Monteverde Rustic Lodge
About one mile north of Santa Elena is Monteverde Rustic Lodge, a unique property with rural accents that blend into the area's environment. Simple by nature, this is an excellent option for smaller budgets. Still get very comfortable and squeaky-clean accommodation. Guests of Monteverde Rustic Lodge are welcome to use the pool and spa facilities at the downtown Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, a sister property about a half-mile away.
Although a 15-minute walk or a three-minute drive to downtown Santa Elena, this lodge is closer to some of the area's highlights, like the Cloud Forest and Don Juan and El Traipe coffee tours. Before heading out for the day, enjoy a daily breakfast of fresh local fruit and other traditional foods (like eggs and gallo pinto), plus some of the region's beloved coffee in a quaint wood-clad dining area.
Although the outside looks rustic in a stylish way, the interior can feel a little dated. Wood paneling, basic bathrooms, tile floors, and outdated bedding don't quite mesh with the beautiful gardens and trendy terraces. Nevertheless, the rooms are super clean and comfortable. Choose from single/double, triple, and family rooms, all with complimentary breakfast, free parking, and free WiFi.
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Mar Inn B&B
Mar Inn B&B is nestled near the very center of Santa Elena, so it has an ideal location for enjoying the town and the surrounding area. This could be the place if you're looking for quaint and simple for a friendly price. The rooms are basic and feel a little outdated, but they provide all the necessary amenities, including a mini fridge, TV, and WiFi.
Because of the retro wood paneling and low ceilings, rooms can feel a bit dark. However, Mar Inn recently absorbed its next-door neighbor and did a little remodeling, so some of the newer rooms are fresher, brighter, and a little comfier. Some rooms have balconies with hammocks, and all units have access to the garden area, where you can relax.
Of course, the perk of any bed-and-breakfast is the complimentary breakfast, which you'll enjoy in a simple dining area. Although it appears a little plain, the big windows let in lots of light and views of the property's colorful garden. As far as food goes, 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 B&B
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge, a simple ecolodge about 1.25 miles from downtown Santa Elena, is set within the Bellbird Biological Corridor. Since it's nestled between two forest reserves, you'll have easy access to nearby trails, plus a few private paths on the lodge's property with bird-watching and night-hike opportunities.
Rooms are basic but comfortable with a rustic, cabin-like vibe. All have tile flooring, wood paneling, simple furnishings, and private porches that face the lodge's garden. The on-site MotMot Restaurant is a definite perk, with a warm and inviting dining area, a bar, and forest views. You can enjoy various Costa Rican dishes nearly all day, from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, made with local, regional, and all-natural ingredients.
Read kimkim's review of Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge
Cala Lodge
Although offering standard accommodation, Cala Lodge has a surprising amount of charm. The property arranges its rooms in individual lodges built within the hillside and forest, so some units feel like you're in a treehouse. Each room has a private balcony or terrace with garden or forest views—but upgrade to a suite if you need more space or a kitchenette.
Rooms offer simple furnishings and decor, though a warm vibe with wooden paneling, ceilings, and furniture. Bathrooms have just the basics and feel a little dated. However, all rooms come with complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and minibars. Daily breakfast takes place in an open-air dining area, where you'll also find a lounge surrounded by the jungle.
Read kimkim's review of Cala Lodge
Hotel Heliconia
Hotel Heliconia offers a chalet-style hotel in the Cerro Plano area, right off the main road through Santa Elena. Although the road is a busy one, you'll be within walking distance of several restaurants and about a 20-minute stroll to the downtown area. But if you want to stay at the hotel to eat, the property has a surprisingly impressive restaurant called The Fig. You'll find a daily happy hour with craft cocktails and elevated versions of traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
The hotel has three stories, so each room gets a small slice of a shared terrace or balcony. You'll have your choice of four room types, all offering cedar furnishings, free WiFi, TVs, and organic coffee from Rancho Helonica. Because this is a chalet-style hotel, there's a lot of wood paneling, making the rooms feel dark. Opt for suites if you prefer more space and privacy—some have lofts, which are great for families with older kids. Stay on the top floor for the best views that stretch out to the Gulf of Nicoya.
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