15 Best Hotels In Monteverde Costa Rica

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The Monteverde Cloud forest is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica- this is our complete guide to Monteverde hotels.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Monteverde Costa Rica, then look no further! This blog post will give you all the information you need on the best hotels near the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Whether you’re searching for a luxury resort or something more budget-friendly, we’ve got you covered.

There are a number of different places where you can stay in Monteverde, and the hotel that you want to stay at will depend on what kinds of amenities and excursions (zip lines, hiking tours, birdwatching, butterfly garden, etc) you wish to experience when you visit. In this post, I’ll share with you some of the available options.

Please note: In this post I have included direct links to the hotels so that you can book through them, thus avoiding the fees third-party vendors tack on.

About Monteverde/Santa Elena

Monteverde and Santa Elena town are the two towns closest to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. While the towns are separate, they are so close together that they are often referred to as simply “Monteverde.” The towns sit at about 4300 feet above sea level and offer great views of the surrounding forest. Nature lovers flock to the area year after year. It is a short walk between the two towns, but in general, the cloud forest reserves require a car.

Monteverde literally translates to “green mountain” and is one of the very best eco-tourism destinations in all of Costa Rica. It’s a green mountain in all senses of the word!

Monteverde and Santa Elena are just about a kilometer apart, and the two towns tend to blend together. Both are about 30 minutes away from the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. For this reason, it is best to rent a car when visiting the area. (LINK)

Getting There And Away

The nearest airport to Monteverde is the Juan Santamaría International Airport near San Jose. From the airport to Monteverde center is about 2.5 hours. However, the last 20 kilometers are extremely rough and rocky terrain. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially in the rainy season.

Many visitors like to visit the Monteverde ecological sanctuary after visiting the Arenal Volcano National Park near La Fortuna. In this case, you can drive around the Arenal lake and into the Monteverde area from the north. The trip takes about 3 hours, but expect delays around the laguna. You will have more delays in the rainy season due to rocky terrain.

Finally, you can drive to Monteverde from the Liberia airport as well. Your trip will take about 2.5 hours from there as well.

Nearby Attractions

People flock to the Monteverde area in search of nature and the wildlife viewing is some of the best in the world. This is one of the best places to see the quetzal bird, a unique experience for almost all of the visitors to the Monteverde Reserve.

However, there is an array of activities in the area, including but not limited to:

Selvatura Adventure Park
Hot Springs (not nearly as varied as those in La Fortuna)
Walking trails
Monteverde Butterfly Garden
Sky Adventures Monteverde
Horseback riding
Hanging Bridge
Zip Lines
Night tour
Cerro Plano Sunset watching and more!

Hotel Amenities

Monteverde is home to so many eco-friendly properties that you have your pick of room prices, hotel rating and hotel size. However, in almost all hotels (except hostels) you can expect the following amenities:

flat-screen tv (usually cable tv or satellite tv)
coffee maker
free wi-fi access
alarm clock
air conditioning
hot water
dining area or restaurant
safety deposit box
free private parking
private bathroom

The following amenities may have an extra cost or not be available at all properties:

Outdoor swimming pool
tour desk
room service
smart TVs
laundry facilities

COSTA RICA SPANISH PHRASES PRINTABLE

The ultimate list of Spanish phrases for Costa Rica with kids.

Top Hotels In Monteverde/Santa Elena Area

This comprehensive list of hotels in the area covers everything from eco-friendly property to small luxury hotels to family accommodations. These hotels are listed in no particular order.

Los Pinos Lodge And Gardens

This hotel offers a kitchen and living room in every type of accommodation. The entire hotel has beautiful wooden decoration. This is the perfect hotel for families and those on a budget. You can cook, and there is an abundance of grocery offerings in Monteverde and Santa Elena.

Photo Courtesy of Los Pinos Lodge

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

This small hotel is set right in the middle of the forest. They are especially proud of their unique restaurant featuring a plant-based menu and unique culinary experiences. Book directly through the hotel for a discount. The rooms here have the feel of modern accommodations found in the States.

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Hotel El Establo

Hotel El Establo is where you’ll find the perfect combination of affordability and luxury where they offer free breakfast in the morning where you can enjoy some great local cuisine.

This is one of the most popular hotels in Monteverde and is on many private tour itineraries. It is an eco-lodge where you’ll find friendly local people and where the location of the hotel itself is set within a cloud forest where it will allow you to experience nature at its finest.

They also have free shuttles that are available where they will take you where you need to go where it features beautiful views of their gardens.

Burbi Lake Lodge

Burbi Lake Lodge is where you’ll find the perfect combination of affordability and luxury where they offer free breakfast in the morning where you can enjoy some great local cuisine. This hotel is set back from the main drag between Monteverde and Santa Elena, making it one of the most tranquil on our list. The hotel has free breakfast featuring gallo pinto, homemade tortillas and traditionally brewed coffee.

One thing I love about this property is the on-site pond just walking distance from the main hotel.

Related post: Guide To Costa Rican Fruit

Hotel Belmar

This hotel boasts the award for all five levels of sustainability. Guest rooms have a private terrace with sweeping views of the forest below. This is a small luxury hotel at affordable prices- rooms starting at just $275 per night. This hotel has an on site brewery and farm-to-table meals. The hotel is made up of three different four story buildings set in the rainforest with a large green space in front of the main building.

Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel And Farm

This hotel is formerly known as the Monteverde Inn

The tagline here is “where the mountains meet the sky” and you will not find a better public area from which to watch the epic Monteverde sunsets than this hotel. There is a farm on-site, a private reserve for hiking and sustainability tours.

Bring your binoculars as there is a view of the Nicoya peninsula and the sea from the picnic tables just outside the lobby.

Hotel And Spa Poco a Poco

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Monteverde Costa Rica, look no further than Hotel And Spa Poco a Poco. This hotel offers guests stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as all of the amenities that you would expect from a first-class hotel. Hotel And Spa Poco a Poco is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the beautiful Costa Rican jungle.

This is a huge complex with one of the biggest spas in the area. There is an outdoor pool with hot tub here.

Hidden Canopy Treehouse

The Monteverde Treehouse is a hotel that is built in the trees. It offers a unique and exciting experience for guests such as a private waterfall shower and a koi pond for meditation. This is a great place for a honeymoon. Not the best place for kids. they don’t have the best website, but decent reviews. There is also a treehouse restaurant in Monteverde center that has great hamburgers and is a fun novelty restaurant for families with kids.

Cala Lodge

This tico-owned hotel offers packages with rooms for up to 6 people for just $125 a night. The hotel offers easy access to hiking trails similar to those found in the Santa Elena Reserve. This hotel offers packages for couples and families that include meals and tours. See their website for more information. Note- accommodations are simple- I don’t think this hotel offers air conditioning.

Trapp Family Lodge

Trapp Family Lodge offers super easy access to the National Park. This hotel offers free breakfast- it is a country buffet with traditional Costa Rican food. Rooms offer views of the cloud forest and the birdwatching here is exceptional.

Hotel Fonda Vela

This hotel offers rooms with panoramic views of the forest. There is a covered heated outdoor pool on the property with two hot tubs. On site restaurant and sports bar. Lush gardens surround the property. Sitting on 9 hectares of property, there is plenty to explore here.

Senda Monteverde

Self-proclaimed as a “cozy mountain lodge” this hotel seems to have the best of everything Monteverde has to offer. The public areas offer the best birdwatching- there is even a path that leads out to the treetops for maximum bird watching.

There is horse riding available on site. The El Sapo coffee lounge offers traditional Costa Rican coffee and snacks. Accommodations are fairly modern with clean lines. This is an upscale accommodation, with prices starting at $330 a night for two people.

Monteverde Country Lodge

This is a super family-friendly hotel. There is a playground for kids, hydroponic gardens and lots of open space. Be sure to make a reservation at the onsite restaurant as it boasts the best traditional cuisine in the village. Rooms offer two queen beds and views of the surrounding rainforest. Rooms start at just $83 a night.