FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!
Nikki is the CEO of Pura Vida! eh? Inc. (Costa Rica Discounts), and the author of the guidebooks Moon Costa Rica (2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 editions) and Moon Best of Costa Rica (2022 edition) from Moon Travel Guides. Together with her Costa Rican husband, Ricky, she operates the Costa Rica Travel Blog, created the online community DIY Costa Rica, built the Costa Rica Destination Tool, oversees the brand-new (summer 2023) Costa Rica Travel Shop, and designed the Costa Rica Trip Planning 101 E-Course. Also, Nikki wrote the Costa Rica cover feature for Wanderlust Magazine's sustainability-focused Travel Green List issue, showcased Costa Rica destinations and experiences on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel show and podcast/radio show, and served as the Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist, a luxury travel brand. Want to show your appreciation for her free article below? Thank Nikki here. ❤️️
Ricky and Nikki; at the Monteverde Country LodgeRicky; at the Sibu Lodge (formerly the Monteverde Rustic Lodge)Nikki; at the Camino Verde Bed & BreakfastRicky; at the Monteverde Country LodgeNikki and Ricky; at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve HotelRicky; at the Camino Verde Bed & BreakfastNikki; at Hotel Poco a PocoNikki; at the Monteverde Villa LodgeRicky; at the Cala LodgeRicky and Nikki; at Mar InnRicky and Nikki; at Los Pinos
Some of the information below is an excerpt from our Monteverde city guide:
In addition to being our second-favorite destination in Costa Rica, Monteverde is a place we visit often. We’ve done so quite regularly since 2007, when we first lived in La Fortuna—a mere 3-hour drive from Monteverde. As a result, we know a lot about Monteverde, including Monteverde hotels. If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and are asking yourself, “Where should I stay in Monteverde?“, look no further than our Monteverde hotel guide below. It explores the Monteverde hotels we choose to stay at and, unlike other Monteverde hotel guides that simply summarize information that’s widely available online and in print, it’s based on local knowledge and firsthand experience.
A quick trip down memory lane
We’ve been exploring Monteverde (and staying at Monteverde hotels) since the mid-2000s, and we’ve enjoyed watching it grow and tracking its changes ever since. ❤️
Ricky; at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 2011Ricky; at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve nowRicky; at the Selvatura butterfly garden in 2017Ricky; at the Selvatura sloth sanctuary (converted butterfly garden) nowRicky and Nikki; atop Monteverde’s Continental Divide in 2011Ricky and Nikki; atop Monteverde’s Continental Divide nowNikki; at Bajo del Tigre in 2011Nikki; at Bajo del Tigre nowNikki; Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in 2017Nikki; at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve nowRicky and Nikki; at the Treetop Walkways Hanging Bridges in 2017Ricky and Nikki; at the Treetop Walkways Hanging Bridges nowRicky and Nikki; at the Monteverde Sky Adventures Park in 2012Ricky and Nikki; at the Monteverde Sky Adventures Park in 2019Ricky and Nikki; at the Treetopia Park (formerly the Monteverde Sky Adventures Park) now
An overview of Monteverde hotels
Compared to a destination like La Fortuna, which offers a plethora of diverse accommodation options, Monteverde offers little variety in terms of lodging. Most hostels and hotels in Monteverde provide either a one- or two-story building or a small collection of cabins or villas. Natural wood outshines modern finishes and can be seen in accommodation decor and construction across the use of solid wood doors, wood-paneled walls, and handcrafted wood furniture. Because of the destination’s cooler temperatures, hotel features that come standard elsewhere in Costa Rica, like air conditioning and an on-site pool, are harder to come by in Monteverde. The trade-off to Monteverde’s modest hotels is affordable pricing. A bed in a hostel dorm can be obtained for $10/night. A clean, comfortable, and safe room averages $50-100/night. Several hotels in Monteverde recognize Costa Rica’s high and low seasons and change their prices accordingly. Click here for more information about Costa Rica’s high and low seasons, including when is the least expensive time to visit (trips to Monteverde included).
Monteverde accommodations also differ by location. Though most hostels cluster around the downtown core, the quality of accommodations tends to improve as you move out of town. Most hotels worth staying at are found in clusters in the environs, either immediately southwest of Santa Elena’s triangle, immediately north of Santa Elena’s triangle, or along or just off of Road 620. Though these accommodations can sit anywhere from a 1-minute drive to a 10-minute drive outside of downtown Monteverde, most are still considered “Monteverde hotels” by tour operators. This means that the Monteverde tour operators and adventure parks that automatically include complimentary transportation to/from Monteverde hotels with their tours will include a pick-up and drop-off service at these hotels for free. For more information about this topic, please see our related blog post: Costa Rica Tour Transportation: Hotel Pick-Ups And Drop-Offs.
Our guide to Monteverde hotels
Though development in the Monteverde region lags behind development in La Fortuna / Arenal, every few years a noteworthy new hotel comes on the scene. Meanwhile, other hotels get renovated, undergo a change in ownership, rebrand under a new name, or close their doors permanently. If you want to learn more about the hotels we choose to stay at in the Monteverde vicinity, don’t miss our always-evolving guide to Monteverde hotels below. Hotels are listed alphabetically.
Bosque Verde Lodge
rooms at the Bosque Verde Lodgeour room at the Bosque Verde Lodgebreakfast at the Bosque Verde Lodgebathroom at the Bosque Verde Lodgeour room’s balcony at the Bosque Verde Lodge
The Bosque Verde Lodge sits north of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), on an unnamed side road that juts off Road 606. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Bosque Verde Lodge: 10 minutes
Monteverde is a quiet destination so you’re bound to find peace and quiet at whichever accommodation you choose. If you’d like to combine that tranquility with a bit of remoteness from town and fabulous birdwatching, though, stay at the Bosque Verde Lodge. While the simple, rustic rooms aren’t much to write home about (thankfully, the affordable room pricing reflects that), the property sits up a bumpy, uphill side road that receives few cars, so flocks of birds gather freely in the undisturbed area. You can admire the local birds from your room’s terrace or balcony, from around the lodge, or from the small, on-site restaurant where a complimentary breakfast is served each morning. The property has enough parking spaces for a few cars.
What we love best: The remote feel—despite being only 10 minutes from town—and the bird-watching opportunities.
Tip: The tall ficus tree that you’ll see at a distance from your terrace or balcony belongs to Finca Modelo Ecologica, a family-run tour outfitter that specializes in tree-climbing tours up the center of the ficus.
Choose the Bosque Verde Lodge if you don’t plan to spend much time in downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) and would rather relax or bird-watch around a remote, small-scale lodge.
Cala Lodge
rooms at the Cala Lodgebathroom at the Cala Lodgeour room at the Cala Lodgeour room’s balcony at the Cala Lodgeour room at the Cala Lodgeour room at the Cala Lodgeour room at the Cala Lodgeparking at the Cala Lodgeon-site trail at the Cala Lodgereception at the Cala Lodgereception and restaurant at the Cala Lodgeour room at the Cala Lodge
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Camino Verde
rooms at Camino Verdebathroom at Camino Verderooms at Camino Verdeour room at Camino Verdebreakfast at Camino Verderestaurant at Camino Verdelounge area at Camino Verde
The Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast sits southwest of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), on a side road (Calle Paraiso) that juts off from Road 606. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast: 1 minute
Of all the Monteverde hotels covered in this guide, the Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast is the closest to downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center). This small, charming bed and breakfast hides a few surprises, including a unique layout, funky architectural elements (like walls crafted out of concrete and colored glass), a filling, made-to-order complimentary breakfast, and a few comfy lounge areas with patio furniture and rocking chairs. Best of all, it is within walking distance of several restaurants, including budget-friendly sodas (Costa Rican family-style restaurants). Parking is limited; if you arrive in a rental car, reception staff may direct you to park in a lot down a side street a minute’s walk away.
What we love best: This hotel has a prime view of some of Monteverde’s rolling hills.
Tip: Ask for a room with a view at the back of the hotel.
Choose the Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast if you want to stay within walking distance of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), ideally if you don’t have a rental car.
Hotel Poco a Poco
bathroom at Hotel Poco a Pocowalkways at Hotel Poco a Pocorestaurant at Hotel Poco a Pococovered pool at Hotel Poco a Pocoour room at Hotel Poco A Pocorooms at Hotel Poco A Poco
Hotel Poco a Poco sits south of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), on a side road (Calle El Sol) that juts off from Road 606. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center)to Hotel Poco a Poco: 2 minutes
Of all the Monteverde hotels covered in this guide, the 30-room Hotel Poco a Poco is the most modern and the most appropriate option if you want to stay at a superior-quality accommodation. Bonus amenities and features that don’t come standard at the majority of hotels in Monteverde—like air conditioning, bathrobes, vessel sinks, and a swimming pool—are available for your enjoyment. There’s also a spa and an elegant but casual restaurant on-site. Though this hotel is one of the nicer options in Monteverde and fittingly attracts couples, it’s family-friendly. A hearty, complimentary breakfast is served.
What we love best: This hotel provides a touch of class while maintaining Monteverde’s signature rustic feel.
Tip: Choose the garden superior room and you’ll be able to take dips in your own personal Jacuzzi set on a private terrace surrounded by gardens.
Choose Hotel Poco a Poco if you want to stay at a place with more amenities and nicer facilities than what you’ll find at most other hotels in Monteverde.
Los Pinos
the tall pine trees that tower over Los Pinosbathroom at Los Pinosbathroom at Los PinosRicky; dining in at Los Pinosreception at Los Pinospath to our room at Los Pinos (right); Los Pinos Reserve trailhead (left)Ricky; at the Los Pinos Reserve trailheadview from our room’s patioour room’s patioour room at Los Pinosour room at Los Pinosour room at Los Pinos
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Mar Inn
Ricky; at Mar InnRicky; eating breakfast at Mar Innour room at Mar Innbathroom at Mar Innparking at Mar Innrooms at Mar Innview from some rooms at Mar Innparking at Mar Innour room at Mar Innview from some rooms at Mar Innbreakfast at Mar Innbreakfast at Mar Innbreakfast at Mar Inn
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Monteverde Country Lodge
our room at the Monteverde Country Lodgebathroom at the Monteverde Country Lodgerooms at the Monteverde Country Lodgelandscaping at the Monteverde Country Lodgeour room’s patio at the Monteverde Country Lodgerooms at the Monteverde Country Lodgerestaurant at the Monteverde Country Lodge
The Monteverde Country Lodge sits southeast of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), just off a side road (Calle Los Arguedas) that juts off Road 620,. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Monteverde Country Lodge: 4 minutes
Sister to (and a five-minute drive from) Hotel Poco a Poco is the Monteverde Country Lodge, a family-friendly lodge tucked away down a quiet side street. The chalet-style hotel is a quaint retreat that you’ll love relaxing at after a long day spent hiking or bird-watching around Monteverde. Balconies and terraces equipped with seating make that possible, as do the few benches you’ll find scattered around the property’s beautiful gardens. Ideal for families, some rooms sleep five guests.
What we love best: Thanks to its location, this hotel feels lightyears away from Monteverde’s downtown core despite remaining within close proximity of it.
Tip: As a guest of the Monteverde Country Lodge, you can access the pool at Hotel Poco a Poco for free.
Choose the Monteverde Country Lodge if you want to stay at a quiet place where you can relax on a terrace or balcony and admire pretty gardens.
Sibu Lodge (formerly the Monteverde Rustic Lodge; the information below describes the hotel before it became the Sibu Lodge)
rooms at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgebreakfast at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgeour room at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgebathroom at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgerooms at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgeour room’s patio at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgerestaurant at the Monteverde Rustic Lodgebreakfast at the Monteverde Rustic Lodge
The Monteverde Rustic Lodge sits north of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), on a side road (Calle 6) that juts off Road 606. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Monteverde Rustic Lodge: 2 minutes
If you’re traveling on a tight budget but want to stay at a hotel, not a hostel, a decent option is the Monteverde Rustic Lodge. This no-frills, rustic hotel provides simple rooms outfitted with beds and a bathroom—all you really need if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the Monteverde area away from your room. Most stunning are the natural wood furnishings; the tables, chairs, beds, light shades, and other items were handcrafted by Costa Ricans, one being the hotel’s former owner. A light, complimentary breakfast is served, and there are enough parking spaces for a few cars. Located down a side road on the north side of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), this hotel is within walking distance of town.
What we love best: The affordable price, especially considering the rooms and bathrooms are private, and the breakfast is included.
Tip: This hotel is one street over from the town’s futbol field, so keep an eye out for informal, pickup soccer matches you can watch.
Choose the Monteverde Rustic Lodge if you don’t plan to spend much time at your hotel and you want to be within walking distance of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center).
Monteverde Villa Lodge
rooms at the Monteverde Villa Lodgeour room at the Monteverde Villa Lodgerestaurant at the Monteverde Villa Lodgeour room’s patio at the Monteverde Villa Lodgeour room at the Monteverde Villa Lodgebathroom at the Monteverde Villa Lodgeour room at the Monteverde Villa Lodge
The Monteverde Villa Lodge sits southwest of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), along a side road (Calle Villa Sol) that juts off Road 606/Calle Paraiso. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Monteverde Villa Lodge: 2 minutes
The hotel we stay at most often in Monteverde is the small, rustic, family-friendly Monteverde Villa Lodge, which sits at the end of a quiet side street. This homey hotel has rooms and cabins that are beautifully decorated with floor-to-ceiling murals that depict Monteverde’s scenery and wildlife in bright, eye-catching colors. Warm and inviting are the hotel’s owners, who live on-site and take pride in the hotel they’ve built over many years. A delicious, made-to-order breakfast is included with your overnight stay, and, to the delight of several families, some rooms/cabins sleep five guests.
What we love best: The kind, client-focused service and the feeling of staying with a local Costa Rican family.
Tip: Rooms/cabins come with kitchenettes (equipped with a microwave, a minifridge, and a sink), so if you want to save money on the cost of dining out, purchase a few groceries in Monteverde and prepare light meals/snacks at the hotel.
Choose the Monteverde Villa Lodge if you want to stay at a small, homey, family-run hotel.
Senda Monteverde
our room at Senda Monteverdereception at Senda Monteverde
Senda Monteverde sits east of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), on an unnamed side road that travels north off Road 620. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to Senda Monteverde: 3 minutes
Senda Monteverde provides what is best described as “Monteverde luxury.” If you haven’t learned this already, it’s important to know that Monteverde isn’t a luxurious destination, it’s a rustic destination. That isn’t to suggest that accommodations in Monteverde aren’t comfortable or high-end, they just don’t typically meet the expectations of travelers who want a ritzy stay. Instead, luxury in Monteverde translates to high-quality service, above-average amenities, and gourmet meals (including a complimentary breakfast), all of which you’ll receive at Senda Monteverde. If you’re open to cozying up to Monteverde’s warm, rustic charm and experiencing the more natural side of luxury without all of the shine and glamour, you’ll surely find the quaint, chalet-style rooms and lovely green spaces at Senda Monteverde most inviting.
What we love best: The fusion of natural, local elements with splashes of quintessential luxury.
Tip: Stay at this hotel and you’ll get access to the neighboring wildlife refuge, Aguti, for free!
Choose the Senda Monteverde if you want to treat yourself to one of Monteverde’s finest, albeit rustic, accommodations.
Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel
reception at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotelon-site permaculture tour at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotelour room at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotela room at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotelrestaurant at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotelour room’s balcony at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve HotelNikki; exploring the trails at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotelnature trail and waterfall at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel
The Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel sits southeast of downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center), just off a side road (Calle Los Arguedas) that juts off Road 620. Approximate drive time from downtown Monteverde (Santa Elena center) to the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel: 5 minutes
What makes the family-friendlyValle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel (formerly the Monteverde Inn) stand out from all other Monteverde hotels is its commitment to sustainability. This hotel, which is adjacent to the lush Valle Escondido Nature Reserve, also functions as a permaculture farm where tours and lectures on permaculture take place. Here, you can see sustainability in practice and feel good about staying at a hotel that is working to reduce your carbon footprint. Room options vary from standard rooms to cabins with kitchens to house rentals. On-site is a full-service restaurant that whips up the most delicious wood-fired pizzas.
What we love best: This hotel is a model of sustainabile hospitality; your stay helps fund important environmental work.
Tip: As a guest of the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel you’ll receive access to the trails at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve for free.
Choose the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel if you want to support and learn about eco-friendly efforts or have next-door access to the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve.
Map of Monteverde hotels
The map below shows where all of the Monteverde hotels discussed above are located.
Pura vida!
Do you have questions about particular hotels in Monteverde, want help deciding how many nights you should spend in Monteverde, or need help narrowing down the options of where to stay in Monteverde? No problem! When you’re ready, make an appointment here to communicate with me (Nikki) privately and we can discuss these and other topics to get your questions answered fast and your Costa Rica trip poised for success. Pura vida, amigos! 🙂
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Monteverde Hotels: Where We Stay in Monteverde Costa Rica
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Our free Monteverde hotel guide explores hotels we've stayed at in the Monteverde region.
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Tagged: costa rica, hotels, monteverde