Along one beautiful coastline of Nicaragua runs the bright blue waters of the Caribbean, and on the west, the crashing waves of the Pacific. In between are some incredible volcanic landscapes, with lush, hardly-explored forests and breathtakingly underdeveloped islands and beaches. Nicaragua's history, too, reads like a novel and includes the founding of some beautiful colonial cities and towns. So choosing the best places to stay in Nicaragua revolves around the reason you want to visit this Central American beauty. Below, we have listed hotels in four main geographic regions, from colonial boutiques to remote ecolodges.

If you’re here for the history and drama of old Nicaragua, then the best places to stay are in elegant Granada, which is one of the country’s best preserved colonial towns. Or, if you prefer your history a little more dramatic, then vibrant, working-class León might be for you, with its revolutionary murals and architectural masterpieces now housing very work-a-day stores and offices.

If you’re here to surf then the Rivas Isthmus on the Pacific coat, to the south west, is one of the best places to stay in Nicaragua. It offers perfect sandy beaches and some secluded areas only accessible by 4WD. And if you’d rather snorkel, dive or muck around with boats then the Caribbean Corn Islands will entrance you, while for mangrove swamps, thick jungles and tropical ports, consider the Caribbean coastline itself. And if you’re here for the coffee and or tobacco, then the best places to stay in Nicaragua are in the Northern Highlands.

But one of the unique things about Nicaragua is how underdeveloped it is. It doesn’t take long for the tourist trail to ebb away and you’re on your own, exploring its wonderfully varied interior. Its amazing mountains hide volcanic lakes, unmapped jungles, pre-Columbian runs and old Spanish fortresses. Elsewhere you will find wetlands, remote farms, acres of empty beaches, and welcoming arms to visitors.

The Best Places to Stay in Nicaragua

Colonial Granada

• La Gran Francia Hotel is a converted ancestral home in the centre of Granada. Colonial styled rooms feature dark antique furniture set against pastel hues. A central courtyard hosts a pretty pool. Find two restaurants serving excellent continental dishes. The ideal base for city exploring.
• Centrally located, Hotel Plaza Colon is a boutique colonial property set around a picturesque central courtyard. Traditional rooms feature high ceilings, exposed beams and dark antique furniture. Indulgent breakfasts are served and the pool provides the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. Very chic.
• Ideal for couples, Los Paios is a small boutique property in the centre of Granada. Chic rooms are all white on white with minimalist style and large French doors leading onto leafy patios. Find utter tranquility in the central courtyard complete with pool or head to the spa for some serious pampering. A fabulous city base.

Rivas Pacific coast

• 99 Surf Lodge is a minimalist, chic and laid-back hotel on the stunning Santana beach. Simple and elegant rooms, all with ocean views, allow direct access to the beach - and what a view! The restaurant Taberna uses organic produce to create local delicacies with a modern twist.
• Malibu Popoyo is an eco-friendly surf hotel nearby in Popoyo. Contemporary design blends with local art in the hotel suites, which feature artisan tiles and a wide expanse of glass. Sign up for yoga in this holistic retreat.
• Further south, just short of San Juan del Sur and set back from the beach in the rainforest, Aqua Wellness Resort is a boutique property hidden in the trees. Its luxury tree houses provide a fun stay plus the treetop vantage point offers spectacular views. Water activities are available nearby, whilst evenings are tranquil and romantic. Fabulous.
• Nearby, close to San Juan, Morgan's Rock Ecologe is another luxury lodge hidden on the edge of the rainforest, it has everything you need for a romantic break - stunning cabanas, a private beach and an excellent restaurant specialising in local flavours. A haven of tranquility.

Lake Island Life

• Just a few miles to the south of Granada on the shores of Lake Nicaragua are a group of 365 small volcanic islands called the Isletas de Granada. For a total escape, Jicaro Island Ecolodge is set on the remote Jicaro Island overlooking the lake, a tranquil island paradise. Made up of nine delightful casitas, everything is tailored towards relaxation with an excellent spa and a floating yoga deck. Made for honeymoons and romantic getaways.
• Nearby, Isleta El Espino is private island ecolodge offering treetop ranchos on stilts amid tropical vegetation, rustic-style bungalows and cosy 'casitas'. Start your day on the yoga platform before joining one of the many excursions on offer.
• Further south, Totoco Eco Lodge sits on the slopes of a volcano on Ometepe Island in lush forest. Rooms are natural in feel with thatched roofs, plenty of wood, crisp white linen and luxury bathrooms. Enjoy meals cooked with produce from the lodge's own farm. The perfect remote getaway.

Caribbean Island Life

• Yemaya Reefs is a picturesque palm fringed resort on the tiny Little Corn island in the Caribbean. A laid back vibe prevails on the island's only luxury resort, offering elegant suites, hardwood floors and splashes of local art. The beachside restaurant offers seafood centric Mexican cuisine, and the spa is fantastic.
• Just off the Caribbean coast, wake up to the sound of the sea at the 5* luxury private island resort of Calala Island. Guest suites have traditional thatched roofs and floor-to-ceiling windows; step out through sliding doors directly onto your own beach terrace. Cool off in the seafront pool before island exploring; paradise found.

Rural hideaways

• Guacimo Lodge is a beautiful eco-lodge nestled within a forest on the banks of the San Juan River. Guest bungalows sit on raised stilts on the riverbank with a wooden roof but no walls, allowing complete immersion in nature; the best have terraces with river views. Start the day on the yoga deck; a unique hideaway.
• Rancho Chilamate, inland on the Rivas Isthmus, is traditional ranch and offers stunning rural views. Rooms are traditional in style with cast iron beds and French doors leading onto a veranda. Spend days riding horses in the great outdoors or simply curl up with a book by the pool. Meals are served in a laid-back 'family style'. Rural bliss.

For an apartment or Villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Nicaragua has one international airport, Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport. You can fly direct from the UK and the US, or from Paris or Madrid.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Nicaragua has a tropical climate with little seasonal variation - the temperature ranges between 21˚C-27˚C. There are two rainfall seasons: the 'wet' season' runs May-October, while the 'dry' season runs November-April. This is the most popular time of year to visit, so make sure you book well in advance if you are planning to travel then.

Still not sure what to book

Still not sure which is the best place to stay in Nicaragua for you? Contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.