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Monteverde Lodge & Gardens: Traveler Reviews

3.5 of 5
after passing World of Insects on the left, take the right fork in the road | 500 meters to the entrance of the lodge, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve 6941-1000, Costa Rica
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Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
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333 reviews from our community

Traveler rating
    200
    98
    24
    8
    3
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Families
104
 
Couples
166
 
Solo
7
 
Business
1
 
Rating summary
  • Sleep Quality
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Location
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Rooms
    4 of 5 stars
  • Service
    4.5 of 5 stars
  • Value
    4 of 5 stars
  • Cleanliness
    4.5 of 5 stars
Date Rating
Perth, Australia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Peaceful and very comfortable”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 8, 2013

While this place is not quite as exceptional as its sister Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero, it is nonetheless very comfortable with rooms that have lovely forest views, tranquil gardens and a very good restaurant. Service from the front desk was always very helpful and the wait staff were fabulous. Well located only a short walk from shops and restaurants and positioned well between The cloud forests, the lodge was an ideal place to stay.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Fiona241 about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiketiludrop, Guest Relations Manager at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, responded to this review
January 9, 2013
Dear Fiona 241,

Thank you so much for your reviews of Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and its sister lodge in Tortuguero, Tortuga Lodge & Gardens.

We are often faced with the challenge of helping guests decide which of the two to visit. Of course if you have the time, I highly recommend that you visit both.

Below is a short comparison of the two:

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

The Monteverde experience is a highlands experience, gusting wind, mist and very stout trees. Long pants, layer a t-shirt, a long sleeved shirt and a good fleece followed by rain gear are a must. On your feet, hiking boots with ankle support. In your day pack, a water bottle, a bird book, a snack, binocs and a snack.

Although mammals can be seen in Monteverde, the reserves usually only offer glimpses of a monkeys butt. Guests will see more mammals at some of the private reserves or even in the gardens of Monteverde Lodge than in the Reserves.

Montverde is one of the great places to hike in Costa Rica. There are many kilometers of trails for all levels of ability. Many of our guests are serious hikers and this is a good location for that activity.


Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Tortuguero National Park
(Also Reviewed on Trip Advisor)

Tortuguero is the tropical rainforest, the jungle, the jungle book, what people imagine when they think of the Amazon…only better. Tortuguero is a fantastic tropical rainforest a lowland tropical rainforest with primary and secondary forest that is criss crossed by narrow creeks and backwater lagoons.

The special thing about Tortuguero is that there is a very high return on the guests investment, when guests spend a day in the park they are often rewarded with sightings of three different species of monkeys, multiple species of tropical birds, reptiles such as boa constrictors, eye-lash vipers, land turtles, sloths, caimans and crocodiles, playful river otters and much more.

When you visit Tortuguero National Park by motorized boat or by kayak, you hold your breath because you just know that you will see some new creature around the next bend.

All the Best,

Natalie Ewing
Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oakton, VA
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 hotel reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
“Montverde Lodge and Gardens well worth the time and money”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 7, 2013

After a long drive on rough Costa Rican roads, we discovered the experience at Monteverde Lodge was worth the effort! we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Monteverde Lodge and Gardens. The rooms, lodge, garden, food and staff were all first rate, and we felt welcomed in this unique environment. The overall impression is caring for the guests and helping them protect the resource at and surrounding the Cloud Forest Reserve. The Lodges guiding service to the Reserve itself was first rate, making sure we got to see the birds and conveying the importance of the resource to Costa Rica and the world.

Room Tip: The rooms with a view of the Gardens and mountains are worth the prices
See more room tips
  • Stayed April 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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See 2 more reviews by Nathan C for Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Ask Nathan C about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiketiludrop, Guest Relations Manager at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, responded to this review
January 17, 2013
Dear Nathan C,

I’m glad to hear that you thought the drive up to Monteverde was well worth it.

You mentioned that you thought the guiding service that we provide at the lodge is “first rate”.
The guides that we offer at the lodge are born and raised in Monteverde they are part of Monteverde's history, descendants of the original Costa Rican settlers of this mountain range, they spend each day exploring the forests of the region. They all live here, study it, know it so well and are totally dedicated to the guest experience.

A day with a one of our naturalists might include quiet time to watch the clouds rolling over the Continental Divide and learn about the dwarf forests that you see in this region or the opportunity to observe a new bird in the spotting scope. The fantastic thing about observing wildlife in a spotting scope is that you can get a good look at the creature right down to its eye ring and the individual chest feathers. You might also be surprised your guide calls your bird out of the forest imitating his call, feel the thrill when it finally perches on a branch singing that special melody.

Carlos, Samuel and Elier know which birds and animals are being seen at each of the Reserves and on a daily basis they will recommend the best places to explore for daytime and nighttime hikes in the Cloud Forests of Monteverde.

Your time in Monteverde would not be fully experienced without a guided experience. We offer private and shared experiences tours.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences on Trip Advisor.

All the Best,
Natalie Ewing
Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Palo Alto, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“An Excellent Cloud Forest Stay”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 7, 2013

On our recent visit to Costa Rica, we had no idea what to expect, but boy were we more than pleased with our accommodations, especially at Monteverde! We went through an excellent travel group called Costa Rica Expeditions(which I HIGHLY recommend). Well they arranged all of our trip and the first place we stayed in was the Monteverded Lodge and Gardens. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this hotel-they beauty of the setting alone is enough, but they went above and beyond. The rooms were airy, spacious, clean and just plain great. They are very warm and welcoming towards families and with three kids of my own, this was very important to us. The restaurant has awesome food, ranging from American classics and favorites to awesome Costa Rican specialties. The staff is kind, courteous and most helpful. Costa Rica Expeditions owns and runs this hotel and they did an amazing job, I am only too sorry we did not make it to their other lodging facilities in Tortuguero. Don't miss cloud forest and do not miss staying at the Monteverde Lodge and Gardens.

Room Tip: Ask for second floor facing the back of the property
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask sk191932849 about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiketiludrop, Guest Relations Manager at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, responded to this review
January 8, 2013
Dear SK191932849,

We are delighted to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful time at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens.

Costa Rican staff is especially happy to have children among our guests, this is even more the case in remote areas such as Monteverde where, "the village that raises the children" is still very much the way of life. It's great to know that you all experienced a warm welcome.

I'll be sure to share your comments about the food with our Executive Chef, Federico Barrantes, he is on a personal mission to incorporate local flavors and dishes to our menu. He'll be delighted to know how much you enjoyed the food.

If you loved Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, you are sure to love Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, think all of the above plus boat rides into the rain forest with talented local guides and great wildlife opportunities.

All the Best,

Natalie Ewing
Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Grapevine, Texas
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Enchanting Stay made by Gifted Hosts”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 6, 2013

Last week we enjoyed two peaceful and relaxing nights in the company of the fine people that grace this Lodge. More than being welcomed, we felt cared for each moment of our brief visit. A thousand thanks to Juan and Javier who spoiled us at every meal and no less to Cindy who attended to our every need. In over rwenty years of travel we have never experienced a hotel staffed with such genuine, warm and talented people.

  • Stayed January 2013, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Jon M about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiketiludrop, Guest Relations Manager at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, responded to this review
January 7, 2013
Dear Jon M,

We appreciate you taking the time to write a review of Monteverde Lodge & Gardens but especially for pointing out how special and talented our staff is!

This wonderful team of talented young people thrive on offering guests the luxury of being taken care of by people who truly regard the guest as their sole raison d’etre.

They are going to be tickled to read your review.

Please do come and see us again.

Natalie Ewing
Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
London, England
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
17 hotel reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
83 helpful votes 83 helpful votes
“Lovely lodge with a bit of integrity - and best breakfast in Costa Rica”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 25, 2012

This place never pretended to be a five star resort and it exceeded our expectations as a place to sleep between local activities.

The lodge itself is hard to date being architecturally interesting - with a 50/60/1970s look to it - although I think it's actually rather newer.

Pluses:
- Cindy on reception was (like all the staff) every helpful and smiling.
-Suprisingly for an out-of-the-way place, the food was extremely good - they re-opened the restaurant for a mid-afternoon lunch after our late arrival. The 'gallo pinto' breakfast was the best in Costa Rica.
- The rooms, while not huge, are architecturally interesting (upstairs - vaulted ceilings) with balconies with long views to the forest and with comfortable beds
- The bath (well shower) room is newly refurbished (albeit compact)
- The lodge is walkable into the (hilly) town (St Elena - with a kind of ski/frontier vibe with a few restaurants and a supermarket) - other hotels are not
- The lodge is set in beautifully landscaped gardens
- There is a litle-used indoor hot-tub

Negatives
- The access to rooms is rather institutional (think deluxe school trip) down long corridors with wood-effect flooring where the room bathrooms have internal windows onto this corridor.
- The digital room safe is the most secure I have ever found - it would never open it once set (Cindy to the rescue each time).
- The sound insulation between the rooms is poor - hearing word-for-word the conversation of the next room's occupants after their 5am alarm call isn't good.

Overall this is one of my favourite places to stay in CR. It's not the last word in luxury and it never pretended to be so. But it is rather good.

PS Do the twilight tour in the reserve right next to the lodge and ask for Esteban/Steven as your guide. Amongst various creatures, we saw a sleeping sloth after just one minute. Also the italian restaurant (forgotten name) nearest to the Monteverde Reserve is a great place for lunch after a tour.

Also, Trio the resaturant is good and walkable - just past the big supermarket in St Elena. When you think "it can't possibly be over there", that's where it is. Many other restaurants just a short drive from town were completely empty - not sure why.

Room Tip: Given the issue with room-to-room noise, I imagine the upstairs rooms are probably worth the premium...
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with friends
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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See 2 more reviews by LondonTravel1 for Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Ask LondonTravel1 about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hiketiludrop, Guest Relations Manager at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, responded to this review
December 26, 2012
Dear LondonTravel1,

We really appreciate your detailed review, heartfelt thanks for taking the time to write it.

Of the many things you said, I liked that you mentioned Cindy’s outstanding service and that the lodge exceeded your expectations. Part of our philosophy is to under promise and over deliver.

It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the food as much as you did, especially the Gallo Pinto.

The lodge was actually built in 1991. We built it at a time when it was only the second lodge in the region with private bathrooms. When first built, the lodge won prizes for its design. Guests tell us that features like the vaulted ceilings; the hot tub atrium and the open fire place give it a special feel.

You’re right; the hallways aren’t quite in keeping with feel of the public areas. We try to keep them bright and filled with tropical plants and when the weather allows we open the windows to the gardens so that you can stop and check out anything happening outside.

The sound proofing between the rooms is a result of the time when the lodge was built. We are working on correcting this, but installing the insulation is a slow expensive process and we make the renovation as cash flow allows.

We want to apologize for the inconvenience of your safe not working. The circuit boards tend to accumulate moisture given the humidity in the region, they then stop working. We do our best to keep them dry and functioning but there are times when they break down. We are pushing for a special rainforest version of in room safes!

Coming all the way from London, we realize that you may not be in Costa Rica soon, but if you ever decide to come back, you might want to consider out sister loge. Tortuga Lodge & Gardens. Reviews are available here on TripAdvisor.

All the Best,

Natalie Ewing
Chief Marketing & Guest Satisfaction Officer
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Also Known As:
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens Hotel Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens Hotel
Monteverde Lodge And Gardens
Monteverde Hotel Gardens
Gardens Hotel Monteverde
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens Costa Rica
Address: after passing World of Insects on the left, take the right fork in the road | 500 meters to the entrance of the lodge, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve 6941-1000, Costa Rica
Phone Number:
Region: Costa Rica > Province of Puntarenas > Monteverde > Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Amenities:
Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Restaurant Room Service Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
Ranked #1 of 7 Specialty lodging in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:3.5 star (3.5*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Located in the Tilarán Mountain Range at 4,600 ft. above sea level on the edge of the world's best-known mid-elevation cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge is the expression of Costa Rica Expeditions' desire to create the ultimate lodging experience for the discerning nature traveler. Monteverde Lodge offers two room types: Forest View, Balcony Rooms. Located just 15 minutes from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde Lodge offers second floor Forest View Balcony Rooms with two double beds, your private balcony with a Cloud Forest View has two wicker chairs and a coffee table. Your room also has glass enclosed showers, solar heated hot water, in-room safe, hot water, coffee maker, alarm clock, ceiling fan, reading lamps, hair dryer and laundry bag. The main entry of Monteverde Lodge includes a glass cathedral entry, high wooden ceilings, an open fireplace, restaurant and bar, and 15-person hot tub. There are comfortable sofas in the bar, reading room and on the garden terrace. There is a computer room with three computers for guest use and wireless connection throughout the public areas of the hotel. The landscaping is designed to bring the flora and fauna of the cloud forest to the doorstep of the hotel. Plan on spending a morning or afternoon to wander in the 15 year old garden that include Imperial Bromeliads, Costa Rica’s national flower the Guarianthe skinneri orchid, known locally as the Guaria Morada and hedges of Blue porter weed and Lantana where butterflies feed. You may also choose to sit on the deck overlooking the pond and wait for the White-faced Monkey or the Agouti to pass by. Forest View Standard Rooms Located just 15 minutes from the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde Lodge offers ground floor Forest View Standard Rooms with two double beds, your room has a corner bay window with two wicker chairs and a coffee table designed to put you in the forest. Your room also has glass enclosed showers, solar heated hot water, in-room safe, hot water, coffee maker, alarm clock, ceiling fan, reading lamps, hair dryer and laundry bag. The main entry of Monteverde Lodge includes a glass cathedral entry, high wooden ceilings, an open fireplace, restaurant and bar, and 15-person hot tub. There are comfortable sofas in the bar, reading room and on the garden terrace. There is a computer room with three computers for guest use and wireless connection throughout the public areas of the hotel. The landscaping is designed to bring the flora and fauna of the cloud forest to the doorstep of the hotel. Plan on spending a morning or afternoon to wander in the 15 year old garden that include Imperial Bromeliads, Costa Rica’s national flower the Guarianthe skinneri orchid, known locally as the Guaria Morada and hedges of Blue porter weed and Lantana where butterflies feed. You may also choose to sit on the deck overlooking the pond and wait for the White-faced Monkey or the Agouti to pass by. El Jardin Restaurant: The Monteverde Lodge restaurant, El Jardin, is open to the public and offers a varied menu including Costa Rican, Mediterranean, Spanish and Asian food. Upon request picnic baskets and romantic gardens lunches are dinners are available. ... more   less 
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