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The Best Hotels in Granada, Nicaragua

Red-tiled roofs and the mustard-yellow cathedral dominate the view of the historical center of Granada, Nicaragua
Red-tiled roofs and the mustard-yellow cathedral dominate the view of the historical center of Granada, Nicaragua | © Nicolas De Corte / Alamy

Granada, one of the oldest cities in Central America, is a riot of color, steeped in history and small enough to navigate on foot. Whether you trudge the city cobblestones in search of culture and fine food, glide through the water on a day trip to Las Isletas or zip-line through the shaded forest of a coffee plantation on the slopes of the Mombacho volcano, the best place to stay is in the colonial center. Here, elegant mansions converted into stylish boutique hotels offer a window into the storied past of Granada.

Casa del Consulado

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel

Seating along a red wall at Casa Del Consulado with artwork of a kiwi on the wall
Courtesy of Casa Del Consulado / Expedia

If you need more cobblestones, they have them in some of the showers at this elegant hotel, a block from the central plaza and iconic mustard-yellow cathedral. Walls are painted in arty pastels, floors feature checkerboard tiles, and rooms are simple but spacious. An upper terrace has a hammock with a view over the red roof tiles. The main attraction is the large shaded pool in a palm-fringed patio, a blissful escape from the mid-day scorchers.

Hotel Dario

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel

The outdoor pool surrounded by trees, with bushes and two sunbeds, at Hotel Dario
Courtesy of Hotel Dario / Expedia

Named after Nicaragua’s most famous poet, Rubén Darío, this baroque hotel is in the heart of the action on La Calzada. Rooms with balconies at the front have views of the street life below, the cathedral, the volcano and the lake but can get noisy at weekends. For a quieter night, choose a room overlooking the lush gardens of the central patio. A plunge pool tucked in an inner courtyard is a lifesaver when temperatures soar.

Hotel Plaza Colón

Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel

Two beds with wood frames in a hotel room at Hotel Plaza Colon; there is a ceiling fan and wood beams across the ceiling
Courtesy of Hotel Plaza Colon / Expedia

One of the most popular hotels in Granada, and perfectly positioned on the central plaza across from the cathedral, this neocolonial mansion is tastefully decked with a mixture of dark antique furnishings and bright splashes of contemporary art. The comfortable rooms are fresh and uncluttered, and breakfasts are served in a shaded patio. The swimming pool, flanked on both sides by tall palms, is long enough for laps.

Hotel con Corazón

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Eco Hotel

Purple sunbeds along the outdoor pool at Hotel con Corazón, with palms and flowers around the pool
Courtesy of Hotel con Corazón / Booking.com

Run as a social enterprise that pumps profits into education projects to help local kids, this is a hotel “con corazón” (with a heart) and with oodles of colonial character. Rooms are simple but clean, and a pool out back is big enough for a refreshing dip. Hang out in the hammocks in the inner patio, or play a game of chess using the checkerboard tiles as a board. The friendly staff can help organize local tours and advise on volunteering opportunities.

Tribal Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Two cabana beds and palm trees at the outdoor pool at Tribal Hotel in Granada, Nicaragua
Courtesy of Tribal Hotel / Expedia

Welcome to fashionista heaven. Beloved by magazine editors, this trendy boho bolthole was cooked up by New York restaurateurs Jean-Marc Houmard and Yvan Cussigh as a chic home from home. There are four-poster loungers arranged around the plunge pool in a palm-filled central patio, and the rooms are decorated with a funky mix of tribal art, loud modern paintings and antique curios. Away from the main drag on a quiet street, this is a place to escape and dream.

Casa Lucia

Boutique Hotel

A place to practice your yoga moves, this boutique hotel in a modern Spanish colonial-style building is tucked away a few blocks from La Calzada. Rooms are decorated with local handicrafts, and five come with a kitchen. You can get a massage, have a spa treatment or splash about in the plunge pool. The health-conscious ethos extends to the breakfasts, made with organic ingredients from the area.

Hotel Real La Merced

Boutique Hotel

Two beds with wood doors leading to a balcony in a hotel room at Hotel Real La Merced in Granada, Nicaragua
Courtesy of Hotel Real La Merced / Expedia

On a corner opposite the chunky bell tower of the Iglesia La Merced, this classic Granada mansion offers luxury at an affordable price. Original features include a swooping staircase in pink marble and an open-air pool that takes up almost the whole inner patio. Simple but elegant rooms have tiled floors, large comfy beds and a coffee maker stocked with premium local beans. Balcony rooms look over to the church and up to the forested heights of Mombacho.

Casa Xanadu

Hotel

A bed with wood frame and a wood beam brick ceiling in a hotel room at Casa Xanadu
Courtesy of Casa Xanadu / Expedia

Across from the Museo Convento San Francisco, this airy bed and breakfast is close to all the central attractions and tastefully decorated with bright Nicaraguan paintings. Rooms have high ceilings and cool floor tiles, and ensuites are large. The central pool makes the most of the patio space for a refreshing wake-me-up on hot afternoons. A kitchen open to guests is a bonus if you’re on a budget, and staff is helpful.

Boutique Adela

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel

Two beds in a hotel room at Boutique Adela; large doors open out to a terrace and courtyard with greenery
Courtesy of Boutique Adela / Expedia

With lush tropical gardens, a patio with a kidney-shaped swimming pool, and another with a fountain, this stylish colonial house is tastefully decorated throughout. The best rooms have large beds, hand-painted floor tiles and high ceilings. Breakfast is included, with eggs cooked to order and Nica staples such as gallo pinto (rice and beans). On a quiet street within easy walking distance of both the central plaza and the lakeshore port, it makes a tranquil base for exploring the city.

Selina Granada

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Hostel

A bed next to a wall painted with mountain silhouettes in a hotel room at Selina Granada; doors open out to a balcony
Courtesy of Selina Granada / Expedia

Featuring bright, modern interiors, funky furniture and string lights, the Selina stands out from its traditional colonial hotel neighbors and is squarely aimed at hipsters seeking a photo-worthy vacation and digital nomads looking for long stays and comfortable co-working spaces. As in other Selina properties across Latin America, there is a mix of millennial-friendly dorm rooms and private suites, with shared kitchen facilities and a hang-out area by the pool. Located on the central plaza, it has a young, fun vibe.

Hotel Patio del Malinche

Boutique Hotel

Flowers by the outdoor pool and courtyard at Hotel Patio Del Malinche in Granada, Nicaragua
Courtesy of Hotel Patio Del Malinchea / Expedia

You can relax by the pool or swing in a hammock as you plan your next move at this restored colonial house. A short walk from the cathedral, it has simple but comfortable rooms with high ceilings and tiled floors. Climb the stairs to an upper balcony for views of the Mombacho volcano. Cooked breakfasts are generous, with Nicaraguan staples and a selection of exotic tropical fruits.

Hotel La Pérgola

Boutique Hotel

Two beds in a hotel room with purple walls, wood doors and a wood beam ceiling at Hotel La Pergola
Courtesy of Hotel La Pergola / Booking.com

Just a block from the busy bars and restaurants of La Calzada, this affordable, family-friendly hotel has two stories of rooms around a v-shaped pool and a leafy garden. Rooms are simple but spotless, and an upper terrace has atmospheric views over the roofs to the dome and towers of the cathedral, especially when it is illuminated at night.

If you’re looking for a five-star experience we’ve got a list of the best luxury hotels in Granada, Nicaragua – bookable through Culture Trip.

About the author

I am a travel writer and the author of Culture Smart! guides to Ecuador, Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela. I also wrote the Bradt guide to Venezuela. After many years living, working, and traveling in Latin America I am still drawn back to meet new people, improve my Spanish and discover new food, culture, music, and adventures. I have written travel articles for a number of publications, including BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveler, Latino Life, and Culture Trip. My social media handle is LatAmTravelist and you can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I'm always looking for exciting new projects in Latin America, so if you think a writer and photographer like myself can bring some positive energy to your project, please get in touch at newzvision@hotmail.com

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