Ficus Sunset Suites, Monteverde

Pros

• The hilltop location offers incredible views stretching to the Gulf of Nicoya, particularly at sunset.
• If you dine at the on-site restaurant, you'll enjoy vegetables and herbs grown in the 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.
• There's a short hiking trail on the property. 

Cons

• There's no pool, but a small spa offers treatments with a view of the cloud forest.
• The property isn't accessible, as it requires an uphill walk to return to the hotel from Santa Elena and to get to rooms.
• Being close to the town center means it can get a little noisy.
• WiFi connectivity can be hit or miss, but the newly added air-conditioning is a welcome perk.

Authenticity

Though Ficus Sunset Suites is a small, simple property, they do a nice job weaving 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 grounds, and the on-site greenhouse provides ingredients for the 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

A recent renovation means you'll find fresh decor, updated amenities, and air-conditioning in all 20 of the hotel's suites. Simple yet comfortable furnishings, contemporary bathrooms with open tiled showers, and private balconies or terraces complete the amenities. Options include Sunset View (facing the Gulf of Nicoya) or Mountain View (facing the property's private forest) suites with two queen beds or one king. Rollaway beds are available for small groups and families. 

Amenities

There's no pool or spa on-site, but there's a small gym and a short hiking trail guests can use. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, and the top-floor bar and restaurant is the place to be at sunset. The kitchen utilizes the property's garden for fresh vegetables and herbs, and you'll find a nice selection of Costa Rican classics and fusion-inspired dishes on the menu. There's also a small on-site spa, where you can book wellness treatments like massages and facials with views over the cloud forest. 

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 options for families are the queen suites, which accommodate up to four guests, and extra beds are available on request.  

Wildlife

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

Sustainability

The property is mindful of sustainability, with its on-site greenhouse providing goods to the restaurant and its use of organic coffee from the local Heliconia Ranch.