The Best Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica

The 12 Best Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Best known for its impressive cloud forests and amazing wildlife, Monteverde is an absolute dream if you’re a nature lover. Here you can while away your days hiking through dense forests, gliding over hanging bridges, and watching dancing hummingbirds before retiring to one of the best hotels in Monteverde and doing it all again the next day.

The beautiful province has a number of claims to fame. It boasts the very first ziplining course in the world, it’s home to the highest concentration of orchids on the planet, and it’s where you’ll find the tallest bungee jumping spot in Costa Rica. 

Add into the mix captivating coffee farms, chocolate plantations, cascading waterfalls, countless hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints, and you’ll never have enough time to do it all – no matter how long you’re planning on spending here.

Monteverde is home to all sorts of incredible places to stay. Take a look around this misty paradise, and you’ll discover everything from wooden lodges and family-run inns to clandestine retreats and incredible glamping spots. There are so many amazing options that you may find it almost impossible to choose just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the absolute 12 best Monteverde hotels! 

Where to Stay in Monteverde

Where to Stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Best Hotels

There are only two choices when it comes to where to stay in Monteverde. You can stay in the bustling town of Santa Elena in the center of the province or on the outskirts, where you’ll be surrounded by nature and nothing else. The best option depends on the type of experience you’re searching for.

If you want to be in the middle of all the action, consider staying in Santa Elena. This charming town is the most built-up part of Monteverde, but it still has a really casual, laid-back Tico vibe. Everything is walkable in this small town, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with souvenir shops, art galleries, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Santa Elena is your best bet if you’re not planning on renting a car. A lot of excursion companies offer pickup points throughout the town and at many of the hotels.

On the other hand, if you want to get away from it all, the outskirts of Monteverde will be a much better choice. All the accommodation spots here are incredibly secluded, away from busy roads and tourists. 

Each morning when you wake up, you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world. Because they’re so remote, the best Monteverde hotels in this part of the province have their own mini-markets, bars, and restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about going without.


The 12 Best Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica

1. El Establo Mountain Hotel

Unique Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: El Establo Mountain Hotel
Photos: El Establo Mountain Hotel

Undoubtedly one of the coolest hotels in Monteverde, El Establo Mountain Hotel will make you feel like you’re staying in the very heart of one of the province’s mystical cloud forests. While this hotel is a little larger than most hotels in the area, the forest that envelops it helps keep things serene and tranquil.

Here you can choose from Deluxe Double Rooms, Junior Suites, Family Suites, And Honeymoon Suites. If you’re traveling with your partner, we definitely recommend booking the Honeymoon Suite. This gorgeous category of room features a beautiful wooden ceiling, spectacular mountain views, and a large indoor hot tub just steps away from your bed. 

What makes El Establo Mountain Hotel stand out from the rest is its incredible spa. Here you can indulge yourself with all kinds of deep tissue and hot stone massages, aromatherapy sessions, tropical exfoliations, body wraps, relaxing baths, and facial treatments, among many other options. If you’d prefer to relax alone, you’ll find an amazing outdoor covered pool area, as well as private forest trails in the surrounding area where you can spot local wildlife. 


2. Chira Glamping Monteverde

Best Monteverde Hotels: Chira Glamping Monteverde
Photos: Chira Glamping Monteverde

For something a little out of the ordinary, choose to stay at Chira Glamping Monteverde. A truly unique hotel in Monteverde, this gorgeous property allows you to get up close and personal with nature without the hassle of having to set up a tent. 

Accommodation here comes in the form of huge domes with giant plastic windows so you can see out into the forest. Each dome is entirely private and secluded, so you don’t have to worry about your neighbors, either. Depending on the one you choose, you may find you’ve got a slide, hot tub, swings, an outdoor grill, or a panoramic glass shower!

The hotel offers a handful of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to make your stay extra special. You can enjoy an a la carte breakfast in your room in the morning, followed by a spectacular treetop dining experience in the evening. 

All domes also come with a fully-equipped kitchen, free minibar, smart TV with Netflix, free Wi-Fi access, board games, yoga mats, premium toiletries, and plush bathrobe and slipper sets, so you never even have to leave if you don’t want to.


3. Camino Verde B&B Monteverde Costa Rica

Cool Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Camino Verde B&B Monteverde Costa Rica
Photos: Camino Verde B&B Monteverde Costa Rica

If you want to mix with other travelers during your visit, consider staying in Camino Verde B&B Monteverde Costa Rica. One of the coolest Monteverde hotels, this property encourages guests to get to know each other by using the communal facilities.

There’s an incredibly well-stocked kitchen where you’ll find everything you could possibly need to whip up your own meals. If you’d rather let someone else do the hard work, there’s a beautiful restaurant on-site with floor-to-ceiling windows and remarkable views. Free tea and coffee are also available throughout the day. 

One of the best things about this hotel is that it’s just steps away from the center of Santa Elena. Here you’ll find a fantastic range of art galleries, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

The hotel’s central location makes it an excellent place to base yourself if you’re planning on doing a lot of activities. The hotel staff are more than happy to arrange things like ziplining and cloud forest visits, or you’ll find plenty of excursion kiosks to choose from in town. 


4. Senda Monteverde Hotel

Monteverde Boutique Hotels: Senda Monteverde Hotel
Photos: Senda Monteverde Hotel

Senda Monteverde Hotel is the place to stay when you want the best of both worlds. This hotel boasts all the top-end luxuries that you’d expect of a 5-star hotel with all the seclusion and tranquility of a lodge in the rainforest.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest splashing out on one of the Senda Suites. These gorgeous rooms are absolutely huge and feature clean white walls, dark wooden floors, and giant windows through which you can admire nature. These suites are more like bungalows and are completely separate from the other accommodation options, making them a great choice if you want some privacy. 

One of the main reasons people choose to stay here is that all guests get free access to the neighboring Aguti Wildlife Reserve. Here you’ll find an impressive network of walking trails that take you to wonderful hidden parts of the province. 

Even though it feels so remote, Senda Monteverde Hotel is only a 15-minute walk into town. So if you need a break from all the serenity, you’re just a stroll away from the lively center. 


5. Cala Lodge

Cool Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Cala Lodge
Photos: Cala Lodge

One of the top places to stay in Monteverde if you want to be close to all the action of Santa Elena while still being far enough away so you can enjoy the jungle, Cala Lodge offers something for everyone. Surrounded by natural beauty, this property is set within 7.4 acres of grounds teeming with walking trails, relaxation areas, and some of the most incredible mountain views you’ll ever see in your life! 

Accommodation here is charmingly simple and rustic. All the rooms are set inside contemporary treehouses that tower above the canopy and put you in the perfect position for spotting all kinds of local wildlife. Whichever room option you go for, you’ll be treated to free Wi-Fi access, an ultra-comfy orthopedic mattress, complimentary hot drinks, and sweet-smelling organic toiletries. 

Don’t worry if you can’t spot anything from your room. The hotel also has a bird-watching deck that’s almost always full of colorful birds, as well as a sun terrace where you can enjoy the peace and quiet.


6. Hotel Belmar

Best Monteverde Hotels: Hotel Belmar
Photos: Hotel Belmar

Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of central Monteverde, Hotel Belmar is an excellent choice if you prefer the finer things in life. This stunning hotel more than makes up for its remote location with unashamed luxury. Divided into three huge wooden lodges, the hotel is perched on top of the province’s rolling hills, providing all guests with unobstructed views of the countryside.

Over 50% of the hotel’s property is protected rainforest. Take a look around, and you’ll discover a small waterfall and a trickling stream. You can wander around for hours without ever leaving the hotel! 

So you feel like a real VIP, the hotel also offers sunrise yoga classes, pampering massages, a sprawling beer garden, a cute tap room, and a farm-to-table restaurant. There are daily food specials and happy hours, too, so make sure you don’t miss out. 

For an experience you’ll never forget, book the Penthouse Suite. Located on the very top of the hotel, this room boasts a huge balcony with a giant hanging bed from where you can lounge and take in the 270° views of the Gulf of Nicoya. 


7. Hotel Trópico Monteverde

Unique Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Hotel Trópico Monteverde
Photos: Hotel Trópico Monteverde

One of the best hotels in Monteverde if you’re planning on visiting a lot of adventure parks, Hotel Trópico Monteverde is just a short drive away from the highly-recommended Selvatura Adventure Park and Sky Adventures Monteverde. Nestled in between a mesmerizing cloud forest at the spectacular Nicoya Gulf, this hotel is where you’ll discover some of the most astounding views in the world.

The rooms here are the ideal blend of rustic and homey. Beautiful wooden floors and ceilings, gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows, huge beds with fancy headboards, plush furniture, and breathtaking views come as standard. As an added bonus, all guests are also treated to a delicious Costa Rican breakfast made from fresh, seasonal ingredients each morning.

Although the hotel is pretty far away from Santa Elena, you don’t have to go far to find a lively atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant is a wonderful place to spend an evening, with traditional local dishes created with organic ingredients grown in the hotel’s own greenhouse.


8. Vistaverde Lodge

Where to Stay in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Vistaverde Lodge
Photos: Vistaverde Lodge

Hidden away within the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Vistaverde Lodge is the stuff dreams are made of. This phenomenal hotel was created by a local family in the ‘90s. The one-of-a-kind ecological resort has since become hugely popular with travelers who want to get away from it all and surround themselves with nothing but rugged beauty and birdsong.

The carbon-neutral hotel offers just eight rooms, so you’ll never have to worry about noise from other guests. Whether you go for a Double Basic Room or a Junior Suite, you’ll be treated to huge windows with incredible views, free Wi-Fi access, solid wooden furniture, and modern bathrooms with stone features. Each room can accommodate up to four guests, making this hotel a great choice if you’re traveling with family or friends. 

Vistaverde Lodge gets all its electricity from a nearby 65-foot waterfall, and the hotel’s water is sourced from natural springs. Not only that, but all the fruits, veggies, and coffee served in the hotel’s cafe and restaurant are made within the grounds, too. 


9. Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve

Cool Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve
Photos: Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve

One of the most unique Monteverde hotels, Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve is a cross between a rustic mountain lodge and an upmarket campsite. The accommodation here is made up of spacious wooden cabins equipped with everything you could need for a delightful stay in nature.

If you’re traveling as a couple, we suggest the Superior Room. This gorgeous cabin comes with a well-equipped kitchen, a separate lounge and dining area, a separate bedroom with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom, and a huge terrace with dazzling views. 

If you’re traveling as a group or family, the Family Deluxe Room is the best option. These cabins feature three individual bedrooms, each of which comes with its own ensuite bathroom.

Los Pinos Cabins & Reserve boasts its own hydroponic garden. As a guest, you’re invited to visit and pick as many fruits and vegetables for your own use as you like! Within the sprawling grounds, you’ll also discover a kids’ playground, endless hiking trails, and stunning viewpoints ideally positioned to watch the sunset. 


10. Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Cool Monteverde Hotels: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Photos: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens may be within walking distance of the center of Santa Elena, but when you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. If you do ever find yourself craving a more lively atmosphere, you can always pop into town and spend the evening at the many cafes, bars, and restaurants scattered all over the place. 

The gorgeous grounds feature just 28 guest suites, each of which is wonderfully bright and spacious. If you want to be as close to nature as possible, consider staying in one of the Cotingua Suites. 

These spectacular rooms have direct access to the Monteverde Lodge Garden, so you can step straight into paradise. Each suite also treats you to a king-size bed, a huge bathroom with a solar-heated shower, individual air conditioning, and high-speed Wi-Fi access. 

You don’t have to go very far to find excellent food here. The hotel’s Jardín restaurant makes the most of local ingredients and traditional Costa Rican cooking techniques to deliver an unparalleled dining experience. To make things even better, the restaurant is set within the hotel’s grounds, so you’ll feel like you’re dining in the jungle!


11. Koora Hotel Cloud Forest Resort

Boutique Hotels in Monteverde, Costa Rica: Koora Hotel Cloud Forest Resort
Photos: Koora Hotel Cloud Forest Resort

Hidden away from the rest of the world in the heart of the Cloud Forest Reserve, Koora Hotel Monteverde is one of the most remarkable Monteverde hotels. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be completely blown away by the pristine forest, sweet-smelling fresh air, and calming sound of birdsong. This place is about as close to paradise as it gets!

Here you can choose from a number of cozy bungalows, each of which is decorated with cheery colors and comes with large windows through which you’ll be able to spot all kinds of playful wildlife. 

Even if you’re traveling as a couple, we still recommend booking the Family Suite. This room is the largest in the hotel and comes with a separate kitchen and dining room on the ground floor. There’s loads of room, so there’s no chance of feeling cramped.

One of the highlights of the stunning hotel is the menu. The hotel’s restaurant, Kiré, dishes up drool-worthy breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options on offer. If you’re not feeling hungry, you can chill out in the on-site bar instead and sip a tropical cocktail while admiring the incredible view.


12. Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Best Monteverde Hotels: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Photos: Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco started out as a tiny hotel with just five rooms and has since grown into a gorgeous resort with 30 deluxe accommodation options. Located just steps away from the center of Santa Elena, this hotel is guaranteed to make you feel like a whole new person.

If you need a bit of TLC, you’ve got to check out the spa. Here you’ll find a comprehensive menu brimming with the latest massage techniques and wellness treatments from all over the world. Almost all the products used in the treatments are sourced locally in Monteverde. 

Prefer to indulge your taste buds? Then stop by Otocuma Bar & Restaurant. This dining hotspot offers international eats in a casual setting. Definitely grab an outside table if you can. The view is breathtaking and stretches on for miles.

If you’d prefer to try something a little more local, you’ll be spoiled for choice with cafes, bars, and restaurants in the immediate area. There’s even a grocery store nearby where you can pick up snacks and store them in your in-room mini fridge. 

That completes our list of the 12 best Monteverde hotels! Did we miss any cool hotels in Monteverde? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 


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About the Author:

  • Nicola Quinn

    Nicola is a freelance writer with an insatiable hunger for travel. She swapped her home in the UK for the sunny Canary Islands when she was just 11 and she has been based there ever since.

    From crawling on her hands and knees inside pyramids in Egypt to swimming with baby sharks in Bali and searching (fruitlessly!) for the Northern Lights in Iceland, Nicola takes every chance she gets to explore new places.

    The incredible experiences she has around the world fuels her writing and inspires her to plan even more adventures for the future.

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