Accommodation in Nicaragua

Overview of the offer

Nicaragua offers accommodations in almost every category and style. You’ll find a few upscale complexes in the capital, lodges tucked away in nature, all-inclusive resorts at the beach destination of Montelimar, as well as local establishments, B&Bs, and homestays scattered throughout the country. Prices are often quite affordable, though recent tourism growth could change that in the future...

Hotels

Upscale and all-inclusive

The "best" options are found in Managua, Granada, or León, and in Playa Montelimar on the Pacific coast. Montelimar is the only place in the country so far to have developed all-inclusive beach tourism, particularly targeting Canadian visitors. As always with this type of offer, it’s best to book through "flight + hotel" packages, which are usually reasonably priced.

Mid-range

With the rise in tourism, mid-range (and even slightly higher-end) accommodations are becoming more widespread across the country. In major cities and tourist spots, you’ll increasingly find hotels, motels, B&Bs, bungalows, and restored historic homes offering the kind of setting and service travelers expect. In short, there’s often plenty of choice and variety, with (still) affordable prices—around $20–25 for a good double room. However, for this category and above, it’s worth booking the best places in advance during Christmas and Easter, the busiest times, when prices also tend to rise.

Budget

Hospedajes are local establishments, often basic and with limited comfort, but they’re plentiful and very budget-friendly. You can usually find a double room for the equivalent of less than a dozen dollars. This is also where you’ll find most youth hostels in tourist areas, with private rooms or dorms.

Other options

Camping

For the most budget-friendly option, you can sleep in a hammock for $2–3 in some of the most remote spots along the Caribbean coast.

Homestays

In many smaller, less-visited towns, homestays offer an alternative to hotels, which may not even be available. Prices are roughly the same as for hospedajes.

Which accommodation to choose?

Mid-range accommodations—whether hotels or guesthouses—are a good bet.