We stayed at Arco Iris for 3 nights starting on May 30, 2008. We stayed at what they call the "Old House". This used to be the owners house and has plenty of room for a family travelling in Costa Rica. The property was well kept and the house was clean. It came with everything anyone would need (i.e., microwave, refrigerator, stove, condiments, coffee maker, flatware, china....etc.). The staff was very friendly and helpful in arranging trips and making suggestions on restaurants, reputable companies... Arco Iris sits up on a hill just far enough away from the bustle that is Santa Elena so you don't get all of the street noise from the partiers late at night. We still heard the noise but it wasn't nearly as bad as it would have been had we stayed any closer. In other words, it in the heart of Santa Elena close enough to walk most places but still off the beaten path. They even have 2 resident cats and 2 resident dogs that make it feel even more like your home away from home. We enjoyed our stay and would return to Arco Iris. It is a GREAT place.

Highly recommended. Close to everything, but because it is off the main drag, feels calm and peaceful. Clean, nice rooms, beautifully landscaped grounds, helpful staff, delicious breakfast -- what more could you want.

simple cabinas great price and the family did fit in and we felt welcome. Location: Close to everything (store and restaurants)and they booked our Ste-Elena guided tour (well worth it) on a very short notice. Well kept simple and clean room. we had a room with a double bed and 2 single bunk beds.
their breakfast is fair.

We splurged here and stayed at the Honeymoon Cabin--it was the same price as a standard room at the MV Lodge--and incredibly luxurious. They even threw in a complimentary bottle of the sparkly. The cabin itself is a three-story structure, with the kitchen on the first level, the whirlpool/jacuzzi and bathroom on the second floor, and the gorgeous bedroom on the third floor.

The location is up on the hill in Santa Elena--you're just a 5-10 minute walk from downtown Santa Elena, its restaurants, and places like the Ranario.

They were able to recommend a great guide for a morning tour of the Monteverde Reserve, but you're better off ignoring their advice when it comes to evening hikes.