Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, Monteverde

Pros

• For being near downtown Santa Elena, this location is hard to beat.
• There are a lot of on-site amenities to enjoy here, including a restaurant with a happy hour that occasionally plays music on the weekends.
• Enjoy the property's features, such as the outdoor firepit, kids' play area, on-site nature trail and gardens, and covered pool and hot tub.
• Indulge in spa services (for an additional fee), which feature local products derived from nature and take place outside in the fresh air.

Cons

• Noise carries easily into the rooms, so the property can get a little loud. 
• Not all rooms have air-conditioning or mini-fridges.
• No gym available at Poco a Poco. 
• Travelers aren't likely to spot much wildlife at the hotel, often a selling point of other lodging options near Santa Elena. 

Authenticity

Upon arrival at Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, the property doesn't look like much. But as you start to explore the grounds, you may feel like you're in a bit of a secret oasis. Wooden patios, tropical gardens, a small nature path, and outdoor pools create a relaxing environment that perfectly matches the vibe of Monteverde.

Location

Poco a Poco is conveniently located in the middle of Santa Elena, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and even a grocery store within walking distance. This is a unique perk, as many other Monteverde accommodations require a car or taxi to get into Santa Elena. You'll also be near a couple of attractions, including Frog Pond, which is a two-minute walk down the street, and just a five-minute drive will get you to the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Choose from standard rooms, deluxe units, or suites, with the latter featuring private terraces. If you'd like to splurge, the Honeymoon Suite has its own Jacuzzi. All units have free WiFi, coffeemakers, and decent bathrooms; upgraded rooms feature air-conditioning and minifridges. One thing to keep in mind is the storage within the rooms. Wardrobes are more like dressers in that they're short with some drawers and a place to hang a few pieces of clothing.

Sustainability

Poco a Poco has a "4 Leaf" rating in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (ICT) and is part of the Blue Flag and Green Flag programs.

Wildlife

The hotel is smack-dab in the middle of Santa Elena, limiting the wildlife viewing opportunities that so many lodging options in the area are known for. While you might still spot monkeys, colorful birds, and butterflies in the canopy above the hotel, for the best experiences, you'll need to plan to go off-site to one of the many natural attractions nearby. 

Amenities

Not many hotels in Santa Elena have a pool, but you're in luck at Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, which has a heated and covered pool, allowing you to enjoy it in any weather. Next to the pool is a small Jacuzzi and poolside bar. Naroa Spa offers a full range of massage and beauty treatments. There are accessible rooms on the ground floor, but travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator to reach the upper floors. 

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome, with kids under 11 staying for free. There's a maximum of two children per room. The Garden Family room is the best option for families at the hotel, as it comes with extra beds and is double the size of standard rooms. There are no special menus or activities offered for children, but the pool and play area have been a big hit with families who have stayed here.

Other Highlights

You can enjoy complimentary breakfast and other meals at the on-site restaurant, which are tasty but a little pricey. A pool bar serves drinks, or you can order them for delivery as you soak in the hot tubs. The hotel also has a beautiful garden with a nature path.