The east
Casa Iguana
Opened in 1994 as Nicaragua's first eco-lodge, Casa Iguana sits on a private explorable 40 acre reserve above two private coves, with a farm and a long stretch of white coral sand beach. 15 Casitas with wide verandas and views are painted in a collage of Caribbean colors and are constructed to allow the trade winds to pass through them. The beds are comfortable, in-room safes are provided, and the restaurant serves great food and cold drinks while you marvel at the view breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lodge is also a popular hangout with travelers and guests perusing the book exchange, boardgames or drink menu all day and night. They've got potable well water so as not to sell water bottles & have recycling bins. Prices can a bit higher than the other lodging on the island, but their entry rate of $20/night for a cabina with shared bath is a great deal-they have beautiful, clean grounds and views, are relatively easy to get to, and family friendly. A staffer meets the ferry at the port to greet arriving guests and will have your luggage carted directly to your casita and back to the dock after your stay. 3 types of accommodation; Internet cafe; Free WiFi for guests; Bath towels and beach towels; 2 night watchmen at night; 24-hour electricity provided by an off-grid wonky generator/wind/solar set-up. Iguana also supports a US women's college by sponsoring an annual trip of biology researchers to study the reef and island aquifer while educating locals on their findings. Accepts MC/Visa and personal checks.
Little Corn Beach and Bungalow
Currentlyl rated #1 hotel by Trip Advisor on the Corn Islands, Little Corn Beach and Bungalow is located right on Cocal Beach. 8 of 9 Bungalows are only steps from the water. The newest eco-friendly lodge on the island is only place on Little Corn that recycles rainwater for in bungalow use. Immaculate en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers include towels as well as beach towels. Clean nice sheets, quality beds, in room fans some with ceiling fans, rechargable power keeps fans on in the nicest cabins, free in cabin satelite wi-fi for guest with own device, french doors and 14 foot verandas open on to beautifully landscaped grounds and the sea. Three bungalows are Master Suite Gullivers with King size bed, refrigerator, sitting area and larger verandas. One Gulliver has a simple kitchen, fridge and a separate bedroom with a queen bed and bamboo ladder accessed loft with double bed. LCBB's new Firefly Studio, a 500sq foot screened in Yoga and Massage studio sorrounded by jungle is a unique environment to relax mind and body. Daily yoga classes and by appointment Swedish massage make for a great way to spend a couple hours. Added plus, owners manage and live on site. Accept mc and visa hotel guests only and a hefty convenience fee applies, have recycle bins owners volutarily ship at their cost all non-recyclable waste that can not be properly disposed of to Managua for more appropriate disposal, sponsor annual free veterinary clinics on the island and have facilitated the construction of the NEW reading room building on the island.
Further south, there are 3 places all next to each other, which have the cheapest huts on the island, beachfront restaurants in the sand serving whatever is available that day, and little to distinguish them from each other. While some have an official name, most are known by their owners name. From top to bottom:
Grace's / Cool Spot
Huts are a little crammed together and suffer from a heinous paint job, but are otherwise ok. Restaurant is fine, and she runs another one near the port.
Carlito's / Sunrise Paradise
Particularly noteworthy are the three beachfront huts. Their huts are on stilts which may help distance you from critters. $35 for the beach front cabins.
Elsa's Place
Sweet old Elsa runs this old cheapie, and her restaurant turns out a tasty fried fish. Huts are set back a bit from the beach, with the prime real estate given to tables and chairs.
The north
Ensueños
Along the north of island, this place, run by the friendy Ramon, is fairly remote and popular with long-term travelers. Huts are decent and unusual, and everything is set further back from the beach than most, under the palm trees. There´s a restaurant on site which serves surprisingly gourmet meals Andrea' the chef is amazing on request.
Derek's Place
Probably the most desirable spot on the island to many, they´ve got 4 beautiful huts made creatively from natural materials strewn across a bright green grassy lawn overlooking the sea. Derek and Anna are both quite interesting, and serve up 3 meals on request. There are 3 huts with double beds, and 1 larger hut with 2 double beds and glass bottle walls, all with comfortable mattresses. It´s about a 20 minute walk through the jungle to get here from the port, or if you´ve made a reservation you can request Derek to pick you up from the port in his boat.
Near the port
Hotel Los Delfines
Rooms are airconditioned, have television and their own bathrooms. Probably the most "modern" of the hotels on the island. They have their own restaurant, which serves up the typical, but better than average Nica meals. Mastercard and Visa are accepted.
Lobster Inn
There are few hotels near the port, while the more rustic places are scattered around the island. Note that the island has an almost constant easterly breeze, keeping the eastern and northern sides cool, while the western side near the port swelters in the sun most of the day. The wind also helps to keep the mosquitoes and sandflies to a minimum, which you may want to consider in choosing your accommodation.