Koora Hotel at Monteverde, Monteverde

Kimkim team favorite · 5.0 (16 reviews) · Comfort
Secluded hotel in Monteverde Cloud Forest, offering unique bungalows, gourmet dining, and excellent vista views. 

Overview

Sleep among the cloud forest at Koora Hotel, as each bungalow sits on a hill surrounded by trees with vistas out to the coast. The property is expanding, adding new cabins and other perks with its renovations. For now, perks include meals at the restaurant with its circular terrace, outdoor dining, and views. You can also enjoy time spotting wildlife on-site or with complimentary access to the nature reserve down the street.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, July 2022 (Learn more)
Pros
  • Relax at a quiet and truly stunning property surrounded by nature with great views of the Gulf of Nicoya—meaning pretty amazing daily sunsets.
  • Almost all rooms are standalone bungalows, offering more privacy and tranquility with balconies overlooking the cloud forest.
  • Guests will enjoy the perk of complimentary access to the nearby Aguti Reserve, filled with 200-year-old trees, birds, butterflies, and other critters, such as agoutis and coatis.
  • All the food served at the on-site restaurant is delicious and grown right on the property—and the outdoor seating is perfect for a meal or drinks at sunset. 
  • The hotel provides board games, picnic supplies, and umbrellas for guest use.
Cons
  • The hotel is a bit farther from downtown Santa Elena than other recommended properties and requires a 25-30-minute walk uphill along a dirt road. 
  • Due to the current renovations (expected until spring 2023), it's a bit noisy at the moment, but stay tuned because it'll be great for future travelers.
  • Currently, the hotel has limited amenities as there's no pool, fitness center, or spa. 

Additional Notes From Brittany

I was not ready to leave Hotel Koora at the end of my site inspection! The hospitality here is second to none, and the staff is happy to work with guests to meet their needs and special requests—I watched the front desk staff sit down and teach a family of young children how to play the Costa Rican board game, Estampida. There's a lot to love here, but by far, the best part of the visit was the sampling of yogurt, bread, juices, and salsa provided while sitting on the restaurant's balcony, taking in the views of the Gulf of Nicoya. After renovations and expansion, I can't wait to experience Hotel Koora again—the plans look incredible!

Authenticity

Expect a warm welcome from the start, as the hotel will greet you with a towel and drink upon arrival and then walk you to your room, where a welcome letter awaits. Besides the incredible hospitality, you can truly enjoy time in Costa Rican nature here. You'll have stunning views of the Gulf of Nicoya and complimentary access to Agouti Reserve, with several miles of trails. 

Location

You'll enjoy a quiet and private location far from the main road through Santa Elena. As a tradeoff, getting into town and some of the area attractions takes a little bit longer, so you might want to rent a car or hire a transfer to get out and about. Still, just a five-minute drive gets you to the downtown area, and both the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and Sky Adventures Park are 15 minutes away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Hotel Koora appeals to all travelers, though it's quite popular with families. Currently, there are just eight rooms, but the property has plans to expand to over 20 units. Designs for the new bungalows include rooms with an outdoor shower and a private plunge pool. Though the atmosphere will surely change, the hotel will maintain its essence of cabin-like rooms with ceiling fans, minifridges, and balconies, all set high in the cloud forest. 

Wildlife

Located on a hillside in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Hotel Koora gives travelers great opportunities to spot wildlife. Monkeys and colorful native birds are some of the more common wildlife entries, easily spottable from the pathways connecting the individual bungalows. Travelers staying at the hotel get free access to the nearby Aguti Reserve, which is well worth the visit if you want to experience the region's biodiversity firsthand. 

Amenities

The hotel has beautiful rooms that offer great views of the area, but it lacks certain amenities common in luxury stays, as there's no fitness center, pool, or spa. However, travelers can book in-room massages and beauty treatments. You also have access to all the necessary basics like free parking, laundry services, and surprisingly fast free WiFi (given the rural location). Travelers with limited mobility will want to book one of the Junior Bungalows as they're wheelchair accessible. 

Family-Friendliness

Hotel Koora has been very popular with families due to the treehouse aesthetic of the individual bungalows. In family bungalows and suites, the first two children under the age of 12 stay for free. Family rooms have kitchens, seating areas, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The hotel offers bird-watching walks, guided forest walks, and night hikes, which have been big hits with previous families staying at the hotel. 

Other Highlights

Hotel Koora has thought of all the details and provides little things like picnic supplies for snacks in the garden, umbrellas for drizzly days, and board games for cozy evenings. The on-site Restaurant Kiré serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with all food grown on the property and prepared with care by a local chef. The outdoor dining space sits above the cloud forest and wraps around the restaurant to provide all the views. You can also enjoy a daily happy hour while grabbing a drink at the bar.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 40003385
Hotel address icon 350 mts Northeast of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) office, Santa Elena
Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Friendly and Attentive Staff

Guests frequently mention the staff being very friendly, attentive, and professional. Many reviews highlight that staff knew guests by name and were quick to respond to any needs or questions, enhancing the overall guest experience. (10 mentions)

Howard
“The staff would greet us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were.”  — Howard L.
C
“From the moment arrived, they called us by name and made sure we were cared for.”  — chari p.
M
“Every one of the staff knew us by name and would check on us to see how they could best help us.”  — Michael H.
Amazing Views

The hotel is noted for its incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula, Pacific ocean, and the surrounding cloud forest. Guests enjoyed the breathtaking scenery from their rooms and the hotel's location. (6 mentions)

M
“The views, the staff and rooms are incredible.”  — Morgan F.
Joseph
“Nestled up in the mountains with incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula and Pacific ocean”  — Joseph M.
Wendy
“The view was breathtaking.”  — Wendy S.
Superb Food

The food at the hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, who describe it as superb, delicious, and some of the best they've had in Costa Rica. Guests appreciated the variety and quality of the meals, and many chose to eat most of their meals at the hotel. (6 mentions)

Howard
“The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered.”  — Howard L.
Amy
“The food was some of the best we had in Costa Rica.”  — Amy W.
Wendy
“The food at the hotel was wonderful.”  — Wendy S.
Comfortable and Spacious Rooms

The rooms, especially the family unit with two levels, were described as comfortable, light-filled, and spacious. Guests found them to be well-maintained and conducive to a relaxing stay. (5 mentions)

M
“The views, the staff and rooms are incredible.”  — Morgan F.
C
“The room was like living in a treehouse.”  — chari p.
Wendy
“The family unit we stayed in was so lovely. It had two levels (it's like a mini apartment) and it was just so comfortable, light-filled, and spacious.”  — Wendy S.

Traveler Reviews

16 total ratings, 13 with reviews
5.0
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
5.0
Location
4.9
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.9
Alexia
Alexia M.
Lansdale, PA | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2024
Beautiful, clean, new, fresh, lots of nature to look at. There was an onsite trail to explore, pools and restaurants great! Read more

Beautiful, clean, new, fresh, lots of nature to look at. There was an onsite trail to explore, pools and restaurants great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Loved the ladies at the front desk!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2024
Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
We stayed 3 nights and ate most meals at hotel. The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered. We stayed in the Cloudforest Bungalow and it felt like we were in the middle of the trees. The staff would great us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were. Read more

We stayed 3 nights and ate most meals at hotel. The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered. We stayed in the Cloudforest Bungalow and it felt like we were in the middle of the trees. The staff would great us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The restaurant staff was amazing. There were several but Allison and Eric were a few standouts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024
Frank
Frank H.
Winchester, VA | Reviewed on May 08, 2024
Outstanding location and accommodations Read more

Outstanding location and accommodations

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Went over and beyond our expectations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2024
Margaret
Margaret C.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024
Great views and tasty food. Restaurant is small and wait staff are not accustomed to small kids. Read more

Great views and tasty food. Restaurant is small and wait staff are not accustomed to small kids.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
A
Anna L.
France | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2023
Wonderful place to stay Read more

Wonderful place to stay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in October 2023
M
Morgan F.
San Ramon, CA | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023
If you go to Monteverde, you must stay at Hotel Koora. The views, the staff and rooms are incredible. Read more

If you go to Monteverde, you must stay at Hotel Koora. The views, the staff and rooms are incredible.

Authenticity & Character
The rocking chairs, to the small gift they give you. It's an amazing place.
Location
The views are incredible.
Staff
They remembered our names and gave amazing service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds are on the stiffer side but still an amazing room.
Stayed in March 2023
Marie-Claude
Marie-Claude E.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2023
the staff very friendly. great ecolodge. Beautiful sunset Read more

the staff very friendly. great ecolodge. Beautiful sunset

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2023
Joseph
Joseph M.
Grand Lake, CO | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023
Amazing location, staff and accommodations! Nestled up in the mountains with incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula and Pacific ocean, this was our favorite for our emtire trip. Nestled in the cloudforest between Monteverde and Santa Elena, the climate was cooler than we expected in Costa Rica - but we loved it! Small mountain villages with plenty of site seeing opportunities - coffee & chocolate tour, cloudforest, nature preserves. Allowed us to experience the variety of ecosystems that... Read more

Amazing location, staff and accommodations! Nestled up in the mountains with incredible views of the Nicoya peninsula and Pacific ocean, this was our favorite for our emtire trip. Nestled in the cloudforest between Monteverde and Santa Elena, the climate was cooler than we expected in Costa Rica - but we loved it! Small mountain villages with plenty of site seeing opportunities - coffee & chocolate tour, cloudforest, nature preserves. Allowed us to experience the variety of ecosystems that Costa Rica has to offer. While here we saw beautiful Resplendant Quetzal and Motmot birds. We also saw a variety of insects and a couple vipers on night tour. Staff was fantastic, food was delicious, views were beautiful, bungalows were private and secluded. Don't miss this one - we highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Costa Rican hospitality meets natural modern accommodations in small mountain village area. Bungalow style accommdations were like being in a tree house - unique!
Location
Top of the cloudforest views, small towns with shopping and restaurants close by, abundant tour choices.
Staff
The staff were the most kind and helpful people of our entire trip. Every time we entered the main building with reception, restaurant and bar, they greeted us and remembered our names. They anticipated my wife's dairy free diet. Thank you to Diana, Kenneth, Javier and Christian - you made our stay most enjoyable!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Natural setting, modern interior, nice styling, well maintained, very clean.
Stayed in February 2023
Lisa
Lisa C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 03, 2022
Beautiful and rustic. Come for the hotel and stay for the service! Read more

Beautiful and rustic. Come for the hotel and stay for the service!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Kenneth at the front desk was amazing!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2022
Amy
Amy W.
Richardson, TX | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2022
This hotel was perfect for our vacation to the cloud forest. The rooms were beautiful. We enjoyed being in the rainforest so much. The service and attention to detail was amazing. The food was some of the best we had in Costa Rica. Both my husband and my teenage son made sure they had the name of this hotel written down. Both apparently plan to return here specifically! :) Read more

This hotel was perfect for our vacation to the cloud forest. The rooms were beautiful. We enjoyed being in the rainforest so much. The service and attention to detail was amazing. The food was some of the best we had in Costa Rica. Both my husband and my teenage son made sure they had the name of this hotel written down. Both apparently plan to return here specifically! :)

Authenticity & Character
Small, intimate experience
Location
One is in the cloud forest
Staff
Everyone knew our names
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were very comfortable
Stayed in June 2022

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 40003385
Hotel address icon 350 mts Northeast of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) office, Santa Elena