cottages are perched in the sand,…

  • Hotel Lula’s

    Bocas del Toro Town

    A place of porches and rocking chairs, this lovely B&B offers a stylish stay. Its eight rooms are immaculate, with orthopedic mattresses, and wooden…

  • Mamallena

    Bocas del Toro Town

    Our favorite hostel in Bocas town is this stylish new over-the-water option with tropical prints, palms and a wraparound bar with a pool table on the…

  • Jade Seahorse

    Utila

    Welcome to this hillside, arty oasis where about half the surfaces are covered in colorful, whimsical mosaics of glass, tile and more. Each of the six…

  • Hotel Bahía Zapatera

    Nicaragua

    Overlooking Isla el Muerto across the water, Isla Zapatera's wonderful hotel is run by knowledgeable Rafael. It consists of four comfortable bungalows…

  • Coco Loco Eco Resort

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    There are only two things to do in this wonderfully tranquil spot: hit the waves and do yoga. Guests are lodged in airy cabins made from sustainable local…

  • Croc Casino Resort

    Jacó

    On the tranquil northern end of Jacó, this crocodile-themed resort is surprisingly elegant. Sleek towers, an immaculate casino and sprawling pools…

  • Tiskita Jungle Lodge

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    Set amid extensive gardens and orchards, this lodge is arguably the most beautiful and intimate in all of Golfo Dulce. Stunning modern wooden cabins are…

  • Casa Tenango

    Cobán

    What this place lacks in frills (no pool, no bar) it more than makes up for in warmth, with a large kitchen, several common areas that are good for…

  • Casa Amanecer

    Central Valley & Highlands

    A 10-minute drive northeast of San Ramón, this sleekly designed, secluded B&B, owned by welcoming host Helen, offers five contemporary rooms with polished…

  • Hotel Los Altos

    Estelí

    In a pleasantly restored colonial house right in the center of town, Los Altos manages to be both stylish and unpretentious. Rooms are all different but…

  • Casa Lula León

    León

    Sociable without being a party hostel, Casa Lula is a budget traveler favorite, largely through the efforts of hosts Eric and Selina and the knowledgeable…

  • Hotel Gran Francia

    Granada

    Just off the main plaza, this elegant hotel is set in an opulent historic building, with hardwood floors, hand-painted sinks, wrought-iron detail and…

  • Finca Exotica

    To Corcovado via Puerto Jiménez

    To stay at Finca Exotica is to glamp in a tropical Eden, surrounded by 90 hectares of farmland that include more than 125 species of fruit and vegetables,…

  • Hotel Casa Royale

    Caribbean Coast

    This fantastic hotel is easily the best choice in town, with modern, sleek and spotless rooms, an excellent location with a great view over the bay,…

  • Finca Ixobel

    El Petén

    The Finca Ixobel is an ecological resort/bohemian hideaway set amid pine forest and patches of jungle between Flores and Río Dulce in southeast Petén…

  • Sirena Surf House

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    The moment you step out of your room, you can bury your toes in the sand. These two beautiful rooms with king-sized beds are all individually designed by…

  • Circles

    San Marcos La Laguna

    Near the top of the path from the dock is this casual hostel/cafe with an attached bakery and coffee roaster to provide the essentials of a good stay…

  • Buddha House

    Jacó

    Bold colors and modern art create an artistic atmosphere at this 'boutique hostel,' where the best private rooms are spacious suites. The staff are lovely…

  • Casa Marimba

    Nicaragua

    Run by three friends, this sweet five-room B&B offers the best lakeside accommodations – individually styled rooms, meals involving lovingly grown organic…

  • Gerald's B&B

    Panamá Province

    With a good location near the ferry landing and an easy walk to Playa de las Suecas, Gerald's is central, clean and comfortable, with consistently good…

  • Hotelito El Piloto

    Caribbean Coast

    Waspám’s best all-round choice. Rooms have fresh paint and bathroom tiles, and a terrific location steps from the river. The friendly owners are a wealth…

  • Posada Belen

    Guatemala City

    One of Zona 1's most stylish options, this boutique hotel has just 10 rooms, arranged around a couple of lush patios. Rooms are well decorated with típico…

  • Lo de Bernal

    Antigua

    Don't be intimidated by the full suit of armour at this small new bed and breakfast; service here comes with a warm and personal touch. Rooms are…

  • Eco Suites Uxlabil

    Guatemala City

    If you're planning on being in town for a while (or even if you're not), you could do a lot worse than these sweet little apartments decked out in…

  • Dai Nonni Hotel

    Guatemala City

    Just south of the Zona 10 action, this small hotel wins points for its eclectic decorations, backyard hangout areas and big rooms. Discounts are available…

  • Aguas del Arenal

    Northern Highlands

    In the heart of the Reserva Natural Cerro El Arenal, this secluded and intimate family-run lodge is perfect for those looking for a more laid-back coffee…

  • Hotel Villa Roca

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    The gay owners of this intimate hotel cater to many of Manuel Antonio's LGBT+ travelers; it's particularly popular with men. The upstairs rooms are…

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