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Leon, the second largest city of Nicaragua is a gem for travellers who’d like to experience the charm of Nicaragua and friendliness of its people.
Finding the right accommodation here isn’t too tasking as there are many hotels, hostels, and guest houses located within and on the outskirts of the city.
The neo-classical architecture of most of the buildings is breathtaking.
Leon carries a lot of the history of Nicaragua’s revolution that can be found in the museums, artwork and the town itself.
As you plan on where to stay in Leon, just ensure you are close to or can easily reach all the magnificent sites - including the beautiful natural features, especially the volcanoes.
We’ve used Booking.com everywhere we have travelled. All throughout our travels they’ve been great. You can install the app on your mobile phone and make all your bookings on the go. It easily syncs up with Google Maps so locating your booking is easy-breezy.
If you want a variety of accommodations to pick from, then Booking.com has you covered. They have many hotels and hostels listed in Leon, Nicaragua. That means you can take your pick based on your budget, preferred location or just personal preference.
Booking.com also has a Genius loyalty program to reward you for sticking with them. For example, if you complete at least two stays within two years, you unlock the first level of Genius membership. This is a lifetime membership that gives you access to some great discounts and perks.
That being said, we have started using Agoda more extensively over time, especially when booking hotels and other accommodation that is a bit pricier. We find that they offer some great flash deals and, when you take into account Agoda Cash, they sometimes come in even cheaper than Booking.com
As such, it’s not always clear to say that one is cheaper than the other, that’s why I’ve gone ahead and included links to both sites for all properties below. You’re welcome!
Best luxury hotel in Leon
Best mid-range Leon hotel
Best budget accommodation in Leon
Best luxury hotel in Leon
More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
This is one of the best 4-star hotels in Leon located just 11 minutes from Nicaragua's Pacific Coast. The inside of the hotel has a touch of indigenous designs that showcase the local artisans’ prowess.
Each room at this luxury hotel comes with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a TV. If you require a seating area, just mention this when booking so you can get a room that meets your needs. If not, you can always enjoy some relaxation time at the terrace, garden, or right next to the outdoor pool.
Meals are served at the restaurant on-site and there’s also a bar for guests. Make use of the free WiFi available everywhere on this property to stay in touch with the world while on your vacation. Remember to also visit the spa. Treat yourself to a body massage, you’ll feel even more relaxed during your stay.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Hotel El Convento is ideal for all sorts of travellers - from solo travellers, honeymooners, to families - making this a strong contender for the best place to stay in Leon. It’s also convenient for disabled guests since it’s accessible via wheelchair.
This accommodation is located near downtown Leon so you can easily visit the local restaurants and bars. At the property, there’s also a restaurant serving continental, American, and buffet breakfast plus other meals of the day. A shared lounge and TV area gives you a chance to mingle with other guests if you so wish.
When it comes to activities, this is one of the best hotels in Leon. You’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. If that’s not enough for you, you can visit Las Penitas beach which is about 20 minutes’ drive away, or spend your time at the off-site art gallery at a small extra fee.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Close to Central Square is one of the top hotels in Leon. Getting here from Augusto C. Sandino Airport is easy and fast as you can use the paid airport shuttle. This 3-star hotel is the definition of comfort and functionality. There’s free WiFi, free private parking, and a 24-hour front desk.
The rooms here are comfortable, air-conditioned and include a TV. Room service is available for your convenience. You can enjoy an American breakfast and all your meals at the a la carte restaurant within the hotel.
Some of the common activities you can indulge in onsite include relaxation in the garden, aerobics, other fitness programs at the gym, and walking tours. Offsite, guests can go for movie nights or visit art galleries in the town.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Are you looking for the best boutique hotels in Leon? Then look no further. Hotel Real is that ideal hotel. It’s one of the best places to stay in Leon if you want to have easy access to the city centre. The location is perfect for touring Leon and sampling the various restaurants around.
This hotel is about 5 minutes walk from the town, less than half a kilometre from the central market, and about 750m away from the Old Gonzalez Theater. At the 24-hour front desk, you can get all the essential services during your stay including tour booking, organizing for airport shuttle services and currency exchange.
The rooms here are air-conditioned, feature private bathrooms with a shower, cable TV, and have free WiFi which is accessible from anywhere on the property. There are large rooms that can easily accommodate whole families on vacation.
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Best mid-range Leon hotel
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One of the best hotels to stay in Leon is the Hotel Mariposa. It has great outdoor features including a large swimming pool, outdoor furniture, terrace, garden and sun deck. The accommodation also features open-air bathrooms. You can access free WiFi on this property.
There’s a 24-hour front desk service where you can make arrangements for tours, baggage storage, and currency exchange. This hotel offers standard rooms and unique cosy bungalows with thatched roofs. Great food complements the nice accommodation. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner at the a la carte restaurant. There are different cuisines to choose from.
When you stay at Hotel Mariposa, you can go for walking tours, cycling, or hiking. You can also book a nice massage within the hotel spa or simply spend your time at the outdoor pool. There’s a library for those who like unwinding with a good book.
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Situated close to Leon town, Hotel Austria stands out like an oasis with it’s beautifully manicured garden at the centre of the property. It offers serene accommodation at an affordable price.
The rooms face the garden and some have a private patio. You can barely hear the city noise when inside. Each has a private bathroom with a hot shower and a hairdryer. There’s air-conditioning available, a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi. The food at the onsite restaurant is delicious with an array of menus to pick from.
This hotel has daily housekeeping and ironing services. Laundry services can be provided at a fee. As for the staff, they are so helpful and kind. The 24-hour front desk services are top-notch. You can get all the information you need about the town and plan your activities at the tour desk.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
This is one of the most affordable 5-star hotels in Leon. Located on the outskirts of the city, Mapayapa Bungalow offers unique accommodation featuring bungalows each with its own private mini pool. It’s positioned in a garden with a beautiful country view.
Free parking is available and airport shuttle services at a fee as well. The rooms are air-conditioned. Each is equipped with a desk, a closet, and a flat-screen TV. There’s also a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hair-dryer. Free WiFi is available for all guests within the property.
For exciting outdoor activities, this property offers bikes free of charge. You can also pay for horseback riding. The 24-hour front desk staff can help you plan your activities to maximize your stay here.
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ViaVia offers cheap accommodation in Leon. There’s a restaurant and bar where many locals and travellers from all over the world frequent. You can mingle and make new friends while enjoying a wide range of cuisines.
This hostel has comfy rooms with a fan, a desk, and a bathroom with a shower. Some of the rooms have a nice view of the garden and some even include a patio. The outdoor space is equally relaxing. You can rest on the terrace or the garden which has a picnic area. There is enough outdoor furniture for guests and BBQ facilities are available at an additional charge.
ViaVia has a good number of activities you can choose from. In the daytime, you can go for walking tours and hikes in nearby areas. At night, head to the communal area to play pool and attend live performances. There’s also lots of music and dancing at the nightclub, especially on Fridays.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Accommodation in The Spot Leon is cheap and therefore quite convenient if you are going on vacation on a tight budget. The dorms and rooms are clean and fitted with fans. There is a female-only dormitory available. Free WiFi is available at this property.
One big advantage of staying in this kind of accommodation is the interaction opportunities you get with other travellers. The shared lounge, garden, and restaurant offer ideal spots to mingle and meet people. You can play darts, go for bike tours, walking tours or hiking. The staff here are always helpful and willing to assist in planning and booking tours for guests. Your work is to then just show up and have fun.
The restaurant here prepares great meals. It caters to vegetarians, vegans, and American food lovers. Evening entertainment, live performances, and movie nights are also great activities to look forward to at this property.
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Best budget accommodation in Leon
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This is probably the best guest house you’ll find in Leon. Located just near the city, it’s a quiet and serene getaway. The staff are very friendly and will make you feel right at home. You can easily arrive at this property using their paid airport shuttle services from Augusto C. Sandino Airport.
The rooms here are comfortable, spacious, and open into a beautiful garden with nice outdoor furniture. You can get air conditioning and laundry services at an additional cost. Guests have access to a shared open kitchen and a common lounge area. Breakfast is available daily. There’s also free WiFi everywhere on the property.
Guests can arrange and pay for private parking. Activities available at this guest house include walking tours, BBQ, and yoga classes.
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While in Leon, Nicaragua, there are plenty of things to do and see. Here are some of my highlights.
These are just a few of the things you can do in Leon, to discover more activities check out our other post on the brilliant things to do in Leon (Nicaragua).
Finding the best areas to stay in Leon as you plan your visit won’t be hard. Most of the hotels, hostels, and guest houses are strategically located so you can conveniently explore the town or visit various famed locations in Leon.
The locals will make your stay memorable as they are very friendly and welcoming. Just prepare yourself for the hot weather and you’re good to go. And hopefully, the suggestions above can help you in some way when deciding which is the best place for you to stay in Leon.
