Managua
A tourism surge in Nicaragua is livening Managua’s dining and after-hours scene and broadening the hotel landscape.
Sleeping
Holiday Inn Select. This easy-in, easy-out hotel with highspeed Internet service has complimentary airport shuttle, a business center, mobile phone rental, free parking and car rental. www.holiday-inn.com
Crowne Plaza. This older hotel offers an array of business services. Rooms from $100. Ask for a view of Lake Managua. www.crowneplazamanagua.com
Relaxing
Hotel La Gran Francia. The ghost of the self-proclaimed emperor of Nicaragua, William Walker, may still wander his former estate. This stunning country hideaway has a much-touted restaurant. Rooms from $80. www.lagranfrancia.com
Eating
Hippos Grill. Get casual at this burger bar popular with Managua’s young movers and shakers. Reparto San Juan, phone: 505-267-1346.
Hary’s Grill & Bar. It’s not a typo. In fact, there are no mistakes at this Argentine restaurant. Best steak in town. Km. 8 Carretera Masaya, phone: 505-276-1067.
Drinking
Managua’s sexy, wealthy and scantily clad flock to Hipa Hipa at Km. 7 Carretera Masaya; phone: 505-278-8504. On Saturdays, the scene moves to El Club on Calle Libertad in Granada (a $30 cab ride from Managua); phone: 505-552-4245.
Shopping
Rocking chairs from the town of Masaya are outstanding additions to a patio or deck. They’re sold disassembled.