Last Updated: March 8, 2024
Monteverde may be a remote destination, 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 Information on Hotels in Monteverde
There are a few things to know when considering hotels in Monteverde.
First, most of the hotels are more rustic and lodge-style, 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 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, the main town is called Santa Elena.
Santa Elena has a small, but busy, downtown with many local businesses. It 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. Keep in mind that this area can be noisy, though, with traffic.
From Santa Elena, there is one main road (Route 620) that eventually ends at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Spread out along this road are lots more options for hotels and restaurants. Many of these are set in the cloud forest in quieter locations.
High-end Hotels in Monteverde and Santa Elena
Hotel Belmar
This is 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 has obtained a certification for sustainability in Costa Rica.
Hotel Belmar is nicely located just outside downtown Santa Elena off the main road to Monteverde. $300-1,000/night. 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 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. $300-550/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Cloud Forest Lodge
A newer hotel that offers a high-end experience is the Cloud Forest Lodge.
They have simple, but nicely decorated, modern suites and rooms. Each has a spacious patio to take in the view. The staff is friendly and helpful. The lodge has its own restaurant. $240-400/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Senda Monteverde
Senda Monteverde is another high-end lodge with comfortable cabins set among beautiful gardens. The 24 rooms feature casual, local design with a luxurious feel and incorporate native wood throughout. Wildlife is abundant around the hotel, as the property borders a nature reserve. A very good breakfast is included in the nightly rate. $300-500/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mid-range Hotels in Monteverde and Santa Elena
El Establo
El Establo is a decent 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. $200-400/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Los Pinos Cabins and Reserve
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.
Los Pinos has obtained a certification for sustainability in Costa Rica.
Located on the road leading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. $100-250/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm is a great choice for nature lovers. Not only does it neighbor the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens, but it also has its own on-site trails through a private nature reserve. 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.
This hotel has has been newly renovated and has several room options, including standard, superior, family, and suites for couples (adults only). Valle Escondido has received a certification for sustainability in Costa Rica. $140-250/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Cala Lodge
Located on a quiet side road, about a five-minute drive to the downtown, Cala Lodge is a small, locally owned ecolodge. It has basic, but clean and comfortable, rooms. The property is surrounded by forest and many rooms have a nice view. Lots of wildlife and birds can be seen on the grounds. For families, they have a couple of larger rooms that are a great option. Cala Lodge has received a certification for sustainability in Costa Rica. $90-190/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels in Monteverde and Santa Elena
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. $70-130/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Freddy’s Place Bed and Breakfast
Not far from Mar Inn is Freddy’s Place. Also a small B&B, Freddy’s Place has only a handful of 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/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Cabinas Eddy B&B
Cabinas Eddy B&B 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 has basic rooms with a shared bathroom for around $40 as well as larger double and family-size rooms with a private bath for around $50-80/night. 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 not far from the main area of Santa Elena on a quieter side street. $90-150/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
Those are our choices for hotels in Monteverde. We hope it helps you narrow your search for accommodations in the cloud forest.
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Last Updated: March 8, 2024
Have you stayed in one of these hotels or have others to recommend? Leave a comment below and let us know your experience.
Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Monteverde: A Forest in the Clouds – Check out our destination guide to learn about some of the best activities and restaurants in the area.
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.
