Jaguarundi Lodge, Monteverde

Pros

• Guests can enjoy spotting wildlife on the property and from their rooms, as the surrounding nature provides habitat to many critters.
• Most rooms are in a duplex setting, with only two rooms per building so that you can enjoy some privacy and a relatively quiet stay.
• Enjoy nature or catch glimpses of the wildlife on the hotel's half-mile (1 km) walking trail.
• The hotel is very close to downtown Santa Elena and not as hilly as other properties, so the walk there and back is quick and pleasant. 

Cons

• Though you can enjoy breakfast each morning, keep in mind that there's no restaurant on site.
• Since you'll be in the forest, don't be surprised if you encounter some insects or other little critters at the hotel and possibly in your room. 
• The jungle setting is definitely a plus, but all the trees mean no views.
• There's no air-conditioning in any of the rooms. 
• The lodge has limited amenities with no gym, spa, or pool available on-site. 

Authenticity

It doesn't get more Costa Rican than being enveloped by a beautiful, dense, chatty forest. You'll be right in the thick of it, so there are no coastal views, but you might be too busy watching the monkeys in the trees anyway! 

Location

Jaguarundi Lodge is almost in downtown Santa Elena and on a relatively flat street, so you can easily walk to nearby restaurants, cafés, and attractions. Getting to the area's main sites still requires a car or transfer, but it's not a long drive. You can get to both the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Sky Adventures Park in under 15 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms are straightforward, with a rustic cabin-like feel. Some have upgraded to tile floors, but you'll still get that rural vibe with wood ceilings and paneling, plus balconies or terraces that look out into the jungle. The room layout is slightly different, with shelving and clothes racks in the bathrooms rather than the main area. The modern and clean bathrooms are also getting an upgrade to tile, and you'll have your own minifridge. 

Wildlife

We've come to expect a welcome greeting from the front desk upon arrival, but how about an impromptu "hello" from a troop of howler monkeys? It's not surprising to see these loud animals high above your room as they move through the forest throughout the day, plus other birds and insects that call the area home. Mot mots, Black Guans, and Brown Jays are just some of the other creatures you can expect to spot. 

Amenities

Jaguarundi Lodge has limited amenities available - there's no gym, spa, or pool for travelers to enjoy. You'll probably want to stay elsewhere if these resort-style amenities are part of your dream destination; otherwise, the lodge offers a wonderfully peaceful experience. You'll also have all the basics needed for a comfortable stay, including free WiFi and parking. The lodge isn't very accessible for travelers with limited mobility as the property is hilly, and rooms have staired entryways. 

Family-Friendliness

Due to the limited amenities offered, families who want to spend most of their time off-site exploring the surrounding area will do best with stays at this lodge. You'll want to book one of the Superior Cabins, as they give you a little extra space. Children of all ages are welcome and stay for free when sharing a cabin with their parents. 

Other Highlights

If you want to immerse yourself in nature completely, Jaguarundi Lodge's setting will definitely be the highlight for you. You can also explore the grounds via a half-mile walking trail. Enjoy a traditional breakfast each morning, offered at the lodge's adjacent sister property, where you can also dine during happy hour or dinner.