Must-see hotels in El Salvador

  • La Tortuga Verde

    Eastern El Salvador

    Hidden across three beachfront properties linked by sandy, low-lit paths and shaded by coconut trees is La Tortuga Verde. Here, with the help of local…

  • Puerto Barillas

    Eastern El Salvador

    It's worth blowing the budget to stay at this well-run resort in a truly memorable setting. Puerto Barillas is located at the heart of a unique biosphere,…

  • La Cocotera

    Western El Salvador

    Located on the rugged oceanfront of Barra de Santiago, near the Guatemalan border, these six luxury apartment–style rooms with king-sized beds open onto a…

  • Los Almendros de San Lorenzo

    El Salvador

    Without a doubt this boutique hotel, set in a restored 200-year-old home, is one of the best places to stay in El Salvador. High-end Salvadoran art,…

  • Casa Verde

    Western El Salvador

    Carlos and his team at Casa Verde display the kind of resourceful, conscientious hospitality that makes this country such a joy. From the roof terrace,…

  • Casa Mazeta Hostal

    Western El Salvador

    Mazeta is a wonderful small hostel overseen by English owners who have decorated the converted home with panache. The double rooms are decorated with…

  • 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…

  • Cumbres del Volcán Flor Blanca

    San Salvador

    This well-run hostel occupies an airy 1950s mansion close to Parque Cuscatlán in the Flor Blanca neighborhood. The spacious, modern kitchen, bright…

  • Cumbres del Volcán Colonia Escalón

    San Salvador

    In the leafy Colonia Escalón neighborhood, 'Volcano Summit' offers popular dorm rooms downstairs and four color-themed private rooms on the 2nd floor. The…

  • Europa Guest House

    Eastern El Salvador

    This family home turned guesthouse in a leafy neighborhood is a pleasant place to stay. There's a large kitchen, a garden with hammocks and five spacious…

  • Nico Urban Hotel

    San Salvador

    Zona Rosa is rosier for Nico Urban Hotel, El Salvador's most upscale boutique hotel. The six rooms are minimalist in design, yet spacious enough to swing…

  • Puro Surf Hotel

    Central El Salvador

    From the yoga studio to the weights room, every detail of this slick hotel and surf academy has been designed with surfers in mind. Each of the 13 rooms…

  • Hotel Perkin Lenca

    Eastern El Salvador

    On the road into Perquín is a reputable and attractive mountain retreat hand-built by an American expatriate who excels in community projects. Finished…

  • La Zona Hostel

    San Salvador

    This self-styled 'travelers spot' is a key fixture in the capital's budget accommodation stocks. Perfectly located for the Zona Rosa action and opposite…

  • La Casa de Izel

    Central El Salvador

    Behind stained glass windows is an elegant house that's been decorated with real flair to create a homey, relaxing hostel. With artwork on the walls and…

  • La Guitarra

    Central El Salvador

    You won't find accommodations closer to the waves than the beachside rooms at this rock-music-themed El Tunco sleep-easy; the garden rooms are quieter and…

  • Hotel Mopelia

    Central El Salvador

    This large property is a magnet for travelers who appreciate the thoughtfulness and space afforded by the owner's business model. Mopelia offers 12 rooms…

  • Hostal & Cafe Entre Piedras

    Eastern El Salvador

    Easily the best digs in Alegría, Entre Piedras uses cooling slate tile to perfection, offset by wood paneling and slick bathrooms. There’s a charming…

  • El Carmen Estate

    Western El Salvador

    The ubiquitous Cafe Ataco brand hails from this charming finca, which has been operating since the 1930s. The original house, La Casona, has been…

  • Hotel Solisal

    Eastern El Salvador

    Highly recommended for groups (though solo travelers could make it work), the Solisal is famed for its floating restaurant in Corral de Mulas, on the calm…

  • Arbol de Fuego

    San Salvador

    Named for the red-flowered 'Fire Tree' outside, Arbol de Fuego is the pick of the hotels in the quieter Antiguo Cuscatlan area south of the city. The…

  • Azul Surf Club

    Eastern El Salvador

    Azul Surf Club is an attractive family-run surf resort with a range of accommodations options right on a beautiful, quiet stretch of beach. Surf lessons…

  • Papaya Lodge

    Central El Salvador

    Papaya's is a big-hearted hostel with a youthful vibe, plenty of hammocks for lounging when the surf's flat and a guest kitchen. The property is set back…

  • Hostal de Mamá y Papá

    Western El Salvador

    Mamá runs Tacuba's best hostel, and luckily it exceeds expectations for such a remote town. All the action takes place in the trellised garden where…

  • Hotel Juayúa

    Western El Salvador

    This charming property is perfect for families looking for a little run-around room. Lounging on the manicured lawn by the sparkling swimming pool with…

  • Hostal Villa Limón

    Western El Salvador

    Hostal Villa Limón is a collection of three forest cottages that can each sleep four people comfortably, possibly more. It is located 14km north of…

  • El Dorado

    Central El Salvador

    Across the river from the main 'drag' is El Dorado, a stylish resort run by an enterprising French-Canadian couple and staffed by a team of locals. Direct…

  • Esencia Nativa

    Central El Salvador

    El Zonte's one road leads to Escencia Nativa, and rightly so. This low-key hostel is where most travelers linger, irrespective of where they choose to…

  • Los Portones de Ataco

    Western El Salvador

    Go through the portones (gates) and past a charming cafe and interior garden to reach six neat rooms, tucked away at the back of this youthful, nicely…

  • Clarion Suites Las Palmas

    San Salvador

    These suites have kitchenettes with large fridges and microwaves plus there's discreet staff, space to dance and a fabulous rooftop pool, making Las…

  • Segen Hostel

    Western El Salvador

    Not much has changed in recent years at one of Ataco's best little hostels. Rooms are adequate for the price, the rooftop balcony is still a great place…

  • Hostal Dona Consuelo

    Eastern El Salvador

    This wonderful city escape is in the village of Jucuarán, 30km southwest of Usulután. The property is professionally managed and each room is presented…

  • Hotel La Palma

    El Salvador

    A long-standing retreat catering to large groups, this mountain getaway bordered by the Río La Palma is nonetheless a decent choice for individuals due to…

  • Termales de Santa Teresa

    Western El Salvador

    In a region famed for its hot springs, the sprawling set of pools at Santa Teresa surpasses expectations. You can opt for the bathing only (US$10), or…

  • Hostal Villa Blanca

    Western El Salvador

    The smartest choice in town is this well-run hotel in the quaint old quarter. The pristine tile floors keep the place cool, while the spacious rooms are…

  • Hotel Villa Florencia Zona Rosa

    San Salvador

    A number of excellent cultural and dining options within close walking distance make this small hotel a favorite among return travelers to San Salvador…

  • Hotel de Montaña El Pital

    El Salvador

    If you need a little more comfort when bracing for the great outdoors – and you're not alone – then this mountain resort is a reasonable deal. Pretty…

  • Eco del Mar

    Central El Salvador

    One of Tunco's more discreet places is the Eco del Mar. This two-story building uses plenty of wood, including for its pleasant veranda, sitting area and…

  • Papaya Lodge Las Flores

    Eastern El Salvador

    Neat thatched bungalows arranged around a pool help create a mellow vibe at this hostel, which opened in 2017. There are boards to rent (US$15 per day)…

  • La Posada del Rey I

    San Salvador

    This stalwart of Colonia Escalón still turns out well-sized rooms with plush beds to tour groups, business folk and solo travelers. The numerous staff are…

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