Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Are you wondering where to stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua?
San Juan del Sur is one of the most popular beach destinations in Nicaragua. This beach town on the Pacific Coast attracts many travelers, from surfers to party-loving backpackers to North American snowbirds hoping to escape the cold and spend winter somewhere warm. It has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to surf at nearby beaches, party it up, or just relax and enjoy a slower pace of life, all of that is possible in this destination. And there are plenty of places to stay for every budget.
You can find everything from nice boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels. There are also lots of condos and vacation homes for rent in town and nearby on websites like Airbnb and VRBO.
Best Places to Stay in San Juan del Sur
The town of San Juan del Sur itself is a popular place to stay. The town is set right on the beach, which is in a protected half-moon bay. This means that the beach in town is actually not one where you can surf, though — the water is way too calm! The best surfing beaches are 15 to 30 minutes away by car.
However, it’s still a popular place to stay for surfing because many hostels offer shuttles that take you to different nearby beaches each day. And town is where you’ll find lots of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
Below I’ve mainly highlighted hotels and hostels that are in town because I think it’s the most convenient place to base yourself, but I’ve also shared a couple of options a little further outside of town.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in San Juan del Sur:
- Best luxury: La Santa Maria Resort
- Best on a budget: Hostel Tropical and CoWorking
- Best hostel: Surf Town Hostel
- Best for surfing: Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua
And here’s a full breakdown of where to stay in San Juan del Sur.
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La Santa Maria Resort
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in San Juan del Sur, La Santa Maria Resort is by far your best option. This four-star hotel is situated on a quiet hilltop offering breathtaking views of the ocean. It’s located slightly outside the hustle and bustle of town, yet you’re still just over a ten-minute walk from the beach.
The resort offers hotel rooms, apartment-style accommodations, and private villas (some with private pools.) All guests have access to an infinity pool and a fitness center. Many rooms have ocean views.
Hotel Victoriano
Hotel Victoriano is also known as being one of the nicer hotels in San Juan del Sur. It is built in a quaint Victorian style and it’s located directly across the street from the beach giving you easy access.
You’re also just a couple of minutes from the restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in town. There’s also a swimming pool and hot tub for guests to enjoy, and breakfast is included each morning during your stay.
HC Liri Hotel
HC Liri Hotel is a great mid-range hotel in San Juan del Sur. It’s tucked away in a quiet area about a ten-minute walk from the heart of the town. You’re also just steps away from the beach staying here.
The hotel offers a swimming pool and a nice garden and terrace area where guests can relax. The rooms here are simple and comfortable, and breakfast is included each morning during you stay.
Hostel Tropical and CoWorking
Hostel Tropical and CoWorking is a good option for budget travelers who are looking for somewhere comfortable and calm to stay in San Juan del Sur, especially if you need to get some work done.
The hostel has simple, affordable private rooms and fast WiFi so you can stay connected (which isn’t always easy in a place like this.) There’s a shared kitchen and a terrace with hammocks where you can relax. The hostel is located right in the heart of town and it’s just a couple of minutes from the beach.
Hostel SaltWater
Hostel SaltWater is where I stayed for several nights in San Juan del Sur, and I’d hesitate to recommend it. It wasn’t exactly bad, but I just found it overwhelming. The location is pretty good, located on a hill with a (somewhat obstructed) view to the ocean and just a few minutes away from everything in town.
There are private rooms and dorm rooms available at this hotel. Breakfast is included, and there’s a nice patio and terrace with hammocks. However, I didn’t feel like I got great value for my money here. The private room I stayed in was quite basic and it was also loud with barking dogs outside all night.
Surf Town Hostel
Surf Town Hostel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a fun, social hostel in San Juan del Sur. Located just over five minutes from the beach, this hostel offers a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms.
There are lots of things to do when you stay here, including trips to nearby beaches, surf lessons, and other activities. The hostel also has a swimming pool and offers a simple free breakfast.
Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua
If you don’t mind staying outside of town, Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua came highly recommended from other travelers. This eco lodge is located in the jungle about twenty minutes outside San Juan del Sur. You can take a free shuttle into town, and there are also shuttles to other nearby beaches every day.
This is a great place to stay if you want to surf, and you can add surfing lessons to your stay. Yoga classes are also available, and the resort organizes daily free activities for guests. There is a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Breakfast is included, and you can also have lunch and dinner at the resort.
Hostel Clandestino Maderas
Finally, one more great place to stay is Hostel Clandestino Maderas. This rustic-chic hostel is located in Maderas, a popular beach about thirty minutes from San Juan del Sur that is known for its surfing.
The hostel has dorm rooms and private rooms. There’s a shared kitchen and some really cool common areas where you can hang out. You can easily walk to the beach to surf, and they also have a skating bowl.
Where to Stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
This guide showed you where to stay in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury: La Santa Maria Resort
- Best on a budget: Hostel Tropical and CoWorking
- Best hostel: Surf Town Hostel
- Best for surfing: Dreamsea Surf Resort Nicaragua
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in San Juan del Sur!
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