The Best Hotels in Monteverde: Where to Stay in Monteverde Costa Rica

All of the best hotels in Monteverde are centred in or around the town of Santa Elena, the beating heart of the Monteverde region in Costa Rica. Where to stay in Monteverde Costa Rica is dependent on whether you are travelling the country via a rental car or by public transportation or shuttle. 

Monteverde, nestled among the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, at the northern tip of the Puntarenas Province is a top eco-tourism destination. Attracting many naturalists and visitors every year, Monteverde boasts the beautiful and unique Monteverde Cloud Forest and offers exciting activities like ziplining, hanging bridges, bird watching and night walking through the lush rainforest. 

Commonly combined with nearby destinations like adventure-packed La Fortuna, this region offers a wide range of Monteverde hotels, including luxurious Monteverde lodging set in the rainforest, mid-range eco-farm bed and breakfasts, and vibrant town centre hostels. 

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This guide to the best Monteverde Costa Rica hotels will also give you the lowdown on the best Monte Verde hotels for families, the best hotels in Monteverde Costa Rica for couples seeking romance, and the best hostels in Monteverde for solo travellers and groups of friends. 

NOTE | The best way to explore Monteverde is by rental car due to the hilly terrain

Best Hotels in Monteverde:
Quick Guide

About Monteverde Region &
Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Where is Monteverde in Costa Rica? The Monteverde region of Costa Rica, in the northernmost tip of the Puntarenas Province, is named after the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest and is perched in the hills of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range.  

This mountain range is where Costa Rica’s continental divide splits the country in two and is situated a mile above sea level, with lush rainforests shrouded in a misty fog consisting of ground-level clouds, which is where the term ‘cloud forest’ derives. 

With the cloud forest taking up the eastern edge of the region, you can find the town of Santa Elena at its heart, in the centre of the area. The small town of Santa Elena, with a population of roughly 2,000 people, is located among and is the main hub for public transportation, restaurants and amenities for the Monteverde region. 

From here, roads scatter throughout the countryside like veins, with the main road 620 leading to top attractions like the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Road 619, heading north, will take you to the Selvatura Adventure Park for ziplining and hanging bridges, and the El Tigre Waterfalls.

It is common to arrive in Monteverde from other top Costa Rica destinations like La Fortuna if you arrive in San Jose, or from towns like Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste Province.

Travelling from San Jose? Check out how to get from San Jose to Monteverde

Is Monteverde Worth Visiting?

A resounding yes, the town of Santa Elena and the region of Monteverde are definitely worth visiting. If you haven’t been to Costa Rica before, it’s hard to determine between La Fortuna and Monteverde, and I’m here to tell you that they each offer something different. 

La Fortuna is known for hot springs, waterfalls, Arenal Volcano trekking and hanging bridges (although Selvatura Park in Monteverde rivals La Fortuna’s Mistico Park).

In comparison, Monteverde is better for ziplining, cloud forests and spotting birdlife. Monteverde also has a more eco-tourism feel to it, with higher care put into sustainability and preservation.

How Many Nights Do you Need in Monteverde?

Is one day enough in Monteverde? No. It really isn’t enough for visiting Monteverde. My recommendation is to spend 3 nights in Monteverde here along your Costa Rica itinerary. The journey to get to Monteverde from most other tourist destinations in Costa Rica takes a minimum of 3 hours, so it’s best to make the most of that travel time, including La Fortuna to Monteverde.

Activities like ziplining and hanging bridges at Selvatura Park take a full day on their own. With the addition of a night walk that same night, you still need time to explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest and partake in a coffee tour the next day.

Map of Monteverde Hotels

This map of Monteverde hotels Costa Rica gives you a good idea of how spread out accommodation in Monteverde is.

You can find the more economical hostels and hotels in Monteverde located in the town centre of Santa Elena, with mid-range to luxury options for a hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica on the outskirts and further out nestled into the rainforest.

Choosing the Best Monte Verde Hotel

When choosing the best hotel Monteverde Costa Rica has to offer, it depends highly on whether you have a rental car, and what type of environment are you looking for: 

In Santa Elena Town

Best For | Backpackers, Travelers without a Rental Car

The town of Santa Elena can be compared to many other mountainous backpacker towns throughout the world, with lively sociable hostels and economical restaurants at its core. This is where public transportation comes in and out of the region, so travellers that are dependent on buses or shared shuttles and don’t have access to a rental car, stay here.

It is very common for the town centre to be loud into the wee hours of the night, so if you are looking for a fun night out with friends or to meet new people, this is the spot for you. If you are a family or mature couple, I would not recommend staying in the town centre of Santa Elena.

Most tour operators will also pick up from the town centre making it a breeze to get to all the top attractions in Monteverde.

Outside Santa Elena Town

Best For | Luxury Travelers, Families, Travelers with Rental Car

Just outside of the centre of Santa Elena, heading up either road 619 or 620, you will start to find luxury lodging options, eco-cabins, resorts and mid-range guesthouses. Staying outside of the centre of Santa Elena is best if you are looking for lush surroundings and a quiet atmosphere. It is recommended that you have access to a rental car if staying outside of Santa Elena.

Some hotel Monteverde options will provide a complimentary shuttle from their location in the outskirts into the town centre of Santa Elena, allowing you to enjoy the restaurants and amenities of Santa Elena without access to a rental car. But, this is also not a given, so please check with your choice of best Monteverde hotels before booking.

Most of the top resorts Monteverde Costa Rica has to offer are located along road 620 toward the Monteverde Cloud Forest, including the top luxury choices, like Hotel Belmar, El Establo Mountain Hotel and the unique Chira Glamping. 

You can also find the famous hostel chain for digital nomads, Selina, along the 620 (this is where I stayed) and the family-friendly Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel set on a stunning farm with beautiful views.

Do note, that there are no hotels in Monteverde Cloud Forest, but there are a few good options just outside the entrance on the 620, depending on your budget and preference. 

Best Luxury Hotels in Monteverde

Costa Rica Monteverde hotels of the luxury persuasion can be found outside of downtown Santa Elena. Most luxury hotels in Monteverde Costa Rica are lodge-type accommodations, with luxury finishes and amenities. Focusing on a view of the surrounding Monteverde rainforest, a few of the luxury hotel Monte Verde options offer on-site restaurants and top-end activities.

Here are my top picks for the best hotels in Monteverde Costa Rica for luxury travellers:

Hotel Belmar Monteverde (top pick!)

Best For | Couples, Small Families with Mature Kids

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1.25 miles (2km) or 6-minute drive

The Belmar Hotel Monteverde Property

Not only is the Hotel Belmar amongst the best hotels Monteverde Costa Rica has to offer, but it is also my top pick for the best luxury hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica, period. Tucked in amongst a large plot of Monteverde Rainforest, this modern lodge-style accommodation is surrounded by lush greenery and features beautiful views of the mountains and sunset from every suite.

Offering its own on-site brewery, the Belmar Craft Brewery, saddle up to the bar and enjoy a beer overlooking a small lake. Or grab a juice from the on-site juice bar before your yoga session. In the evening, indulge in a dinner made from organic ingredients from their very own garden and enjoy the sunset.

Spacious suites with tall windows, large comfortable beds and a furnished terrace are waiting for you at the end of your Monteverde excursions.

Chira Glamping Monteverde

Best For | Travelers seeking a unique experience

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 0.8 miles (1.3km) or 3-minute drive

The Chira Glamping Property

If you are looking for a unique experience while travelling around Costa Rica, Chira Glamping is the place for you. Fully-equipped bubble tents sprinkled through the rainforest allow for privacy while enjoying the surroundings. Located a short drive out of Santa Elena, you can completely escape the hustle and bustle of the town centre. 

Honeymoon suites feature a jacuzzi tub and outdoor shower with panoramic views of Monteverde. Family suites include an outdoor slide and swings on your very own balcony. 

All units come with a complimentary stocked minibar, equipped kitchen and high-tech amenities like an Alexa system, smart TV and boom box. Plus, the small luxuries like robes and slippers.

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime 5-course meal amongst the treetops at the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience, a culinary experience like no other.

Thinking of camping Monteverde? Chira Glamping is a top choice for truly unique places to stay in Monteverde Costa Rica.

Monteverde Lodge and Gardens

Best For | Couples, Small Families with Mature Kids

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 0.6 miles (1.0km) or 3-minute drive

The Monteverde Lodge and Garden Property

Monteverde Lodge and Garden offers a classy atmosphere with 28 modern light and bright room designs with plush linens and beautiful rainforest views. Top floor rooms offer furnished balconies and superior ground floor rooms offer walkout patios.

Enjoy a glass of wine or whisky around the open-air fireplace in the onsite restaurant and bar or dig into an omnivore or plant-based fine-dining meal. Wake up to the birds, and indulge in the complimentary breakfast on the patio among nature.

Monteverde Lodge, a top pick for luxurious Costa Rica hotels Monteverde offers, also boasts a secluded heated outdoor pool with loungers, and lush gardens, perfect for a morning stroll.

Senda Monteverde Hotel

Best For | Couples, Small Families with Mature Kids

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 0.65 miles (1.1km) or 3-minute drive

The Senda Hotel Monteverde Property

Senda Hotel is a 5-star boutique resort, one of the classiest resorts Monteverde Costa Rica offers, and offers the visitor a high-end curated experience. 

With bright suites with modern amenities and balconies overlooking the Monteverde rainforest, a stay at Senda Hotel includes complimentary yoga classes, cooking classes, bonfire nights, craft beer and wine tastings and complimentary hiking access to Aguti Wildlife Reserve.

The on-site restaurant with its modern decor offers a responsible and hyper-local menu using ingredients from their onsite garden and includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy South American organic wines, craft cocktails and beer.

El Establo Mountain Hotel

Best For | Couples, Small Families with Mature Kids

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 0.8 miles (1.3km) or 3-minute drive

The Hotel El Establo Monteverde Property

Set amongst a large hillside rainforest property a 3-minute drive outside of Santa Elena, the El Establo Mountain Hotel offers multiple luxurious lodges throughout the site, with two restaurants, one of which enjoys a scenic location over a small lake. 

Pamper yourself at the onsite spa, take a few laps in the covered outdoor pool or partake in one of the many onsite activities, including a night walk into the surrounding rainforest to find the nocturnal species of Costa Rica.

You can find standard hotel rooms with either one or two beds and a small terrace. Or more spacious family suites that can accommodate up to 5 people or the two-floor honeymoon suite with a living area. All rooms have a floor-to-ceiling view of the surrounding rainforest.

El Establo Mountain Hotel, a top Monteverde Costa Rica lodging offers a complimentary onsite shuttle from your lodge to main onsite amenities due to the property’s location set on a hill. 

Best Mid-Range Monte Verde Hotels

Most mid-range lodging Monteverde Costa Rica options are bed and breakfast style accommodations with a cabin or bungalow feel. All the recommended mid-range places to stay are located just outside of Santa Elena town centre or within, so walking to the town centre is doable.

Los Pinos Lodge & Garden

Best For | Couples, Families, Groups of Friends

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1 mile (1.5km) or 4-minute drive

The Los Pinos Monteverde Property

Contrary to what the name implies, Los Pinos Lodge & Garden is not a lodge-style accommodation. It offers private individual cottages scattered throughout the Monteverde rainforest. 

Cottages range from studio-sized to 3-bedroom and can accommodate up to 6 people. A great place to stay in Monteverde if you have a larger group like family or friends, or if you want to have a private lowkey experience amongst nature.

Superior suites come with a BBQ for cooking up ingredients from the grocery store, or you can partake in complimentary access to the onsite hydroponic garden. All suites come with a private balcony, fully-equipped kitchens that include a dishwasher and coffee maker, and an indoor seating area for relaxing.

Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm (top pick!)

Best For | Couples, Families, Groups of Friends, Solo Traveler

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1.2 miles (1.9km) or 6-minute drive

The Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel Property

Formally the Monteverde Inn, Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel is set on the private Valle Escondido Preserve. The preserve offers spectacular hiking trails, bird watching, panoramic vistas, waterfalls and rivers. Hanging out in the hammock garden or taking part in a night walking tour of the rainforest to spot nocturnal species. 

The property boasts a lodge with bright hotel-style rooms with wood accents and traditional Costa Rican decor elements. Choose from standard studio rooms or opt for a large family room with 4 bunk beds and a double bed.

Additionally, Valle Escondido Nature Reserve features its own onsite farm with diverse gardens, supplying the farm-to-table hotel restaurant. With sustainability at heart, Valle Escondido offers onsite permaculture tours, regenerative workshops and working projects.

Camino Verde B&B Monteverde

Best For | Families, Friends, Travellers without a rental car

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 5-minute walk to town centre

The Camino Verde B&B Monteverde Property

Located just south of Santa Elena town centre, you can walk to-and-fro from Hotel Camino Verde Monteverde in 5 minutes flat, making for a great Monteverde hotel if you don’t have access to a rental car.

The rooms at Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast Monteverde range from single-bed studios to superior family suites with bunk beds and a private terrace, and even a modern apartment with a fireplace and private entrance. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water. There’s something here for everyone.

Prepare your lunch or dinner in the communal kitchen and hang out and meet new friends in the large communal visiting space or on the terrace with panoramic views of the Monteverde rainforest. Complimentary breakfast is served daily.

Cala Lodge Monteverde

Best For | Couples, Small Families

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1.2 miles (1.9km) or 6-minute drive

The Cala Lodge Monteverde Property

Situated on a 7.4-acre rainforest property, Cala Lodge offers an environmental stay in their rustic-style rooms and suites. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with beautiful surroundings, and maybe even spot some wildlife!

Take a stroll on one of the property’s trails and watch birds from the birdwatching veranda, fully equipped with a bird feeder and bird identification book. 

Rooms and suites at the Cala Lodge range from economy double rooms to spacious family suites. All rooms come with full private ensuite bathrooms. Some suites come with a private balcony with wood furnishings.

Hotel Poco a Poco Monteverde

Best For | Families, Travellers without a rental car

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 6-minute walk to town centre

The Poco a Poco Monteverde Property

Located a hop, skip and a jump away from town centre (6-minute walk) a stay at Poco a Poco hotel allows for great access to town centre amenities and restaurants, and still enjoy a more secluded jungle setting.

The property features 30 resort-style rooms with double beds, up to premium family garden suites that accommodate 5 people. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast or indulge in fresh meals from the onsite restaurant and bars. If you are children are old enough, book a day at the spa while they frolic in the heated pool and jacuzzi. 

Best Economy Monteverde Hotels

You can expect clean homestays, luxury hostels, cabins and bed and breakfast style accommodations with friendly hosts in Monteverde. With rustic style and rainforest views and walkable to Santa Elena town centre, you can’t go wrong with any of these economy hotels in Monteverde.

Jaguarundi Lodge

Best For | Young Couples, Small Groups of Friends

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 5-minute walk to town centre

The Jaguarundi Lodge Property

Arrive at your private rustic cabin via a scenic stone walkway leading through the rainforest. Because of its access to downtown amenities, restaurants and nightlife, this property is recommended for younger adults seeking a more lively experience. Enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the onsite restaurant that also offers a good happy hour.

Cabins either come with one single double bed or two, so you can fit a few friends together in a cabin for a more social environment, or if you are a couple seeking a more private room, take the studio-style cabin.

Tityra Lodge

Best For | Couples, Travellers with a rental car

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1.8 miles (2.9km) or 10-minute drive

The Tityra Lodge Montverde Property

Immerse yourself in nature with a few nights in a private, basic but clean A-frame cabin with beautiful rainforest views. Tityra Lodge is located a 10-15 drive outside of the town of Santa Elena and therefore is best for travellers who have access to a rental car. 

Enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows and large patio in one of these spacious cabins. Opt for a bungalow and enjoy a large awning window at the front of your cabin that opens outward and upward. A unique experience in one of the best economical hotels in Monteverde. 

An excellent breakfast is served at the onsite restaurant every morning before embarking on some nearby activities.

Casa Rayo de Luna

Best For | Couples

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 1.1 miles (1.8km) or 5-minute drive

The Casa Rayo de Luna Property

Interact with the local hosts at this tranquil one-story guest house in the Monteverde rainforest. Simple, yet comfortable rooms come with a private ensuite and double or large double bed. 

Meet fellow travellers in the common rooms or grab some groceries from the store and cook your own meals in the shared kitchen. 

Eddy’s Place

Best For | Couples, Groups of Friends, Small Families

Distance from Santa Elena Town | Less than 1 km, 2-minute drive, 11-minute walk

The Eddy’s Place Property

Eddy’s Place is located an 11-minute walk north of downtown Santa Elena. The family-run motel-style lodging comes with standard double rooms and larger family rooms with 2 double beds and 1 single bed. Great for a family or group of friends with up to 5 people. All rooms come with a hot water shower in a private ensuite and a basic desk and chair. 

Enjoy your exceptional home-cooked breakfast while socializing with friendly hosts or fellow travellers in the communal area.

Do note, that the walk from Eddy’s Place into town is up a steep road. So for people with mobility issues, this is something to consider before booking.

Looking for a more economical and basic room with a more social atmosphere to meet new people? Try Eddy’s larger sister property Cabinas Eddy Monteverde, a more hostel-type accommodation in the centre of Santa Elena.

Best Hostels in Monteverde Costa Rica

Hostels in Monteverde Costa Rica come in all shapes and sizes, but the bottom line is hostels here are great for socializing and making new friends. You can choose from the more well-established and well-known Selina hostel chain that provides a trendier, high-end hostel experience. 

Or you can find hostels in downtown Santa Elena that are cheap and cheerful and great for travellers that don’t have access to a rental car.

Here are my recommended hostel Monteverde Costa Rica options:

Selina Monteverde (top pick!)

Best For | Digital Nomads, Young Adults, Socializing

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 2.3 miles (3.7km) or 12-minute drive

The Selina Hostel Monteverde Property

Situated within walking distance of the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Selina offers a plethora of rooms and amenities for digital nomads and young travellers. 

Selina boasts private king-sized bedrooms with trendy decor and private ensuite for solo or duel travellers, rooms with 4 or 6 single beds for groups of friends, and dorm-style beds with shared bathrooms for absolutely anyone.

Onsite amenities include a large restaurant and bar serving local and international cuisine. The restaurant also hosts social events multiple times a week. You can enjoy s’more making by the bonfire or a karaoke night. Grab a beer and hang out in one of the two jacuzzis or rise early and get in a yoga session in the yoga cabin. 

If you are travelling while working, Selina offers a large coworking space with 4 large communal working tables and 3 quiet booths at an extra cost. If you are looking to head into town, you can arrange a paid transfer into town with the front desk.

This is my top recommendation for where to stay Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for young adults.

You can also find a Selina in La Fortuna, Santa Teresa and Nosara on this 10 days in Costa Rica.

Casa Jungle Monteverde B&B

Best For | Groups of Friends, Couples, Small Families

Distance from Santa Elena Town | 0.6 miles (1km), 3-minute drive or 7-minute walk

The Casa Jungle Monteverde B&B Property

While Casa Jungle doesn’t provide rainforest views, you can expect great proximity to amenities like restaurants (try Soda La Cocinita de Lety right next door), basic groceries (La Lico convenience store across the street), or walk the quick 7-minutes to be in Santa Elena town centre.

The motel-style single-story building comes with colourful murals, complimentary breakfast and comfortable double and triple rooms with private ensuites.

Best Monteverde Tours

Looking for the best things to do in Monteverde and the best way to experience them? These popular and top-rated Monteverde tours help you plan your trip without all the fuss and include a knowledgeable local guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a curated experience. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Tour
Monteverde Cloud Forest Bird Watching
Selvatura Adventure Park Ziplining Tour
Monteverde Rainforest Night Walk
El Tigre Waterfalls Tour

How to Get to Monteverde Costa Rica

The best way to get around Costa Rica and get to Monteverde is by rental car. I use Discover Cars because they compare local and global car companies to find you the best price.

If you are arriving in Monteverde from La Fortuna, you can take a look at this detailed guide on the best ways to get from La Fortuna to Monteverde.

If you are driving straight from San Jose, you can check out this guide on how to get from San Jose to Monteverde.

Insurance for Monteverde Costa Rica

Monteverde Costa Rica is known for nature adventures, and with that, comes the risk of fall, injury or accident. Don’t be left with huge hospital bills and protect yourself with the right travel insurance.

Travel insurance is one of those things I hope you never have to use. But in case you do, you’ll want reliable insurance on your side. Plus, it’s such a small cost for peace of mind. Please, don’t leave home without it!

I used HeyMondo insurance on my trip to Costa Rica and can recommend it.

What’s great about HeyMondo:

• No out-of-pocket fees
• 24/7 doctors available through their handy app to answer all of your questions
• Covers travellers from any country in the world
• Offers short-term, long-term and multi-trip annual plans (I recommend single-trip insurance for Costa Rica)
• Covers trip cancellation – very useful these days!

>>> Find the perfect travel insurance for you. (and get an exclusive 5% discount for being my reader!)

Best Hotels in Monteverde Conclusion

All in all, there are some amazing options when it comes to hotels in Monteverde. If comfort is your priority, book a few nights at Hotel Belmar, if travelling around Costa Rica as economically as possible is important, try a few nights at Camino Verde B&B, or if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, opt to spend at least 2 nights at Chira Glamping, one of the most unique hotels in Monteverde.

I spent a week at Selina and I can highly recommend it to people who are looking for a mid-range Monteverde hotel, would like to meet new people and socialize and enjoy some special amenities.

Happy travels!

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