Last Updated: September 10, 2025
Monteverde may be a remote destination, but once you arrive, you’ll find a long list of fun 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 (e.g., cleanliness, noise, view, comfy beds, good food).
This article is part of our hotel guides section where we give recommendations for hotels all across Costa Rica.
Background 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 around 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 scenic cloud forest in quieter locations.
High-end Hotels in Monteverde
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.
Our family has stayed in one of their suites. It had incredible cloud forest views, and the kids loved the huge Jacuzzi tub. Hotel Belmar is our top pick in Monteverde for families looking for a high-end stay. For more family-friendly hotel options throughout Costa Rica, check out our family hotel guide.
Hotel Belmar is nicely located just outside downtown Santa Elena off the main road to the Monteverde Reserve.
Rooms range from standards with two queen beds to luxurious suites. Read our full review, Hotel Belmar Review: Sustainable Luxury in Monteverde.
$270-1,200/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens is another high-end hotel 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. Monteverde Lodge and Gardens has a restaurant onsite.
The hotel is located on a quiet side road about 5 minutes from the main area of town.
$320-900/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Cloud Forest Lodge
The Cloud Forest Lodge is a newly renovated small hotel that’s perfect for those looking to stay in nature without sacrificing comfort.
This high-end ecolodge has simple, but nicely decorated, modern suites. The rooms are huge. Our family stayed in a Euphonia Suite and enjoyed having more space than at a typical hotel. Each room has a large patio to take in the view.
Since the property is located on a nature reserve, it’s likely that you’ll see wildlife during your stay. Right from our room, we saw a family of coati (raccoon-like animals). We also made sure to explore the onsite trails. Although we weren’t able to see many birds and animals on the hike, the forest views were gorgeous.
The lodge has its own restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. It was one of the best hotel restaurants we have encountered on our travels in Costa Rica.
The Cloud Forest Lodge is located up a steep road about 10 minutes from Santa Elena (no 4×4 required).
Read our full review of the Cloud Forest Lodge.
$270-600/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Senda Monteverde
Senda Monteverde is another upscale 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.
The Senda is in a good location, just off the main road to Santa Elena.
$350-1,000/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.
$240-600/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 sustainability certification in Costa Rica.
Located on the road leading to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Breakfast is not included but the cabins all have a kitchen.
$100-300/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 elaborate trails through its private nature reserve. During our visit, we saw a lot of wildlife and birds.
The views from the property are also stunning, stretching all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
This hotel 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. It has a very good farm-to-table restaurant.
$140-285/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.
We have stayed here and really enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the made-to-order breakfast was delicious.
Cala Lodge has received a certification for sustainability in Costa Rica.
$90-240/night for a regular room or family suite. $300-350/night for a more modern three-bedroom villa. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels in Monteverde and Santa Elena
Mar Inn
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.
$85-110/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.
$50-115/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.
This is a popular budget option in Monteverde. The hotel has basic rooms with one to three beds, all with a private bath and balcony. $60-100/night with a good breakfast included. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Historias Lodge
Historias Lodge is another solid 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.
$85-150/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Conclusion
Monteverde offers hotels for every budget and travel style, from luxury ecolodges set in the cloud forest to charming local B&Bs right in town. No matter where you stay, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore one of Costa Rica’s most unique ecosystems, with incredible nature excursions right at your doorstep.
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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.
Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
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Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide – Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns. Get recommendations for beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, rainforest ecolodges, and budget-friendly options.
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