A Breakdown of The Best Monteverde, Costa Rica Hotels

Looking for the best Monteverde, Costa Rica hotels? I’ve got your back. Are you picturing waking up to monkeys outside your window? Tropical birds perched on your balcony as you sip some Costa Rican coffee? Good, because these things happen! And they happen in Monteverde. Wander the suspended bridges through the clouds, over the forest while you spot ocelots and iguanas. Live the actual, Costa Rican dream.

 

A rainforest hotel stay in Costa Rica is a bucket list experience. The entire country is filled with lush forests. But, I found that one of the best places to book a rainforest hotel is in Monteverde. The town is located in northwest Costa Rica and is known for cloud forests (yes, seriously) wildlife, and suspended bridges over the forest canopy. It’s pretty much a dream, and travelers can actually arrange a rainforest hotel in Monteverde.

 

So….

 

A Breakdown of The Best Monteverde, Costa Rica Hotels

There are a ton of rainforest hotels in Monteverde. Honestly, once someone realized how much travelers wanted to experience this place, the hotels started popping up like weeds. While doing a bit of Googling, I became pretty overwhelmed with the options. So, I decided to break them down by looking at location, amenities, and special highlights of staying in each. There are some fantastic rainforest hotels in Monteverde, but I decided to do a little research on the best options so you don’t have to.

The Best Rainforest Hotels in Monteverde

Cloud Forest Lodge

The Hotel: This hotel has a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. Continental breakfast is served daily in the lodge, and the on-site restaurant offers a diverse menu of local dishes throughout the day. There is free WIFI, free parking, an on-site cocktail bar, and common areas that overlook the rainforest.  

The Rooms: The rooms have lots of natural sunlight, wood-paneled walls, local artwork, and local bedding designs. Each unit has a terrace that overlooks the forest. And, there is a en-suite bathroom with a shower.  

The Location: This hotel is located about a 20-minute walk from Sky Adventures Monteverde, and 1.8 miles from Selvatura Adventure Park. It’s an 18-minute walk from Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, 2.1 miles from Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, and 43 miles from the Tambor Airport. 

Highlights: Lots of bird feeders around the property for spying on hummingbirds, the traditional, home-made food on site. The views of the forest from the terrace. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE

Rainbow Valley Lodge

The Hotel: This hotel has some of the best mountain views in Monteverde. There’s free WIFI, lush gardens, a scenic terrace, laundry facilities, free parking, and a tour booking desk. There’s an airport shuttle, family-style rooms, currency exchange, library, and bicycle hire. 

The Rooms: Each room has a private bathroom, and some have their own kitchenette. Many have a lounge area that overlooks the forest from the large windows. You’ll have plenty of natural light, and lots of local artwork to look at. Most of the rooms have their own terrace for looking at the views. 

The Location: The lodge is 34 miles from Lake Arenal and Playa Blanca Beach. Arenal Volcano National Park is 62 miles away. Guests can drive to Juan Santamaria and San Jose International airports in 2.5 hours. 

Highlights: The hotel offers activity bookings for hikes and horseback riding. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE

Hotel Belmar

The Hotel: This hotel features an organic garden, scenic terrace, hot tubs, yoga studio, wellness center, and spa services. There is free parking, free WIFI, an on-site bar/restaurant, and an airport shuttle service. 

The Rooms: Each room is decorated in beautiful wood, has a mini bar, and a separate seating area. All rooms have a private bathroom with tub or shower. And, some rooms come with outdoor seating. 

The Location: The hotel is 82 miles away from Juan Santamaria International Airport. It’s also located only 2.5 miles from the town of Santa Elena. 

Highlights: An onsite juice bar, brewery,yoga studio, and organic garden. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE. 

Chillout House

The Hotel: This hostel offers private rooms with shared bathrooms. There is a complimentary breakfast each morning, free WIFI, and free parking. There’s a fully equipped, communal kitchen. And, guests have free coffee and tea available to them all day long. The staff will help visitors book activities without any extra cost. There’s a communal lounge with books and a guitar as well. Guests can enjoy the weight room or take some time and lounge on one of the communal hammocks. 

The Rooms: There are both private and dorm rooms available. Bathrooms are shared, and the room amenities are considered basic. 

The Location: The property is located 0.6 miles from Santa Elena Town. 

Highlights: The hammocks, communal lounge, and the free weights for exercising. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Chira Glamping Monteverde 

The Hotel: This dome, luxury tent gets you as close to the forest as possible while still living lavishly. There is free WIFI, free parking, and a terrace overlooking the rainforest. There’s an outdoor fireplace, outdoor furniture, BBQ facilities, and a shuttle service. There’s an on-site hot tub, champagne/wine for purchase, and board games. 

The Rooms: Each unit has an outdoor area and garden. Some units come equip with a dining area and/or a balcony. Guests will have a private bathroom with a shower, and access to an outdoor kitchen with a stove top, toaster, and fridge. 

The Location: This glamping property is located 1.4 miles from Sky Adventures Monteverde, and 2.2 miles from Selvatura Adventure Park. It’s 1.9 miles from Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. And 47 miles from Juan Santamaria International Airport. 

Highlights: The views from the glass wall of the dome. The hot tub overlooking the forest. The outdoor shower overlooking the forest. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE. 

Trapp Family Lodge Monteverde

The Hotel: This hotel offers free WIFI, free parking, an onsite restaurant, and an onsite bar. Guests have access to the gardens, terrace, and outdoor furniture. The onsite wellness center offers a variety of massages (including a couples massage for honeymooners.) There’s a desk for booking tours, an airport shuttle, and wine/champagne for purchase. 

The Rooms: The rooms and suites offer cable TV, a working desk, and a terrace with views of the gardens. Suites include a seating area with a sofa as well. Bathrooms are private and all include free toiletries and a hairdryer. 

The Location: The hotel is located 3.1 miles from a variety of restaurant options. It’s 4.3 miles from Santa Elena town, and 2 hours and 40 minutes from San Jose. It’s also close to hiking trails, suspended bridges, and the Monteverde Reserve. 

Highlights: Outdoor seating space, onsite restaurant, massage offerings, and wildlife sighting opportunities. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

 

Cabanas Hoja Verde 

The Hotel: These holiday homes offer free WIFI, free parking, laundry facilities, and an airport shuttle. 

The Rooms: The homes include WIFI, a terrace with a hammock that overlooks the mountains, and a kitchenette. The kitchen has an oven, coffee maker, microwave, and kitchenware. 

The Location: The property is located 1.1 miles from the Monteverde Botanical Gardens. It’s located 700 feet from Night Walk Santamaria, which runs evening walking tours to see the animals in the forest. And, Don Juan Tours is located 0.7 miles away, offering chocolate, coffee, and sugar cane tours. 

Highlights: The private terrace with hammocks. The views, and the amenities. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Casitas Jeruti 

The Hotel: These holiday homes come with free WIFI, and onsite parking. There’s a balcony, outdoor furniture, and views of the mountains. 

The Rooms: Each unit comes with a balcony, kitchenette (which includes a microwave and toaster,) a fridge, stove top, coffee maker, and private bathroom. 

The Location: The property is located 1.8 miles from Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary. It’s 3.7 miles away from Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. And the nearest airport is Tambor, which is 42 miles away. 

Highlights: The kitchen, the views, and the location. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Monte Fresco Hostel Boutique 

The Hotel: This hostel has a shared lounge, garden views, and a continental breakfast served each morning. There’s a front desk that can book tours for you, laundry facilities, and board games. There’s also a vending machine, shuttle service, free WIFI, and free parking. 

The Rooms: Each unit has flat-screen TV with cable, and WIFI. Some units have a terrace. There are a variety of room options like private rooms, a double bed room, or a triple bed room. 

The Location: The hostel is located 4.3 miles from Sky Adventures Monteverde. And 5 miles from Selvatura Adventure Park. 

Highlights: The continental breakfast and shared lounge. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE. 

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo

The Hotel: This hotel offers a balcony with rainforest views, a free continental breakfast and free WIFI. There’s a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a shared kitchen with toaster, microwave, fridge, and coffee maker. The reception desk is ready and willing to help with tour bookings too. Wine and champagne are available for purchase, and hiking, biking, and walking tours are available for an extra fee. 

The Rooms: Guests can choose from dorm-style lodging to double rooms, and privates. Most have shared bathrooms. 

The Location: The nearest airport, Juan Santamaria International, is located 48 miles from the property. It’s 0.2 miles from Monteverde Orchid Garden, 0.4 miles from Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, and 0.6 miles from Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. 

Highlights: The views, the common areas, the tree house-like setting. The breakfast. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

KasaFicus

The Hotel: This holiday home features a terrace and garden views. There is free parking and WIFI, as well as an outdoor dining area, a sun deck, and outdoor furniture. There’s a flat-screen TV, hiking trails close by, and airport shuttle service. 

The Rooms: These holiday homes have a kitchen with coffee maker, oven, fridge, and microwave. There are laundry facilities, family rooms, and a balcony/terrace. Private bathrooms are equip with showers/tubs, and fresh towels. 

The Location: It is 1.4 miles from Sky Adventures Monteverde. Selvatura Adventure Park is 2.2 miles away, and Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary is a 12-minute walk away. Tambor airport can be reached in 42 miles. 

Highlights: The tree house-like balcony, natural lighting, large kitchen, and innovative design. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE. 

Ficus Guesthouse

The Hotel: This holiday home has both mountain and sea views. It has a terrace, free WIFI, and a flat-screen TV with cable. There’s an airport shuttle, a garden, patio, terrace, and a DVD player. 

The Rooms: Each unit has a dining/sitting area, a TV, minibar, coffee and tea, a terrace, and a dining table. There are two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen with a fridge and microwave. 

The Location: These guest houses are 1.4 miles from Sky Adventures Monteverde. They are 2.2 miles from Selvatura Adventure Park. A 12-minute walk from Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary, and 2.2 miles from Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. And, the nearest airport is Tambor, which is 42 miles away. 

Highlights: The tree house-like design. The well-equipped kitchen. The large windows and natural sunlight. 

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE. 

 

If you’re looking for the best hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica, look no further. This list has got everything from luxury lodges and private holiday houses, to hostels. Have fun! 

You may also like: How To Arrange a Temple Stay on Mt. Koya, Japan

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How to Arrange a Temple Stay on Mt. Koya, Japan

Updated: July 2018

 

Visiting Japan was high on my travel bucket list. After booking a stay in Osaka and Kyoto, I decided to look for a more authentic, Japanese experience.With the usual tourist spots covered on my itinerary, I wanted to shake things up a bit and do something that was more of a Japanese experience than just sneaking photos of Geisha girls on the street. I decided on a temple stay on Mt. Koya.

A Japanese temple stay seemed pretty magical, and Mt. Koya looked like a small town in the middle of a Zen garden. It was the perfect distance from both Kyoto and Osaka, so I couldn’t resist.

 

The halls of Eko-In

If you pictured Buddhist Monks delivering hot tea to your rice paper walled room, you would be correct. This Mt. Koya temple was every bit of what I imagined and as I awoke each morning to the soft padding of monks feet, I knew that breakfast was on its way to be delivered to my traditional style bed, made up on the floor.

It was quiet, and when I wasn’t exploring the mossy cemeteries that reside on Mt. Koya and temples in the nearby woods, I was sitting on my wicker chair reading by the natural sunlight that shined through the over-sized windows that overlooked the garden.

On my last evening at the temple, I spoiled myself with a cold sake room delivery before dressing in an authentic Japanese robe and wandering down the dark halls to the traditional Japanese bath. I honed in my bravery and undressed before the other women who were already at the showers, rinsing before entering the warm, communal bath. Feeling cozy from the steam, I fell asleep easily that night, preparing myself for the Monk-led mediation course in the morning.

My vegan meal, delivered right to my room

How to Book a Temple Stay on Mt. Koya

At the time, I never came across anyone who had stayed in a temple and without any recommendation, the search was up to me. After a bit of Googling, I came across the 1000 year old Buddhist temple,  Eko-in on Mt. Koya.  After a glance at the exceptional reviews and facilities, I booked a room for two nights.

The traditional Japanese bath inside the temple

 

While Eko-in was AMAZING, I know there are quite a few places to stay on Mt. Koyasan. So, I’ve decided to do a little research on the best options so that you don’t have to!

 

Temple Stays on Mt. Koya

 

Eko-in

The Temple: This Buddhist temple is 1,000 years old. Guests here will find traditional, Japanese accommodation, free WIFI, and a Zen garden. Meals are vegetarian and delivered right to the room. And, you can order yourself a glass of hot or cold sake to be delivered with your dinner.

The Rooms: Rooms feature tatami-mat floors, views of the garden, sliding paper doors, and futon-bedding. Guests can choose an economy style room, family room, or superior family room.

Location: Eko-in is the first temple on the bus route and is in walking distance from restaurants, shops, the cemetery, and other Buddhist temples.

Highlights: Meditation class, Goma fire ritual, traditional Japanese shared bath, opportunities to write Buddhist scripture.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Koyasan Onsen Fukuchiin

The Temple: A historic Buddhist temple surrounded by Zen gardens.

The Rooms: Rooms feature tatami floor mats, sliding paper screens, and futon bedding. Some rooms have garden views and private bathrooms. Vegetarian meals are delivered right to the rooms. The Koyasan cable car station is a 10-minute drive away. The temple is also in walking distance to Kongobu-ji Temple and Daimon Gate.

The Location: This temple is located in the heart of Koyasan.

Highlights: Traditional Japanese baths, sauna rooms, Zen garden, opportunity to attend Buddhist morning services.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Sojiin

The Temple: Historic, Buddhist temple in the heart of Koyasan.

The Rooms: All rooms are traditional Japanese style. However, some of them have regular beds while others have futon bedding. Guests will experience tatami floor mats as well as paper sliding doors. Vegan meals brought directly to the room.

The Location: The center of Koyasan town-in walking distance to restaurants and other Buddhist temples of interest.

Highlights: Opportunity to write Buddhist scriptures, Zen gardens, Buddhist ceremonies, traditional Japanese bath.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Koyasan Guesthouse Kokuu

The Temple: This Japanese temple is more modern than the rest, but still exudes a traditional feel. Expect lots of natural lighting, white walls, and light-colored wood.

The Rooms: The rooms here range from dormitory-style bunk beds to double and triple rooms.

The Location: Centrally located in Koyasan town.

Highlights: There is an onsite bar for late nights of sake drinking. Guests can also rent bicycles, enjoy the guest house lounge, and go hiking nearby.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Koyasan Saizenin

The Temple: This temple was originally build to house pilgrims. It was a beautiful place for them to rest as it’s surrounded by forest and mountain views. This temple has been top rated for solo travelers.

The Rooms: Each room features tatami mats, paper screens, traditional futon bedding, a sitting area, and a flat-screen T.V. A vegetarian meal is delivered to each room for dinner and breakfast.

The Location: Centrally located in the town of Koyasan.

Highlights: Buddhist services every morning for guests to attend. There are also traditional, Japanese baths.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Kumagaiji

The Temple: This classic Japanese temple offers beautiful views of the mountains. It’s one of the most ancient buildings in the town, as it’s adjoined with another temple build back in 837.

The Rooms: The minimalist rooms feature tatami floor mats, traditional futon bedding, and a television. Guests will have healthy, vegetarian meals delivered to their rooms.

The Location: Centrally located and within walking distance of the Kongobu-ji Temple and the bus stop.

 

Highlights: Guests can participate in Buddhist ceremonies, liturgy sessions, and Homa rituals. There are also traditional, Japanese baths.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Kongo Sanmaiin

The Temple: This rustic Ryokan is a traditional, Japanese inn. It’s full of Japanese artwork and surrounded by Zen gardens.

The Rooms: Each room features a traditional futon bed as well as paper screens, a television, and tatami mat floors.

The Location: Centrally located in Koyasan town.

Highlights: Guests can join in on Buddhist ceremonies and enjoy the traditional, Japanese baths.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Henjosonin

The Temple: A traditional, Japanese temple that is surrounded by forest and has an ornate Buddhist mediation room.

The Rooms: Traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats, paper screens, and futon bedding.

The Location: Centrally located in town.

Highlights: Guests can enjoy a traditional, Japanese bath with a view.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Yochiin

The Temple: This historic temples features a rock garden that was created by Mirei Shigemori, the famous Japanese, landscape artist. It has also been dubbed a natural monument by the Japanese government.

The Rooms: All rooms features traditional futon bedding, tatami floor mats, paper screens, and a television. Vegetarian meals are delivered to each room.

The Location: Guests can walk to the Danjogaran temple in three minutes and the Kongobuji temple in ten minutes.

Highlights: During their stay, guests can experience sutra copying, meditation, morning prayers, and the tracing of Buddhist deities.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Jokiin

The Temple: This traditional temple is surrounded by Zen gardens and forest.

The Rooms: All rooms feature paper doors, tatami mats, traditional futon bedding, a T.V, and a seating area.

The Location: Guests can walk to Kongobu-ji Temple in only a few minutes.

 

Highlights: Guests can join in on the morning Buddhist prayers and experience the traditional baths.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Zoufukuin

The Temple: This traditional Japanese temple offers an authentic experience for guests looking to get in touch with the Buddhist culture.

The Rooms: All rooms have traditional futon bedding, tatami mats, paper screens and come with a bathrobe. Vegetarian meals will be brought to each room.

The Location: Guests can walk to Koyasan Reihokan Museum in only a minute, and Kongobuji temples in only five minutes.

Highlights: A traditional, Japanese bath and the chance to attend the morning ceremony with monks.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

Sekishoin

The Temple: This ancient temple is 1100 years old and is still traditionally decorated for guests to enjoy. It features Zen gardens, small ponds and lots of beautiful, natural scenery.

 

The Rooms: Rooms are traditional, Japanese style with futon bedding, tatami mats, and paper doors. Some rooms have views of the gardens and ponds. Vegetarian meals will be served in the dining room.

The Location: Guests can walk to the Kongobu-ji Temple in ten minutes and the Tokugawa Family Tomb in only fifteen minutes.

Highlights: Guests can experience the Buddhist ceremonies in the morning. There are also traditional, Japanese baths onsite to enjoy.

Check Daily Rates & Reviews HERE.

 

 

Getting to Mt. Koya

Getting to Mt. Koya from Kyoto or Osaka can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Although it doesn’t take too much time and isn’t difficult to arrive, there are quite a few steps to get from a major city to the temple’s location atop Mt. Koyasan. Here is a step-by-step route to Mt. Koyasan…

• Start at either JR Shin-Osaka or JR Osaka train station

• Take a 15 minute ride on the Midosuji line to Namba Station

• At Namba, transfer to Nankai Station

• Ride the Nankai Koya line for 1 ½ hours to the Gokurakubashi train station

• At the Gokurakubashi station, take the Koya-san cable car up to Koyasan Station. The ride will take five minutes

• Ask for a map once you reach the station. Most of the temple stays are labeled on this map. 

• There will be a guide telling you which bus number to get on depending on your accommodation

• Once on the bus, you will travel about 20-25 minutes to reach your accommodation. 

Tip: If you’re traveling around Japan, a Japan Rail Pass may be more helpful than buying individual tickets.

Figures from the beautiful graveyard on Mt. Koyasan

What to do on Mt. Koyasan

When you aren’t enjoying traditional Japanese tea, meditation courses and traditional baths inside the temple, there is plenty to explore atop this mountain. Some of the top sites:

Tripadvisor

• Okuno-In Graveyard: A mausoleum surrounded by an immense and moss covered graveyard. You could wander through this graveyard for hours. There are multiple paths; even lesser traveled ones that go off into the woods. There are over 200,000 tombstones, some of them dressed in dresses and hats to represent lost children. Once you reach the Okunoin Temple, make sure to get a look at the impressive lantern hall, which houses 10,000 lanterns from floor to ceiling.

 

• The Danjo Garan Temple Complex: This is one of the main temple complexes on Mt. Koyasan. For hundreds of years, Shingon, Buddhist training has been taking place here, mostly in secrecy. It’s known for its giant pagoda that reaches 50 meters in height. Make sure to visit during the sunset to get the best photos.

Photo Source: Japan Travel Mate

• Kongobu-ji Temple: Built back in the 1500s, it’s considered the head temple of the Shingon Buddhists. Guests can take a tour which includes traditionally decorated rooms, artwork, and famous rock garden.

Japan Guide

• Go Hiking: There are historic hiking trails all around the mountain. The Fudozaka trail is the most popular for visitors. However, more advanced hikers can trek along the Kohechi Trail, which takes about a week to complete.

Wicked Tourism

A temple stay was one of the top activities on my trip that made my journey to Japan feel more like an experience than just a visit. My time there has inspired me to treat future travels in the same way and to try to find authentic experiences over trekking to the tourist sites.

 

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