Under $10

Ocotal has nearly a dozen cheap and spartan hospedajes. Backpackers will do fine in secluded
El Viajero (seven blocks north and one block east from the bus station, tel. 505/732-2954, $10), offering TV, private bath, and Internet. A recent remodeling including an addition of 10 rooms also provides rooms with higher amenities for up to $20. It’s quiet and clean, and the service is exceptionally friendly in an area not really accustomed to tourists.

$10–25

A favorite among travelers is Llamaradas del Bosque (south side of the park, tel. 505/732-2643, $18), a good value for the money. Hotel Bel Rive (west side of the highway across from the Shell, tel. 505/732-2146 or 505/732-3249, $15) has doubles with private bath, phone, TV, fan, and parking. This is a big step up in quality.

Mi Hotelcito just a few of blocks west of the main square and seven blocks east from the bus station (half a block east of the Hotel Viajero) is a great no-frills but very clean option with rooms varying in size and shape for $7–16 including TV, private bath, and hot water. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner served upon request for just a few dollars.

Just about one kilometer from the COTRAN on the first entrance to the city you see is the Hotel Ben Moral, a favorite for quality and price with rooms ranging $13–25, including private bath, phone, TV, air-conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi.

Over $25

Ocotal’s finest is Hotel Frontera (just east of the Shell station, tel. 505/732-2668, $45) with private bath, phone, and TV, plus a slick poolside bar, conference room, parking, Internet, restaurant, and pleasant airy porches overlooking the city and mountains. More expensive rooms are by the pool, cheaper rooms are in the back.

© Randall Wood & Joshua Berman from Moon Nicaragua, 4th Edition