“Kathleen, my wife and I are greatly looking forward to attending the LIO conference in Nicaragua in November. We were thrilled when it was announced, and we quickly signed up.
“We would like to spend a few days in Granada after the conference before we return home. What recommendations do you have for hotels in Granada either in or close to the historic district where we can easily walk around? All we need is a nice, clean, safe hotel. It doesn’t need to be a five-star hotel. Also, would you suggest bus service from Managua to Granada and back or some other form of transportation?
“This will be our fourth LIO conference this year. We have learned so much and have made great progress in our investment and retirement plans. Thanks for all you, Lief, and your team does to help us Gringos chase their dreams!”
–Kevin S., United States
For a hotel, the Gran Francia, where Lief and I stayed this past weekend, is a good choice. It’s charming, comfortable, convenient, and the staff is great. One girl at the front desk even spoke some English.
The Alhambra is more expensive but right on the square. The Hotel Colonial is another option, just off the main square. These are all older (that is, established) hotels that we’ve stayed in many times. A new hotel called Hotel Colon has opened on the square. It looks nice, but I can’t vouch for it from personal experience.
You could travel from Managua to Granada by bus. That’d be cheap but probably not the most comfortable option. A taxi would be more comfortable and still not a lot of money.
As you’re attending the conference, please get in touch with our conference team. They’ll be happy to help you out with your in-country travel plans, even those not directly related to the event.
“Kathleen, how do I contact Wendy and Darren Howater, please?
“I read Darren’s article with great interest, as I am seriously thinking of retiring to Medellin, Colombia. Darren mentioned to contact him for any help or information.
“I left NYC after living there for 46 years. I am divorced, and my children are grown. I moved to Miami three years ago at my daughter’s insistence. However, it is much too expensive, and I am not happy here.
“I subscribe to your Live and Invest Overseas newsletter and have been reading them daily. They are excellent!
“Thank you for putting me in touch with Darren. I have questions about residency visas, how much income I need to show, etc. Also, is it safe for a woman 69 years young?
“Thank you so much, I look forward to your reply.”
–Liliane H., United States
No problem. We’ll connect you directly with Darren.
And, yes, Medellin is safe and a reasonable choice for a young lady your age.
***
“Kathleen, would it make sense for an ocean-loving boogie-boarder to live in Granada, Nicaragua? How long of a drive is it from there to the ocean?”
— Kathy M., United States
Granada is an hour-and-a-half from the Pacific coast just west from Managua and two-and-a-half hours from the south Pacific coast near San Juan del Sur. Is that too far? You have to decide.
That said, Granada would be my choice for living in Nicaragua. It’s a Spanish-colonial jewel of a town with an established expatriate community, a lovely central park, and beautiful old buildings and churches. I’d be happy being able to drive to the beach on weekends as the whim struck me. But it sounds like beach access might be more important to you than it is to me.
Continue reading: Living, Retiring, And Investing In San Juan Del Sur And Granada, Nicaragua
