Must-see hotels in Nicaragua

  • Luna International Hostel

    Estelí

    With a central location, spotless fan-cooled rooms, a courtyard common area and a wealth of information on Estelí and the surrounding area, this nonprofit…

  • Tortugas Hostel

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Who needs a fancy seaside villa when you can get exceptional views of the Pacific from the infinity pool at this hilltop hostel? The location is second to…

  • Maria's B&B

    Matagalpa

    This intimate place right in the center of town has just half a dozen bright, spotless and comfortable rooms surrounding inviting common areas and feels…

  • Hotel Los Arcangeles

    Caribbean Coast

    This highly atmospheric ranch-style hotel, decorated with dozens of folk-art archangels, has a variety of spotless rooms set around plant-filled corridors…

  • Tijerino's Hotel

    Caribbean Coast

    Way ahead of everything else in town, this fancy hotel on the park seems a little too smart for rural Boaco. Yes, the decor is on the garish side, but the…

  • Hotel Café

    Northern Highlands

    The most comfy sleep in Jinotega at this three-star property. Rooms are a little aged now, with pastel paint jobs and, in some cases, little natural light…

  • Luna del Rio

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    A stylish hotel in a beautifully painted small house right by the rapids, Luna del Rio offers just five charming and well appointed wooden rooms, complete…

  • Lara's Planet

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    Beautifully crafted from polished wood and bamboo and with fabulous views over the river, Lara's Planet is a gorgeous spot at the far end of the village…

  • San Juan de la Isla

    Isla de Ometepe

    This top-end choice is located just north of the village of El Quino. Set on a working farm right on the beach, the hacienda-style hotel has a private…

  • Casa Museo Judith Kain

    Caribbean Coast

    In a town with an abundance of atmospheric lodging, this may be the best of the bunch. The 19 rooms occupy various buildings set back from the house…

  • Green House Hostel

    Little Corn Island

    The best budget option on the island, Green House is located very conveniently for the arrival jetty in the heart of the Village. It has three fan-cooled…

  • Hostal Familiar

    The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname

    A fantastic choice offering two big, breezy wooden rooms right on the river and a couple of cheaper options upstairs. The attached restaurant serves…

  • Jicaro Island Lodge

    Nicaragua

    Close to the northern end of the peninsula, this Londoner-owned boutique hotel takes its eco-credentials very seriously, with its use of solar power,…

  • Centro Ecoturístico Flor de Pochote

    Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos

    This beautiful ecolodge lies within the Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo, perched right on the crater rim. The cabins (which sleep two) scattered around…

  • Bigfoot Hostel

    León

    With kitchen access, a miniature swimming pool, freshly made mojitos on offer, and spacious dorms and rooms with ample, secure luggage storage, this place…

  • La Mariposa Spanish School & Eco Hotel

    Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos

    Just out of San Marcos, on the road to Ticuantepe, is one of Nicaragua's prettiest Spanish schools. Set on the rolling hillside at the base of Volcán…

  • Los Cardones Hotel Ecológico

    Nicaragua

    Just south of San Diego village, this rustic ecolodge has great food and some of the best surfing in Nicaragua, just steps from your hammock. Owners offer…

  • Finca Montania Sagrada

    Isla de Ometepe

    At the southern end of Mérida, a bumpy road leads uphill to this Edenic property where cabins peek out from between the fruit trees. Swing in a hammock at…

  • Mansión de Chocolate

    Granada

    This elegant and expansive Spanish colonial mansion – once a hospital – is now a chocolate-themed hotel with a lovely pool (available for day use, US$6)…

  • Pelican Eyes Resort

    San Juan Del Sur

    With sweeping bay views and fairly fabulous villas featuring hacienda-style furnishings, kitchens, terraces and satellite TV, this resort is the best in…

  • La Barra Surf Camp

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    At this popular and professionally run beachfront surf camp, managed by AST Adventures in California, serious surfers book all-inclusive packages that…

  • Arte-Sano Hotel Cafe

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Arte-Sano's infinity pool overlooks Playa Marsella from its lofty hilltop location. Bold contemporary artworks, painted cattle skulls and exquisite…

  • Finca Samaria

    Isla de Ometepe

    A beautiful and ecofriendly farmstay option not far from Moyogalpa. Rooms are fairly basic, but the farm is lovely, with hammocks galore in the shady…

  • Hotel Magnific Rock

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Built on a magnificent rock outcropping, this friendly surfer's hotel has amazing views overlooking Playa Sardina and Playa Jiquelite. The cabins are…

  • Hotel Contempo

    Managua

    This modern boutique is one of the finest in all of Managua. We wish it were a little more centrally located, but the large, individually styled,…

  • Elements Boutique Hotel

    Managua

    Walk beneath the showpiece chandelier in the lobby, and you find yourself in a tranquil walled space where you can sip a cocktail or woo your sweetie over…

  • Monkey Hut

    Nicaragua

    This popular waterfront hostel (US$7 day use for nonguests) features a small beach on the edge of the lake, terraced lounge and picnic areas, plus a…

  • Oasis Hostel

    Granada

    A five-minute walk from the main square, this hostel is a Granada institution. It's extremely well run, with numerous daily shuttles and activities, and…

  • Las Plumerias Lodge

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Run by French surfing instructors Etienne and Emeline, this wonderful surfers lodge is uphill from the road to El Astillero. Breezy traditional, thatch…

  • Casitas Pacific Hotel

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    With eight individually decorated rooms, gorgeous native-wood furniture, hammocks and swings on private terraces and thatched roofs, this two-story…

  • Playa Hermosa Ecolodge

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Considered by many to be one of the best beach hostels on Nicaragua's south Pacific coast. The open-air, six-bed dorm rooms in this rustic paradise catch…

  • Guesthouse El Nancite

    León

    Run by helpful North American John and his lovely wife, this jaunty yellow guesthouse, decorated with Carnival masks and figures, has a handful of fan…

  • Miramar Surfcamp

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    For surfers of all abilities (including beginners), the location of this surf camp – and the friendly staff – are huge draws. Choose between basic air-con…

  • Tortuga Booluda

    León

    More small hotel than hostel, the revamped ‘Lazy Turtle’ does, however, offer all the hostel amenities, namely a great kitchen, book exchange, free coffee…

  • Rise Up Surf Tours

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Steps away from the waves, Rise Up Surf was the brainchild of the former owner of Bigfoot Hostel in León, and he's managed to bring the backpacker…

  • Aqua Wellness Resort

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Overlooking a private beach cove, the elegant jungle tree houses at this excellent spa and resort have tremendous ocean views and all the high-end…

  • Chancletas Beach Resort

    León & Northwestern Nicaragua

    Perched up on a grassy hillside overlooking Aserradores' famous break, this relaxed spot, run by Miami native Shay, has more to offer than just surfing…

  • Isleta El Recedo

    Nicaragua

    A 10-minute ride by speedboat from Marina Cocibolca, this solar-powered ecolodge is run by La Pólvora Hotel in Granada. Sustainable local materials have…

  • Casa Xanadu

    Granada

    From the polished, hand-carved wooden pillars in its courtyard to the six colorful, individually styled suites in the beautifully restored colonial…

  • Hotel La Polvora

    Granada

    Barring the sound of church bells, nothing is likely to disturb your rest at this intimate boutique hotel on a quiet residential street, near the namesake…

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