Consistently occupied since its original foundation in 1524, Granada is one of the oldest colonial cities in all of the Americas. As such, the centuries-old city boasts numerous landmarks and attractions reflecting its historical past and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
To accommodate its influx of international visitors, the city has developed a vibrant infrastructure catered towards the region’s tourism industry and boasts numerous hotels and hostels perfect for travellers of all varieties and budgets.
From colourful colonial hotels to rustically affordable B&Bs, these are just some of the best accommodations in the city to help you decide where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua.
Don’t forget to check out my Granada, Nicaragua City Guide for more tips and advice for your next trip to Nicaragua’s colonial capital!
Where To Stay in Granada, Nicaragua: A Neighbourhood Guide
Staying in Granada's City Centre
While Granada is one of Nicaragua’s largest cities, most of its tourism is typically focused around its central park and docks area. As such, most of the city’s most popular accommodation options tend to be located within the immediate area surrounding this town centre and the Calle La Calzada, which connects the plaza to the town’s waterfront.
Booking a stay within this area offers visitors the most convenient location for accessing the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and tour operators. However, it also puts guests in the centre of the community’s busy and celebratory atmosphere, which can often result in louder evenings not well suited for those seeking relaxation.
Staying in the City Outskirts
Instead, those guests looking to get away from Granada’s tourist traps and nightlife hot spots should plan to stay in one of the more isolated accommodations in the town’s west and southern outskirts.
These more out-of-the-way stays include the beautiful Hotel La Polvora, the Eco-Mediterranean House, and the luxurious Fincan Balones de Granada Hotels. Another fantastic accommodation not in the city centre is the adventurous Treehouse Hostel, which provides guests with budget-friendly accommodation in the dense jungles halfway up Volcan Mombacho.
Staying in The Isletas de Granada
Alternatively, visitors can enjoy an even more enhanced isolation near the city by booking one of the luxury resorts operating out of the region’s celebrated Isletas de Granada. These opulent stays include;
- Zopango Orchids Island — $215 per night
- Isleta El Roble — $96 per night
- Isleta El Espino — $191 per night
- Isleta El Recedo — $328 per night
Unfortunately, these fabulous island retreats are also the most expensive accommodations in Granada and feature price tags well beyond the means of the city’s average travellers.
Luckily, several fantastic hotels and hostels within the city offer varying degrees of splendour for a cozy accommodation regardless of your travel budget. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the best tips and advice to help you decide where to stay in Granada, Nicaragua.
Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua: Tips and Advice
Getting Around Granada: Visitors staying in the downtown Granada city centre will find several of the region’s top attractions within walking distance of their accommodations. However, the city’s local taxi network is inexpensive and convenient for guests staying outside the city centre, with most taxis costing less than $1 to reach anywhere in the town borders.
Popular Things to Do: Touring the Isletas de Granada or planning an excursion to the nearby Masaya Volcano are just some of the more popular things to experience in the city. However, you should check out this post for a complete list of all the fun and exciting things to do in Granada, Nicaragua.
Budget Saving Tips When Staying in Granada: While Granada is already a super affordable travel destination, visitors to the colonial city can further tighten their purse by sticking to the delicious street food located in the city centre, booking tours directly with the provider, and by booking a budget-friendly dorm room from the several hostels located in town.
Which Area in Granada is the Best to Stay In?
Downtown Granada: Home to the city’s major attractions, restaurants, and shops, Granada’s downtown area is the best spot for visitors looking to book their accommodation in the heart of the action. While busy, the downtown area puts guests within walking distance of everything the city offers.
City Outskirts: Offering a quiet escape from the bustling downtown, Granada’s city outskirts are the best area in the region for visitors seeking an immersive experience free from the city centre’s heavy crowding. This area also boasts some of the city’s top-valued stays.
Isletas de Granada: Boasting the city’s most luxurious resorts, the Isletas de Granada is perfect for guests seeking a full-service stay in the area, complete with abundant amenities and personalized services. Unfortunately, this is also the most expensive area for guests to stay in when visiting Granada and is typically reserved for only the most affluent visitors.
The Average Cost of Accommodation in Granada, Nicaragua
Backpacker’s Budget: 10 CAD to 20 CAD
Mid-Range Budget: 35 CAD to 65 CAD
Luxury Budget: 90 CAD to 150 CAD
Check out my Granada, Nicaragua City Guide for a total budget breakdown of your next visit to the colonial city.
Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua on a Backpacker's Budget
Hostal Mochilas
With nightly rates starting at only 10 CAD for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dorm, the Hostal Mochilas offers one of the most affordable stays in the city, perfect for exploring Granada on a budget.
However, despite its low rates, the hostel boasts several onsite amenities that make staying at the accommodation an experience within itself. Attracting backpackers from around the world, the hostel boasts free WIFI, an onsite sun terrace, a small swimming pool, and even a shared lounge where you can connect with your fellow travellers.
Visitors travelling in small groups, or those solo travellers seeking more privacy throughout their stay, can also book one of the hostel’s private rooms starting at 28 CAD per night, which include a patio and private bathrooms.
Casa Lucys Hostal
Located less than 100 metres from the central park, the Casa Lucys Hostal is another fantastic budget-friendly accommodation in Granada, Nicaragua, that puts visitors in the heart of the action.
Rates start at 11 CAD per night for a bed in a 4-bed mixed dorm, while private rooms start at 22 CAD per night for guests seeking a little more comfort. A complimentary American breakfast is included in the rates for every guest.
The Casa Lucys Hostal offers budget-friendly accommodation and a quiet and tranquil setting to relax and unwind away from the street’s crowds. It features a sun terrace and garden and is a fantastic spot for finding soothing bliss.
Oasis Hostel
Starting at 15 CAD for a bed in a 4-bed mixed dorm, the Oasis Hostel offers one of the best-valued stays in the city and is easily one of the favourite hostels in Granada among backpackers.
Situated less than two blocks from the city centre, the Oasis Hostel boasts several onsite comforts that cater to the typical backpacker, including an onsite social bar, a shared lounge, a soothing garden, and even a swimming pool perfect for escaping the tropical heat.
The hostel also boasts a terrace with billiards and table tennis, making the accommodation a fantastic setting for meeting like-minded travellers. At the same time, the onsite tour desk offers convenient access to the region’s top attractions.
Visitors seeking a more private stay in the hotel also have a wide selection of budget-friendly accommodation options, with twin rooms starting for as low as 30 CAD per night for up to two guests.
Additional Budget-Friendly Hotels in Granada, Nicaragua
- Hostal Azul — $12 per night
- El Caite Hostel — $14 per night
- Hostel De Boca en Boca – $14 per night
- Selina Granada — $20 per night
- Backpackers Inn — $20 per night
Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua on a Mid-Range Budget
Hotel con Corazon
Located only a five-minute walk from the city centre, the Hotel con Corazon offers a quiet setting and several onsite amenities that provide a comfortable stay in Granada for visitors travelling on a mid-range budget.
With rooms starting at 53 CAD per night, all accommodations at the Hotel con Corazon feature their own private bathroom, a patio, a flatscreen TV, luxury toiletries, and other amenities. The hotel also boasts its own onsite gift shop, perfect for picking up souvenirs and handmade products.
The hotel’s onsite bar offers a social setting for grabbing a drink while partaking in several fun bar games, including darts and chess. Between its convenient location and comfortable amenities, the Hotel con Corazon is one of the best mid-range hotels in Granada, Nicaragua.
Casa del Agua
With nightly rates starting at 47 CAD per night, the Casa del Agua offers another fantastic mid-range hotel in the heart of Granada and is located less than 100 meters from the city centre.
Boasting three room varieties, every accommodation at the hotel boasts luxury comfort amenities, including a fully-equipped kitchen with a. dining table, a flatscreen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower, toiletries, and hairdryer. An extensive complimentary breakfast is included in the nightly rate for every hotel guest.
Additional onsite comforts within the hotel include a large outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and several communal areas for unwinding while connecting with other guests.
Boutique Hotel Maharaja
Located along Granada’s main tourist street, about halfway between the parquet central and the city docks, the Boutique Hotel Maharaja offers convenient access to the region’s top attractions while providing comfortable accommodations for travellers on a mid-range budget.
The hotel features standard double rooms starting at 43 CAD per night. Every room at the hotel features basic amenities and comforts, including a work desk, a flatscreen TV, a private bathroom, and a balcony with pool views.
Additional onsite amenities include a large pool area, communal garden, and terrace. For added convenience, the hotel also boasts an onsite currency exchange and a tour desk, perfect for planning your excursions into the region’s charming countryside.
Additional Mid-Range Hotels in Granada, Nicaragua
- Hotel il Padrino — $44 per night
- Museito de Carlos — $41 per night
- El Almirante — $55 per night
- Hotel Lolita’s Boutique — $44 per night
- Hotel La Gran Sultana — $48 per night
Where to Stay in Granada, Nicaragua on a Luxury Budget
Hotel Plaza Colon
Certified by the Rainforest Alliance, the Hotel Plaza Colon is a luxury hotel in Granada, Nicaragua, that promises an opulent stay in the city while practicing sustainable travel techniques.
Conveniently located directly in the heart of the city in Parque Central, the Hotel Plaza Colon is the premier accommodation option in Granada and boasts a wide room selection starting at 153 CAD per night.
All rooms at the hotel feature basic amenities, including air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, and private bathrooms. However, the hotel also boasts luxury additions, including complimentary bath robes and toiletries, all of which are biodegradable.
For added convenience, the Hotel Plaza Colon also boasts a 24-hour front desk, which is readily available to meet any needs or plan your excursion to one of the countryside’s numerous attractions.
Boutique Hotel Secret Garden Granada
While located slightly further from the city centre, the Boutique Hotel Secret Garden offers a quiet respite within walking distance of the central park, perfect for escaping the city’s heavy crowds while enjoying the facility’s many onsite services and amenities.
The hotel features several room options starting at 99 CAD per night for its deluxe double room. All accommodations at the hotel feature a fully-equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven, and microwave, along with a private balcony with garden views. A complimentary continental or vegetarian breakfast is included in the nightly rates.
Additional onsite amenities within the hotel’s complexes include an extensive outdoor swimming pool, a garden and lounge area, and even free bike rentals, making accessing the city’s attractions and landmarks a breeze.
Hotel Dario Granada
Starting at 164 CAD per night, the Hotel Dario is another luxury hotel in Granada, Nicaragua, offering top-of-the-line accommodation in the city’s heart. Located just behind the towering cathedral in Parque Central, the Hotel Dario provides convenient access to the city’s top attractions while offering several onsite comforts.
All rooms at the hotel feature thematic décor with wooden floors, a private bathroom, and even a private balcony overlooking the complex’s breathtaking gardens. Further onsite services include a complimentary breakfast, an extensive outdoor swimming pool, and an a la carte restaurant.
Additional Luxury Hotels in Granada, Nicaragua
- Hotel Colonial Granada — $107 per night
- Casa Bubu Guest House — $133 per night
- Hotel Boutique Adela — $122 per night
- Hotel Real La Merced — $99 per night
- Hotel & Restaurante La Gran Francia — $113 per night
Planning a visit to Nicaragua’s colonial centre? Check out my complete Granada, Nicaragua City Guide for the area’s best attractions, restaurants, and more. You can also uncover several other wondrous travel destinations in the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes with my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide.