Cloud Forest Lodge, Monteverde

Kimkim team favorite · 4.8 (12 reviews) · Comfort
Secluded lodge with renovated suites, a gourmet restaurant, guided night walks, and panoramic views

Overview

Cloud Forest Lodge, nestled in the heart of Monteverde, Costa Rica, offers an experience immersed in nature. After extensive renovations, this all-suite retreat feels bright, comfy, and trendy. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at the lodge's restaurant, Endemica, which offers views of the Nicoya Gulf during sunset. Cloud Forest Lodge also focuses on conservation, providing guided night walks to explore the forest's nocturnal world.

Kimkim's Take

Adam
Adam Gomez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2023 (Learn more)
Pros
  • You'll find yourself surrounded by the tranquility of nature at Cloud Forest Lodge, set on a hill with views over the jungle.
  • You can explore the forest's nighttime wonders and encounter diverse wildlife through guided walks.
  • The lodge is committed to sustainability and conservation, charging a small conservation fee per person.
  • You'll enjoy the panoramic views of the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal Volcano.
  • The lodge offers a serene and peaceful environment across nearly 50 acres (23 hectares) of lush greenery.
  • All rooms are suites and come with furnished outdoor terraces.
Cons
  • Because the lodge prioritizes environmental sustainability, it doesn't provide air conditioning in the rooms. However, the elevation and forested surroundings often keep temperatures comfortable.

Authenticity

Cloud Forest Lodge underwent a significant transformation after 26 years of operation. This rejuvenation effort included renovating 20 rooms and adding five new ones and enhancements to the reception area and the restaurant. The lodge's restaurant, Endemica, introduces you to gourmet interpretations of traditional Costa Rican cuisine, drawing inspiration from local recipes, including Grandma's dishes adapted with a gourmet twist.

Location

Cloud Forest Lodge is atop a hill, which can require some effort, especially at night, but the views of the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal Volcano make it worth the journey. The elevation of 4,823 feet (1,469 m) provides panoramic vistas, which you can enjoy from the lodge's porches and common areas. However, a quick 7-minute drive gets you to downtown Santa Elena and just 15 minutes to Sky Adventures Park via the Monteverde Wildlife Refuge.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Cloud Forest Lodge is now an all-suite accommodation after its renovation. You can choose from Tityra Junior Suites, Euphonia Deluxe Suites, and Manakin Suites, all designed with wooden flooring and furnishings, bright linens, and pops of color. The rooms are spacious, with perks like outdoor terraces, bathrobes, and turndown service. Grab one of the Junior Suites for more space and a cozy reading nook. Bathrooms are large, modern, and feature solar-heated showers.

Other Highlights

One of the unique experiences that Cloud Forest Lodge offers is guided night walks through its property. This allows you to immerse yourself in the forest's nocturnal world, possibly seeing everything from ocelots and pumas to captivating bioluminescent creatures. The lodge also ensures a serene and peaceful environment amid 50 acres (23 hectares) of jungle forest. The restaurant is another perk, especially with its plant-based options.

Sustainability

Cloud Forest Lodge prides itself on being an environmentally conscious property, aligned with the Böena Group's commitment to sustainability. The lodge charges a small conservation fee per person, which supports various conservation and educational initiatives.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455058
Hotel address icon 1km este y 1.8km norte del centro de Santa Elena, del BCR 1.8 KM
Free parking
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

12 total ratings, 9 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.8
Location
4.7
Staff
4.7
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.8
N
Nicole L.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024
The room was so spacious, modern and clean.
We overlooked the parking and the registration so that wasn't ideal, but the overall property was so lovely, it didn't matter. The lodge is tucked up in the mountains and has several paths to hike.
The restaurant has beautiful views and delicious food.
Saw a lot of birds and some other wildlife.
Very relaxing stay in the cloud forest.
Read more

The room was so spacious, modern and clean.
We overlooked the parking and the registration so that wasn't ideal, but the overall property was so lovely, it didn't matter. The lodge is tucked up in the mountains and has several paths to hike.
The restaurant has beautiful views and delicious food.
Saw a lot of birds and some other wildlife.
Very relaxing stay in the cloud forest.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
Nikki
Nikki S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2024
Beautiful location. Friendly staff. Dinner was expensive but delicious. Read more

Beautiful location. Friendly staff. Dinner was expensive but delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Love the eco lodge commitment
Location
Beautiful views
Staff
Not instructive, no concierge, should have provided a What’s App for texting.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great amenities and soft beds, but very cold.
Stayed in February 2024
H
Harry K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Beautiful location in the cloud forest. Surroundings and natural life fantastic.. monkeys and birds abound. Rooms and food fantastic Read more

Beautiful location in the cloud forest. Surroundings and natural life fantastic.. monkeys and birds abound. Rooms and food fantastic

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
Tracie
Tracie D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023
Fabulous literally in the clouds!! Great trails, excellent food and with the amenities they have thought of everything. Read more

Fabulous literally in the clouds!! Great trails, excellent food and with the amenities they have thought of everything.

Authenticity & Character
Great trails and animal cams so you can get an inside view of the wild life.
Location
Literally in the cloud forest above the trees.
Staff
Very informative about the culture, eco diversity and community.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean high quality. Umbrellas, boots, everything you think you might need.
Stayed in November 2023
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023
I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and stayed at this hotel. I loved the location of this hotel, in the middle of the forest and surrounded by trees! Recently renovated rooms added so much value and comfort to my stay! The bathroom is enormous, and everything is updated! There is a huge balcony with stunning views of the cloud forest. The staff was super friendly, and without even asking, he grabbed my luggage, rolled it, and showed me my room. The breakfast was one of the... Read more

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and stayed at this hotel. I loved the location of this hotel, in the middle of the forest and surrounded by trees! Recently renovated rooms added so much value and comfort to my stay! The bathroom is enormous, and everything is updated! There is a huge balcony with stunning views of the cloud forest. The staff was super friendly, and without even asking, he grabbed my luggage, rolled it, and showed me my room. The breakfast was one of the best hotels I stayed at. The main lodge and restaurant feel like you are in a tree house on stilts above the forest.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Amazing location in the forest!
Staff
So friendly and helped me with my luggage and walked my to my room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and updated! Loved my stay!
C
Cosimo F.
West Springfield, VA | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023
You can find places with fancier rooms or facilities but you won't find a staff anywhere that's nicer, friendlier and more attentive. Super recommend. Read more

You can find places with fancier rooms or facilities but you won't find a staff anywhere that's nicer, friendlier and more attentive. Super recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit hard to get to especially at night but that's all of Monteverde. Amazing views from the restaurant.
Staff
Everyone was fantastic from the reception to the whole restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023
S
Sandra H.
Rolling Meadows, IL | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023
A very comfortable lodge with large well equipped rooms and bathrooms. The bed linens were soft and beds were very comfortable. We loved sitting on our porch and watching the birds.
Great hiking trail access and the restaurant is top notch.
Read more

A very comfortable lodge with large well equipped rooms and bathrooms. The bed linens were soft and beds were very comfortable. We loved sitting on our porch and watching the birds.
Great hiking trail access and the restaurant is top notch.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was not easy to get to the hotel but once we arrived, we loved the location!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Amanda
Amanda S.
Highlands Ranch, CO | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023
clean, comfortable and new. Tons of wildlife around the property and we especially loved the dining area that had floor to ceiling windows with bird feeders all around them. Magical! Our only complaint was that the room didn't have a TV. But hey, it was a sign we needed to unplug I guess! Read more

clean, comfortable and new. Tons of wildlife around the property and we especially loved the dining area that had floor to ceiling windows with bird feeders all around them. Magical! Our only complaint was that the room didn't have a TV. But hey, it was a sign we needed to unplug I guess!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023
A
Abby S.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jul 13, 2022
Beautiful gardens. Loved seeing all the hummingbirds from the bar. Bungalows were clean and comfortable. The steak was incredible but the rest of the menu not so impressive. Read more

Beautiful gardens. Loved seeing all the hummingbirds from the bar. Bungalows were clean and comfortable. The steak was incredible but the rest of the menu not so impressive.

Authenticity & Character
Very characterful
Location
Peaceful, great views.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2022

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 3-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455058
Hotel address icon 1km este y 1.8km norte del centro de Santa Elena, del BCR 1.8 KM
Free parking
Free wifi