Cala Lodge, Monteverde

Pros

• This lodge is an excellent choice for tranquility and solitude, as it's completely enveloped by dense vegetation. Hence, the loudest noises you'll likely hear are those coming from the critters in the forest. 
• The property features a short walking trail through the forest.
• Enjoy relaxing on the hotel grounds, which provide a lovely garden area with sun loungers and a cozy library lounge.
• The toiletries offered in the rooms are high-quality, organic, and made locally in Costa Rica.

Cons

• Though it's fairly common in Monteverde, it's worth noting that the hotel doesn't provide air-conditioning, and not all rooms have a fan. 
• The lodge has no restaurant, so you'll need to go off-site for meals besides breakfast.
• The lodge is popular with small tour groups, so it can get busy.
• Guests have reported hearing their neighbors through the walls and that the mountain winds are quite loud at night if you sleep with the windows open.

Authenticity

Cala Lodge definitely knows how to channel Costa Rica's relaxed vibes, as the property feels deep in nature's serenity. Don't be surprised if you catch views of local wildlife from your room or hear the sound of howler monkeys throughout the property! All rooms feature wooden balconies with leafy views, making you feel like you're in the cloud forest. 

Location

Set at the end of a road, you get the best of both worlds, as you'll feel like you're in the jungle yet still close to several attractions. You can easily walk to several cafés and restaurants, plus enjoy a 15-minute stroll to the Butterfly Gardens. You might want to drive into downtown Santa Elena, and you'll need a rental car or transfer if you'd like to explore the cloud forest or visit a coffee farm.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You can choose from standard rooms with queen or king beds, junior suites with king beds, or family suites that sleep up to five guests and feature bunk beds, which kids will love. All units have a comfy cabin-like feel with wooden ceilings, paneling, and furniture, plus minifridges, organic toiletries, and terraces overlooking the jungle. Family suites add full kitchens—an excellent option for those wanting to prepare meals or snacks for excursions.

Sustainability

Cala Lodge strives to maintain its serenity by preserving the property's forest and sees tourism in Costa Rica as a method of environmental education. The hotel's established sustainability mission focuses on energy use, waste management, and mitigating climate change.

Wildlife

Cala Lodge is located close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, one of the most popular spots in Costa Rica for viewing wildlife. The hotel's nature trail is a great place to see wildlife, and guests have also reported spotting animals from their balconies, including white-faced capuchins, agoutis, hummingbirds, motmots, howler monkeys, and butterflies. 

Amenities

The idyllic environment surrounding Cala Lodge is its highlight. The property includes a pleasant 20-minute nature trail weaving through the forest. A small spa/salon offers beauty treatments. There's no gym, pool, restaurant, or bar on-site. Cala Lodge isn't the best option for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, partly because the terrain around the hotel is hilly.

Family-Friendliness

Cala Lodge is somewhat family-friendly. The first child added to a room is free, but additional children are charged as adults. Cribs are available for free. Family Suites are the best room option as they include full kitchenettes and bunk beds. There are no special amenities or activities for kids, though the private walking trail is fun for all ages. The hotel is manageable with a stroller as long as guests book a room on the first floor; there are no elevators to get to the upper levels.

Other Highlights

Breakfast is cooked to order for guests each morning. The meal is included in the room rate and served on an outdoor veranda with forest views. No other meals are served on-site, and the hotel doesn't have a bar, but coffee and tea are available all day in the lobby. Guests can order food for delivery, head into town for meals, or book one of the family suites with a kitchenette to prepare food.