La Colina Lodge IS exactly what everyone described. A rustic, VERY FRIENDLY and enchanting place in Monteverde. The family who owns the lodge are extremely helpful and friendly. The place is packed with people, pets, nature and kids. My only complaint (which isn't a complaing really, just a note)--is that the lodge is located off the side of a VERY dusty road, so when a car goes by the dust flies into the room/balcony. At night the place can also be a bit noisy. The room was below average. I camped all around Costa Rica, and this was by far the worst room. The bed was obviously slept in--and the rug/walls have dust all over the place (due to the outside). I MUST say however as soon as we asked for new sheets, the staff cleaned extensively. The food was GREAT! Overall it was a great place--very close to Reserve, but if I went again, I would stay somewhere else. Oh--EAT AT JOHNNY'S

After reading the reviews on this site, I was expecting something a bit nicer. The rooms were ok...very small. And very drafty. It was freezing, and luckily they were able to provide us with extra blankets. I would say if you're going to monteverde, splurge and stay at one of the nicer hotels down the road or else in Santa Helena, where there is more to do.
On the plus side, the woman running the hotel was very nice, she was able to assist us in booking some tours and transport to our next destination.

A delightful stay. The family that runs La Colina was very helpful to say the least. They made sure I was as happy as a little tourist clam. The bagged lunches that they made up for me was a big plus in terms of money conservation; I didn't have to spend $12 on the lunch that the tours sell. They serve all meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner, and on top of that, all the meals are great! Not to mention affordable.This lodge is ideal for cloud forest goers, on account of it's close proximity to the reserve. Also, it's right up the road from the Quaker Cheese Factory, so you don't have to go far to eat the superb ice cream that they make there. I recommend this place to anyone. Two thumbs up for La Colina.

I stayed at this friendly lodge back in February of this year. Run by a lovely American family who are keen to share their knowledge of the local area and will help you organise day trips etc. Nice, welcolming common area and garden out back where you can watch hummingbirds whizzing about! And if you play guitar Thomas will no doubt jump at the chance to have a jam!