Monteverde may be a remote destination in Costa Rica, but once you arrive, you’ll find a long list of things to do and places to stay. In this post, we’ll help you sort through the many hotels in Monteverde so that you can find your perfect place in the cloud forest. We’ve stayed in each of the hotels below or toured them with a focus on our reader’s needs (i.e., cleanliness, noise, view, comfy beds, good food, etc.). Each offers something a little different and we hope we’ve included one that is right for you.
General Info
There are a few things to know when considering hotels in Monteverde. First, most of the hotels are more rustic, lodge-style buildings, even the high-end ones. This fits in nicely with the comfortable, pastoral feel of the area. If you’re looking for lavish, modern accommodations, save it for your time at the beach. Second, most lodges do not have air conditioning because it really isn’t needed in Monteverde. Temperatures are usually very comfortable, averaging 19°C (66°F).
Finally, how the area is set up may help you decide on a hotel. Although most people refer to the entire area around the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as Monteverde, there are actually two separate towns. One is Santa Elena, which has a small downtown, housing many local businesses. Santa Elena has mostly budget hotels and is a good option if you won’t have a rental car because there is a lot within walking distance. From Santa Elena, there is one main road that leads through the smaller town of Monteverde and ends at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Things in Monteverde, including hotels, are more spread out and there is no real town center. We give options in both towns below.
Hotels in Monteverde and Santa Elena, Costa Rica
Hotel Belmar
This was one of our favorite hotels in Monteverde. Hotel Belmar is a boutique hotel with Austrian architectural design. The rooms have modern finishes and beautiful wood throughout. The hotel values sustainability, which can be seen in everything from the efficiency measures to the farm-to-table restaurant. For those into craft beer, there is a small brewery on-site. Hotel Belmar is nicely located just outside downtown Santa Elena off the main road to Monteverde. $150-350, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens is one of the nicer hotels in Monteverde. Featuring well-appointed, large rooms with good cloud forest views, this small lodge would appeal to most travelers. Although Monteverde Lodge and Gardens is not far from the hustle and bustle of Santa Elena, the property is very secluded, with nicely landscaped grounds and elaborate gardens. There is even a butterfly garden in the lobby. $125-300, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
El Establo
El Establo is a solid mid-range option. This is a larger hotel with 155 rooms. The property sits on a steep hill and has outstanding views of the cloud forest. Rooms are spread out among different buildings. If you won’t have a car, they have a shuttle to take you to other parts of the property, including the on-site restaurant, spa, zip line, and pool. $200-300. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Los Pinos Cabanas
Los Pinos offers rustic, but clean and comfortable, wooden cabins. The cabins are spread out along the nicely forested property, making them feel quite private. Wildlife often can be seen scurrying along the surrounding trails. Cabins range from standard, which are good for couples, to much larger family cabins with separate bedrooms, living space, and kitchenettes. Located between Santa Elena and Monteverde. $80-150, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel El Viandante
On our most recent visit to Monteverde, we stayed at Hotel El Viandante and really enjoyed it. This is a small lodge located just outside the main area of Santa Elena on a quiet side street. Rooms are large and simple, yet comfortable, with TV and heat (sometimes necessary on cooler nights in the cloud forest). The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. We got several great recommendations for restaurants from them. $50-75 double occupancy, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mar Inn
The Mar Inn is a good budget option in Santa Elena. This small B&B is in a local neighborhood, just a short walk to restaurants and shops in the downtown. Rooms are rustic but clean and spacious. $65-80 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Bed and Breakfast Eddy’s Place
Not far from Mar Inn is Eddy’s Place. Also a small B&B, Eddy’s Place has five rooms and is a popular option in town. The hotel is locally owned, and the owner and staff go out of their way to ensure that you have a great stay. A made-to-order breakfast is included in the nightly rate. $70 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Cabinas Eddy B&B
Not to be confused with Eddy’s Place, Cabinas Eddy B&B is the owner’s other, more basic property. It has 18 rooms and is located on the other side of Santa Elena, very close to the downtown, on the main road out of town. The hotel offers three types of rooms: a basic room for around $35, larger double rooms for $50, and family-size rooms for $55-100. Most have private baths but a couple have shared if you’re looking to save some money. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Historias Lodge
Historias Lodge is another good budget option. This small hotel is locally owned by a friendly Tico and feels very authentic. Rooms are all set up a little differently but each has comfortable beds and a private bath. Historias Lodge is just off the main road going from Monteverde to Santa Elena on a quieter side street. $65-75 double occupancy, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Monteverde Inn
Monteverde Inn is a great choice for nature lovers. Not only does it neighbor the Monteverde Butterfly Garden, but it also has its own on-site trails through the private Valle Escondido Preserve. During our visit, we saw wildlife like a white-nosed coati (a raccoon-like animal) and lots of birds. The views from the property are also stunning, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Monteverde Inn has 18 rooms with various setups, including a romantic honeymoon house and a family house with 3 bedrooms. $40-75 double occupancy, breakfast included. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Those are our choices for hotels in Monteverde. Stay tuned for a complete destination guide to the best area activities, attractions, and restaurants.
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Have you stayed in one of these hotels or have others to recommend? Leave a comment below and let us know your experience (Email subscribers click here to post your comment online).
Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
- La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination – A lot of people visiting Monteverde also go to La Fortuna for its famous volcano and hot springs. Read our destination guide to this popular town, which includes activity and hotel recommendations.
- Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials – Tips on what to bring for your trip. Covers clothing, footwear, and some essentials that you might not think of.
- Rental Car Discount – Save on a 4×4 for your trip to Monteverde with our discount.
