Nicaragua was the first international destination I ever visited, and it has remained one of my all-time favourite countries ever since. One of the most significant distinctions separating Nicaragua from other Central American destinations is the affordable and diverse accommodation options it offers visitors.
As one of the most under-travelled countries in Central America, Nicaragua is a destination easily explored both on a budget and free from the heavy crowding at popular attractions that can often occur elsewhere in the region (Costa Rica, I’m looking at you!). In fact, accommodations can usually be found in almost all the main tourist cities for under $10 a night!
However, just because visitors can explore Nicaragua on a budget doesn’t mean they have to. With an extensive collection of five- and four-star hotels within its portfolio, Nicaragua offers a high degree of opulence for those luxury travellers that prefer a sense of lavishment throughout their holiday.
Whether you are a shoestring backpacker, a mid-range traveller booking your next holiday, or a luxury traveller sampling the world’s finest resorts, these are the best hotels in Nicaragua for all the country’s main tourist cities.
Don’t forget to check out my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide for further inspirations and insights as you plan your next adventure to the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
Managua, Nicaragua Hotels
For most travellers, Managua is the gateway to the many greater attractions of Nicaragua. However, while I don’t suggest staying long in the country’s capital, the city does offer some fantastic hotel options perfect for housing your exploration of the country’s rich and diverse histories.
Luxury Managua, Nicaragua Hotels
Real Intercontinental Metrocentro Mall: (Rooms starting at 168 USD per night)
Hotel Globales Camino Real: (Rooms starting at 105 USD per night)
Hilton Princess Managua: (Rooms starting at 101 USD per night)
Mid-Range Managua, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel Contempo: (Rooms starting at 58 USD per night)
Hotel Europeo: (Rooms starting at 43 USD per night)
Hotel Los Robles: (Rooms starting at 82 USD per night)
Budget Managua, Nicaragua Hostels
Orison Managua: (Beds starting at 9 USD per night)
La Bicicleta Hostal: (Beds starting at 16 USD per night)
Managua Backpackers Inn: (Beds starting at 13 USD per night)
Leon, Nicaragua Hotels
With plenty of attractions and infrastructure designed for tourism, Leon is perhaps the most significant destination to serve as a base as visitors explore the country’s many Northern destinations. Not to mention, the city is the nearest community to Cerro Negro, the only place in the world where guests can toboggan down an active volcano.
As a must-visit city when travelling to Nicaragua, Leon has plenty of accommodation options for any travel budget.
Luxury Leon, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel El Convento Leon Nicaragua: (Luxury Suite starting at 160 USD per night)
Hotel la Perla Leon: (Rooms starting at 120 USD per night)
Aaki Hotel: (Rooms starting at 90 USD per night)
Mid-Range Leon, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel Austria: (Rooms starting at 49 USD per night)
Hotel Mariposa: (Rooms starting at 49 USD per night)
Hotel Flor De Sarta: (Rooms starting at 55 USD per night)
Budget Leon, Nicaragua Hostels
Hostal La Tortuga Booluda: (Beds starting at 10 USD per night)
Volcano Hostel: (Beds starting at 6 USD per night)
The Spot Hostel León: (Beds starting at 9 USD per night)
Granada, Nicaragua Hotels
Granada is the oldest colonial city in the Americas and is an essential stopping point for exploring the region’s history and the natural wonders of the landscape. From stunning cathedrals to authentic cuisines served on the historic cobblestone streets, Granada is one of the country’s most quintessential Central American experiences.
Before I get into the top hotels for every price range, I want to highlight one hostel that everyone should experience regardless of their budget. Treehouse Hostel is a must-visit accommodation.
Located on the forested cliffside of an active volcano, this hostel gives visitors the unique experience of living outside, up close and personal with Nicaragua’s diverse wildlife. And yes, I’m talking howler monkeys hanging out on the platform next to your hammock up close and personal.
Luxury Granada, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel Plaza Colon: (Rooms starting at 110 USD per night)
Hotel & Restaurante La Gran Francia: (Rooms starting at 92 USD per night)
Hotel Real La Merced: (Rooms starting at 71 USD per night)
Mid-Range Granada, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel con Corazón: (Rooms starting at 39 USD per night)
Hotel Casa San Francisco: (Rooms starting at 45 USD per night)
Hotel Patio del Malinche: (Rooms starting at 52 USD per night)
Budget Granada, Nicaragua Hostels
Selina Granada: (Beds starting at 8 USD per night)
Hostal Mochilas: (Beds starting at 6 USD per night)
El Caite Hostel: (Beds starting at 9 USD per night)
Ometepe, Nicaragua Hotels
After Granada, following Nicaragua’s Gringo Trail will bring visitors to the calm, quiet shores of Isla de Ometepe. Nicknamed “Boob Island” by the locals, Ometepe is located in the centre of Lake Nicaragua and features two distinct volcanoes jutting out from over the horizon.
The island is a great way to relax and explore the religious traditions of Nicaragua’s ancient inhabitants. Not to mention it has some of the most affordable nightly rates in the country.
Luxury Ometepe, Nicaragua Hotels
Totoco Eco-lodge: (Lodges starting at 78 USD per night)
Hotel Victoria: (Rooms starting at 42 USD per night)
Hotel San Juan Ometepe: (Cabins starting at 80 USD per night)
Mid-Range Ometepe, Nicaragua Hotels
Cabañas El Paraíso: (Rooms starting at 42 USD per night)
Xalli Beach Hotel: (Rooms starting at 38 USD per night)
Selvista Guesthouses: (Rooms starting at 42 USD per night)
Budget Ometepe, Nicaragua Hostels
Hotel Finca Magdalena: (Beds starting at 4 USD per night)
Lazy Crab Hostel: (Beds starting at 8 USD per night)
Eco-Lodge La Chiponga: (Rooms starting at 9v USD per night)
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Hotels
Surrounded by world-class beaches, the small fishing town of San Juan del Sur has become a backpacker hotspot in recent years. Known to have some of the world’s premier surf spots, San Juan del Sur is one of the most travelled cities in Nicaragua.
As a result, the city features the country’s most convenient infrastructure for housing incoming tourists. From affordable hostels to extravagant beachside resorts, San Juan del Sur offers some of the most incredible accommodation options for every budget.
Luxury San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Hotels
Morgan’s Rock: (Bungalows starting at 408 USD per night)
Aqua Nicaragua Oceanfront Resort: (Units starting at 128 USD per night)
Bahia Del Sol Villas & Condominiums: (Houses starting at 154 USD per night)
Mid-Range San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel La Estación: (Rooms starting at 76 USD per night)
Looking Good Surf House San Juan del Sur: (Rooms starting at 49 USD per night)
El Jardin: (Rooms starting at 60 USD per night)
Budget San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Hostels
Hostal Los Chamos: (Beds starting at 7 USD per night)
Hostal Brisas y Olas: (Beds starting at 8 USD per night)
Selina Maderas: (Beds starting at 8 USD per night)
Corn Island, Nicaragua Hotels
Located off the mainland in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, the Corn Islands offer visitors a unique island paradise experience. Heavily underdeveloped compared to the rest of Nicaragua, the islands provide relaxed vibes and a tranquil setting for the perfect tropical holiday.
Luxury Corn Island, Nicaragua Hotels
Yemaya Reefs—Little Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 325 USD per night)
Hotel Casa Canada—Big Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 67 USD per night)
Little Corn Natural Reserve Big Wooden House: (Rooms starting at 64 USD per night)
Mid-Range Corn Island, Nicaragua Hotels
Ocean View— Big Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 40 USD per night)
Paraiso Beach Hotel— Big Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 36 USD per night)
Las Palmeras Oceanfront Hotel— Little Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 35 USD per night)
Budget Corn Island, Nicaragua Hostels
The Wave Hostel— Big Corn Island: (Beds starting at 8 USD per night)
Christina’s Guest House— Little Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 10 USD per night)
Cool Spot Grace Place— Little Corn Island: (Rooms starting at 14 USD per night)
Matagalpa, Nicaragua Hotels
Situated in the northern highlands, Matagalpa is a little off Nicaragua’s Gringo Trail and offers visitors an authentic exploration of the region’s culture and natural landscape.
The top attractions in this destination include touring cigar factories, hiking the rigorous mountainsides, and engaging in exciting acts of ecotourism that include bird watching, horseback riding, and hiking. And, of course, being off the beaten path of Nicaragua, Matagalpa also features some of the most affordable rates in the country.
Luxury Matagalpa, Nicaragua Hotels
Hotel Cafe: (Rooms starting at 55 USD per night)
Marias Bed & Breakfast: (Rooms starting at 52 USD per night)
Hotel San Jose, Matagalpa (Rooms starting at 40 USD per night)
Mid-Range Matagalpa, Nicaragua Hotels
Estadia Familiar Nicaragua- Jinotega: (Rooms starting at 29 USD per night)
Hostal La Buena Onda: (Rooms starting at 25 USD per night)
Hotel Work-Coffee: (Rooms starting at 25 USD per night)
Budget Matagalpa, Nicaragua Hostels
Homestay Matagalpa: (Rooms starting at 2 USD per night)
Hostal Casa Vieja: (Rooms starting at 18 USD per night)
Hotel Palmeras de Elim: (Rooms starting at 25 USD per night)
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Popoyo, Nicaragua Hotels
Like San Juan del Sure, Popoyo is known for its consistent offshore winds producing reliable barrels and world-class surf opportunities. Located near Nicaragua’s southern border along the Pacific Coast, Popoyo is a fantastic spot for exploring the country’s western shores while escaping the heavy crowding that has begun to occur in San Juan del Sur.
Luxury Popoyo, Nicaragua Hotels
Aqua Nicaragua Oceanfront Resort: (Units starting at 128 USD per night)
Hotel Punta Teonoste: (Bungalows starting at 129 USD per night)
Malibu Popoyo: (Suites starting at 270 USD per night)
Mid-Range Popoyo, Nicaragua Hotels
Casitas Pacific: (Rooms starting at 47 USD per night)
Vibra Guesthouse: (Rooms starting at 45 USD per night)
Casa Manglar Popoyo: (Rooms starting at 50 USD per night)
Budget Popoyo, Nicaragua Hostels
Hostel Sunset Villas Popoyo: (Beds starting at 10 USD per night)
The Barrel Hostel: (Beds starting at 11 USD per night)
Melting Elefante: (Beds starting at 11 USD per night)
Now that you know the best hotels in Nicaragua, the next step in planning your holiday is determining the best time to book. Be sure to check out my full Nicaragua Travel Guide for more information regarding your visit to Central America’s most underrated travel destination.