Where to Stay when Backpacking in Leon, Nicaragua: Casona Colonial Hostel

After a border crossing from Honduras (where I had just been exploring the capital city, Tegucigalpa), I was dumped by the road side 2 kilometres north of the city of Leon. Great! Instead of taxi-ing or bus-sing it, the hardcore backpacker in me decided to walk into the town and find some accommodation on the way. There was a reason for my madness (it was a crazy walk through torrential rain with heavy bags and tired legs). I wanted to stay in a hostel that was on the edge of the city centre, rather than slap bang in it. I wasn’t in Leon to party, surf or see volcanoes as most travellers are. I just wanted to explore the colonial streets, try some food and then move on. So I needed a hostel with an easy escape route to Managua and then Granada.

I chose one in advance that seemed to fit the bill. It was the Casona Colonial Hostel. It was a hostel close to the Church of San Juan and it was on my walk into the city from the bus station. Darkness had already fallen on Leon when I rang the bell and was greeted by Rosario, the owner and shown to my cute little room inside what is a pleasant colonial house.

I’ve stayed in a lot of these colonial houses through my Latin American adventures, I’m talking Uruguay, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico. They have an unrivalled charm. I was reminded of the Posada Belen Museo Inn from Guatemala City when I arrived at the Casona Colonial Hostel.

1. Comfortable Rooms
Relax and lock your door – cosy comfortable rooms here. I was in Room 8 – Pilas.

2. Good Location
Not in the city centre so away from the crazy backpacking buzz, as a bonus it’s only 20 minute walk from the bus station.

3. Colonial Architecture
Relax and admire. These Spanish colonial influences are actually rather attractive.

4. Safe and Secure
It’s family run and with a low amount of rooms and round the clock security, you and your stuff is safe and secure here.

5. Fast Wifi
It was torrential rain when I arrived in Leon, so I got out my laptop and stayed online till it eased off! Fast wifi here.

It’s good value but please note – they do not have hot water – only cold water and that for me was the only negative thing about it. I was only passing through Leon so didn’t mind. In fact I was used to cold water showers in this part of the world (and it was nice to be back in Europe after this). To book Casona Colonial Guest House click here.

Here are some videos from my time staying in the Casona Colonial Hostel in Leon, Nicaragua: