Places to Stay in Nicaragua
Travelers who venture down to Nicaragua will be pleasantly surprised at the range and style of accommodations available at all prices. From luxury island resorts on Lake Nicaragua to budget-friendly digs in the city, Nicaragua visitors will find something suitable and pleasing anywhere in the country they go. The tourism industry has taken off in recent years and private citizens as well as the government have put their best efforts into nurturing ecotourism and responsible development in all areas of tourism.
Lodging choices range from developments in the hills near major cities to beach villas, and full blown former estates that now house fellow travelers like yourself. You can easily find lodging for under $20 per day, and nice lodging at that. Imagine a comfortable cabana right on the beach, all yours for $20 per night. For this traveler's delight, go to the island in Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe, and ask for Villa Paraiso.
Or how about staying in a former monastery with quiet, peaceful rooms that start at just $98 a night, including tax and breakfast. This can be found at Hotel El Convento, appropriately named, in Leon. They also have a restaurant, which is as sophisticated as any big hotel dining establishment.
Lodging on Lake Nicaragua
The Lake Nicaragua region is full of small islands, some inhabited and some not. There are resorts perched on the shores, set amidst lush jungles and looking out over the clear waters the immense lake, called the Sweet Lake by sixteenth century Spanish explorers. One of the choicest spots for travelers is Las Cabanas del Cocibolca, a small resort with an old world feel. It's just a few years old and offer guests extensive views through its open-design walls full of windows and its terraced bungalows. Design features based in nature like bamboo ceilings and lush greenery throughout the grounds. The owners have thoughtfully placed woven hammocks here and there, inviting guests to indulge in impromptu naps and general lazing about. If you muster up the energy, there are kayaks and canoes on the property for paddling around the islets just offshore, or you can swim, hike or fish as well. The front desk can help you with excursions to Managua, Masaya or Grenada. Masaya has a handicrafts market if you want to do some local shopping.
Stay in a Former Dictator's Mansion
On the Pacific coast of Nicaragua lies Montelimar, a current source of pride for the Nicaragua tourism industry. It's a resort complex on the site of former dictator Anastasio Somoza, with what was formerly his mansion now serving as a dining room and small casino. The resort sits high above the Pacific, on a bluff with magnificent views. There's a beach down below, which is where the rooms are located as well.
Lodging in Granada
The Gran Francia is a top choice of accommodations in Granada because of its lovely renovations. Gran Francia is bright and comfortable, and sits in the perfect location for visitors, right on the central plaza of the city. There's a picturesque cathedral next door, painted bright yellow. Together, these two beacons of light combine to make a lovely area of Granada in the midst of a city that's still on its road to becoming a top notch travel destination. The plaza is the locale for local celebrations year round, such as the week long celebration for the patron saint of Granada, the Virgin of the Assumption. Church bells ring, drum corps beat their sounds, and even fireworks are sent off to make this week long celebration as exciting as the Parade of Lights at Disney World.
On non-festival days in the plaza, witness mariachi bands, crafts vendors, fire-roasted cashews, historian carriage taxis, and stands selling cactus fruit juice.
