Hotel Ficus, Monteverde

Pros

• The hotel offers incredible views stretching to the Gulf of Nicoya, making for some amazing evenings watching the sun melt into the sea from the property.
• If you dine at the onsite restaurant, you'll enjoy vegetables and herbs grown at the hotel's own greenhouse.
• The location is ideal if you want to be close to the town center, as just a short walk takes you right into Santa Elena and its numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops.
• The hotel has a short hiking trail.

Cons

• There's currently no pool or spa at the hotel.
• The property isn't accessible, as it requires an uphill walk to return to the hotel from Santa Elena and to get to rooms.
• As a tradeoff to being close to the town center, the property can get a little noisy.
• WiFi connectivity is hit or miss.

Authenticity

Though a simple, standard hotel, the property weaves authentic Costa Rica into the guest experience. The views are some of the best in the area, you can enjoy a short hiking trail through the property, and the onsite greenhouse provides ingredients for the very delicious fusion menu served at the restaurant.

Location

You won't be far from the center of Santa Elena, under a half-mile and just about a 5-minute walk. The stroll into town is quite pleasant, but you'll use your lungs on the way back, as the trek is now uphill. The tradeoff for a hilly location is, of course, enjoying the incredible vistas from the property! Plan for a short 10-minute drive to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Sky Adventures Park. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Because Hotel Ficus opened in 2010, you'll find fairly modern accommodation in its 20 rooms. All feature simple yet comfortable furnishings, contemporary bathrooms with open tiled showers, and private balconies or terraces with views out to the Gulf of Nicoya or the property's private forest. A few rooms have the option of a king bed, and rollaway beds are available for small groups and families. Keep in mind that there's no air conditioning, but the hotel is happy to provide a fan in the room upon request. 

Sustainability

Hotel Ficus keeps sustainability in mind with its onsite greenhouse providing goods to the restaurant and its use of organic coffee from the local Heliconia Ranch.

Wildlife

Immersed in the Monteverde cloud forest, Hotel Ficus is located in one of the most biodiverse areas in Costa Rica. Past guests have still reported seeing some wildlife from the comfort of their own rooms and balconies, including howler monkeys, agoutis, and a wide range of birds.

Amenities

There's no pool or spa on-site, but there is a small gym and a short hiking trail guests can use. The top-floor bar and restaurant is the place to be at sunset. This hotel isn't ideal for those who have limited mobility: it's built on a steep hillside, and the hotel's buildings have stairs but no elevators. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is of average family-friendliness; it has rooms that can accommodate families with kids, but there are no special amenities for children, and young kids may find the steep hillsides difficult to navigate. Children don't stay for free but are charged reduced rates based on their age groups. The best room for families is the Deluxe Room, which can accommodate up to four guests. Extra beds are available on request.  

Other Highlights

The hotel's on-site restaurant is a highlight, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a beautiful top-floor dining room with fantastic views, especially at sunset. Plan for at least one dinner or drink at sunset to take advantage of the vistas. The hotel offers traditional Costa Rican and American breakfast options, happy hour specials, and a full bar.