Grace and Renzo, the charming innkeepers, were the best we met in our eight day stay in Costa Rica. They made useful recommendations for every attraction, restaurant and activity we undertook. Grace serves yummy and hearty breakfasts every morning. She even served early in time for us to enjoy a hike. The rooms are wood-paneled with bright colored bedspreads - reminiscent of your favorite summer camp. Everything is spotlessly clean and comfortable. Tremendous value, and even better hospitality. We hope to visit again.

My wife and I stayed here for the 3rd and 4th nights of our honeymoon trip to Costa Rica. The rooms were very nice and resembled a mountain cabin. The service was excellent. Grace and her husband were great hosts and they were able to give us great information about what to do not only in Monteverde, but also at Arenal where our next stop would be.

Breakfast was included and Grace made each of us an individual plate in the morning. The breakfast was different each day and was delicious.

The building did tend to creak a bit during the night because of some extreme winds in the area so that kept me up a little bit at night, but it wasn't terrible.

Overall we had an excellent stay and loved our hosts. I would recommend this hotel over any other in Monteverde.

I stayed in one of the poshest resorts at Arenal (my one splurge on my vacation) a few days before I arrived in Monteverde, and found the difference in 'concierge' service and vacation planning help to be quite shocking. Grace and Renzo, the lovely owners of the rustic, charming and modest El Viandante, were leaps and bounds ahead of that posh, quite expensive resort. Grace helped me plan my entire stay, right down to a last minute "I know someone...I'll make a quick call" horse ride timed just for me so that I could still make my shuttle out of town. She gave me a detailed overview of various establishments, restaurants and guide services throughout the town, with great suggestions and ideas, including off-the-beaten path breathtaking waterfalls.
On top of that, breakfast was simple, tasty and hearty... and accompanied by great conversation, if desired, with the lovely hosts who speak multiple languages and have lived in the US, Asia and Europe. The rooms, while simple, are homey and comfortable, offering a view of the Gulf of Nicoya on a clear day. It is a quick but STEEP walk into downtown...cabs are easily called from the inn or from restaurants if needed. If you're looking for a quaint, warm and friendly place to stay on a budget, you'll be happy if you stay here!!

We stayed here 2 nights and had a fantastic stay. Grace and Renzo were enthusiastic and very helpful with local insights, arranging tours, and advice on the many actvities and sites in Monteverde. Our room was very comfortable, and the breakfasts were a perfect start to our days. Many thanks for the hospitality, and we highly recommend this to other travelers.