Hotel Plaza Colon - Historic Grandeur in Granada Nicaragua

About Hotel Plaza Colon

Hotel Plaza Colon stands as one of Granada's most distinguished addresses, a carefully restored 19th-century colonial residence that now operates as a boutique hotel directly overlooking Parque Central. The property was originally the home of several of Granada's most prominent families, and the building's transformation into a hotel involved the acquisition of three neighboring properties, all painstakingly unified while preserving the architectural character of the original house. Since opening in 2006, Hotel Plaza Colon has established itself as a landmark of the colonial city, earning recognition not only for its prime location but also for its commitment to sustainable tourism — the hotel holds a Preferred by Nature certification under the GSTC Recognized Sustainable Tourism Standard for Accommodations.

What sets Hotel Plaza Colon apart from other colonial-era hotels in Granada is the sheer scale of its plaza-front presence. The facade stretches wide across the northern edge of Parque Central, with wooden balconies on the second floor offering unobstructed views of the park, the yellow Cathedral of Granada, and the daily rhythm of life in one of the Americas' oldest cities. Inside, two open-air courtyards anchor the property — the larger one housing a generous swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants, and the smaller one offering a quieter retreat with traditional tilework and shaded seating.

The hotel manages to achieve something that many colonial restorations struggle with: it feels genuinely historic without feeling dated. The rooms are furnished in a traditional style with substantial dark wood furniture, high ceilings, and terracotta floors, yet the modern additions — reliable air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, strong Wi-Fi, and well-appointed bathrooms — are seamlessly integrated. For travelers who want to be at the absolute center of Granada's colonial world without sacrificing comfort, Hotel Plaza Colon delivers on that promise with quiet confidence.

Location

Hotel Plaza Colon occupies a commanding position on the northern side of Parque Central, the historic heart of Granada, Nicaragua. The Cathedral of Granada rises directly across the park, and Calle La Calzada — the vibrant pedestrian boulevard lined with restaurants, bars, and shops — begins just a short walk from the hotel's front entrance. Virtually every significant landmark in Granada's historic center is within walking distance: the Convento San Francisco museum, Iglesia La Merced with its climbable bell tower, the Chocolate Museum, and the waterfront promenade along Lake Nicaragua are all reachable on foot within ten to fifteen minutes.

Granada itself sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Nicaragua (Lake Cocibolca), Central America's largest lake, at the foot of Mombacho Volcano. Founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba, it is considered one of the first European cities established on the American mainland. The city's strategic location on the lake once connected it via the San Juan River to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a prosperous colonial trading hub. That history is written into the architecture of every street surrounding the hotel — pastel-colored facades, thick adobe walls, ornamental ironwork, and interior courtyards that have sheltered residents for centuries.

Rooms and Accommodations

Hotel Plaza Colon offers approximately 27 guest rooms spread across two floors of the restored colonial complex. Each room is air-conditioned and outfitted with ceiling fans, flat-screen cable TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, a minibar, an in-room safe, and hot water. Bathrooms are spacious and stocked with quality toiletries, and some rooms include bathrobes. The decor throughout is traditional colonial — dark wooden furniture, crisp white linens, and warm-toned walls that complement the building's historic bones.

Standard Rooms

The Standard rooms are located on the ground and first floors, many of them overlooking the interior courtyards. These rooms offer a choice of one king bed or two queen beds and provide a comfortable retreat with all of the hotel's core amenities. The courtyard-facing rooms are notably quiet and benefit from natural light filtering through the open-air central spaces.

Balcony Rooms

For guests who want a connection to the streetscape, the Balcony rooms offer interior or exterior balconies. The exterior-facing rooms on the second floor provide views over the colonial facades and rooftops, while interior balconies overlook the lush courtyard below.

Junior Suites with Balcony

The hotel's six Junior Suites occupy prime positions on the second floor, each featuring a private balcony that faces directly onto Parque Central. These are the most sought-after rooms in the property, and for good reason — stepping onto the balcony places you above the park with a direct sightline to the Cathedral and, on clear days, the forested slopes of Mombacho Volcano in the distance. The suites are more spacious than the standard categories, with enhanced furnishings and additional seating areas.

Dining

Hotel Plaza Colon's dining experience is centered around its bar and the adjoining terrace areas rather than a large formal restaurant. Breakfast is served each morning on the terrace beside the swimming pool, offering a pleasant open-air setting to start the day with fresh tropical fruits, Nicaraguan coffee, eggs, and local specialties. The breakfast service is provided in conjunction with the cafe that adjoins the hotel property, and snacks and light fare are available throughout the day from the same kitchen.

El Bar is the hotel's signature gathering spot, positioned right at the front of the property with views out onto Parque Central. It serves as both a social hub for hotel guests and a destination for visitors drawn by the prime location. The bar is known for its Macua — Nicaragua's national cocktail, a refreshing blend of rum, guava juice, and lemon — alongside classic cocktails, a curated wine list, national beers, and a selection of tapas. Sipping a drink at El Bar while watching the evening light play across the Cathedral is one of Granada's simplest and most memorable pleasures.

For full dinner options, guests are well positioned to explore Granada's thriving restaurant scene. Calle La Calzada and the streets surrounding Parque Central offer everything from traditional Nicaraguan cuisine and grilled meats to international kitchens and farm-to-table dining.

Amenities and Services

The hotel provides a well-rounded set of amenities for a mid-range colonial boutique property. The outdoor swimming pool in the main courtyard is the centerpiece — a generous-sized pool surrounded by tropical greenery and sun loungers, ideal for cooling off after a day of exploring. The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views across Granada's tiled rooftops, the Cathedral towers, and the green mass of Mombacho Volcano to the south.

Additional services include a mini-spa offering massage and relaxation treatments, a business center for guests who need to work, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout public areas and guest rooms, laundry service, complimentary private parking on site, and a concierge desk that can arrange tours, transportation, and excursions throughout the region. The hotel staff can organize airport transfers, boat tours of Las Isletas, volcano hikes, and visits to the Masaya artisan market.

Nearby Attractions

Granada's location makes it one of the best bases for exploration in all of Nicaragua. From Hotel Plaza Colon, the following destinations are easily accessible:

Las Isletas de Granada — An archipelago of 365 small islands in Lake Nicaragua, formed thousands of years ago by an eruption of Mombacho Volcano. Boat tours depart from Puerto Asese, about 15 minutes from the hotel, and wind through jungle-covered islets that are home to birds, howler monkeys, fishing communities, and a few private homes. Tours typically last two to three hours, and kayak rentals are also available for a more intimate exploration.

Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve — Rising to 1,345 meters just 30 minutes south of Granada, Mombacho is crowned by a rare cloud forest home to orchids, butterflies, howler monkeys, and endemic species found nowhere else. The Sendero del Crater trail (1.5 km) leads to active fumaroles and panoramic views of Granada, the lake, and Las Isletas far below. A longer 4 km trail circles the crater rim. A zip-line canopy tour through the treetops is also available for those seeking adventure.

Masaya Volcano National Park — One of very few places in the world where you can peer directly into an active volcanic crater, Masaya's glowing lava lake is especially dramatic during evening visits. The national park is about 20 minutes from Granada by car.

Masaya Artisan Market — Located near the volcano, the Mercado de Artesanias in Masaya is Nicaragua's largest traditional craft market, offering hammocks, ceramics, leather goods, handwoven textiles, and woodwork at local prices.

Convento San Francisco — One of the oldest churches in Central America, founded in 1529, now housing a museum with a remarkable collection of pre-Columbian basalt statues from the island of Zapatera, carved between AD 800 and 1200.

Practical Information

Getting There: Hotel Plaza Colon is approximately 45 minutes to one hour from Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) by car, heading southeast on the Managua-Granada highway. Private shuttles and taxis are the most convenient option, typically costing between $50 and $80 one way. The hotel can arrange airport transfers in advance. Public buses are also available from Managua's Mercado Huembes terminal, though the journey takes considerably longer (approximately two to three hours with connections). Several shuttle companies, including Bigfoot Shuttles and Gekko Trails, offer scheduled and private transfers.

Check-in / Check-out: Standard check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out at 12:00 PM. Early check-in and late check-out may be available upon request depending on occupancy.

Best Time to Visit: Granada's dry season runs from November through April, offering warm days, clear skies, and the best conditions for volcano hikes and lake tours. The green season (May through October) brings afternoon rains but also lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Currency and Payments: The Nicaraguan cordoba is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted in Granada's tourist areas. The hotel accepts major credit cards.

See Also

• Jicaro Island Ecolodge — Private island eco-luxury on Lake Nicaragua near Granada
• Tribal Hotel — Stylish boutique design hotel steps from Parque Central
• Mukul Beach Golf & Spa — Ultra-luxury beach resort on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rooms does Hotel Plaza Colon have?

The hotel has approximately 27 rooms across several categories, including Standard rooms, Balcony rooms, and six Junior Suites with private balconies facing Parque Central. Due to the variety of configurations, it is worth requesting a specific room type when booking, especially if you want a plaza-facing balcony.

Is the hotel noisy given its location on Parque Central?

Rooms facing the park can experience some street noise, particularly on weekend evenings when the bars and restaurants around the plaza are lively. If you are a light sleeper, consider requesting a courtyard-facing room, which tends to be significantly quieter while still offering a charming view.

Does the hotel have parking?

Yes, Hotel Plaza Colon offers complimentary private parking on site — a notable convenience in Granada's compact historic center where street parking can be limited.

Is Hotel Plaza Colon suitable for families?

The hotel is well suited for families. The swimming pool, spacious rooms with queen bed configurations, and central location within walking distance of all attractions make it a practical and comfortable choice. The courtyard setting provides a safe, enclosed space for children to enjoy.

What sustainable tourism practices does the hotel follow?

Hotel Plaza Colon holds a Preferred by Nature certification, which recognizes compliance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's standards for accommodations. This reflects the hotel's commitment to responsible environmental and social practices in its operations.