1

The hotel that is right next to the airport (the other side of the main road) costs more than your mentioned budget. I didn't find it a good value anyway. So you will need to pick another one and take a taxi to it unless you decide to spring for the airport hotel costs.
I wouldn't be overly concerned about a "safe" hotel that you will just go to and spend the night...the chances of someone smashing down your door while you are in the room aren't huge even in budget places.
The taxis on the main road of the airport are cheaper than the ones in the airport driveway.

As much as I hate to suggest the Best Western airport hotel (I've stayed there and hated it...when I saw the room and thought of how much better I have had in Nicaragua for a fraction of the price, I said "What a Dump!" ) it might be your best bet considering you are arriving at night and leaving Managua the next morning. You can just walk to it from the air terminal. And when you want to leave, the buses pass by right in front.

2

I stayed several times at the Best Western on my way to Matagalpa, no complaints about the rooms. (When its is full you might end up in older rooms which are a dump, as the former poster tells you, so ask to see a room first) And indeed, the next morning you cross the road and wait for a Matagalpabound bus, if an expres bus doesn"t stop(but they will if not full) take a slower one, or an Estelibound bus and change bus for Matagalpa in Sebaco.

3

Yes, and I was just wondering if any places provide airport pickup? That is something the OP can look into as another option.

4

if your budget is $60 for two people, check out la pyramide. manfred, the owner, can arrange direct pick up from the airport. although it costs $15 extra for airport pick up. upside, it beats the best western hands down. private room, clean, quaint, locally run, comfy beds, safe neighborhood near zona hippos....google them for details

5

Hi Ladies! I'm planning on Wwoofing at El Yunque as well... perhaps we shall cross paths!