When traveling through Nicaragua you must head just north of Managua; Leon, the city set in the foothills of the Cerro Negro Volcano. Leon is considered to be Nicaragua’s beating heart of culture and poetry - from sophisticated museums and architecture to funky street art throughout the city.
In a city so diverse, it’s hard to know exactly the best places to stay. Luckily, we’ve put in the footwork to find a place that’s exactly right for you. From quaint eco-friendly guesthouses to affordable hotels; we’ve got it all covered. All you have to do now is take your pick and book the stay.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on January 31, 2024.
1. Hostal Casa Avierta (from 10 USD)
Hostal Casa Avierta is the perfect place to unwind during your trip; just imagine, stepping back to your hotel after a long day exploring Leon’s artistic streets to slipping into the hot tub with a cocktail. Although that’s not just why guests are flocking there (and leaving 8+ reviews out of 10 on Booking.com), it’s the amazing rooms - from the dorm rooms with the large sized single beds and individual mosquito nets to the plush King Rooms with stylish decor. This is a place that you’ll continuously want to return to, time and time again.
Highlights: Hot tub and bar for relaxing after a long day.
Nearby Attractions: This central location is a stone’s throw away from most attractions.
Hostal Casa Avierta
Address: Costado Sur del Hospital Heodra, 21000 León, Nicaragua (see map)
Price: from 10 USD
2. Massive private room in colonial house (from USD 45)
Imagine bedding down for the night in a large private room, based within a Colonial House in Leon, Nicaragua. This property comes with its own terrace to kick back on after a long day exploring Leon’s colorful streets; the main attractions of which are only a short walk away.
This amazing, airy accommodation comes in at only 31 USD per night; however, the price will go up slightly in November 2017 when the hosts will be finishing off their swimming pool for the guests. For a city as humid as Leon, that couple of dollars will go a long, long way.
Highlights: Beautiful terrace and colonial architecture.
Nearby Attractions: Cathedral De Leon & French Bakery down the road.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the courtyard is so nice and there are chairs outside the room to sit and enjoy the courtyardgreat spacious room with ceiling fan and regular fan so it did not get too hotwe would highly recommend this air bnb room to anyonelovely view from room into gardens and nice chairs to relax in front of roomthe whole courtyard is beautiful the decor is cute and flor makes you feel very comfortableCleanliness:
everything was very cleanit is clean comfy and we felt well-receivedthe house was clean and very stylishthe place was awesome very centric clean and nice designedit was very clean and the landscaping was incredibleHost:
and the perfect host as wellshe was very hospitable and welcomingour host was very nice and give us great hintsthe hosts were welcoming friendly and happy to offer tourist advicethe hosts were so kind friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is perfectperfect location a peaceful oasis in the middle of the cityyou can easily walk to her location from the bus terminal or take a bike taxithe location was absolutely perfect for us (close to nice restaurants to cathedral and other places)beautiful spot in a great location
3. Hotel el Convento (from USD 162)
Hotel el Convento’s impressive facade will be sure to impress; the stonewashed white building pillars up into the sky, creating a beautiful entrance to a hotel which by all means is as beautiful inside as it is out. However luxurious, Hotel el Convento’s attention to detail hasn’t been lost, especially within the bedrooms, some of which having stylish exposed brick walls, along with Cable TV, WIFI, hot showers, large beds and spacious surroundings.
Outside, the cloistered walkways lead you through palm tree lined gardens to hidden oasis’ within the heart of the city that you will fall in love with, within Leon and within your hotel walls.
Highlights: Set on the site of a historical convent.
Nearby Attractions: Ortíz Foundation Art Center is a 2-minute walk away.
Hotel El Convento Leon Nicaragua
Address: Contiguo Iglesia San Francisco
384 meters (0.3 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
4. Hotel Flor De Sarta (from USD 63)
Reasonably priced with good value for money, but may have discrepancies in final cost.
Spacious rooms, refreshing pool, and a beautiful courtyard, but may lack certain essential amenities and maintenance.
Conveniently located near central square and cathedral, with easy access to attractions and restaurants.
Delicious and generous breakfast, but may have limited dining options and minor service issues.
Hotel Flor De Sarta is a stunning, boutique hotel based under the shadow of Leon’s impressive cathedral. Although being centrally located this beautiful hotel hasn’t compromised anything when it comes to style and comfort; the bedrooms are large and individually decorated; each equipped with flat screen TVs, air conditioning, and private showers with hot water. The hotel even welcomes pets, if you’re traveling with your furry companion.
Breakfast is included on your bill and other meals can be added as and when needed. Hotel Flor De Santa is centrally located so you won’t be lost for anything to do; however we fully suggest that you visit the statuesque Cerro Negro Volcano Site which is only 30 minutes away by car, or the stunning beaches of Las Penitas and Poneloya are located only 15 minutes away by car.
Highlights: An outside pool to cool off in.
Nearby Attractions: Beaches, Cerro Negro Volcano and the whole of Leon.
Hotel Flor De Sarta
Address: Del Parque San Juan 2 cuadras al Oeste 1/2 cuadra al Norte
586 meters (0.4 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
5. Hotel Mariposa (from USD 47)
Live in tropical comfort by booking a room in Hotel Mariposa. Located in the suburbs of Leon, Hotel Mariposa stands as the perfect marriage of tranquility and convenience, as it is only 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) from the local marketplace and a 5-minute drive from the town center.
There are mainly two types of rooms you can choose from – one with air-conditioning and the other with a thatched roof. Both are fitted with basic amenities such as a fan, a private open-air bathroom, and wardrobes that provide ample storage space, but opt for the latter if you are looking for a unique tropical stay! Enjoy a refreshing dip in the luxuriously large outdoor pool, or simply lounge in the tropical garden under the afternoon sun. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can also find solace in the library with a good book in hand. Free parking on the premises is available for those driving to the hotel.
Highlights: A large outdoor pool to have a relaxing dip in.
Nearby Attractions: Mercadito Sutiava, León town center
Hotel Mariposa
Address: Del Parque Arlen Siu 50 metros Sur
3.09 km (2.0 mi) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6. Hotel la Perla Leon (from USD 168)
Hotel la Perla offers ultimate luxury at an excellent cost; with large colonial style rooms; each one individually decorated with antique furniture, colorful Nicaraguan art work, a specialty of the city of Leon and comfortable, plush beds. Hotel la Perla has worked with local artists who have designed each bedroom specially, ensuring that you get true Nicaraguan style without compromising any comfort.
Hotel la Perla specializes in organizing tours and trips for your stay within the beautiful Nicaragua, so if you’re looking to move on, talk to one of their travel specialists who will help you arrange the trip of your dreams.
Highlights: Rooms have been decorated by local artists.
Nearby Attractions: Centrally located, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
Hotel la Perla Leon
Address: From La Merced Church 150 meters north
310 meters (0.2 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
7. Best Western Las Mercedes Leon (from USD 49)
With the Las Peñitas Beach a 15-minute drive away and Fanor Urroz Domestic Airport a 6-minute drive away, the Best Western Las Mercedes Leon undoubtedly scores for its fantastic location in central Leon. Guests will be able to find plenty of dining options within 150 meters (492 feet) of the hotel, but they can simply feast in the on-site restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine.
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms that are equipped with a coffee maker and a cable TV. The private bathroom comes with a shower and a hairdryer. Albeit simple and minimal, the room is fitted with all the necessary amenities needed for a comfortable stay. The hotel staff also go out of their way to help guests to arrange outings and sightseeing tours around the Leon area. Some of the other utilities worth mentioning are luggage storage, laundry services, and free parking on site.
Highlights: Friendly hotel staff that helps guests to arrange outings and sightseeing tours around the Leon area.
Nearby Attractions: Asunción Cathedral, Las Peñitas Beach, Fanor Urroz Domestic Airport
Best Western Las Mercedes Leon
Address: 50 Metros Norte Catedral
591 meters (0.4 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8. Hotel Azul (from USD 45)
This contemporary hotel is one of the finest places to stay within Leon, Nicaragua. From its stylish design to the rooms all situated around a beautiful swimming pool and shady courtyard. The staff are friendly, informative and will go above and beyond to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Whilst the pool and courtyard are the main attraction, there has been no expense spared when it comes to the bedrooms; all have air conditioning, cable TV, a hot shower and a poolside view. Whilst I always recommend getting food from local restaurants and street food as much as possible, Hotel Azul does have a delicious restaurant, serving up international cuisine.
Highlights: Contemporary hotel, set in a trendy neighborhood.
Nearby Attractions: Centrally located, close it all main attractions.
Azul Hotel & Restaurante
Address: Avenida Central, de la catedral (entrada principal
305 meters (0.2 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9. Posada Fuente Castalia (from USD 45)
There’s only one way to describe this family run establishment and that is: stunning; from its sunshine exterior of yellow to the detail in its rooms; the high timber roof makes way for low hanging light installments - colorful tiled floors line each room, heading into a cool and tranquil courtyard.
The bedrooms, however, are simple, but clean and airy; the old air conditioning units are currently being removed and replaced with Eco-friendly air conditioning, ensuring that you can keep your cool, whilst the earth keeps its. This is a family run establishment with a lot of pride that has been woven into the running of this guesthouse, you won’t be disappointed.
Highlights: Eco-friendly and family run.
Nearby Attractions: Near Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary.
Posada Fuente Castalia
Address: Iglesia la Recolección, 275 metros al norte
635 meters (0.4 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
10. Guesthouse El Nancite (from USD 30)
This pet-friendly guesthouse is set within lush gardens, which guide your way to your bright and airy rooms set in the centre of stunning Leon; these private rooms come equipped with hot showers, WIFI, cable TV, and balconies - in the case of two of the slightly more expensive rooms.
Guesthouse El Nancite is a tranquil gem within the heart of central Leon, you’ll be sure to feel relaxed, rested and ready to tackle this beautiful city.
Highlights: This beautiful guesthouse is pet-friendly.
Nearby Attractions: Museum of Myths and Legends is a 13-minute walk away.
Guesthouse El Nancite
Address: de la Iglesia El Calvario, una cuadra y media al norte
437 meters (0.3 ft) from Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Enjoy your stay!
Leon is a beautiful city to visit; the above-mentioned places to stay come with the highest recommendations. It’s good to remember that Leon is a relatively small city so whichever one you choose, you’ll have most of the tourist destinations right on your doorstep, leaving you with more time to explore and relax in the comfort of the beautiful Leon.
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