Los Pinos - Cabañas & Jardines, Monteverde

Pros

• Enjoy privacy and a little extra space of your own, as each accommodation is a standalone cabin with an equipped kitchenette, living room, and dining area.
• This is a great option for families who want to cook meals and have a multi-room unit where everyone can spread out and enjoy their own space.
• The cabin setup and forested grounds create quite a quiet experience surrounded by nature, and you'll have access to several walking trails on the grounds.
• The hotel is family-owned and operated and provides impressive customer service catering to individual guests and their unique needs.
• There's a strong focus on sustainability with specific initiatives and user-friendly informational signs around the property about how to be a more sustainable traveler.

Cons

• Though the private bungalows are a plus, the rooms are basic, and some feel dated.
• There aren't those typical amenities you might expect, as this is more of an independent apartment rental. So there's no pool, restaurant, spa, or breakfast.
• Outside of walking distance from Santa Elena, so you'll need to have a car or arrange for transfers. 
• No air-conditioning in any of the units. 

Authenticity

Los Pinos is family-owned and operated and a bit of an area staple. It opened in 1987 when Monteverde was still relatively unknown to the tourism world. As a result, you get a pleasant stay with kind owners on an expansive property in the forest.

Location

The property is just off the main road, set back into the jungle down a short gravel lane. You won't be close enough to walk to downtown Santa Elena, but you can drive there in about five minutes. Getting to the main sites, like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Sky Adventures Park, takes roughly 15 minutes or less.

Rooms & Bathrooms

There are only 17 cabins at Los Pinos, all set in a private area in the trees. Choose from five different room categories, all with equipped kitchenettes, dining areas, and living rooms. Upgrade for more space and perks like private terraces, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and/or multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. Family rooms have three sleeping areas and accommodate up to six guests.

Wildlife

Los Pinos is in the middle of a private 20-acre wildlife reserve, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to spot a variety of animals. Too many bird, mammal, and insect species call the reserve home to name them all, but some of the highlights include Costa Rican classics like quetzals, howler monkeys, kinkajous, sloths, and armadillos. You can spot many of these from your cabin's patio or take to one of the five nature trails on-site for a more robust wildlife viewing experience. 

Amenities

There are few amenities offered at Los Pinos as it's closer to an apartment rental than a traditional hotel stay. There are no gym, spa, pool, or dining options available on-site. Free WiFi is available, though it can be quite spotty. Parking is included with some of the upgraded cabins. Some of the cabins may be suitable for travelers with limited mobility, though you should inquire with the hotel directly for additional information. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is best suited for families who want a self-sufficient stay, as there are few traditional hotel amenities. Previous travelers have enjoyed the kitchenettes, as they allow you to easily make meals for the whole family. One child under the age of 11 can stay for free per cabin, and cots are available for infants. The Family and Family Deluxe Cabins are the best room types, sleeping up to six people. The outdoor barbecues, picnic tables, and children's playground give families plenty of ways to entertain themselves on-site. 

Other Highlights

Five nature trails give you ample opportunities to make your own adventures around the nature reserve. The hotel is pet-friendly, so it's a good choice if you plan to travel with your entire crew. Enjoy spending time in front of your private fireplace (firewood provided) or exploring the grounds, including the hydroponic garden, where travelers are welcome to pick their own produce. 

Sustainability

With such a strong sustainability focus, guests can also do their part at Los Pinos. You'll notice signs around the property with information about how to travel more sustainably and use solar panels to heat the water in the cabins. The owners dedicated about 60% of the property to reforestation and conservation, and you'll have exclusive access to five trails on the grounds.