Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Although within walking distance to the downtown area, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens feels far away in the quiet jungle. Just 28 rooms dot the grounds, next door to the property's private cloud forest reserve. Bright and airy rooms and suites feature garden or forest views, all with private terraces or balconies, plus wooden floors, ceiling fans, and plush bedding. Like a few other properties on this list, it's not uncommon to spot wildlife from your balcony!
Despite being close to Santa Elena, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens connects guests to Costa Rica's incredible nature, so you can fully enjoy the paradise surroundings here with its pool, lovely garden area, and sustainability efforts. The hotel is part of the Böëna Wilderness Lodges Group, a set of the country's best eco-lodges, and strives to preserve the land and environment the properties inhabit.
You'll eat well at the lodge, as its El Jardín Restaurant uses local ingredients to elevate traditional Costa Rican cuisine, so you get a bit of fine dining right in the jungle. There's a plant-based version of its menu and indoor and outdoor seating for you to enjoy the fresh air and sounds of wildlife or stay cozy next to the fireplace. If you get tired of eating at the hotel, you'll be a quick five-minute walk to one of the most popular restaurants in Santa Elena, Morphos Restaurant.
Read kimkim's review of Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Hotel Ficus
You won't be far from the center of Santa Elena, as Hotel Ficus is under a half-mile (1 km) and just about a five-minute walk. The stroll into town is quite pleasant, but you'll use your lungs on the way back, as the trek is now uphill. The trade-off for a hilly location is enjoying the incredible vistas from the property, thanks to its location atop a hill overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya.
The hotel's 20 rooms feature simple yet comfortable furnishings, contemporary bathrooms with open tiled showers, and private balconies or terraces with views of the Gulf of Nicoya or the property's forest. A few rooms have the option of a king bed, and rollaway beds are available for small groups and families. The hotel's on-site restaurant is the highlight, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautiful top-floor dining room with fantastic views. Plan for at least one dinner or drink at sunset to take advantage of the vistas! The hotel also offers a daily happy hour from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Ficus
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Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has grown "little by little," hence the name. The property started with just five rooms in 2000 and now hosts 30 warm and simple lodgings near downtown Santa Elena. This is one of the few recommended properties in the town center, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and even a grocery store within walking distance. The location is undoubtedly a highlight if you want to stay in Santa Elena, but keep in mind that it sometimes gets a little noisy.
Upon arrival, Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco might not look like much, but once you explore the grounds, you may feel like you're in a secret oasis. Wooden patios, tropical gardens, a small nature path, and outdoor pools create a relaxing environment that perfectly matches the vibe of Monteverde. You can enjoy your meals at the on-site bar/restaurant, relax in the open-air (but covered) pool area, or treat yourself to spa services using regional botanicals from the Monteverde jungle.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Jaguarundi Lodge
It doesn't get more Costa Rican than being enveloped by a beautiful, dense, chatty forest. You'll be right in the thick of it without any views, but you might be too busy watching the monkeys in the trees, anyway! Still, Jaguarundi Lodge is a simple, standard property almost in downtown Santa Elena and on a relatively flat dirt road, so you can easily walk to nearby restaurants, cafés, and attractions. This is a nice perk since there's no on-site restaurant, though breakfast is included in the room rate. You can also explore the grounds via a half-mile (1 km) walking trail and relax at the lobby bar in the afternoons.
Rooms are straightforward, with a rustic cabin-like feel. Some have upgraded to tile floors, but you'll still get that rural feeling with wood ceilings and paneling, plus balconies or terraces that look out into the jungle. The layout is slightly different, with shelving and clothes racks in the bathrooms rather than the room itself. The modern and clean bathrooms are in the process of upgrading to tile, and you'll have your own minifridge.
Read kimkim's review of Jaguarundi Lodge
Mar Inn
Mar Inn is a standard option nestled near the very center of Santa Elena, in a more residential area and on a hill. It's an ideal location for enjoying the town and the surrounding area; just remember that the walk back requires an uphill climb. This could be the place if you're looking for quaint and straightforward at a friendly price. The rooms are basic and a little outdated, but they provide all the necessary amenities, including a mini fridge, TV, and WiFi.
Enjoy your breakfast in a simple dining area with big windows that let in a lot of light and views of the property's colorful garden. Regarding food, you'll have your choice of gallo pinto (traditional Costa Rican breakfast) and more international dishes, like eggs and toast or pancakes with fruit.
Read kimkim's review of Mar Inn
Hotel Cipreses
Straightforward and simple, Hotel Cipreses is a standard place to sleep, eat breakfast, and not much else, though a good option for those on a budget who want to stay within walking distance of downtown Santa Elena. You'll be in a quieter, more residential area of the city and within walking distance of a local fútbol pitch. Local matches typically play on the weekends.
The jungle won't surround you, so to make up for it, this family-owned-and-operated hotel does an excellent job keeping its grounds maintained and atmospheric. Though small, the property's garden includes a lot of native vegetation, brightly colored flowers, and a pond with an artificial waterfall. Though the building exteriors appear either modern or cabin-like, the interiors are a bit dated, and the rooms are smaller than in other area hotels. All units are basic with simple furnishings, though all have a balcony (sometimes shared) with patio furniture. Family rooms can sleep up to six guests.
Read kimkim's review of Hotel Cipreses
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