we had a very pleasant stay at this hotel. We had an issue with noise one night (a loud party in the garden), but the staff promptly moved us, so that it wasn't a problem at all. The restaurant staff were very attentive, and this was especially helpful given that we were traveling with our 6 month old daughter! The hotel itself is clean, and the pool was very nice. There is not a whole lot within walking distance, so you definitely need access to a car if you want to get around . It is a Holiday Inn, so it is comparable to other American-style hotels that we have stayed in--a good choice for people who don't want to be too adventuresome!

I should have been more timely in contributing, but better late than never, right?

Anyway, this Holiday Inn is a reasonable and acceptable choice for a hotel. Room is reasonably clean (though carpets are worn, they need replacement) and reasonably appointed. They are comparable to what you'd see at most good hotels in the U.S. Rooms contain an in-room safe for things like cash and passports and all other normal amenities such as ironing equipment, hair dryers, etc. Lobby and hallways are reasonably well lit and maintained too (though, again old carpets in need of replacement).

Staff was about 60% able to speak conversational English, though it is helpful to know at least some Spanish. I was able to entertain some of the staff with my attempts at Spanish. I hope they appreciated that I was at least trying to use the native tongue. Overall, the staff was helpful, though a few members were nonchalant in the service department. They were able to offer suggestions on places to visit in Managua (though there aren't all that many). The more helpful staff provided me instructions on how to get to the "bus station" for transport to the towns of Masaya and Granada. It's only a few blocks away across the street from a University, though the "station" is basically a parking lot for the microbuses that will take you to the other towns. There's otherwise not a lot near the hotel, but plenty of taxis to take you around town and to the U.S. style shopping mall, Metrocentro Mall (where, if this is important for you, contains 2 other major chain hotels - InterContinental and a Hilton property). You can also catch a taxi to Roberto Huembes Market, an arts and crafts market in Managua. Prices are higher here for goods as there is some tourist element, but still deals to be found.

Regarding taxi service and shuttle service...if you are not driving from the airport to the hotel (and I didn't as I'm not versed in Spanish well enough for directions and street laws, Managua has few street signs anyway, and my understanding is if you get into an accident in Nicaragua, you're automatically under arrest), email or call the hotel on it's shuttle. It's $5/person but well worth it. Otherwise, you will have literally 100 taxi drivers at the door to the airport screaming to get you into their cab for more money. The hotel will arrange taxis for you and appear to use particular drivers. Be sure to agree on a price ahead of time with the driver or make sure you understand if it's a flat one time fee or ongoing charge. You can either rent a taxi by the hour (mine was $10/hour) or just a flat fee. Also note, these drivers will charge you more than flagging one of the many on the street. However, if the security of going with a company the hotel recommends is worth it, the cost isn't hugely different (I think the taxi to the mall was still only $4-5 as opposed to probably $2-3 on the street).

I didn't like the fact the business center was not complimentary, which is a departure from most U.S. Holiday Inns. If you want to use internet access, you will pay in the business center and I believe also in your room. However, I would imagine that's because there's still a higher cost in countries such as in Central America as there just isn't yet the equipment readily available.

Televisions were fine and there were some English channel selections. Other channels were subtitled in English, which indicates to me they recognize they are catering to at least some English speaking guests.

Restaurant was fine and it appeared they were trying to do a more upscale option in addition to a casual breakfast option. Room service was reasonably good, though I found it interesting to get my Pepsi in a glass bottle - you don't see that anymore in the U.S.! I hear it's less expensive in Nicaragua to recycle glass bottles than to keep using cans.

Overall, I would stay here again for going to Managua. The city itself still has work to attract tourists but if you're using the city as a starting/stopping point to other more interesting points in Nicaragua, it's a respectable choice.

We stay here whenever we travel to visit family in Nicaragua. The hotel service has been quite "rough" and inconsistant over the years. During our stay in August 2006, it seems that the staff has been receiving better training in the expetations of "international" guests. The hotel has also upgraded their restaurant. It is now in a very attractive space off the lobby instead of in a "cubby hole" that is difficult to find. The swimming pool is in need of superficial repairs and the deck area around the pool in in need of replacement. The tiles have become quite work and / or broken or justdownright dirty.

In addition, we had a large family party at the hotel during this stay. Although everything went well in the end, the event staff has not quite learned enough about their jobs so that they could be "trusted" to handle everything. Our involevement was quite extensive but still less stress than trying to hold the same type of party in another location.

My flight was late into Managua, all hotel shuttles were gone, only the Holiday Inn shuttle was there. They helped me deal with lost luggage and provided me with emergency kit to survive while I got the luggage. Got complimentary drink on arrival, great room and breakfast and very friendly staff helping me solve the airline trouble.

These people are really friendly!!!!