Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco, Monteverde

Kimkim team favorite · 4.4 (35 reviews) · Comfort
Comfortable hotel in a prime location near downtown Santa Elena with an on-site restaurant and outdoor swimming pools

Overview

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco has grown "little by little," starting with just five rooms in 2000 and gradually adding units every few years. Today, the hotel hosts 30 warm and simple rooms (some with patios and private Jacuzzis) near downtown Santa Elena. Guests can enjoy their meals at the on-site bar/restaurant, although the hotel is only two blocks from other restaurants and a grocery store. Poco a Poco is also a great place to relax, with its open-air (but covered) pool area and spa services that use regional botanicals from the Monteverde jungle.

Kimkim's Take

Jessica
Jessica Jennings kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2023 (Learn more)
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 2-minute walk down the street, and just a 5-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.

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.

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. 

Sustainability

Poco a Poco has a "4 Leaf" rating (out of 5) in the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (ICT) and is part of the Blue Flag and Green Flag programs, incentives to hoteliers to protect and support the beaches and surrounding natural environment.

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.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26456000
Hotel address icon Calle El Sol (328 ft/100 m east from The Frog Pond)
Free wifi
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Great Location

The hotel is in an excellent location, close to downtown and within walking distance to various shops, restaurants, and attractions. Many guests appreciated the proximity to Santa Elena and the local commercial center. (14 mentions)

Kelsey
“The location was right across the street from a supermarket and close to downtown”  — Kelsey C.
T
“Across the street from a shopping center and short walking distance to many of the local tourist attractions.”  — Todd K.
F
“The location was ideal and very walkable to the 'downtown' area of Monteverde”  — Frances C.
Comfortable Rooms and Beds

Rooms were generally described as comfortable with good beds and showers. However, some guests noted issues such as lack of air conditioning, small room size, and limited storage space. (10 mentions)

JULIE
“Bed was comfortable and staff very accommodating.”  — JULIE M.
A
“The rooms were modern and comfortable.”  — Aaron M.
B
“The rooms were large and comfortable”  — Brandon W.
Good Pool Area

The pool area, often covered, was highlighted as a nice feature, especially during rain. Many guests enjoyed the pool, hot tub, and lounging areas. (8 mentions)

S
“The pool was lovely and relaxing”  — Sharron M.
JULIE
“Pretty hotel, nice swimming pool and hot tube.”  — JULIE M.
A
“The hotel had a covered pool area with a good bar, a large jacuzzi and a large fire pit with seating which were popular in the evenings.”  — Anna L.
Well-Maintained Grounds and Trails

The hotel grounds were often described as beautiful and well-maintained, with lovely landscaping, walking trails, and outdoor seating options. (6 mentions)

A
“The landscaping is beautiful with a garden and walking trail.”  — Aaron M.
A
“The grounds were very well maintained with beautiful planting.”  — Anna L.
T
“Beautiful, well-maintained, short trail on the property.”  — Traci S.

Traveler Reviews

35 total ratings, 27 with reviews
4.4
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.7
Location
4.7
Staff
4.6
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.3
B
Brandon W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024
The location was wonderful, the amenities were very good, the staff was very friendly and helpful. In fact, the best meal we had was at a local restaurant across the street in the commercial center (2nd Floor) which someone recommended. We used the spa, which was well priced and a nice treat. The rooms were large and comfortable and ours had air conditioning. The negative which keeps them from 5 stars is that you cannot flush the toilet paper in the toilets. They should upgrade the... Read more

The location was wonderful, the amenities were very good, the staff was very friendly and helpful. In fact, the best meal we had was at a local restaurant across the street in the commercial center (2nd Floor) which someone recommended. We used the spa, which was well priced and a nice treat. The rooms were large and comfortable and ours had air conditioning. The negative which keeps them from 5 stars is that you cannot flush the toilet paper in the toilets. They should upgrade the system to handle that.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy location right near everything.
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2024
Amy
Amy S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
This is a cute hotel, located on the edge of town. There are a few aces to eat and shop nearby. Santa Elena is a few minutes walking distance. The restaurant was nice. Read more

This is a cute hotel, located on the edge of town. There are a few aces to eat and shop nearby. Santa Elena is a few minutes walking distance. The restaurant was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The Monteverde area is amazing. Santa Elena has a small downtown area, mostly filled with souvenir shops and a few restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2024
sagarika
sagarika r.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024
Beautiful landscapes, comfortable stay, room was very nicely prepared for the stay Read more

Beautiful landscapes, comfortable stay, room was very nicely prepared for the stay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
A
Andrew G.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024
Good location, the room did not have a balcony and was close to the road Read more

Good location, the room did not have a balcony and was close to the road

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
D
David H.
Crown Point, IN | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024
had a great room and view. pool area very nice. restaurant is very good. close to downtown. recommend staying here Read more

had a great room and view. pool area very nice. restaurant is very good. close to downtown. recommend staying here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024
Mandy
Mandy F.
Centreville, MD | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024
Out of our three hotels, this was our least favorite. We drove 3 1/2 hours from La Fortuna to Monteverde. We were tired from being in a cramped car. Our room was ready. Luckily when we got there. When we walked in the room was very small, no dresser or anywhere to put anything, and there was no air-conditioning and it was about 85° in the room. We went back to the front desk, but they had nothing else available. I don’t blame the hotel, but this is definitely, something Kim Kim should have... Read more

Out of our three hotels, this was our least favorite. We drove 3 1/2 hours from La Fortuna to Monteverde. We were tired from being in a cramped car. Our room was ready. Luckily when we got there. When we walked in the room was very small, no dresser or anywhere to put anything, and there was no air-conditioning and it was about 85° in the room. We went back to the front desk, but they had nothing else available. I don’t blame the hotel, but this is definitely, something Kim Kim should have told us. Apparently you can upgrade to a room with air-conditioning. At night time there was a breeze and it was cool so we had no trouble sleeping. We felt uncomfortable after complaining about the room. We kind of felt like all of the employees talked to each other about us, because we were ready to leave after realizing there was no air-conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Felt very authentic. My husband and I loved walking around the garden. I think if my husband and I came here alone, it would have been a different experience. It was charming and quiet and relaxing.
Location
It was only about a mile from town but to walk there you’re on dusty, curvy roads with not much of a side road.
Staff
The bartender in the indoor pool area was very short with my husband. Never really smiled. We noticed at dinner how friendly the staff was with locals, but different with us. Just kind of felt all around uncomfortable. When we first mentioned that we were not happy with no air-conditioning the lady at the front desk looked at us like we were crazy. She told us that it gets cooler at night and we would be fine.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Extremely small room. Enough room for two beds. Nowhere to put our suitcases and no dresser to put our clothes. Bathroom was small as well. We were on top of each other in a hot room. Got cool at night though. I do think there are other bigger rooms available upon request. Not sure how our travel agent would think that four of us would be comfortable in that tiny room with no air.
Stayed in January 2024
J
Joe M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2024

This is a larger resort property. It is large enough that they run shuttles from place to place. If that's what you're looking for, then I think this is a good place to stay. They are a little stingy with bottled water.

Stayed in December 2023
G
Guillermo T.
West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
Clean, nice pool area covered. Rooms worked, nothing amazing. Friends enjoyed spa. Great location. Read more

Clean, nice pool area covered. Rooms worked, nothing amazing. Friends enjoyed spa. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2023
S
Sharron M.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2023
A lovely boutique hotel with fabulous service. We ate in the restaurant a couple of times and the food was delicious. The pool was lovely and relaxing and the cocktails were great. Great activities to do in the area, we really enjoyed our stay. Read more

A lovely boutique hotel with fabulous service. We ate in the restaurant a couple of times and the food was delicious. The pool was lovely and relaxing and the cocktails were great. Great activities to do in the area, we really enjoyed our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2023
Chandni
Chandni K.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023
This hotel was a very lovely hotel. Rooms and bathrooms were spacious and breakfast was amazing! Views and wildlife were a huge plus! Read more

This hotel was a very lovely hotel. Rooms and bathrooms were spacious and breakfast was amazing! Views and wildlife were a huge plus!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 26456000
Hotel address icon Calle El Sol (328 ft/100 m east from The Frog Pond)
Free wifi