This tranquilo, friendly hotel in Reparto San Juan, Managua, has just about everything I look for when staying in Nicaragua’s hectic capital city: (1) central location, walking distance from the restaurants of Zona Hippo and the Carreterra Masaya, (2) an open common space where guests from all over the world easily mix while sitting in rocking chairs, (3) friendly staff and manager (doña Erika fussed over my friend when she found out his stomach was off, insisting that he drink some lime juice), and (4) basic necessities like hot water, WiFi, a small pool, and a nice Nica breakfast and coffee each morning. In addition, guests are allowed to use the ample kitchen and although there is no bar, they keep a fridge stocked with Toñas which you can mark up on your room. The hotel has 20 rooms and prices begin at $40 a night for a single. Anyone who has traveled in Nicaragua knows how much value you get in this price range and Los Pinos is no exception.
HOTEL LOS PINOS, www.hotellospinos.com.ni. ADDRESS: Reparto Lomas de San Juan, Calle San Juan No 314 (Del Gimnasio Hércules 1 cuadra al Sur, 1/2 c. al este). Teléfono: (505) 2270-0761, USA +1 1 (305) 501-2866
