Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde

Pros

• Enjoy a peaceful stay with hiking right on the property—a few short trails totaling about a half-mile (1 km).
• You can relax at the beautiful heated pool surrounded by dense, well-maintained tropical gardens.
• The property features a unique dining room at its on-site restaurant, almost entirely made of glass, as it's a former greenhouse.
• You'll be close enough to walk to town but also surrounded by nature, so you don't feel like you're in the middle of the city, but you get the perks.
• You can enjoy live music if you stay at the lodge on weekends.

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.
• No gym at the lodge. 
• 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. Overall, it's an excellent option for an intimate, quiet, and authentic stay.

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 28 units, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers a quiet reprieve in nature—but keep in mind that all rooms are attached to the property's main building, so you'll be pretty close to your neighbor. Overall, rooms are bright and airy with light wood and white furnishings, ceiling fans, bathrobes, and modern bathrooms. Some feature a furnished terrace with a hammock or a balcony with seating. Although there's no coffee or tea in the room, you can get a complimentary cup from the bar, day or night. 

Wildlife

The tropical forests surrounding Monteverde 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. 

Amenities

Monteverde Lodge has a very natural-looking and secluded heated pool tucked into a quiet corner of the property. The hotel's spa is a highlight of the lodge, offering a full range of services and great views overlooking the gardens. While there are accessible rooms available, the property has steep slopes and stairs throughout, which may prove challenging for travelers with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

Monteverde Lodge is family-friendly, 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 have been popular with children, and the front desk can help you book additional family-friendly activities. 

Other Highlights

El Jardín Restaurant is truly an experience, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 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. Anywhere you take your meals, you'll enjoy Costa Rican, American, and European fusion dishes in a beautiful setting.

Sustainability

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens prioritizes sustainability practices like responsible water use, energy conservation, and waste disposal. Plus, the lodge uses 47 solar panels and purifies its pool 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.