El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde

4.2 (53 reviews) · Upscale
Mountain hotel with expansive grounds, an outdoor pool, hiking trails, ziplining, family-friendly features, and two dining options
Show all photos
B
Ben H.
Apr 15, 2024
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
K
Kiko S.
Feb 10, 2024
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
Chris
Chris G.
Feb 04, 2024
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
Shay
Shay J.
Dec 26, 2023
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
K
Kristin H.
Jul 04, 2023
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
Previous Next
See all reviews

Overview

El Establo Mountain Hotel sits atop a ridge overlooking the jungle, part of an expansive property complete with an outdoor pool, hiking trails, a canopy ziplining area, and more. Immersed in nature in a region with fantastic biodiversity, it's a family-friendly pick, though some travelers say it's due for renovations (the property first opened in 1991). There are 155 rooms and suites that feature high ceilings, large windows, and balconies or terraces and views, and guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the impressive buffet with traditional Costa Rican dishes and international options.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, July 2022 (Learn more)

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 insects in their rooms, especially at night when they're drawn to the indoor lights. 
  • The hotel has no air-conditioning (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 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.

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 on-site 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. 

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. 

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?

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

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455110
Hotel address icon Bº Cerro Plano
Hotel website icon Hotel website
El Establo Mountain Hotel map

Open map

Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Amazing Sunset Views

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)

K
“Don't leave during sunset, the views are amazing.”  — Kiko S.
J
“The views from the 800’s building were gorgeous”  — Jenelle B.
Adam
“The views from my room and balcony open up to green grass and trees with mountains in the distance and are perfect for watching the sunset!”  — Adam G.
Friendly and Helpful Staff

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)

K
“The staff and van drivers were very nice and at your door as soon as you called for a shuttle.”  — Kristin H.
B
“The hotel staff offered to have a doctor visit the hotel to have her treated.”  — Ben H.
Victoria
“This is a gorgeous property staffed by friendly, helpful people”  — Victoria C.
Great Shuttle Service

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)

Adam
“The property is large and has many different buildings; if you are in the upper lodges, it is a long walk uphill, or you can wait for the shuttle that runs up and down the property.”  — Adam G.
J
“the shuttle busses made traveling the mile (up and downhill) between the rooms and reception/restaurants very do-able”  — Jenelle B.
E
“The property is huge — and pretty — and there are shuttles to take you everywhere if you don’t want to/can’t walk”  — Erica B.
Beautiful Grounds and Nature

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)

Adam
“Lush vegetation was everywhere, and I saw many birds, a capybara, coati, and more!”  — Adam G.
Victoria
“I loved sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee and watching the clouds over the gulf of Nicoya in the mornings, and we saw lots of birds and small animals as well”  — Victoria C.
Shay
“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.”  — Shay J.

Traveler Reviews

53 total ratings, 36 with reviews
4.2
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.4
Location
4.6
Staff
4.6
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
Ashley
Ashley A.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Feb 10, 2025
This place is beautiful and in a great setting! The wind up there really gets to high MPH, so the door on the back patio really rattles through the night. Still a great spot to stay. Great food too! Read more

This place is beautiful and in a great setting! The wind up there really gets to high MPH, so the door on the back patio really rattles through the night. Still a great spot to stay. Great food too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
It's on a mountain with incredible views!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2025
J
Junghee P.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Feb 01, 2025
The views from the room was amazing and we enjoyed the trails on the hotel grounds. However, the overall amenities of the hotel (like breakfast) was just average (when compared to other places that we have stayed). Read more

The views from the room was amazing and we enjoyed the trails on the hotel grounds. However, the overall amenities of the hotel (like breakfast) was just average (when compared to other places that we have stayed).

Authenticity & Character
Our room had a nice view of the mountains.
Location
The hotel sat on a forested mountain slope and had hiking trails on the premises. Some rooms were located extremely high on the mountain and required a shuttle. While the location afforded beautiful views, people with mobility issues could find this hotel challenging.
Staff
The staff were friendly and were happy to engage in spanish language conversations with a non-native speaker.
Cleanliness & Comfort
At night, an upstairs banging noise (caused by a door or window perhaps?) during a windstorm was very noisy and it disturbed our sleep. The quality of breakfast food was average, when compared to other similar hotels worldwide.
Stayed in January 2025
ann marie
ann marie t.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025
The design is very modern and clean and it is a huge and beautiful property. It is so steep and large that moving from place to place requires a shuttle even for people who love physical activity. We had to pay $20 each, just to take a walk on the trails above the property And this seems odd to me The breakfast was also chaotic and stressful with tons of people from tour buses. We did not find it, relaxing at all Read more

The design is very modern and clean and it is a huge and beautiful property. It is so steep and large that moving from place to place requires a shuttle even for people who love physical activity. We had to pay $20 each, just to take a walk on the trails above the property And this seems odd to me The breakfast was also chaotic and stressful with tons of people from tour buses. We did not find it, relaxing at all

Authenticity & Character
It’s very nature oriented with beautiful views
Location
The location is walkable to downtown and in a beautiful setting with tremendous views. It’s just such a steep and spread out footprint.
Staff
The front desk staff were wonderful and the shuttle drivers were very nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were pristine
Stayed in January 2025
H
Harry Z.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025
Nice room with a great view. Because of multiple unit levels getting around was time consuming as you had to wait for van transport. Dining room good and food tasty. Staff very polite. Read more

Nice room with a great view. Because of multiple unit levels getting around was time consuming as you had to wait for van transport.

Dining room good and food tasty. Staff very polite.

Authenticity & Character
Nice modern design.
Location
Close to some shops.
Staff
Very polite.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room nice but decorated very plainly.
Stayed in January 2025
Marc
Marc A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2025
The rooms are pretty good. They have a minimalist feel with very large windows to look into the cloud forest.
The hotel is close enough to the center of town but the hotel and town have very large hills.
So if you can’t manage the hills you will need help or a car.
The rest of the hotel is dated.
There is no air conditioning at all. We were there in December so it was manageable but if it was warmer; it would have been awful.
The breakfast buffet was good. Read more

The rooms are pretty good. They have a minimalist feel with very large windows to look into the cloud forest.
The hotel is close enough to the center of town but the hotel and town have very large hills.
So if you can’t manage the hills you will need help or a car.
The rest of the hotel is dated.
There is no air conditioning at all. We were there in December so it was manageable but if it was warmer; it would have been awful.
The breakfast buffet was good.

Authenticity & Character
It’s old and dated
Location
Near town
Staff
Staff is nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
AC or fans would be helpful
Stayed in December 2024
Jennifer
Jennifer P.
West Columbia, SC | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
This hotel has beautiful views, but it was a little more rustic than I like. It is situated on a very steep hill, making it very difficult to walk the grounds. Thank goodness they have a shuttle bus to pick you up and drive you to the on site restaurant. The food was delicious. Read more

This hotel has beautiful views, but it was a little more rustic than I like. It is situated on a very steep hill, making it very difficult to walk the grounds. Thank goodness they have a shuttle bus to pick you up and drive you to the on site restaurant. The food was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2021
Adam
Adam G.
Boulder, CO | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2024
It is in a great location on a beautiful property! The property is large and has many different buildings; if you are in the upper lodges, it is a long walk uphill, or you can wait for the shuttle that runs up and down the property. Lush vegetation was everywhere, and I saw many birds, a capybara, coati, and more! The views from my room and balcony open up to green grass and trees with mountains in the distance and are perfect for watching the sunset! There is a swimming pool on-site, as... Read more

It is in a great location on a beautiful property! The property is large and has many different buildings; if you are in the upper lodges, it is a long walk uphill, or you can wait for the shuttle that runs up and down the property. Lush vegetation was everywhere, and I saw many birds, a capybara, coati, and more!

The views from my room and balcony open up to green grass and trees with mountains in the distance and are perfect for watching the sunset!

There is a swimming pool on-site, as well as a little restaurant and bar. The main restaurant, where breakfast was served, holds about 100 people. It was sometimes crowded, and it is a larger hotel property when I was at breakfast.

I'm a kimkim staff member, and I was on a work trip and stayed at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
I loved the sunset views. Even though it is a larger property with lots of people, the lodges are spaced out and offer a smaller hotel feel!
Location
There were a few restaurants nearby and a small grocery store! It was a quick taxi ride into the center, about $5-10.
Staff
Everybody was friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
They had somebody clean the room, and they were super nice!
Terry
Terry M.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Disappointed especially after Arenal Hot Springs. Too many steps to get to the room. Food selection/quality was not good. Pool was loud with a bunch of kids. Hard to relax. Courtesy transport
was very good. Disappointing Read more

Disappointed especially after Arenal Hot Springs. Too many steps to get to the room. Food selection/quality was not good. Pool was loud with a bunch of kids. Hard to relax. Courtesy transport
was very good. Disappointing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2024
B
Ben H.
Columbus, OH | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024
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 minute walk. The shuttles made getting around the hotel super easy. I would recommend staying as high up as possible. You get a good view and a bit more of a breeze. I can't say enough about the staff. My daughter tripped and was injured and required stiches. The hotel staff offered to have a doctor visit the hotel to have her treated. They could... Read more

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 minute walk. The shuttles made getting around the hotel super easy. I would recommend staying as high up as possible. You get a good view and a bit more of a breeze.

I can't say enough about the staff. My daughter tripped and was injured and required stiches. The hotel staff offered to have a doctor visit the hotel to have her treated. They could not have been nicer.

I would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
John
John F.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024
VERY noisy. It was so big. The restaurant was one of the best however. The breakfast, one of the worst. Read more

VERY noisy. It was so big. The restaurant was one of the best however. The breakfast, one of the worst.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Noise
Stayed in March 2024

Like what you see?

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

Get started

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455110
Hotel address icon Bº Cerro Plano
Hotel website icon Hotel website
El Establo Mountain Hotel map

Open map

Hotels in Monteverde

Show more hotels in Monteverde
Previous Next

Hotels in Costa Rica

Show more hotels in Costa Rica
Previous Next

Monteverde Experiences

Show more Monteverde experiences
Previous Next

Best of Monteverde

Best of Monteverde
Previous Next

Costa Rica Travel Advice

Costa Rica Travel Advice
Previous Next

Costa Rica Travel Essentials

Costa Rica Travel Essentials
Previous Next

Costa Rica Travel Guides

Costa Rica Travel Guides
Previous Next

Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica

Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica
Previous Next

Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries

Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries
Previous Next

Trip Planning Essentials

Previous Next

Most Viewed Costa Rica Content

5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries
Map of 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries

With less than a week, it's possible to experience many of Costa Rica's star attractions. You can visit misty cloud forests, go whale watching on the Pacific, view wildlife in...

Previous Next

Latest Travel Insights

Previous Next