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Weekly UpdatesBEST HOTEL
Real InterContinental Metrocentro.
This centrally located hotel is one of the biggest in the capital, with 157 elegant rooms and suites. Prices range from US$160 for a regular room to $300 for a suite. Business travelers favor the Real InterContinental because it puts as much energy into making their workday easy as it does enhancing their after-work hours. The two top floors of the hotel were designed with executives in mind and offer 20 guest rooms especially designed with extra amenities and services for road warriors. This large hotel is also popular for business meetings and conferences and can accommodate gatherings of up to 750 people at a time. There is a gym and a swimming pool for unwinding after work. The hotel also has several bars and restaurants, as well as a check-in desk for Grupo TACA airline. Costado Sur, Centre Comercial Metrocentro. Phone: [505] 278-4545. www.icmanagua.gruporeal.com
BEST IRISH PUB
The Shannon. This is the best--and only--authentic Irish pub in Nicaragua. If you get sick of the national beers Victoria and Tona, slip inside this dimly lit pub and sip on a Guinness or Murphy's while enjoying a corn beef and cabbage. Owner Michael Damery is from Cork, Ireland and when you are in his bar you will forget Managua is outside. That is, until live music night on Saturdays when bands play Andean music or Spanish rock. There are no Irish bands in Nicaragua. Open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Barrio Bolonia, one block east of the Tica Bus terminal Phone: [505] 222-6683.
BEST TRIP BY YOURSELF
Granada. A colonial gem dating back to 1524, Granada has been restored as a great tourist attraction, alter being neglected and ravaged by war for decades. The historical quarter of the city--only 6 square blocks--is home to a quaint park, 16th century architecture and horse-and-buggy rides, as well as pleasant cafes and restaurants. Granada, just 45 minutes southeast of Managua, is a "don't miss." As the old saying goes: "Nothing in the world could be sadder than to be blind and live in Granada."
BEST CAR RENTAL
Toyota Rent a Car. Managua offers all major international car-rental agencies, but the best option is Toyota Rent a Car. With locations at the Camino Real Hotel, the Princess, the InterContinental and the airport, Toyota Rent a Car has all makes of Toyotas, from Corollas to Land Cruisers. Agency offers free mileage, free cell phone use and chauffer option ($15/day in Managua, $25/day outside). It also has "bed & vehicle" plan for discounted stays at affiliated hotels. Vehicle prices range from $28 to $110 a day. Phone: [505] 266-3620. www.toyotarentacar.com.ni
BEST BAR FOR LUNCH OR AFTER-WORK DRINK
Hippos Grill & Tavern. Upscale but comfortable American-style bar and restaurant offers salads, sandwiches and appetizers with full bar menu. Inside the air-conditioned bar listen to rock and pop music or watch sporting events on TV. Or, take advantage of the warm evenings by eating and drinking on the outdoor terrace. Cocktails start at U852.50. Open noon to 1:30 a.m. Zona Hippos, Los Robles, Hotel Seminoles, 50 meters south. Phone: [505] 267-1346.
BEST TOUR OPERATOR
Tours Nicaragua. This smaller and friendlier tour operator is perfect for halt' or full-day excursions out of Managua to Mayasa Volcano and nearby artisans market, the colonial city of Granada and the hundreds of small islands of Lake Managua. If you have a couple extra days, 'fours Nicaragua offers a long list of two-night eco-tours, cultural excursions and beach getaways to all corners of the country History buffs will enjoy an expert-guided tour of the battlefields of Sandino, or just relax on the while sands of Corn Island off the Caribbean coast. All transportation is on a bus or boats, both chartered. Custom trips also avail able. Plaza Barcelona Modulo # 5 Reparto Serrano. Phone: [505] 278-0234. www.toursnicaragua.com
BEST RESTAURANT CHAIN
El Churrasco. This group of restaurants specializes in traditional Nicaraguan cuisine. It offers three locations in Managua: Rotonda El Gueguense. Phone: [505] 266-6661; Kin. 5 Carretera Norte [505] 248-6512; and Metrocentro [505] 271-9147. www.restaurantechurrasco.com
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