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 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.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 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.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 startedTravelers often mention
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
4.4
4.6
4.6
4.3
was very good. Disappointing Read more
Like what you see?
Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with hotels like this.
Get startedHotels in Monteverde
Show more hotels in MonteverdeHotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has grown "little by little," starting with just five rooms in 2000 and gradually adding units every few years. Today, the hotel hosts 30 warm and...
Koora Hotel at Monteverde
Sleep among the cloud forest at Koora Hotel, as each bungalow sits on a hill surrounded by trees with vistas out to the coast. Perks include meals at the restaurant with its...
Sibū Lodge
Sibū Lodge, located in Costa Rica's Monteverde region, is a newly renovated boutique hotel with a serene and relaxing atmosphere. With 14 modern rooms and plans for an...
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
With bright and airy rooms, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers a restful stay in the forest, complete with an outdoor pool surrounded by dense vegetation. All units feature...
Cloud Forest Lodge
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,...
Hotels in Costa Rica
Show more hotels in Costa RicaPark Inn San Jose by Radisson
You'll find the same color theme here in San José as in any Park Inn by Radisson hotel. Plain and simple, the hotel is no-frills but does offer an outdoor pool, fitness center,...
La Mariposa Hotel
As it's a hillside property, most travelers stay at La Mariposa Hotel for its incredible views, some of the best in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is updating all rooms, so some are...
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, which has sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Its 82...
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs is a simple getaway with an on-site Costa Rican-Japanese fusion restaurant, an outdoor pool, and thermal pools of various temperatures. The...
Hotel Costa Verde
The vibe at this 70-room hotel, which has quirky features like an airplane converted into a private suite, might be described as "Costa Rica kitsch." Hotel Costa Verde opened...
Monteverde Experiences
Show more Monteverde experiencesTreetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Venture into the cloud forest for an outdoor adventure that involves hiking, zip lining, and more. Start by boarding the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Treetopia Park Monteverde,...
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Discover the Santa Elena Cloud Forest on a guided hike. While the Monteverde Reserve is on the "must-see" list for most travelers to Costa Rica, the Santa Elena Reserve offers...
100% Aventura Adventure Park Zip Line
Experience an exhilarating zip line adventure in the country where this thrilling activity was born! Your journey begins with an ascent, guiding you high above the jungle canopy...
Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
Ideal for nature lovers and science enthusiasts, this hiking adventure in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve introduces you to one of the jewels in Costa Rica's ecological crown....
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Visit a Costa Rican farm in the Monteverde area to learn about coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane cultivation. The experience begins with an introduction to the history of coffee...
Best of Monteverde
Best of MonteverdeHow Many Days to Spend in Monteverde
Monteverde is one of the Central American nation's most popular ecotourism hot spots, and the main reason travelers come here is to tour the cloud forests. In 24 hours, you can...
How to Choose the Best Night Walk in Monteverde
The lush landscapes and brightly-colored birds Monteverde is known for are undoubtedly worth seeing during the day. However, with 80 percent of the area's wildlife active after...
Where to Eat in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zip-line adventures . The...
How to Choose the Best Cloud Forest Experience in Monteverde
The colorful wildlife (yes, the resplendent quetzal resides here), lush vegetation, and abundance of hiking trails found in the misty cloud forests of Monteverde make it an...
Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and hiking and ziplining options....
Costa Rica Travel Advice
Costa Rica Travel AdviceHow to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
Best Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica For Every Level
Costa Rica's dry season is from November to April. But May signals the beginning of the rainy season, and it's then that the rivers rise—making it the best time for aquatic...
Where to Eat in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zip-line adventures . The...
How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience
Arenal Volcano is Costa Rica's best-known and most popular volcano, and travelers can experience it through hikes, horseback riding, and walking across hanging bridges. These...
7 Best Places for Birding in Costa Rica
More than a quarter of Costa Rica is protected jungle, home to a wide variety of native wildlife—including 850 colorful species of birds. Learn about the country's best areas to...
Costa Rica Travel Essentials
Costa Rica Travel EssentialsBest Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable...
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit
Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Driving in Costa Rica: Road Trip FAQ
Costa Rica has a way of igniting the adventurous spirit within. This is, after all, one of the world's most biodiverse countries loaded with rainforests, wildlife species,...
Costa Rica FAQ
Costa Rica is a natural marvel—a relatively small country boasting four UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and 28 national parks. Travelers heading to this biodiverse wonderland can read...
Costa Rica Travel Guides
Costa Rica Travel GuidesEssential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit
Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famous Volcano
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast
Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province is an eco-playground with plentiful beaches and large expanses of protected rainforest. This guide covers everything you need to know to...
Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and hiking and ziplining options....
Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo: Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast
While most visitors to Costa Rica will head west to the Pacific, the laidback lifestyle and Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine of Puerto Viejo beckon you to experience life on...
Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica
Make the Most of Your Time in Costa RicaHow Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica
You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active...
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...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks to spend in Costa Rica, travelers can truly enjoy the country's natural beauty and geographic diversity. Look for wildlife in the national parks, relax on...
Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries
Costa Rica Tours & ItinerariesBest of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed...
Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour
Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to...
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
This two-week itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You'll venture into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy zip-lining adventures, nature...
Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days
This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around...
Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the...
Trip Planning Essentials
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days
Costa Rica looks deceptively small on a map, a fact many travelers discover when trying to choose which of its locales to visit on vacation. We've eliminated this paradox of...
Costa Rica Travel Agents
Kimkim has selected the best Costa Rica travel agents so you'll have a worry-free trip
Most Viewed Costa Rica Content
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed...
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...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and...
2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks to spend in Costa Rica, travelers can truly enjoy the country's natural beauty and geographic diversity. Look for wildlife in the national parks, relax on...
Latest Travel Insights
Explore Turrialba & Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Set off an adventurous journey from the Costa Rican city of Turrialba to the Caribbean coast, immersing yourself in the country's untouched beauty and local culture. Start with...
Family-Friendly Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days
Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on this fun-filled, weeklong family tour. Start in La Fortuna, where you'll hike around the impressive Arenal...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 4 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
Given Costa Rica's size, you can fit jungle, aquatic, and urban adventures in your 10-day honeymoon. Outdoorsy couples will enjoy rafting the Río Pacuare and ziplining in...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
During a one-week honeymoon adventure in Costa Rica, you can experience pristine rainforest, secluded beaches, and volcanic landscapes. For a mix of all three, opt for a...
Romantic Costa Rica Road Trip: Mountains, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 10 Days
Perfect for active couples, this 10-day self-drive adventure in paradise gives you a glimpse of Costa Rica's lesser-explored gems. After a city tour of San José, drive deep into...