The best places to stay in Bluefields are north of the town pier. I recommend spending a little extra on accommodations here, as some of the budget options are the sort of places that are rented by the hour.

Oasis Hotel Casino, 150m (492 ft.) from the bay (tel. 505/2572-2812; www.oasiscasinohotel.com), is undoubtedly the best hotel in town, with large, reasonably priced rooms and suites. Beds are big and comfortable, and the rooms come with air-conditioning and cable TV. Doubles start at $55 and include breakfast and an airport shuttle. The Presidential suite is a royal bargain at $165 as it includes an entire floor with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Jacuzzi, kitchen and two living areas. Hotel Bluefields Bay (tel. 505/2572-0120; www.bluefieldsbay.galeon.com.), 2 blocks north of the Municipal Dock, is a well-appointed B&B by the shoreline. Rooms start at $28. Hotel South Atlantic II, west of the municipal market (tel. 505/2572-1022), is another good option. Rooms start at $35 and have air-conditioning and TV.

For slightly less expensive rooms, Hotel Caribbean Dream, 20m (66 ft.) south of the Municipal Market (tel. 505/2572-0107), has a nice blue-and-white veranda facing the main street. Rooms start at $32 and come with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Alternatively, try Mini Hotel Central, dockside by the Municipal Market (tel. 505/2572-2362), which is well run and has friendly owners. Rooms start at $25.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.