Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde

Pros

• You can follow several short trails through the cloud forest without leaving the property, and the lodge will kit you out with free wellies and walking sticks.
• On-site amenities include an eco-friendly heated pool surrounded by tropical gardens.
• A complimentary a la carte breakfast is served on the terrace, and lunch and dinner are available at the lodge's fusion restaurant located in a spectacular former greenhouse.
• You'll be close enough to walk to town but also surrounded by nature.

Cons

• All rooms are within the main building, which may be a plus for some, but you'll share walls with the neighboring units.
• There aren't any elevators, so be prepared to walk up and down stairs.
• None of the room types come equipped with TVs. 

Additional Notes From Brittany

The entire hotel instantly drew me in, but what caught my eye was the glass-walled room to my left as I entered the lobby—a former greenhouse. Inside was what I could only describe as a dining oasis, filled with plants and light streaming through the windows. Greenery seems to be the theme at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, with its name, leaf-designed wallpaper in every room, meticulously manicured grounds, and forested walking trails. It's all in the details!

Authenticity

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is aptly named, as the property truly channels what the region is all about. Besides beautiful gardens, you can enjoy two short walking trails through the grounds to enhance the feeling of being immersed in the forest. Rooms include thoughtful extras like wellies and walking sticks to help you make the most of your surroundings, and the helpful staff can help you book guided excursions into the surrounding nature reserves and coffee farms. Overall, it's an excellent option for an intimate, quiet, and authentic stay in the region.

Location

The location is ideal, as you'll be in the forest yet within walking distance of downtown Santa Elena via a relatively peaceful street. You can easily stroll into town and check out some restaurants, cafés, and shops while enjoying the Costa Rican jungle at the lodge. You'll also be just a 15-minute drive from both Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Sky Adventures Park.

Rooms & Bathrooms

With only 31 units, the lodge offers a quiet reprieve in nature—but keep in mind that all suites are attached to the property's main building, so you'll be pretty close to your neighbor. Overall, interiors are airy and stylish, with light wood and white furnishings, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and modern bathrooms. Cotinga Suites are the smallest, with terraces facing the lodge gardens, while the Toucanet and Motmot suites open onto private balconies overlooking the forest. The Mountain Gem and Quetzal suites are the most luxurious; the latter features an outdoor tub with cloud forest views.

Amenities

You'll find a very natural-looking and secluded heated pool tucked into a quiet corner of the property, and you can book spa services overlooking the gardens. A complimentary a la carte breakfast features fresh, local fruits and French press coffee, and for lunch and dinner, the lodge's on-site El Jardín restaurant serves fusion-inspired dishes in a former greenhouse under a 100-year-old tree. There's another dining space extending beyond the greenhouse, plus a bar in the lobby with high ceilings and a fireplace. You'll also have access to free WiFi throughout the lodge.

Family-Friendliness

This is a family-friendly property, offering dining, activities, and several rooms suitable for families with children. Kids under the age of 10 stay for free when sharing rooms with their parents, and the Mountain Gem Suites and Toucanet Downstairs Suites are the best options for families. The restaurant has a children's menu, the property's pathways are popular for children to explore, and the front desk can help you book additional family-friendly activities. 

Wildlife

The tropical forests surrounding the lodge are a natural habitat for Costa Rican wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, toucans, and agouti. Travelers have reported that the pool area, in particular, is a great spot to relax and catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. 

Sustainability

The lodge prioritizes sustainability practices like responsible water use, energy conservation, and waste disposal. Power is drawn from 47 solar panels, and the pool is purified with salt and stabilizers rather than chlorine. By preserving a significant portion of its property, the Böëna Group (to which the lodge belongs) has protected nearly 2,000 acres (800 ha) of primary and secondary forests.