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San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular surf destinations in Nicaragua.
Playa Yankee and Playa Maderas are a couple of the popular surfing beaches to visit and enjoy a good surf.
Apart from surfing, there are many other activities that draw tourists to San Juan del Sur.
As a result, several hotels, hostels and resorts have come up in this coastal region over the years.
From luxury hotels in San Juan del Sur, as well as classy resorts to comfy guesthouses and basic hostels, there’s something for all budgets.
San Juan del Sur accommodation is also varied enough to cater to the needs of all types of travellers including families, couples and backpackers.
We’ve created this list of our top 9 picks of where to stay in San Juan del Sur so you can easily find a place for your upcoming trip.
We’ve used Booking.com to find and book some of the best hotels to stay in San Juan del Sur and many other parts of Nicaragua. But Booking.com is not only for Nicaragua. We also used it in different countries in Europe, South America, Asia etc.
Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them. We’ve never been disappointed. And there are always a ton of hotels, hostels and guest houses to choose from.
Another thing we’ve confirmed through using Booking.com over the years is that they truly have the best prices. You can also be eligible for some great discounts through their Genius loyalty program. All you have to do to be a member of this awesome program is to use the site more often.
The second most popular tool we use for making hotel and resort bookings around the world is Agoda. They have a site that is so modern and easy-to-use, as well as a similarly massive range of properties to choose from.
When you take into account AgodaCash (their personal cashback service), some properties come in even cheaper than on Booking.com.
To get the best deal, it’s a good idea to check the prices of your chosen hotel on both sites before booking. Don’t worry, to save you time I’ve provided links to both sites for all properties below (you’re welcome).
Best luxury resort in San Juan del Sur
Best mid-range San Juan del Sur hotel
Best budget accommodation in San Juan del Sur
Best luxury resort in San Juan del Sur
More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Costa Dulce Hotel is an ecolodge ideal for travellers who want to take it slow, relax and detox from the hustle and bustle of life. This retreat centre offers one of the best places to stay in San Juan del Sur. Set up in unique airy huts, the rooms include a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
From some of the rooms, there’s a beautiful view of the sea. A few also have a balcony where you can relax and watch the waves in the beautiful ocean. Free WiFi is available plus free private parking.
The food served at Costa Dulce is so delicious. At the same time, it’s all healthy and prepared using homemade ingredients. A continental breakfast is available daily. There are great activities to occupy you at this retreat centre including daily yoga classes, surfing and paddleboarding.
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When you talk of 4-star hotels in San Juan del Sur, Hotel Victoriano easily features among the best. Located in a historic building, you can spot the beautiful Victorian architecture within. There is also a Gold-Rush history gallery.
This property offers some of the comfiest rooms in San Juan del Sur with a delightful atmosphere for relaxing on the beachfront. You can get a room with a balcony and sea views so you can watch the waves. All the rooms are air conditioned and have a safe, a minibar and a TV. The private bathrooms are fitted with a shower and hairdryer.
While staying at the Hotel Victoriano, you can take part in sport fishing or horseback riding at a fee. Touring the beaches around is also a great activity. And when you’ve had enough of the activities you can relax by the poolside, in the hammocks on the property or in the courtyard.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
Rapture Surfcamp is located in a place called Playa Maderas. For surfers, this is one of the best hotels in San Juan del Sur. Whether you’re a pro surfer or still a beginner, Surfcamp is the place to be. You’ll get a lot of opportunities to learn and practise surfing daily.
When it comes to accommodation in San Juan del Sur, Rapture Surfcamp offers a good variety to select from. There is a glamping tent, open dorm rooms and regular private rooms. The rooms come with a private bathroom and some include a patio with a pool view.
The infinity pool on this property has a breathtaking view of the surrounding area and the sea beyond. It’s great for cooling off and relaxing. There’s also a shared lounge where guests can relax. As for meals, free breakfast is provided daily and other meals are available at the restaurant on site.
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Best mid-range San Juan del Sur hotel
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Selina Maderas features an assortment of accommodation types. From private rooms and teepee tents to glamping tents and dormitories. This means guests can choose the style they like within their budget. You can get a room with a patio and beautiful views of the pool and gardens. WiFi is provided throughout.
This property has a la carte restaurant on-site and a bar. Guests can order for different cuisines e.g American, local or international. There’s a nice outdoor pool where you can swim to cool off from the Nicaraguan heat.
You can also arrange for activities and tours at a fee at the tour desk. For example, horse riding, turtle watching and zip-lining. And since this hotel is located just a short walk from a great surf spot, you can also go for surfing. For these reasons and more, Selina Maderas is clearly among the best of San Juan del Sur boutique hotels.
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Featuring a yoga deck with a beautiful view of the garden and sea, Eden on the Chocolata is a hotel keen on providing a relaxed atmosphere for its guests. If you’re looking for cheap hotels in San Juan del Sur, Eden fits the bill while still offering great comfort and services.
Every morning you can attend the yoga class (at a fee) and kick start your day. The outdoor gym is also available for guests at the property. Nacascolo beach is about 12-minute walk away and there you can have a good swim or a nice evening walk.
Meals prepared at the Eden Garden Cafe are delicious and made from locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast and dinner are served in communal family-style. This way, guests can interact and make new friends.
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Very few hotels can boast of having a location right on the beach. The Beach House is one of them. More to that, it’s also in town and near several restaurants, so guests can easily walk to almost anyplace they want to. Based on this, you can understand why many guests, after coming here, would say that The Beach House is the best place to stay in San Juan del Sur.
The rooms here include a closet, a private bathroom and a seating area. Each has a balcony with an amazing sea view. You can actually watch the ocean from your bed. How cool is that? Some of the rooms also have a patio and a garden view. Delicious meals are served at the property and guests also have the option of eating in the restaurants nearby.
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Best budget accommodation in San Juan del Sur
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Estrella Beachfront Hotel offers well maintained, comfortable and cheap accommodation in San Juan del Sur. This property is ideal for solo travellers, couples and families alike. There are rooms available to fit the needs of all types of guests. Some of the rooms have a balcony and a beautiful sea view.
Estrella Hotel has a restaurant where guests can get their meals. A shared kitchen is available for those who may want to cook. There’s a 24-hour front desk with friendly staff who ensure you have a great stay at the hotel.
Free WiFi is available. If you wish to engage in some outdoor activities, you can head to San Juan del Sur beach which is just across the street from the hotel. Here you can swim, surf or enjoy other water sports.
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Located right in the centre of town, Happy House Hostel is among the best San Juan del Sur budget hotels. You are literally a walking distance from the market in town, restaurants and the beach. This is quite convenient. And if you don’t prefer walking to all the different places, you can rent a motorbike.
The hostel features a garden and a shared lounge where guests can sit and relax. Free WiFi is available throughout. There is a 24-hour desk to handle guests queries and concerns and ensure a comfortable stay. The rooms here are clean. A shared kitchen is provided for guests to cook their own meals if they wish. The hostel only provides an a la carte breakfast.
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More: Check location on map / Read more independent reviews
This San Juan del Sur hotel offers all the basic facilities for a comfortable stay at a very affordable price. The rooms come equipped with a TV and AC which is great for cooling the rooms both during the day and night. There’s also a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Guests have a view of the mountains from the property especially from the rooms that have a balcony. Since this hotel is located right in town, you can walk to most places including the market, supermarket and restaurants. San Juan del Sur beach is also just a walking distance away.
A 24-hour front desk is available for your convenience. They can even assist with giving suggestions on where to eat, drink and tour in the surrounding area.
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San Juan del Sur is a great holiday destination in Nicaragua. More to that, it’s a hub for outdoor activities and beach-related activities. There are several places you can visit to join in the fun, relaxation and adventure.
Here are a few examples of things to do and places to visit:
For more information on what to get up to, check out our in-depth guide on things to do in San Juan del Sur.
San Juan del Sur is a beautiful place. Its views of the ocean, beaches and mountains are breathtaking. Being a part of this wonderful environment and having fun at the same time is something you can achieve whenever you visit Nicaragua. There are many hotels and resorts you can stay and experience this coastal region. Read through this guide again when you’re ready to make a reservation and hopefully you’ll be able to get something that will suit you perfectly!
