Koora Hotel, Monteverde

Kimkim team favorite · 5.0 (23 reviews) · Upscale
Secluded retreat in Monteverde Cloud Forest, offering modern bungalows, gourmet dining, and exceptional views

Overview

Sleep among the cloud forest canopy at upscale Koora Hotel in one of its bungalows on a hill surrounded by trees, some with vistas that reach the Pacific. The hotel's prime location allows guests to explore nearby orchid and butterfly gardens or set out on canopy tours and nature walks. Accommodations range from suites in the main lodge to treetop bungalows with large picture windows and private balconies that blend seamlessly with the encircling forest. Perks include gourmet meals at Kiré Restaurant & Bar, in-room massage, spotting wildlife on-site, and complimentary access to the nature reserve down the street.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, July 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • Relax at a peaceful and truly stunning property enclosed by lush 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.
  • The on-site restaurant serves delicious food 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
  • Koora is a bit farther from downtown Santa Elena and Monteverde village than other recommended properties and requires a 20-30-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, and you can sign up for a yoga class.

Additional Notes From Brittany

I was not ready to leave Koora Hotel 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, 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 beautiful 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 and connects to the village of Monteverde. As a tradeoff, getting into either 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 either "downtown" area with a handful of 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. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of Koora Hotel's recently renovated rooms and bungalows is designed to bring the outdoors in, featuring large picture windows that frame views of the lush forest and the distant Pacific Ocean. Interiors are minimalistic, with smooth hardwood flooring and wood-beamed ceilings (some painted white), punctuated by playful bursts of mustard yellow, velvet-upholstered seating. Modern bathrooms have 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 can also access all the necessary basics like free parking, laundry services, and surprisingly fast 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 staircases may not be suitable for those who toddle. 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, motmots, 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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 64544960
Hotel address icon Northeast of Banco de Costa Rica, Santa Elena
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Friendly and Attentive Staff

Guests frequently mention the staff being very friendly, attentive, and professional. Many reviews highlight that staff knew guests by name and were quick to respond to any needs or questions, enhancing the overall guest experience. (10 mentions)

Howard
“The staff would greet us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were.”  — Howard L.
C
“From the moment arrived, they called us by name and made sure we were cared for.”  — chari p.
M
“Every one of the staff knew us by name and would check on us to see how they could best help us.”  — Michael H.
Amazing Views

The hotel is noted for its incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula, Pacific ocean, and the surrounding cloud forest. Guests enjoyed the breathtaking scenery from their rooms and the hotel's location. (6 mentions)

M
“The views, the staff and rooms are incredible.”  — Morgan F.
Joseph
“Nestled up in the mountains with incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula and Pacific ocean”  — Joseph M.
Wendy
“The view was breathtaking.”  — Wendy S.
Superb Food

The food at the hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, who describe it as superb, delicious, and some of the best they've had in Costa Rica. Guests appreciated the variety and quality of the meals, and many chose to eat most of their meals at the hotel. (6 mentions)

Howard
“The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered.”  — Howard L.
Amy
“The food was some of the best we had in Costa Rica.”  — Amy W.
Wendy
“The food at the hotel was wonderful.”  — Wendy S.
Comfortable and Spacious Rooms

The rooms, especially the family unit with two levels, were described as comfortable, light-filled, and spacious. Guests found them to be well-maintained and conducive to a relaxing stay. (5 mentions)

M
“The views, the staff and rooms are incredible.”  — Morgan F.
C
“The room was like living in a treehouse.”  — chari p.
Wendy
“The family unit we stayed in was so lovely. It had two levels (it's like a mini apartment) and it was just so comfortable, light-filled, and spacious.”  — Wendy S.

Traveler Reviews

23 total ratings, 20 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
5.0
Location
4.8
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.9
Bryan
Bryan B.
| Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025
Everything was exceptional. Staff, location and comfort of the rooms. Read more

Everything was exceptional. Staff, location and comfort of the rooms.

Authenticity & Character
The location on the side of the mountain was stunning. Great views from our room!
Location
Not too far from downtown. Would be nice if they had some sort of shuttle service.
Staff
They made a point to know everyone’s name at every meal as well as any specific allergies that we had. Front desk staff went above and beyond getting us local coffee beans when our time became limited and it appeared we wouldn’t be able to get any. They were absolutely amazing and the definition of total customer service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds, pillows, coffee and snacks were amazing! Special gifts on top of everything including a welcome drink when we arrived.
Stayed in March 2025
S
[email protected] S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2025
Incredible views from high elevation down to the ocean. Breakfast buffet was very good. Staff was amazing. Walkways have very extreme elevations. You will get a work out. Read more

Incredible views from high elevation down to the ocean. Breakfast buffet was very good. Staff was amazing.

Walkways have very extreme elevations. You will get a work out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views and staff
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2025
D
Debra O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2025
Fantastic!! Read more

Fantastic!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views
Staff
Front desk
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2025
A
Anica M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2025
There is a reason this hotel consistently gets 5 stars! We loved the restaurant, the tranquil vibes, and the remodeled modern rooms. We saw coatis, agutis, mott-mott birds and tucans right from the resort. We also enjoyed the hiking trails right next door (where we saw an armadillo and lots of hummingbirds), the soaking tubs, and the fire pits. The food at Koora was definitely the best of our three resorts. And the staff connected via WhatsApp, so any questions we had could be texted to them... Read more

There is a reason this hotel consistently gets 5 stars! We loved the restaurant, the tranquil vibes, and the remodeled modern rooms. We saw coatis, agutis, mott-mott birds and tucans right from the resort. We also enjoyed the hiking trails right next door (where we saw an armadillo and lots of hummingbirds), the soaking tubs, and the fire pits. The food at Koora was definitely the best of our three resorts. And the staff connected via WhatsApp, so any questions we had could be texted to them (e.g., Which nearby restaurants would you recommend and can you call us a taxi to the restaurant?). We also enjoyed the coffee and snack they left in the room. Our only recommendation would be to add more hooks for hanging towels and wet swimsuits. Koora was fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Location
You are basically in the cloud forest. Beautiful, surrounded by nature. Quiet.
Staff
They learned our names at the restaurant. Above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds, clean rooms, nice black out curtains, quiet.
Stayed in March 2025
Russ
Russ D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2025
Incredible room, large two full bedrooms separate unit close to the pool spa. Very secluded beautiful five star. Read more

Incredible room, large two full bedrooms separate unit close to the pool spa. Very secluded beautiful five star.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff here couldn’t have been more helpful. And their system to communicate by WhatsApp was very easy to use. Marco, the manager was very helpful as well as Raquel
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2025
S
Sam D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025
Beautiful , quiet, romantic setting Read more

Beautiful , quiet, romantic setting

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Polite, helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room two bedrooms and bathrooms
Stayed in January 2025
Samantha
Samantha S.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2024
This hotel had stunning rooms and the attention to detail was beyond expectation. The food was exceptional and all the staff took the time to always call us by our names! Best customer service I have had at a hotel before. We will be back. Read more

This hotel had stunning rooms and the attention to detail was beyond expectation. The food was exceptional and all the staff took the time to always call us by our names! Best customer service I have had at a hotel before. We will be back.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On a hill with floor to ceiling windows for view
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2024
Alexia
Alexia M.
Lansdale, PA | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2024
Beautiful, clean, new, fresh, lots of nature to look at. There was an onsite trail to explore, pools and restaurants great! Read more

Beautiful, clean, new, fresh, lots of nature to look at. There was an onsite trail to explore, pools and restaurants great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Loved the ladies at the front desk!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2024
Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
We stayed 3 nights and ate most meals at hotel. The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered. We stayed in the Cloudforest Bungalow and it felt like we were in the middle of the trees. The staff would great us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were. Read more

We stayed 3 nights and ate most meals at hotel. The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered. We stayed in the Cloudforest Bungalow and it felt like we were in the middle of the trees. The staff would great us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The restaurant staff was amazing. There were several but Allison and Eric were a few standouts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024
Frank
Frank H.
Winchester, VA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Outstanding location and accommodations Read more

Outstanding location and accommodations

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Went over and beyond our expectations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2024

Like what you see?

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 64544960
Hotel address icon Northeast of Banco de Costa Rica, Santa Elena
View on Expedia Open in Google Maps Hotel website