El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde
Mountain hotel with expansive grounds, an outdoor pool, hiking trails, ziplining, family-friendly features, and two dining options
Such a unique hotel. The grounds are beautiful. The staff are wonderful. Our room was at the top of the mountain. It is easily a 20... Read more
This place was a dream. Don't leave during sunset, the views are amazing. We had the honeymoon suite, which was huge and the balcony made my... Read more
Everything was amazing. The room, the view, the staff, the food…. The only negative is we didn’t stay long enough to explore the grounds, restaurant and... Read more
The hotel was on a sprawling property that felt like an escape but was still within walking distance of different shops and restaurants in Santa Elena.... Read more
The location was amazing and the pool area and bar were fun, although the pool needed a few repairs. The staff and van drivers were very... Read more
Overview
Kimkim's Take
Pros
- It's common to see wildlife around the property.
- Guests have plenty of activities to enjoy on-site, including hiking trails, a tennis court, and a canopy ziplining course (some activities require additional fees).
- The guest rooms are spacious, with beautiful views of the forests, mountains, and the Nicoya Peninsula (on a clear day).
- A covered outdoor pool is protected from the elements.
- Two restaurants and a bar provide al fresco options for food and drinks.
Cons
- Though you can always take the shuttle, the hotel's size makes it tricky to get around on foot: it's a challenging 15- to 20-minute walk from one end to the other.
- The rooms feel a bit dated, and the carpeted floors, in particular, are worn down in some areas.
- The windows don't have screens, so guests might experience bugs in their rooms, especially at night when they're drawn to the indoor lights.
- The hotel has no air-conditioning (which is common in Monteverde), and the rooms don't have ceiling fans.
- You'll need a car or transfer to visit downtown Santa Elena or explore the area's attractions.
Additional Notes From Brittany
I knew to expect a large hotel with a big property, but it wasn't until I drove another five minutes uphill to get from reception to the room that I realized just how expansive El Establo truly is! In addition to a vast property, the rooms are also very spacious, with high ceilings and impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the area (with the potential of catching a glimpse of the Nicoya Peninsula). The other wow factor was the breakfast buffet, serving everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to American classics—I did not go hungry!Authenticity
Though not surrounded by forest like many other Monteverde hotels, El Establo sits above the jungle vegetation and provides incredible views from the property. Its grounds are massive, meaning you can enjoy activities like hiking, canopy ziplining, and nighttime wildlife tours all at the hotel.Location
You'll be right on the main road that weaves through Santa Elena, though you might want a car (or to hire a transfer) to get to the downtown area or go on an excursion. A 10-minute drive south brings you to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, and 15 minutes north takes you to the Sky Adventures Park.Rooms & Bathrooms
Because the hotel has so much space, you'll find several room types spread across the property. Generally, all rooms feel a little dated and could use a refresh, but they're clean and well-kept. All have beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views, plus dark wood furnishings, minifridges, and balconies or terraces. Family rooms are split-level, which is great for older kids who can climb some stairs to reach the sleeping area.Wildlife
El Establo is right next to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, one of the most pristine wildlife preserves in Costa Rica. The hotel has a hummingbird viewing platform and hiking trails where visitors can spot various mammals. Guests can join guided night walks around the property and see tropical birds and butterflies from the comfort of their private balconies.Amenities
The vast property has excellent amenities for visitors wishing to enjoy nature on-site, including access to hiking trails and ziplining, soccer, tennis, and basketball courts, and an open-air swimming pool covered by an extended roof. The hotel offers guided hikes on the trails. There's a small gym, and the hotel's spa offers beauty treatments and views of the cloud forest. The resort is built on a steep hillside that can be tricky for wheelchair users to navigate.Family-Friendliness
This hotel is very family-friendly, with hiking trails, a zipline, soccer, tennis, basketball courts, and a swimming pool. All ages are welcome, with kids under 14 being charged a reduced fee; those over 15 are considered adults. The best room for families is the Family Suite. Due to the steepness of the property and lack of elevators, the hotel isn't very stroller-friendly.Other Highlights
With two restaurants (one casual and one high-end) and a bar, all meals are available without having to leave the property. Las Riendas is more casual, serving breakfast (in addition to lunch and dinner) and specializing in the traditional dishes of Costa Rica. Both buffet-style and a la carte menus are available. Laggus is the fine dining option, open for lunch and dinner and featuring beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. A bar by the pool serves drinks and snacks.Like what you see?
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Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews
The hotel offers spectacular views, especially during sunset. Many guests mentioned enjoying the views from their rooms and balconies, overlooking green grass, trees, and mountains in the distance. (18 mentions)
The hotel staff received numerous praises for being friendly, helpful, and courteous. Guests highlighted instances where staff members went out of their way to assist, such as arranging for a doctor to visit a guest's daughter who needed stitches. (12 mentions)
The hotel provides a shuttle service that runs throughout the property, making it easier for guests to navigate the hilly terrain. Many guests appreciated this service, especially those staying in rooms located far from the main facilities. (11 mentions)
The hotel's property is described as beautiful and lush, with abundant vegetation and wildlife such as birds, capybaras, and coatis. Guests enjoyed the natural surroundings and the opportunity to feel close to nature. (11 mentions)
Traveler Reviews
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