El Establo Mountain Hotel, Monteverde

4.2 (48 reviews) · Comfort
Mountain hotel with expansive grounds, an outdoor pool, hiking trails, ziplining, family-friendly features, and two dining options

Overview

El Establo Mountain Hotel sits atop a ridge overlooking the jungle, part of an expansive property complete with an outdoor pool, hiking trails, basketball courts, 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. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the impressive buffet with traditional Costa Rican dishes and international options. The other restaurant also serves lunch and dinner with outdoor dining.

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.

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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455110
Hotel address icon Bº Cerro Plano
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

48 total ratings, 31 with reviews
4.2
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.4
Location
4.6
Staff
4.6
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
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
K
Kiko S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on 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 life. We only had the breakfast buffet, which was great, bustling during pre-tour hours and the good variety. Treated to a spa massage, amazing. Wish we had more time here to check out the indoor pool and canopy tour but next time! Note: Take the hotel shuttle or drive, everything is uphill; or walk, your calves will look amazing afterwards. 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 life. We only had the breakfast buffet, which was great, bustling during pre-tour hours and the good variety. Treated to a spa massage, amazing. Wish we had more time here to check out the indoor pool and canopy tour but next time!

Note: Take the hotel shuttle or drive, everything is uphill; or walk, your calves will look amazing afterwards.

Authenticity & Character
On a mountain, great sunset spot, close by Children's Forest
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2024
Chris
Chris G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on 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 pool 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 pool

Authenticity & Character
Views are unbeatable, the spa is also amazing.
Location
Sunset views from the room and top of the property were great. Centrally located in town to access stores and restaurants
Staff
Friendly, courteous, helpful, friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2024
Shay
Shay J.
Bellingham, WA | Reviewed on 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. The room we were given was perfect for a family of four--it had three beds, a loft, and a balcony, so it felt spacious and comfortable, which was much-needed after being in the same room as everybody for the past week. The hotel had a lovely pool, a good breakfast, and peacocks! We also had a bonus cat in our hotel room--there's a resident... 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. The room we were given was perfect for a family of four--it had three beds, a loft, and a balcony, so it felt spacious and comfortable, which was much-needed after being in the same room as everybody for the past week.

The hotel had a lovely pool, a good breakfast, and peacocks! We also had a bonus cat in our hotel room--there's a resident cat who makes the rounds, and she appeared a few times and gave us a few laughs.

Authenticity & Character
A little dated but a beautiful mountain hotel.
Location
Close to everything but quiet and peaceful.
Staff
The check in staff person was awesome! She provided so much information, was friendly, and top-notch.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel was very clean and the beds were comfortable. I loved all of the places we could sit around the property to get out of the room and read/relax.
Stayed in December 2023
Victoria
Victoria C.
Charlottesville, VA | Reviewed on Nov 26, 2023
This is a gorgeous property staffed by friendly, helpful people, but the room itself fell short for me on a couple of measures. My three kids and I stayed in a family suite, which contained three beds--a full and a queen on the first level, and a king in the loft upstairs. I don't love this arrangement because nobody gets privacy--four people sleeping in one room is tricky for light sleepers and people who don't all go to bed at the same time. We were given a heads-up at check-in that the... Read more

This is a gorgeous property staffed by friendly, helpful people, but the room itself fell short for me on a couple of measures. My three kids and I stayed in a family suite, which contained three beds--a full and a queen on the first level, and a king in the loft upstairs. I don't love this arrangement because nobody gets privacy--four people sleeping in one room is tricky for light sleepers and people who don't all go to bed at the same time. We were given a heads-up at check-in that the room contained neither heat nor AC; you're in Monteverde, it doesn't get very hot, and can dip quite chilly at night. I can never be cold enough when I sleep, so I wasn't worried about not having heat, but the room was pretty stuffy and the loft actually hot when we arrived--I suspect it hadn't been occupied in a couple of days. It did cool off once we opened it up, and by our second night the loft was very comfortable, but the first night not so much. Another complaint is that the room was *dark*--Costa Rica is known for its energy conservation measures, and of course Americans are spoiled with our expectations of bright lights and blaring AC everywhere we go, but once the sun went down (which it does in CR between 5 and 6 all year), this room was ridiculous. There was one mirror in the sleeping area, but it was practically useless because by daylight it was brightly backlit by the windows and by night it was too dark to see yourself; this left only the mirror in the bathroom for dressing and getting ready which, again, when there are 4 people gets complicated. Hot water can be a challenge in lots of Costa Rican hotels, and that was very much the case here, where basically one of us could count on a hot shower per day, even with long intervals between people. This hotel was also just missing lots of little touches--nowhere to put your suitcase (except the floor), no extra blankets or pillows, no key to the safe, not enough water glasses or coffee cups, or supplies to make everyone's coffee or tea. I'm sure all of these things could've been had by calling the front desk, but it's already necessary to call for a shuttle to get most places on the property (which is a mile long from end to end), so who wants to keep calling for blankets and a safe key? The lunch/dinner restaurant was good, pretty views and good menus, and our dinner server Carmen was lovely. My daughter and I headed over to the pool for a hot tub soak at happy hour after a long day of hiking, only to find there is no hot tub and the pool is not heated, so we bundled up in towels and watched the sunset with our drinks. Again--delightful young woman working the bar, good drinks, but how is there no hot tub in a place that gets so chilly?! 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. The location is good, walkable to some restaurants and bakeries, close to town and attractions...just a little more rustic in terms of the actual accommodation than I would've preferred. But also not a bad value for what you get in terms of the whole resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
See above
Stayed in November 2023
Prasad
Prasad T.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2023
Rooms had no Air conditioning and no fans were provided. N o nprivacy in the rooms open toilets. Guest service not upto the mark. Read more

Rooms had no Air conditioning and no fans were provided. N o nprivacy in the rooms open toilets. Guest service not upto the mark.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great view from the rooms
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2023

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26455110
Hotel address icon Bº Cerro Plano