Monteverde is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Costa Rica because its cloud forests are a natural wonder you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’ve decided to visit Monteverde on your trip to Costa Rica, now, you need to find the best hotels in Monteverde that fit your budget.
Since Monteverde is nestled in the jungle, no matter what hotel in Monteverde you choose, you will find interesting wildlife and beautiful views. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to stay in Monteverde!
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Santa Elena Vs. Monteverde
For newcomers to Costa Rica, it may seem confusing when you see both “Monteverde” and “Santa Elena” on maps of Monteverde.
Santa Elena is the primary town and tourist hub. In Santa Elena, you’ll find the bus station, major supermarkets, and plenty of coffee shops and souvenir stores.
Monteverde is a small town further up the mountain, about a 10-minute drive from the center of Santa Elena. Monteverde is deeper into the jungle and is more rural and secluded.
If you’re wondering ‘Should I stay in Santa Elena or Monteverde?’ think about the logistics of your trip and your personal preferences. If you don’t have a car with you, it will be impractical to stay in Monteverde. Santa Elena is more walkable and almost all tours shuttles can pick you up from the town.
That said, if you prefer to be more immersed in nature and you are renting a car in Costa Rica, it could be the best choice for you to choose one of the hotels in Monteverde.
Where to Stay in Monteverde (My Top Picks!)
There are some amazing hotels in Monteverde to choose from, but here are my top picks for hotel stays that will fit your every need!
- Budget-friendly: Camino-Verde B&B
- Most Immersive Experience: Hotel Belmar
- Best Views: Koora Monteverde
- Most Eco-Friendly: Valle Escondido
- Most Romantic: Monteverde Lodge and Gardens
- Best for Families: Hotel Poco a Poco
Hotel or Vacation Rental?
The advantage of using vacation rental sites such as Airbnb or VRBO when visiting Monteverde is that you will experience feeling more integrated into local life. That said, vacation rentals often don’t offer the same amenities you’ll get with hotels such as free breakfast, access to spa services, or an in-house restaurant.
At the end of the day, whether you choose a hotel or vacation rental in Monteverde will be up to you and your family’s preferences for convenience and adventure.
Top Luxury Hotels in Monteverde
1. Hotel Belmar (about $300/night)
Hotel Belmar is a luxury accommodation with a passion for eco-friendly practices and a commitment to sustainability. Their rooms are beautiful with special hand-carved, locally crafted furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer amazing views of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
This hotel also has a gorgeous restaurant featuring cuisine from food sourced locally. They also offer experiences such as beer tasting and a mixology class. You can also try their ‘Savia Forest Immersion’ experience where you can adventure through trails, gardens, and suspension bridges.
Hotel Belmar is a wonderful luxury accommodation if you value the environment and also want to experience an unforgettable stay.
Check current rates and availability here!
2. Monteverde Lodge and Gardens (about $500/night)
This luxury hotel is a great option if you want to feel tucked away from the crowds but also want to be able to go into town without driving too far. Monteverde Lodge and Gardens has a restaurant on site and lovely gardens you can take a walk through during your stay. The suites also have private balconies or terraces where you can enjoy the view.
The hotel staff can help you arrange excursions in Monteverde such as ziplining, a night tour, or hiking experiences that will help scratch your itch for adventure when traveling to Monteverde!
Check current rates and availability here!
3. Koora Monteverde (about $500/night)
Koora Monteverde is a boutique eco-lodge with unforgettable views of the mountains and on a clear day, the Nicoya peninsula. Their luxury suites are best for families and feature a king-sized bed, two queen-sized beds, and two bathrooms. You’ll also have a private balcony where you can look out at the lush Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Also, be sure to visit their Kiré Restaurant and Bar, where guests said they enjoyed the fresh-tasting menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Check current rates and availability here!
Best Mid-Range Stays in Monteverde
1. Hotel Poco a Poco (200/night)
Close to the center of town, Hotel Poco a Poco is a good choice for visitors who want a taste of luxury without the big price tag. This hotel has several room options including rooms with a single or double bed, making this hotel a good choice for families.
As an added bonus, check out the Naroa Spa at Hotel Poco a Poco where you can find massages and wellness treatments to help you relax while enjoying your vacation to Monteverde.
Check current rates and availability here!
2. Valle Escondido (200/night)
Valle Escondido is an environmentally-friendly hotel with a natural feel and a farm-to-table restaurant that serves fresh fish from their own pond and wood-fired pizza. They also have vegan and gluten-free options available.
The hotel lawn has a beautiful overlook of the mountains at sunset. You can also experience the view from their yoga studio where you can try Aerial Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, or Pilates classes. I’ve personally done their Aerial Yoga class and loved the relaxed vibe and gorgeous scenery.
Walk the trails at the Valle Escondido Nature Reserve, and you’ll find diverse wildlife and a waterfall on the property! They also have nature walks and night tours you can book if you’re adventurous enough to venture into the rainforest after dark.
Hint: even if you don’t stay at the hotel you can visit the trails for a fee!
Check current rates and availability here!
Budget-friendly Stays in Monteverde
1. Casa Higueron (about $80/night)
This little bungalow is highly rated on VRBO and nestled into the jungle, a great choice for a couple traveling together (a maximum of 2 guests is allowed).
People who stayed here especially loved that it was close to the center of town, very clean, and the hosts were responsive. If you are traveling to Costa Rica and you’re not renting a car, this Airbnb could be a great choice.
You’ll both save money and also be close enough to town to buy groceries, grab a coffee, or meet transportation services for any of your excursions in Monteverde.
Check rates and availability here!
2. Camino Verde B&B (about $60/night)
Camino Verde B&B is a great budget hotel in Monteverde if you want to be close to the town of Santa Elena, but also want to experience gorgeous mountain views. Included in the price of your stay is a full breakfast and access to a coffee and tea station.
Reviewers really loved the friendliness of the staff, the shared balcony with a view, and the convenient location close to the center of town. Since you’ll be close to town when you stay here, be prepared that there may be some extra street noise to contend with!
Their website states that parking is limited, so be sure to check with hotel staff before bringing a rental car. You should also check with the staff if you are traveling with children so they can prepare the room accordingly.
Check rates and availability here!
3. Hotel Cattleya (about $30/night)
Hotel Cattleya is your extreme budget option, great for backpackers or solo travelers on a budget. The owners are Costa Rican, unlike some other hotels in the area owned by foreigners. They’re able to help arrange tours for you to ensure you have the best possible visit to Monteverde!
This is a budget hostel, so if you stay here, expect only basic accommodations. This will not be a luxury stay and might not be a great choice if you’re traveling with young children or you’d like to stay somewhere further away from the center of town.
The hotel is highly rated and guests particularly loved the accessibility to the public transportation system, kitchen for cooking meals, and good value for the price.
Check rates and availability here!
Where to Stay in Monteverde Recap
No matter which hotel in Monteverde you choose, you’ll never forget your experience visiting this town which is a gem not only in Costa Rica but in the entire world. I recommend speaking with staff at the hotel before you book your stay to describe your party (size, ages, etc), to be sure their accommodations fit your needs and that you are getting exactly what you pay for.
Have a wonderful stay, and enjoy visiting Monteverde!
Keep reading! How to Spend 3 Days in Monteverde
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
