Pros

  • Charming boutique hotel built on the site of a 17th-century convent
  • Flowering central courtyard
  • Renowned fine dining restaurant
  • Rooms, though basic, have plenty of character
  • Good breakfast
  • Event space
  • Central location two blocks from Central Park
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Cons

  • Some complaints of inconsistent hot water
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Bottom Line

Hotel El Convento, a boutique built on the site of (and in the same style as) a former 17-century convent, is the best hotel in Leon. A flowering central courtyard, antiques lining the hallways, and a fine dining restaurant that many consider to be the city's premier option make for a charming stay. Rooms are mid-range but have plenty of character, with details such as brick walls, terracotta tile floors, and wrought-iron bed frames. The hotel added a small pool after our visit.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel El Convento

Location

Near Central Park in Leon

Hotel El Convento is centrally located in Leon, one of Nicaragua's oldest cities. (Leon and Granada have a rivalry going as to which city is the most historic.) Leon is a little rough around the edges, but it does have Spanish Colonial sights, including the impressively restored Leon Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Central America. It also has plenty authentic charm -- expect to see locals riding horses and carts through the streets, as well as fruit stands selling un-ripe mangoes and jocotes, both tart but popular snacks.

  • 1-hour-30-minute drive from the airport in Managua
  • 5-minute walk to Parque Central de Leon
  • 6-minute walk to the Cathedral of Leon (also known as the Basilica Catedral de Leon)
  • 2-hour drive to Granada
  • 2-hour drive to Matagalpa
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Oyster Hotel Review

Hotel El Convento

Location

Near Central Park in Leon

Hotel El Convento is centrally located in Leon, one of Nicaragua's oldest cities. (Leon and Granada have a rivalry going as to which city is the most historic.) Leon is a little rough around the edges, but it does have Spanish Colonial sights, including the impressively restored Leon Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Central America. It also has plenty authentic charm -- expect to see locals riding horses and carts through the streets, as well as fruit stands selling un-ripe mangoes and jocotes, both tart but popular snacks.

  • 1-hour-30-minute drive from the airport in Managua
  • 5-minute walk to Parque Central de Leon
  • 6-minute walk to the Cathedral of Leon (also known as the Basilica Catedral de Leon)
  • 2-hour drive to Granada
  • 2-hour drive to Matagalpa
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Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Cribs

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.