Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Like so many hotels in the Monteverde region, the Monteverde Lodge & Gardens deftly embraces its rainforest surroundings, but does so with a bit more modern polish and homey charm than the competition. The green exteriors of the simple wooden buildings, and features like an expansive outdoor garden pool surrounded by stone, blend seamlessly into the jungle that surrounds the hotel on all sides. Inside, leather seating, plush couches, copious amounts of wood, and large windows all create an aesthetic that reminds guests of where they are with a cohesive, finished look. All of the rustic art and wall treatments here are tasteful and subtly Costa Rican, which is a nice change of pace from some of the jungle-kitsch properties in the area. A small bar and lounge adjacent to the restaurant is the hotel’s only real indoor social space. There are a handful of lounge chairs and a fireplace that come together to create a vibe that’s relaxed and intimate. Outside, the large garden patio and pool deck are divided into a dozen distinct seating areas. The result is a quiet and relaxed atmosphere where guests never feel crowded -- expect to see plenty of families and couples here.

The property is situated at the end of a long driveway just off Route 620. The main thoroughfare connects to downtown Santa Elena with dozens of restaurants, bars, and attractions -- it's all less than 10 minutes away on foot. Many visitors to this area of Costa Rica are here to experience its famous cloud forests, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

Those moving on to tour the country's famous volcanoes are well-placed, though it is a three-hour drive to Arenal, Costa Rica's most famous. Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is also a three-hour drive away in San Jose. Private shuttle service is likely the most affordable transportation option to/from Monteverde. Rates are affordable, and drivers expect travelers to haggle. Renting a car can provide a convenient alternative. However, much of the road between the city and hotel is remote, rough, and not for the faint of heart.

Room decor is clean and simple, with a mix modern and traditional elements. Wood-laminate flooring is complemented by hand-crafted hardwood furniture in rich golden tones, while pops of deep red in soft furnishings and floral photographs on the white walls keep everything bright. Wood paneling and stuccoed surfaces all add an additional dash of rustic charm, while high ceilings and large windows do their part to make these rooms feel spacious. It's worth noting that we did see a bit of wear on some of the furniture.

Entry-level Ground Floor Garden Rooms are the most compact, but still roomy enough, with a door that opens to the large, shared, outdoor terrace. Forest View Downstairs Rooms and Ground Floor Garden Superior Rooms offer larger, identical floor plans, with small seating areas for taking in the jungle views. The latter guarantees a king bed and direct access to the garden. Top-of-the-line Forest View Balcony Rooms are located on the second floor with tall ceilings, ample seating areas, and private balconies with views of the Cloud Forest. Standard amenities in all rooms are limited to free Wi-Fi, small safes, and coffee-making equipment. To maintain a quiet, eco-friendly atmosphere, televisions and air-conditioning are intentionally omitted in every room. The property’s comfortable king-size beds are available on a limited basis and not guaranteed before arrival.

Bathrooms are a nice, contemporary step up from other hotels in the area. They have modern vessel sinks, stone or tile walk-in shower stalls, and polished wood countertops with plenty of space. Mini hairdryers and BlueSpa brand bath products are standard in all rooms.

Most amenities are typical of a three-and-a-half-pearl property. The gourmet, full-service restaurant and bar, a lovely rainforest-view pool terrace, and an indoor butterfly garden are among the highlights. Unfortunately, there is no on-site gym or spa.

The hotel’s only restaurant, El Jardin, is situated on a stepped mezzanine overlooking the lobby and butterfly garden. A glass half-wall, tall, wood cathedral ceilings, leather lounge chairs, and a bold, canary yellow wine cellar create an eclectic look and feel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available with a la carte service. Each menu features a mix of Western fare and traditional Costa Rican dishes, with a focus on locally-sourced seafood. The food is well-reviewed for its quality and selection, and breakfast is included in room rates. A small, adjacent bar and lounge offers seating for a dozen guests and a full liquor menu of cocktails, beer, and wine.

The outdoor garden seamlessly blends into a stone terrace with a spacious, curved pool. A small waterfall spills into one end of the pool, and there's an adjacent pergola offering shaded seating for plenty guests -- the hammocks are a particularly nice, relaxing touch. A long series of steps off the deck leads to a quiet, secluded space that’s frequently used for morning yoga sessions. A tiny massage room provides a menu with a handful of basic treatments (including Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy).

The indoor butterfly garden is the only one of its kind in any area hotel. The space is covered in vines, plants, and flowers and enveloped almost entirely in glass. Dozens of butterfly species, including the area’s famed Blue Morpho, are free to flutter around, and it's a delightful addition to a stay here. Free tours are given on a regular basis, and private dinners in the atrium are also available by reservation.

The hotel can arrange all manner of excursions and activities, including horseback riding and hikes. There's a large dirt lot for free self-parking, and Wi-FI is free throughout the property.