Koora Hotel, Monteverde

Pros

• Relax at a quiet and truly stunning property surrounded by nature with great views of the Gulf of Nicoya—meaning pretty amazing daily sunsets.
• Almost all rooms are standalone bungalows, offering more privacy and tranquility with balconies overlooking the cloud forest.
• Guests will enjoy complimentary access to the nearby Aguti Reserve, filled with 200-year-old trees, birds, butterflies, and other critters, such as agoutis and coatis.
• All the food served at the on-site restaurant is delicious and grown right on the property, and the outdoor seating is perfect for a meal or drinks at sunset. 
• The hotel provides board games, picnic supplies, and umbrellas for guest use.

Cons

• The hotel is a bit farther from downtown Santa Elena than other recommended properties and requires a 25-30-minute walk uphill along a dirt road. 
• Currently, the hotel has limited amenities as there's no pool, fitness center, or spa, though in-room massage and body treatments are available upon request.

Additional Notes From Brittany

I was not ready to leave Hotel Koora at the end of my site inspection! The hospitality here is second to none, and the staff is happy to work with guests to meet their needs and special requests—I watched the front desk staff sit down and teach a family of young children how to play the Costa Rican board game, Estampida. There's a lot to love here, but by far, the best part of the visit was the sampling of yogurt, bread, juices, and salsa provided while sitting on the restaurant's balcony, taking in the views of the Gulf of Nicoya.

Authenticity

Expect a warm welcome from the start. Upon arrival, the hotel will greet you with a towel and drink and then walk you to your room, where a welcome letter awaits. Besides the incredible hospitality, you can truly enjoy Costa Rican nature here. You'll have stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya and complimentary access to Agouti Reserve, which has several miles of trails. Meanwhile, the site's restaurant is named Kiré, a word inspired by the property's connection to the Indigenous Maleku people, meaning "light." Past kimkim guests have raved about the meals served at the restaurant, where ingredients are sourced from local, sustainable farmers. 

Location

You'll enjoy a quiet and private location far from the main road that runs through Santa Elena. As a tradeoff, getting into town and some of the area attractions takes a little bit longer, so guests might want to rent a car or hire a transfer to get out and about. Still, just a 5-minute drive gets you to the "downtown" area with a few dining and shopping options scattered throughout, and both the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Sky Adventures Park are 15 minutes away. Conveniently, you can seek out wildlife at the adjacent Aguti Reserve, a 1-minute walk, or hit the dirt road for 20 minutes to check out Monteverde Orchid Garden and Butterfly Gardens. The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria Airport, about a 3-hour drive east.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of Koora Hotel's rooms and bungalows, recently renovated, is designed to bring the outdoors in, featuring large picture windows that frame views of the lush forest and the distant Pacific Ocean. The interiors are minimalistic, with smooth parquet flooring and wood-beamed ceilings (some painted white), punctuated by playful bursts of chartreuse mod seating. Bathrooms are modern, with large tile and textured walls, floating sinks, and backlit mirrors. Whether you choose a suite in the main lodge or a secluded bungalow in the treetops, you'll enjoy amenities like air-conditioning, soundproofed walls, and private balconies or terraces with rocking chairs—ideal for soaking in the surroundings.

Amenities

While the hotel doesn't have a pool, spa, or fitness center, you can participate in a yoga class or schedule an in-room relaxing or deep-tissue massage. You also have access to all the necessary basics like free parking, laundry services, and surprisingly fast free WiFi (given the rural location). Kiré Restaurant & Bar serves gourmet international dishes (with vegetarian and vegan options) using sustainably sourced produce with a Costa Rican twist (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Travelers with limited mobility will want to book one of the Junior Bungalows as they're wheelchair accessible. 

Family-Friendliness

Koora Hotel has been very popular with families due to the treehouse aesthetic of the individual bungalows. The Grand Vista Suite sleeps up to six guests, and the Cloud Forest Bungalow and Forest Junior Bungalow sleep four. The first two children under 12 stay for free in family bungalows and suites. However, you'll want to take caution, as some rooms with (spiral) staircases may not be suitable for toddlers. The hotel offers a children's menu in the restaurant and is relatively stroller-friendly. 

Wildlife

Located on a hillside in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Koora Hotel gives travelers great opportunities to spot wildlife. Monkeys and colorful native birds are some of the more common wildlife entries, easily spottable from the pathways connecting the individual bungalows. The adjacent Aguti Reserve, included in your stay, provides opportunities to see coatis, sloths, and more along its nature trails.

Other Highlights

Koora Hotel has thought of all the details and provides little things like picnic supplies for snacks in the garden, umbrellas for drizzly days, and board games for cozy evenings. Kiré Restaurant & Bar's outdoor dining space sits above the cloud forest and wraps around the restaurant to provide 360-degree views. You can also enjoy a daily happy hour while grabbing a drink at the bar.