Senda Monteverde Hotel, Monteverde

Pros

• You can partake in unique and complimentary on-site activities the whole family will enjoy, including a bonfire (complete with marshmallows), yoga classes, movie nights, and a sustainability tour. The activity schedule changes daily, so guests have many opportunities to take advantage of this perk.
• The first round of mini bar and in-room snacks are complimentary, so you're only charged if you want a restock.
• The property features two short hiking trails and complimentary access to the nearby Aguti Reserve.
• If you need some laundry done on your trip, the Premium and Senda Suites include laundry service in the room rate.
• An on-site greenhouse supplies the hotel's restaurant, so you know you're eating fresh and as local as it gets.

Cons

• The restaurant, lobby, and yoga studio are close to a neighboring community and busy road, so it may not be as quiet as some would hope.
• Though the property certainly caters to families, keep in mind that there's no swimming pool. 
• No additional amenities like a spa or gym on-site. 
• There's no air-conditioning in any of the rooms, though the mountain climate is relatively cool. 

Authenticity

Upon arrival, Senda Monteverde greets guests with a welcome cocktail (chocolate for kids), a friendly way to start your time at the hotel. The property also embraces its surroundings by providing two hiking trails that stretch about one mile in total, with one path connecting to the nearby Aguti Reserve (to which guests have complimentary access).

Location

You'll need to drive down a gravel road to get to the hotel, giving the illusion of a super private location. But in reality, you'll be pretty close to a busy road and local neighborhood, so it's not as quiet as some other hotels in Monteverde. Luckily, the rooms are further back than the common areas. You'll probably want a car or transfer to explore the area, but nothing is too far away. Downtown Santa Elena is just four minutes by car, and Sky Adventures Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve are both just a 15-minute drive. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Senda Monteverde offers 28 relaxed and cozy units with ceiling fans, seating areas, complimentary minibars, twice-daily housekeeping, and private terraces. All the little details are covered, too, such as flashlights, umbrellas, extra blankets, heaters, etc., in the rooms. For the best views and a little more privacy, opt for a multi-bedroom Senda suite in its own cabin; it's a good choice for families.  

Wildlife

Directly adjacent to the Aguti Reserve, the hotel grounds see plenty of wildlife spilling over from the wildlife reserve, including coatimundis, agoutis, armadillos, and many different birds. As a hotel guest, you'll also have free access to the Aguti Reserve if you're looking for additional opportunities to spot wildlife. However, simply lounging on your bungalow's terrace will provide plenty of wildlife action. 

Amenities

Senda Monteverde Hotel has limited amenities as it's more oriented toward active experiences. There's no gym, pool, or spa available on-site, but travelers do have access to massages and mini-facials offered in their own rooms. Guests with limited mobility can easily get around as paved pathways connect the individual bungalows and common areas, and all bungalows are on the ground level. 

Family-Friendliness

If your kids love time in the pool, you may want to look elsewhere (as the hotel doesn't have one), but outside of that, Senda Monteverde has just about anything a family could need. Cribs, extra beds, and a children's menu at the restaurant are all available. A huge array of activities are available on a rotating schedule, with most being very family-friendly. Bonfires with roasted marshmallows and fishing for kids in the pond (with the restaurant cooking your catch of the day) have been favorites of previous travelers. 

Other Highlights

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, using products grown right in the property's greenhouse. For some entertainment, guests can check the weekly calendar of activities, some of which are complimentary. Bird-watching, night hikes, yoga classes, and movie nights are all potential activities to enjoy.

Sustainability

A significant portion of Senda Monteverde's property provides habitat for local wildlife. The hotel has planted over 5,500 native species on site, which neighbors the Aguti Reserve. Guests have complimentary access to the trails within the preserve, and the hotel covers the entrance fees to ensure its continued support.