Home to Nicaragua’s most pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic infrastructure perfect for hosting the country’s international tourists, San Juan del Sur is a favourite destination among surfers, backpackers, and luxury travellers alike.
As such, the Pacific coastal city features a massive variety of accommodation options spanning a range of budgets and comforts. From economically friendly hostels to opulent resorts and private villas, San Juan del Sur has the perfect stay for everybody within its idyllic fishing town and the surrounding regions.
Keep reading for a full exploration of the town’s top neighbourhoods and accommodations to help you decide where to stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Planning on visiting this coastal surf town? Check out my San Juan del Sur City Guide for the region’s top attractions, restaurants, and travel advice. With my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide, you can also find other fantastic attractions and destinations within the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes.
Where To Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: A Neighbourhood Guide
Staying in Town
Staying directly in town is the most convenient way visitors can explore the San Juan del Sur community, and it is the most popular neighbourhood for international travellers.
By staying in town, visitors are within walking distance of the region’s top restaurants, bars, and shops, providing easy access to the city’s top attractions and tour operators.
Staying in San Juan del Sur's Cliffside Villas
Alternatively, visitors seeking a more surreal escape should instead book one of the many villas lining the community’s northern and southern cliffs.
While typically more expensive than the accommodation options found in town, these cliffside villas are perfect for families and couples looking for a bit more luxury throughout their stay.
Staying near San Juan del Sur's Beach Destinations
While San Juan del Sur Beach is beautiful, it is nothing compared to the numerous breathtaking beaches outside of town.
Playa Maderas is by far the most popular beach for visitors seeking a coastal retreat, while Playa Remanso and Playa Hermosa also make for fantastic stays.
The beaches offer various accommodation options, from lavish resorts to simple bed & breakfasts and hostels.
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: Tips & Advice
Getting Around San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: San Juan del Sur is a small town with most of its amenities within walking distance. However, if you plan on staying within the city’s coastal cliffs or at a nearby beach, you may want to rent a car or hire a taxi. Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable.
Popular Things to Do: San Juan del Sur offers various activities to suit all tastes. Guests can explore the inland terrains via a hiking or zip-lining tour or venture into the Pacific’s blue waters with a snorkelling or surfing excursion. Check out this post for a full list of fun and exciting things to do in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Budget-Saving Tips When Staying in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua: If you’re on a budget, consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. These accommodations offer basic amenities and are ideal for those who don’t mind sharing a room. You can also save money by eating at local restaurants and buying food at the market instead of dining at touristy spots.
Which Area in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua is the Best to Stay In?
The Downtown Area: San Juan del Sur’s downtown area is the best place to stay if you want to be close to the action. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the town on foot and have access to a wide range of amenities.
Cliffside Villas: For a luxurious stay with breathtaking views, consider San Juan del Sur’s cliffside villas. They offer a peaceful setting and are perfect for couples or families who want to relax in style.
Nearby Beaches: Visitors looking to spend most of their time at the beach should instead look to plan their stay near Playa Maderas, Playa Remanso, or Playa Hermosa. These areas offer a range of accommodation options and are ideal for those who want to be close to the coastline.
The Average Cost of Accommodation in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
- Backpacker’s Budget: 15 CAD to 25 CAD per night
- Mid-Range Budget: 25 CAD to 90 CAD
- Luxury Budget: 150 CAD to 500+ CAD
Check out my San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua City Guide for a total budget breakdown of your next visit to the country’s Pacific beach town.
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua on a Backpacker's Budget
Hostal Los Chamos — San Juan del Sur
Located just steps away from the beach in one of San Juan del Sur’s most popular neighbourhoods, the Hostal Los Chamos offers visitors a convenient setting for exploring the community while offering budget-friendly accommodation starting at $13 per night for a bed in a 6-bed dorm.
Along with providing access to the region’s top attractions, the hostel also boasts several onsite services and activities, including a bar, several shared lounges, a community garden with a terrace, a shared kitchen, and even onsite karaoke.
A continental breakfast is included in the nightly rates, while several additional amenities, such as a bike rental, are offered at a small additional charge. The Hostal Los Chamos is fantastic for solo travellers or couples visiting the city on a budget.
Salt Water Hostel — San Juan del Sur
Another fantastic budget-friendly accommodation located within the popular tourist neighbourhood near the southern reaches of the community, the Salt Water Hostel offers several onsite comforts with cost-effective rates starting at as little as $17 per night for a bed in a 6-bed dorm.
Conveniently located only a couple of blocks from San Juan del Sur Beach, the Salt Water Hostel offers visitors several nearby attractions and services. However, guests don’t need to leave the hotel premises to receive these comforts, as onsite amenities include a restaurant, a shared kitchen, and a tour desk perfect for arranging your daily meals or excursions.
While the hostel’s shared dorms are their most budget-friendly option, savvy travellers seeking slightly more privacy can still find an affordable private room at the hotel starting at $50 per night.
Casa Oro Eco Hostel — San Juan del Sur
Boasting nightly rates starting at $15 per night for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm, the Casa Oro Eco Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in San Juan for backpackers and offers fantastic value by offering several onsite amenities.
Along with a continental breakfast included in the nightly rate, the hostel also features an onsite restaurant and bar, a shared lounge and kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk readily available to help facilitate your stay.
The hostel also features an onsite spa and excursion planning services offering various activities for its guests, including a diverse treatment catalogue and numerous tour packages.
Additional Budget-Friendly Hotels in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
- Hostal Javier’s House — $14 per night
- Casa Floresta — $18 per night
- Mango Café & Hostel — $21 per night
- Casa Playa Maria — $22 per night
- Hostal Augustos — $25 per night
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua on a Mid-Range Budget
Dreamsea Surf Resort — El Plantel
With rooms starting at $74 per night, the Dreamsea Surf Resort is one of the best-valued hotels in San Juan del Sur and offers visitors many onsite services and amenities for a truly spectacular stay.
Located ten minutes from town, the Dreamsea Surf Resort is surrounded by natural beauty. It is only 2.5 km from Playa Marsella and a slightly further 3.5 km from the world-famous Playa Maderas.
Of course, while these coastal attractions make for spectacular day trips, guests staying that the hotel doesn’t even have to leave the premises as the property features plenty of entertainment directly onsite at its outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
Selina Maderas — Playa Maderas
Surrounded by luxury resorts, the Selina Maderas is one of the most cost-effective hotels for staying directly at Playa Maderas. Nightly rates start at as little as $36 per night for a small room.
However, don’t let the price fool you, as the experience offered at the hotel is as opulent as any hotel in San Juan del Sur and the surrounding area.
This incredibly valued hotel features several onsite amenities, including a large outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and an onsite tour desk perfect for booking your offsite excursions.
All rooms at the hotel include ceiling fans, a patio, and a private bathroom. Still, while these cozy private options already offer great value, visitors can cut their expenses further by booking a bed in a shared dorm. While not as comfortable, these shared room options start for as little as $20 per night.
Chale's House Hotel — San Juan del Sur
Offering mid-range accommodation in the heart of San Juan del Sur, Chale’s House Hotel boasts several private room options starting at $39 per night for a single room perfect for solo travellers. Meanwhile, couples and visitors travelling with a partner can rent a Deluxe Queen Room for up to two guests at $57 per night.
All of the rooms at the hotel feature a private bathroom with provided towels, free WIFI, and even an in-room coffee maker. Additional services within the hotel complex include a 24-hour front desk and several shared lounge areas, including a communal garden and terrace.
While the hotel does not feature any luxurious onsite additions such as a restaurant or spa, it does provide a comfortable base while remaining within walking distance of the town’s top restaurants and services.
Additional Mid-Range Hotels in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
- Villa Tortuga — $28 per night
- Hostel Tropical — $37 per night
- El Pacifico — $39 per night
- Hospedaje Central — $41 per night
- Hostal Javier’s House II — $41 per night
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua on a Luxury Budget
Casa Soma — Cliffside Villas
Located amidst San Juan del Sur’s northern cliffsides, the Casa Soma offers visitors an entire vacation home complete with a private pool and garden, all within walking distance of the city, beach, and the Cristo de La Misericordia.
The villa features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, and an outdoor terrace with breathtaking sea views. The villa also features luxurious bed linens, towels, and a large flat-screen TV with streaming services for a comfortable night’s stay.
Rates for renting Casa Soma start at $635 per night for up to six guests. However, the villa can fit up to 16 people with a slightly increased nightly charge for each additional guest.
Morgan's Rock — Playa Maderas
Nestled in the idyllic cliffs surrounding Playa Maderas, Nicaragua’s most fantasized beach, Morgan’s Rock is one of the premier Resorts in San Juan del Sur and boasts several room and bungalow options starting at $594 per night.
Every room at the hotel features a fan, a private bathroom with a shower, and a private terrace offering some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Additional onsite amenities include a large outdoor pool and an onsite restaurant.
Guests staying at Morgan’s Rock can enjoy the local surf at the complex’s private beach area, 1.5 km from the main property. The hotel also boasts a children’s playground, making Morgan’s Rock a fantastic San Juan del Sur resort that the whole family can enjoy.
Treecasa Resort — El Papayal
With nightly rates starting at $334 per night for a standard king room, the Treecasa Resort is another luxury accommodation option in the area and is located about halfway between San Juan del Sur and Playa Maderas.
Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of El Papayal, the Treecasa Resort is surrounded by Nicaragua’s beautiful natural environments and offers visitors a fantastic base for exploring the untouched corners of the country.
While several hiking and biking trails weave their way throughout the countryside starting from the property, the resort also offers several onsite amenities, including restaurants, a garden, a terrace, and a massive outdoor swimming pool.
Overall, the Treecasa resort offers visitors one of the most opulent facilities for enjoying luxurious comforts while exploring the more rustic attractions and natural environments of San Juan del Sur.
Additional Luxury Hotels in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
- Hush Maderas — $194 per night
- La Santa Maria Resort — $444 per night
- Hotel Victoriano — $310 per night
- Casa ChaChaCha — $190 per night
- Eden on the Chocolata — $172 per night
Thirsty for travel inspiration as you plan your next venture to Nicaragua’s surfing haven? Check out my complete San Juan del Sur City Guide.
You can also find even more fantastic places to visit and things to do in the country in my comprehensive Nicaragua Travel Guide.