Stay · North Side (by bridge)
Macondo Bungalows
Owner-run bungalows with many repeat guests; some units fan-only.
Pick your side of town
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
Which side?
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
Compare the sides in a table
| 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.
The north side
Calmer streets behind the long north beach, palm groves and villas, with a flat walk into the plaza.
8 of 169 stays fit · feels calm
This month around North side
Stay · North side
Bookstore Lofts
Three one-bedroom lofts and a two-bedroom apartment above the Libreria bookstore on the quiet north end. Queen beds, skylights, and morning coffee from the Libreria cafe in winter.
Stay · North side
Rosetitta
One-bedroom apartment attached to a larger villa, with its own entrance, kitchen, patio and AC. Under two blocks from the beach and plaza.
Stay · North Side (near bus station)
Ximena Hotel Boutique
Newer hotel with big rooms and a rooftop pool, a block from the bus station.
Stay · North side
Villas del Corazon
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.
Stay · North side
Lemon House Sayulita
Two-bedroom house sleeping six, with a pool, on Calle Miramar at the north end. Allows one dog.
Stay · North side
El palmar del Camaron
Informal camping zone on the north side, known as the late-night spot for electrocumbia and electronic music after the bars in town. Bring your own gear.
Stay · North side
Hostal Casa Amistad
Small open-air hostel in a colourful house with a waterfall and trees, a few blocks from the beach near the ball field. Shared kitchen, boards for guests and very pet friendly.
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.