Where you stay shapes the trip: the plaza’s buzz, a quiet palm grove on the north beach, or a view from the hill. Already booked? See what’s around your stay
Centro and the plazaNights out, and walking to everythingPlaza 1 minBeach 3 minFeels livelyMost US$110–350
The north sideFamilies and groups: palms, pools and the long beachPlaza 10 minBeach 3 minFeels calmMost US$150–450
The south sideThe plaza and a quiet cove, both a short walkPlaza 7 minBeach 3 minFeels mixedMost US$130–400
Playa los MuertosCalm water for swimming and small kidsPlaza 11 minBeach 3 minFeels calmMost US$200–900
Nanzal hillBig views from the hill; you'll want a cartPlaza 20 minBeach 3 minFeels quietMost US$200–600
Up the valleyBudget stays and everyday local lifePlaza 13 minBeach 3 minFeels mixedMost US$80–250| Side | Walk to the plaza | Walk to the beach | Feels | Most stays a night | Stays | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centro | 1 min | 3 min | lively | US$110–350 | 112 | Nights out, and walking to everything |
| North side | 10 min | 3 min | calm | US$150–450 | 169 | Families and groups: palms, pools and the long beach |
| South side | 7 min | 3 min | mixed | US$130–400 | 95 | The plaza and a quiet cove, both a short walk |
| Los Muertos | 11 min | 3 min | calm | US$200–900 | 14 | Calm water for swimming and small kids |
| Nanzal | 20 min | 3 min | quiet | US$200–600 | 36 | Big views from the hill; you'll want a cart |
| Up the valley | 13 min | 3 min | mixed | US$80–250 | 41 | Budget stays and everyday local life |
Walks are on foot from the middle of each side, roughly; carts take about a third of the time. Prices are what places publish, the middle half of them.
Sizes are what the places publish; a few don’t list them, so we keep those in. Pool, A/C and kitchen show the stays we know have them; a place that doesn’t say isn’t a no, it just isn’t listed here.
Calmer streets behind the long north beach, palm groves and villas, with a flat walk into the plaza.
14 of 169 stays fit · feels calm
This month around North side
Stay · North end
The only one-bedroom unit in the Pájaro de Fuego complex on the quiet north end, with a private terrace, bay views and use of the complex's two pools (one heated in winter) and round rooftop terrace; sleeps four, pets welcome.
Stay · North Side (quiet north)
Breezy, spotless condos with pool and jacuzzi near the north beach.
Stay · North side
Three-bedroom north-end house with kiddie and adult pools, a big veranda and bay views; a short walk down a lane to the beach.
Stay · North end
Four-bedroom home on Nanzal hill with an infinity pool, across the street from the north beach and out of the busy centre.
Stay · North end beachfront
Casa Milagros (3BR, from $750) and El Palacio (4BR, from $1,100) rent separately or together as 7BR Villa Milagros (from $1,850) on the private north end of the beach.
Stay · North side
Two-bedroom, two-bath north-end condo with terraces over the ocean and jungle, a guest pool and rooftop gardens. Short walk to the quiet north beach.
Stay · Across from north beach
1-4BR luxury suites across the street from the north beach.
Stay · North end beachfront
Three oceanfront homes: full compound from $1,075, Casa Mariluna 1-3BR from $425, El Templito 2BR $350, Mi Casita 1BR $175.
Stay · North side, Pájaro de Fuego complex
Penthouse in the Pájaro de Fuego complex with a private pool and views over the bay and town. Upper floor with stairs and no elevator; complex has large shared pools.
Stay · North side
Large house of up to ten bedrooms with a heated pool, wraparound decks and a surf break out front, about three minutes from the plaza. Suits big groups and weddings.
Requests to book go straight to the owner or manager on WhatsApp; we don’t take payments or a cut. Owners and managers can claim a listing.
