Choosing the right place to stay when you are traveling is a crucial decision that, if made incorrectly, can ruin your trip. It’s important to know where you’re headed and what awaits you when you get there. If you are heading to the capital of Nicaragua, then you will certainly want to research the Intercontinental Managua Hotel. Run by IHG, this resort is a luxury location for travelers looking for pleasure, business, or both. Very close to beautiful Lake Xolotlán and any number of natural lagoons, the Intercontinental Hotel Managua is a great base of operations. You can work at the hotel and sightsee in your down time.

We’re going to take an in-depth look at the rooms, services, and amenities offered at the Intercontinental Manauga. We’ll also give you some background context on the locale, the culture, and what you can expect when you visit. Want to know what sort of business facilities they have? We’ll tell you. Curious about the cultural landmarks nearby? We’ve got you covered. Wondering if this is a good destination for couples or families? We’ll let you know what you need to in order to decide for yourself. Follow us along on this virtual tour of the Intercontinental Managua Hotel.

You need to make the best choice about where to go and where to stay when you get there. So, look below for some information about the country, the city, and what makes it a great destination.

Nicaragua has been home to human beings for 14,000 years. The nation was invaded by conquerors from Spain in the very early 1500s. The area was hotly contested for centuries by the British, the Spanish, and the indigenous people who refused to submit to colonial role. Perhaps that history is why, since their independence in 1821, the country has been subject to a number of revolutions. However, Nicaragua today is presidential representative democratic republic. The president is both the chief executive and the head of the legislature. In recent decades, the country has stepped onto the world stage as not just a tropical destination for leisure but as a center for culture, education, and business.

Nicaragua is still a very poor country, with their nation’s Gross Domestic Product equivalent to about $17.37 billion. To put that in perspective, that’s less than the estimated net worth of Rupert Murdoch and at least 55 other of the world’s richest individuals. However, thanks to agriculture, tourism, and mining, their economy is growing. Money woes aside, the place is a paradise. It’s the largest country in Central America and has a temperate, tropical climate. It’s never been below 50 degrees there. Nicaragua is also very rich in culture, with a history of music, dances, literature, and cuisine to draw from. Like the U.S., their national pastime is Baseball but they also enjoy football and boxing.

Managua got it’s start as a fishing village in pre-Colombian times, and after Nicaragua’s independence it was chosen as a “compromise” site for the nation’s capital. Modern Managua’s story begins in the mid-1990s, as the city embarked on a resurgence. A large number of the buildings in the city are newer rather than older. These include buildings for the governments, museums, and commercial areas, including the Intercontinental Managua Hotel. Nestled at the southern end of Lake Xolotlán, Managua’s city area covers more than 500 square kilometers. The Sierras de Managua overlook the area further south. This means that while there is a vibrant urban center, there are still opportunities to experience the native flora and fauna on hikes and mountain climbing expeditions. There are also a number of lagoons within in the city limits.

As the capital of Nicaragua, Managua is both the business and education center in the country. The National Autonomous University of Nicaragua dates back to 1812, though it’s first campus was in the city of León. The INACE Business School opened its doors in 1964 and has a close relationship with Harvard University. This school has been called the best business school in all of Central America. Finally, the Polytechnic University of Nicaragua also calls Managua home, along with about a dozen other schools of varied sizes. All of Nicaragua’s financial institutions have headquarters in the city. Many of those who travel here love it so much there is now a surge in real estate as American and European expatriates choose to retire there.

Managua is a great place to go, both for business or leisure. As the capital of Nicaragua, you will find yourself able to avail yourself of state-of-the-art facilities and decision makers in the public and private sectors. Nicaragua is a place ripe for business opportunity and they only have room to grow. However, it doesn’t hurt that their governmental and business hub is also a tropical paradise. This is why there is an increase in immigration and real estate development. Those who came to help the city and the nation rebuild itself decided to stay for good.

Manauga is a cultural center, too. There is the National Palace of Culture, which is a former parliamentary building that now houses their national archives and a museum. The Rubén Dario National Theater is the singular showcase for domestic and international talent. You can see a popstar in concert on one night and the next enjoy a performance of classic Nicaraguan drama. Both of these buildings are some of the oldest in the city, having survived an earthquake in 1972. There are other museums, cathedrals, and cultural landmarks worthy of a visit. You can catch a baseball or football came at the Dennis Martinez National Stadium. If you time your visit right, you might catch one of the many festivals, which feature raucous parades and amazing local cuisine.

This hotel has been around for less than a decade. Still, it simultaneously feels like state-of-the-art luxury and a place that has always been there. It’s a great base of operations for touring the city, exploring the wilderness, or lounging at the lake. If you’re there for business and can’t get away, you will find luxurious amenities at your disposal.

When it comes to rooms at the Intercontinental Managua, you have three options to choose from. There are classic rooms, executive rooms, and the suites. There is also a presidential suite if you really want to go big on your trip to Managua. All the rooms come with Agraria amenities and are sound-proofed for everyone’s comfort.

These are the standard rooms at the InterContinental Managua, but there is nothing just standard about them. They come with luxury bedding and a 37-inch television. Each room has a workstation with an ergonomic chair, suitable for finishing up a presentation or detailing your itinerary for the next day. There are private bathrooms, with complimentary tea and coffee. There is also a mini-bar, and you have access to room service 24 hours a day. These rooms offer both lake and city views.

The Executive rooms are the choice for the luxury traveler, specifically geared towards those in town on business. They are located on the hotel’s Club floors. They offer both city and lake views. Guests in these rooms can take advantage of a butler service, as well as both a breakfast buffet and gourmet coffee station. You can also visit the bar for complimentary appetizers. With a substantial workstation, you can handle your business in the room, or you can relax and watch the 42-inch LCD flat screen television. These rooms offer 25 square meters of space, making them a spacious place to call home while in Managua.

Along with the presidential suite, the Intercontinental Managua offers six junior suites for the guest who loves luxury. These rooms are 66 square meters, giving you the space you need to work or relax. These rooms have views of both the city and the lake, or you can take in the views from the 42-inch LCD flat screen television. These rooms are also serviced by butlers. Guests in these suites also enjoy an open-bar happy hour each day. These rooms are packed with the latest technological amenities and staff will cater to your every whim as best they can. If you want to be treated like a VIP, this is the only option you should consider.

At this hotel, you have the entire city of Managua at your disposal, including a rich culinary scene. However, if you are a guest of the Intercontinental Managua Hotel you have a number of dining options available without even leaving the hotel. You should do your best to try their restaurants and the local cuisine, if you can fit in all those meals.

The Market is like a convenience grocery and deli available to guests at their leisure. During the posted hours, you can get a burger, homemade pasta, or design your own monster sandwich. The staff prepares your food right in front of you so you can see how they work. They offer fine foods like ceviche, fresh salads, and carpaccio. You can grab your food and go if you’ve got somewhere to be. However, you can enjoy your meal from the market on the attached terrace. It overlooks the gardens and the pool, providing with you a lovely view while you eat. It’s also great for people-watching.

The Nau Lounge is the hotel’s bar area, which offers a great place to unwind, get together, and enjoy cocktails, sushi, and tapas. You can sit at the bar, with a wide-screen television for watching the game. If you don’t want to sit at a bar or traditional table, you can take up a spot on the upholstered couches and coffee tables. This set-up is great for conversations and snacking. The Nau Lounge is a great place to have some fun and not leave the hotel. The highlight of the menu is fresh sushi, which you can watch the chefs prepare if you’re lucky.

This hotel restaurant could be a fine dining establishment on its own. The menu relies heavily on surf and turf. You can get fresh imported beef, locally-caught fish, or fresh lobster. The kitchen is surrounded by glass, so you can watch the chefs work. The restaurant itself looks out over the city. You can also get tables on the outdoor terrace overlooking the pool and the garden. This is a great place to grab a bite in the hotel, but still get the full experience of going out to a fancy dinner.

Of course, if you’re doing vacation or a business trip the right way, you may not have time to eat at the restaurants in the hotel. In fact, you might find yourself in your room after a long day with an empty belly. Fear not, because you can order from room service whenever you want. Whether you want breakfast food, a steak dinner, or just something fast and fried, it’s just a phone call away. 

If you really want to experience the food of Nicaragua, you will have to leave the hotel. But, you won’t have to go that far, because there is a vibrant culinary community in Managua. You can dine at any number of fine dining restaurants, such as the Peruvian Terrace or the Cocina de Doña Haydée. You can also try Ola Verde on the outskirts of town, which is a bar and restaurant completely surrounded by gorgeous jungle. You can also find some great local cuisine at the smaller restaurants and food stands in the street. Managua is a vibrant and exciting city, and delicious food is just one thing it has to offer. 

One key attribute to a luxury hotel is how their staff can make you feel like your every need and desire is being attended to. The Intercontinental Managua offers a number of amenities to their guests, but most are tied to their rewards program. 

If you have any questions or needs, your first stop should be at the Intercontinental Managua Hotel Concierge Desk. The team of service professionals working there are eager to help guests plan trips, get reservations to restaurants, find tickets to events, or simply get some guidance on how to make the most of their trip. If you want information about the gorgeous cathedrals you can tour, the concierge will help you. If you have questions about what sort of hiking or outdoor sports you can do, the concierge will point you in the direction you need to go. They are your first line of defense when it comes to preventing confusion or frustration. 

As is common in hotel chains these days, you can join the Intercontinental hotel membership club. For the extra fee, you are given access to various services and opportunities that all guests are not. Whether or not these are worth the cost is up to you. If personalized luxury service is what you want, you absolutely will want to look into this option. If you enjoy feeling like a VIP, this is the service for you.

If you are traveling with your family and have young children, you’re going to need some help. Sure, it’s a joy to travel the world and see this amazing city with your kids. A trip like that will make memories that will stick with them for their entire lives. However, every parent needs a break sometime. Whether you want to have an adults-only date-night or just want to go somewhere your kids would hate, the Intercontinental Managua has you covered. You can place your children in the care of a professional nanny at the hotel. The kids will be safe, happy, and nestled in bed like little angels when you return. Okay, that last part may not be a guarantee. But at least you’ll have one evening to yourself.

While the Intercontinental Managua is a luxury resort for leisure travelers, they also cater explicitly to the business class. With the heads of banks and government all in the city, they want to provide the best accommodations they can for their guests, so they can work and play as hard as they want.

Most hotels offer a business center with computers, faxes, and copying services. However, the Intercontinental Managua has more than one. They have larges spaces for meetings, conferences, or conventions. These centers allow you to handle your work in an office-like environment, with access to the business conveniences you rely on. While each room offers ample workspace, the business center is a great place for group work or just for a change of scenery.

There are people from all over the world roaming the halls of the Intercontinental Managua. This means that there are people there speaking dozens of different languages. There is no reason to let something like a language barrier get in the way, however. You can book a translator or interpreter so that when you conduct your business, your point is clear no matter what languages are being spoken.

As noted above, the concierge is there to ensure that your questions are answered, and your needs are addressed. For business guests, however, their needs are sometimes more complex then other guests. Sure, they want to know where to get good French food or what sights are close by. However, they also may need help setting up a videoconference call or delivering a multimedia presentation. For those sorts of specific needs, the Intercontinental Managua offers guests access to a Technical Concierge. You won’t have to worry about technical difficulties getting in the way of your important work.

Whether you are working hard or playing hard in Nicaragua, everyone needs to unwind sometimes. That’s why the Intercontinental Managua Hotel offers guests select spa services, a big fitness center, and a number of pools for swimming.

The Intercontinental Mangua does not have a full spa like other luxury resorts. Rather they offer select spa services, such as a bathhouse and massage services. Where the hotel really shines, however, is its fitness center. Large, clean, and offering plenty of exercise options, this is much more than a gym. If you are interested in personal training while there, see the concierge.

Thanks to the tropical-but-temperate climate in Nicaragua, the outdoor pool is open all year around. You can go for a swim under the sun or the stars, or you can lounge by the pool catching up on some reading. Of course, the hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool. This pool is used mostly for fitness, unless its raining outside. You can also go swimming in the natural bodies of water close by the hotel. 

The Intercontinental Managua hosts travelers from all over the world, and one thing most have in common is that they enjoyed their stay. This hotel is highly rated, with online reviewers noting a number of common themes. A large number of folks find the staff in the hotel eager and helpful, with many using English to overcome language barriers. The rooms are comfortable, and guests love the food, and the live music when they provide it. This is a pricey hotel, and most of the negative reviews come from guests who feel they didn’t get their money’s worth. The most common complaint is that guests feel nickel-and-dimed because of the fee for Wifi usage in the hotel. However, those complaints are few and far between.

The only area where the hotel is truly lacking is when it comes to its spa services. There are massages and a bathhouse, but not much beyond that. For such a top-tier resort, many of those who appreciate being pampered might find their services lacking. Of course, there are local spas outside of the hotel so you can get your relaxation and beauty fix while in Managua.

If this hotel does not seem like it is for you, there are plenty of other options in Managua. Below you will find three options to help you start your search. 

This four-star hotel is a luxurious place to stay, and one where guests feel they get a lot of value for the cost. They offer free WiFi, have an outdoor pool, and offer 24-hour front desk and room service. The pool is small, as is the gym. While this might be nice when you have the place to yourself, it can get crowded during peak hours. There is a restaurant and a convenience store in the hotel, and they are really proud of their coffee. Some room have lake views, and if you are traveling with pets they may be able to accommodate them for an extra fee.

This hotel is located at the former Sunan airport, and it is a highly rated option in that location. They have a bar and a restaurant, including some damn fine coffee, according to the reviews. There is a first class fitness center, and both indoor and outdoor pools for swimming or just sunning. The reviews tout the cleanliness of the hotel and friendliness of its staff. They also mention that this is a great destination for families traveling together.

This hotel is a great choice for people on vacation. They offer the use of a business center and related services, but they come at an extra charge. What all guests can use, however, are the indoor and outdoor pools, the bathhouse, the fitness center, or the salon and massage centers. Though, those last two are also an extra charge. There are three dining options in the hotel. They have a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a hotel bar. Of course, you can also enjoy room service, including a complimentary breakfast in the room. There is also a casino in the hotel if you want to try your luck on the slots or other games. The reviews indicate this is a great destination for couples.

The Intercontinental Managua Hotel is a great choice for the traveler who like luxury, comfort, and convenience. There are plenty of food options in the hotel, as well a rich and full city just outside its doors. The hotel really shines in the business arena, but the spa services it offers are slim. Nonetheless, if you travel to this paradise, you will find the Intercontinental Managua a comfortable place to call your home away from home.

We hope you found our review helpful, and if you are interested in learning more about the Intercontinental Managua head over to their website. What do you think? Is this a place you’d like to visit? Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to share the article online if you liked it.

Related Article: ​Things To Do in Nicaragua For Fun All Year Round