• Hotel Los Piños (Zona Rosa, Managua; tel. 505/2270-0761; www.hotelospinos.info): One of the more tasteful and elegant small hotels in Managua has lots of space, light, and beautiful interiors. Inside are large windows, tall ceilings, dark-wood floors, and lovely art, while outside there is a good-size garden with a generous pool, all just a stone's throw from all the action in the Zona Rosa.
  • Hotel Sábalos (Río San Juan, Nicaragua; tel. 505/8894-9377; www.hotelsabalos.com.ni): Hotel Sábalos has a beautiful location right over the water, with sweeping views of the river. The low wooden structure of varnished wood has a wraparound veranda, and you can literally fish from the balcony or just watch the locals passing in their impossibly flimsy canoes while fishermen throw nets into the water.
  • Casa Canada (Corn Islands, Nicaragua; tel. 505/2644-0925; www.casa-canada.com): This ocean-side paradise is easily the most beautiful and well-appointed hotel on the Caribbean Corn Islands. A row of cottage-style rooms faces a tiled pool and long rock shore of palm trees and small patches of lawn. Rooms are large, with every type of modern amenity, and line a beachfront garden.
  • Casa Iguana (Little Corn Island, Nicaragua; no phone; www.casaiguana.net): Palm trees line sandy paths, and colorful cabanas sit close to the shoreline at this charming ecoresort. The complex is run in a sustainable manner, with solar- and wind-powered energy, a recycling program, and fruit and vegetables from an on-site garden. Yoga and massage therapies are available, and some fantastic snorkeling reefs are within paddling distance.
  • Hotel Los Arcos (Estelí, Nicaragua tel. 505/2713-3830; www.familiasunidas.org/ arcos/presentacion.htm): A large mansion-style house just a half-block from the laid-back plaza is the setting for this modern hotel in the rural town of Estelí. The hotel is set amidst arched galleries that overlook a gorgeous garden courtyard with a fountain and palm trees.
  • La Posada Azul (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; tel. 505/2568-2524; www.laposadaazul.com): This delightful boutique hotel will make you feel like you've stepped into a García Márquez novel -- its old-school charm is that authentic. High ceilings grace neat wooden interiors and an Old World living room, and a veranda runs the length of the house to a lovely flower garden with a fountain and small pool.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.