La Barca de Oro
La Barca de Oro offers traditional rooms as well as solar-powered bamboo bungalows right on the beach in Las Penitas. The hotel has an open-air restaurant serving fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster, as well as vegetarian options. Extra services include laundry, massages, and bike and boogie board rentals.
The hotel staff also arranges excursions, like kayak or boat tours to Isla Juan Venado, seasonal nighttime trip to see sea turtles hatching, bird-watching hikes and fishing trips.
Hotel Barca de Oro
Las Penitas, Nicaragua
(011) (505) 2-317-0275
www.barcadeoro.com
Big Foot Hostel
This progressive-minded hostel is an outstanding option 15 miles away in Leon, a cultured university city with regular bus service to Las Penitas. Located in a renovated colonial home, Big Foot has five dorm rooms, four private rooms, a communal kitchen, a lounge bar and a cafe featuring vegetarian options. It also offers its own Tuesday and Thursday express transport service to and from Las Penitas.
The staff at Big Foot promotes sustainability projects, like an urban garden and sustainability blog. An eco-minded tour service called Greenpathways was promised to be available soon in November 2009.
One of the more unique offerings at Big Foot is a volcano-boarding trip, which involves hiking to the top of the nearby Cerro Negro extinct volcano and sledding down its black-ash slopes at speeds up to 40 MPH.
Big Foot Hostel
Av. Santiago Arguello, between Calle NE and 2a Calle NE
Leon, Nicaragua
(011) (505) 8-917 8832
www.bigfootnicaragua.com
Hotel Olazul
This beachfront establishment in Las Penitas offers cabins with private bathrooms and terraces, with or without air conditioning. Dorm rooms are available as well, and there's a swimming pool for guests.
Breakfast is included in the price of a room, and a terrace restaurant with ocean views serves international dishes for lunch and dinner. Hotel Olazul can also arrange trips to Isla Juan Venado.
Hotel Olazul
Las Penitas, Nicaragua
(011) (505) 8-435-7936
www.hotelolazul.com
Hotel Playa Roca
Hotel Playa Roca's name translates as "Rock Beach," and is inspired by a beautiful rock formation looming nearby. The hotel has eight private rooms (some with air conditioning) and two dorms. Playa Roca has a beachfront restaurant/bar and hosts live music and dancing during special beach bonfire parties. It also offers boat trips to Isla Juan Venado, as well as fishing trips on the Pacific Ocean.
Hotel Playa Roca
Las Penitas, Nicaragua
(011) (505) 8-428-8903
www.hotelplayaroca.com
