Pension Santa Elena
US$25
/ night
Avg. for September
Prices for Pension Santa Elena
Select dates to see prices and availability
US$25
/ night
Avg. for September
Monthly average prices
Nightly prices at Pension Santa Elena average US$25 in the cheapest month (September) and US$48 in the most expensive month (May), based on the last 12 months.
| Month | Average price |
|---|---|
| January | US$43 |
| February | US$36 |
| March | US$34 |
| April | US$40 |
| May | US$48 |
| June | US$35 |
| July | US$36 |
| August | US$40 |
| September | US$25 |
| October | US$27 |
| November | US$32 |
| December | US$30 |
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
Sept · US$25
S
O
N
D
Most expensive: May (~US$48)
Cheapest: September (~US$25)
About this property
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Amenities
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Business amenities
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Limited parking is available onsite.
Dining
At Pensión Santa Elena, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant.
Rooms
Make yourself at home in one of the 35 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with showers are provided.
Location
With a stay at Pensión Santa Elena in Monteverde, you'll be in the mountains, within a 10-minute drive of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Jardín de Orquídeas. This hostal is 28.7 mi (46.2 km) from Lake Arenal and 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Monteverde Orchid Garden.
What's nearby
Jardín de Orquídeas(0.1 Miles)
Monteverde Orchid Garden(0.1 Miles)
Centro Comercial Monteverde(0.2 Miles)
Mundo de los Insectos(0.3 Miles)
Ficus La Raiz(0.4 Miles)
Wildlife Refuge Monteverde(1.1 Miles)
Monteverde Butterfly Gardens(1.1 Miles)
Hidden Valley Preserve(1.1 Miles)
The Bat Jungle(1.3 Miles)
Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde(1.4 Miles)
Vista al Golfo(1.7 Miles)
Curi-Cancha Reserve(1.8 Miles)
Friends Meeting House(1.9 Miles)
Monteverde Friends School - Escuela de los Amigos(1.9 Miles)
100% Aventura Adventure Park(2 Miles)
La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)(69.8 Miles)
Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO)(82.7 Miles)
Non-smoking rooms
Family room
Tour desk
Garden
Luggage storage
Designated smoking area
Location
Contigua al Banco Nacional Santa Elena, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Cantón Monteverde, Costa Rica
Jardín de Orquídeas (0.1 Miles)
Monteverde Orchid Garden (0.1 Miles)
Centro Comercial Monteverde (0.2 Miles)
Mundo de los Insectos (0.3 Miles)
Ficus La Raiz (0.4 Miles)
Wildlife Refuge Monteverde (1.1 Miles)
Room options
6
Grand Standard
Room details
1 Double Bed
Sleeps 2
151 ft²
Wi-Fi (Free)Private BathroomPrivate or Shared bathroom
6
Petite Suite Private Bathroom
Room details
2 Double Beds
Sleeps 4
258 ft²
Wi-Fi (Free)Private BathroomPrivate or Shared bathroom
7
Standard Room
Room details
1 Double Bed
Sleeps 2
129 ft²
Wi-Fi (Free)Shared BathroomPrivate or Shared bathroom
9
Grand Cabin
Room details
2 Large Double Beds
and 2 Bunk Beds
Sleeps 6
258 ft²
Wi-Fi (Free)Private BathroomPrivate or Shared bathroom
Guest reviews of Pension Santa Elena
8.9
Fabulous
Based on 378 verified reviews
Who stays here?
Couple
47%
Family
11%
Group
24%
Solo
16%
What guests think
AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
At Pension Santa Elena, travellers highlight a central, walkable location and very friendly, helpful staff, alongside a sociable vibe with communal kitchen and common areas, while noting basic, often small rooms and some wear that reflects its budget focus.
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What guests think
At Pension Santa Elena, travellers highlight a central, walkable location and very friendly, helpful staff, alongside a sociable vibe with communal kitchen and common areas, while noting basic, often small rooms and some wear that reflects its budget focus.
Cleanliness feedback is mixed, with several guests finding spaces very clean and others pointing to dirty floors, ants, or dated, dingy rooms. The convenient setting also brings traffic noise and thin walls, and bed comfort varies from soft to hard. Breakfast is widely appreciated despite occasional small portions or tight seating. Expect a straightforward, sociable, budget-friendly base.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Facilities
Guests appreciate the communal kitchen and pleasant shared areas and garden for socializing, though seating can be tight at busy times and some kitchen equipment feels limited or dated.
Related guest reviews
10
Grace
13 Jan 2023
·
Stayed 19,369 nights
Had a lovely experience staying here! Has a great location -walking distance to restaurants and shops. Staff were welcoming and helpful with booking us a shuttle and recommending places! Very cozy and comfortable sleep, clean and cute place, tasty free breakfast included. Pretty garden lounge area outside too!
Had a lovely experience staying here! Has a great location -walking distance to restaurants and shops. Staff were welcoming and helpful with booking us a shuttle and recommending places! Very cozy and comfortable sleep, clean and cute place, tasty free breakfast included. Pretty garden lounge area outside too!
8
siobhan
14 Jan 2026
·
Stayed 3 nights
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
8
K
30 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 6 nights
As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
8
Rikke
21 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
8
Cecilia
11 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
10
Christopher
6 Feb 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
This is an amazing place to stay. Feels like a cozy bed and breakfast up in the mountains. The staff is so friendly and accommodating! Common areas are comfortable and the free breakfast is a great way to start your day.
This is an amazing place to stay. Feels like a cozy bed and breakfast up in the mountains. The staff is so friendly and accommodating! Common areas are comfortable and the free breakfast is a great way to start your day.
10
Charli
7 Mar 2025
·
Stayed 4 nights
Super rapport qualité prix! La chambre H16 était très bien pour notre petite famille de 2 adultes un enfant. le déjeuner inclue est super bon et pratique. C'est vraiment au coeur de Santa Elena. Le petit bémol est pour que les responsables des lieux se procurent éventuellement plus d'équipement de cuisine, des rideaux plus opaques et des poubelles fermées (Comme ils demandent qu'on y jette nos PQ). Je recommande!
Super rapport qualité prix! La chambre H16 était très bien pour notre petite famille de 2 adultes un enfant. le déjeuner inclue est super bon et pratique. C'est vraiment au coeur de Santa Elena. Le petit bémol est pour que les responsables des lieux se procurent éventuellement plus d'équipement de cuisine, des rideaux plus opaques et des poubelles fermées (Comme ils demandent qu'on y jette nos PQ). Je recommande!
10
Sylvie
8 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
8
Olivia
30 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
8
Anjelica
5 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 2 nights
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is mixed: many guests report clean rooms and common spaces, while others note dirty floors, ants, or a generally worn, dingy feel.
Related guest reviews
8
siobhan
14 Jan 2026
·
Stayed 3 nights
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
4
Ronald
11 Feb 2025
·
Stayed 5 nights
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
8
K
30 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 6 nights
As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
6
Kyle
29 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 3 nights
It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
6
Maria
29 Feb 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
4
MARIA ISABEL GONZALEZ
9 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Las camas son bastante incómodas. Cuidado con dejar comida sin vigilancia más de 5 min, se la comerán las hormigas. Habitaciones pequeñas. Desayuno pobre, escaso y no demasiado rico. Precio elevado para lo que ofrece.
Las camas son bastante incómodas. Cuidado con dejar comida sin vigilancia más de 5 min, se la comerán las hormigas. Habitaciones pequeñas. Desayuno pobre, escaso y no demasiado rico. Precio elevado para lo que ofrece.
8
Eszter
7 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
10
Sylvie
8 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
6
christian
23 Dec 2023
·
Very basic hostel, staff was not very friendly, room are very basic, the photos are much more beautiful than in real life. Very noisy (adjacent to the road), but we had traffic jams, so ok. Very dirty rooms (look under the beds!). The weather wasn't great, so we cut our stay short by one night (2 nights instead of 3). Although the hotel was almost empty, the young girl at the counter did not want to cancel the 3rd night (booked with Expedia) so we paid for the 3 nights. Very poor customer service. For this we do not recommend.
Very basic hostel, staff was not very friendly, room are very basic, the photos are much more beautiful than in real life. Very noisy (adjacent to the road), but we had traffic jams, so ok. Very dirty rooms (look under the beds!). The weather wasn't great, so we cut our stay short by one night (2 nights instead of 3). Although the hotel was almost empty, the young girl at the counter did not want to cancel the 3rd night (booked with Expedia) so we paid for the 3 nights. Very poor customer service. For this we do not recommend.
8
Anjelica
5 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 2 nights
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Rooms
Rooms are basic and often small, with some loft layouts and an older look; several guests said photos made them seem larger. Comfort varies, with reports of hard or soft beds and thin walls.
Related guest reviews
8
Pilar
30 Mar 2025
·
Stayed 1 night
In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower
In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower
4
Ronald
11 Feb 2025
·
Stayed 5 nights
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
8
Rikke
21 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
6
Kyle
29 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 3 nights
It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
6
Maria
29 Feb 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
10
Lorene
16 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 2 nights
The photos make the rooms look bigger. They also don’t show they count a double bed as a loft that has a low ceiling.
The photos make the rooms look bigger. They also don’t show they count a double bed as a loft that has a low ceiling.
8
Jeffrey
14 Mar 2025
·
Stayed 3 nights
No frills, but perfectly adequate accomodations. Wonderful, hot shower with good pressure.
No frills, but perfectly adequate accomodations. Wonderful, hot shower with good pressure.
8
Daniel
22 Aug 2025
·
Stayed 2 nights
La ubicación es excelente y muy práctica para tomar taxi, transporte público, salir caminando a conocer, etc. Las instalaciones están bien, son sencillas pero todo bien, el desayuno que incluyen se agradece. La habitación fue pequeña y sencilla, todo bien excepto el inodoro, que tenía la palanca para descarga rota. Lo demás se veía “viejo” pero pues adecuado por el costo.
La ubicación es excelente y muy práctica para tomar taxi, transporte público, salir caminando a conocer, etc. Las instalaciones están bien, son sencillas pero todo bien, el desayuno que incluyen se agradece. La habitación fue pequeña y sencilla, todo bien excepto el inodoro, que tenía la palanca para descarga rota. Lo demás se veía “viejo” pero pues adecuado por el costo.
8
Abby
12 Mar 2023
·
Stayed 2 nights
The hotel has a lot of personality and staff was super friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great. Hotel is easily walkable to a bunch of good restaurants and super market in the area. Beds were not comfortable and there is no sound proofing in the rooms-- we could hear everything on the main road all night long. We slept really poorly but otherwise were happy with the hotel.
The hotel has a lot of personality and staff was super friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great. Hotel is easily walkable to a bunch of good restaurants and super market in the area. Beds were not comfortable and there is no sound proofing in the rooms-- we could hear everything on the main road all night long. We slept really poorly but otherwise were happy with the hotel.
4
Bryson
8 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 5 nights
Definitely a hostel in terms of quality of facilities. Very small rooms. Loud since it is located on a busy road.
Definitely a hostel in terms of quality of facilities. Very small rooms. Loud since it is located on a busy road.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Service
Service is widely praised as friendly, welcoming, and helpful with tours and arrangements, though a few guests reported unfriendly staff, late-night unresponsiveness, or rigid cancellation policies.
Related guest reviews
10
Hinna
8 Mar 2023
·
Stayed 2 nights
The place I stayed at during my stay in Costa Rica. The staff are beyond helpful and they make everything easy. They helped me book tickets and transport and it was more reasonable than anything I found online. It's not a fancy place, it's pretty basic but great for what it is. The rooms don't have TVs and the beds are too soft for me personally but I didn't mind any of that. There's a common kitchen for everyone's use and free tea/coffee available all day. There's a little courtyard on the property that was really nice to have. The included breakfast has three options and they're all pretty good. There's plenty of restaurants in walking distance and a short drive to Santa Elena cloud forest or Selvatura adventure park. Most tours to the park should include transportation from hotels/hostels nearby. Definitely recommend.
The place I stayed at during my stay in Costa Rica. The staff are beyond helpful and they make everything easy. They helped me book tickets and transport and it was more reasonable than anything I found online. It's not a fancy place, it's pretty basic but great for what it is. The rooms don't have TVs and the beds are too soft for me personally but I didn't mind any of that. There's a common kitchen for everyone's use and free tea/coffee available all day. There's a little courtyard on the property that was really nice to have. The included breakfast has three options and they're all pretty good. There's plenty of restaurants in walking distance and a short drive to Santa Elena cloud forest or Selvatura adventure park. Most tours to the park should include transportation from hotels/hostels nearby. Definitely recommend.
10
Francine
2 Apr 2025
·
Stayed 4 nights
Très bonne accueil, vraiment très aidant pour organiser les activités
Très bonne accueil, vraiment très aidant pour organiser les activités
10
Marisa
26 Jan 2023
·
Stayed 3 nights
Loves this whole place! It was in a perfect location, the room was nice and the staff was awesome. Felt super homey
Loves this whole place! It was in a perfect location, the room was nice and the staff was awesome. Felt super homey
10
Louise
2 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 1 night
Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
10
Martin
7 Apr 2022
·
Stayed 3 nights
There just seemed to be a really good vibe to the place. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I extended my stay an additional day. Rooms were comfortable.
There just seemed to be a really good vibe to the place. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I extended my stay an additional day. Rooms were comfortable.
8
Cecilia
11 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
8
Eszter
7 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
10
Gilberto
16 Jul 2025
·
Stayed 1 night
Excellent hotel with friendly and helpful staff; conveniently located.
Excellent hotel with friendly and helpful staff; conveniently located.
6
christian
23 Dec 2023
·
Very basic hostel, staff was not very friendly, room are very basic, the photos are much more beautiful than in real life. Very noisy (adjacent to the road), but we had traffic jams, so ok. Very dirty rooms (look under the beds!). The weather wasn't great, so we cut our stay short by one night (2 nights instead of 3). Although the hotel was almost empty, the young girl at the counter did not want to cancel the 3rd night (booked with Expedia) so we paid for the 3 nights. Very poor customer service. For this we do not recommend.
Very basic hostel, staff was not very friendly, room are very basic, the photos are much more beautiful than in real life. Very noisy (adjacent to the road), but we had traffic jams, so ok. Very dirty rooms (look under the beds!). The weather wasn't great, so we cut our stay short by one night (2 nights instead of 3). Although the hotel was almost empty, the young girl at the counter did not want to cancel the 3rd night (booked with Expedia) so we paid for the 3 nights. Very poor customer service. For this we do not recommend.
2
David
31 Jan 2023
·
Stayed 1 night
We arrive at 10PM due to terrible traffic only to find no one to receive us. We had called earlier that evening to warn them we would be late and was told there would a security person to provide us a room. Nope. Took us an hour to find another hotel. Warning! The whole town of Monteverde shuts down early!!
We arrive at 10PM due to terrible traffic only to find no one to receive us. We had called earlier that evening to warn them we would be late and was told there would a security person to provide us a room. Nope. Took us an hour to find another hotel. Warning! The whole town of Monteverde shuts down early!!
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Location
Central and walkable to restaurants, shops, and transport, making it easy to explore Monteverde and Santa Elena. The tradeoff is frequent road noise and dust, with limited soundproofing.
Related guest reviews
10
Grace
13 Jan 2023
·
Stayed 19,369 nights
Had a lovely experience staying here! Has a great location -walking distance to restaurants and shops. Staff were welcoming and helpful with booking us a shuttle and recommending places! Very cozy and comfortable sleep, clean and cute place, tasty free breakfast included. Pretty garden lounge area outside too!
Had a lovely experience staying here! Has a great location -walking distance to restaurants and shops. Staff were welcoming and helpful with booking us a shuttle and recommending places! Very cozy and comfortable sleep, clean and cute place, tasty free breakfast included. Pretty garden lounge area outside too!
8
LAURA
6 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 4 nights
We really enjoyed our stay at the pension. We had the chance to meet with beautiful people and share parts of our trip with them. The place is very well located, but the area is quite busy and get somehow quite noisy with traffic noise in the background.
We really enjoyed our stay at the pension. We had the chance to meet with beautiful people and share parts of our trip with them. The place is very well located, but the area is quite busy and get somehow quite noisy with traffic noise in the background.
8
siobhan
14 Jan 2026
·
Stayed 3 nights
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
Friendly staff, great location, clean spacious private room. Could do with more seating/ relaxing areas. But that was only a problem during busy meal times
8
Rikke
21 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
8
Alice
19 Dec 2023
·
Stayed 4 nights
I am a senior traveler and was trying to bring the self-indulgence of a solo trip in on a budget. Staying at Pension Santa Elena helped. I had a Garden Standard Room with private bath. Location in the town in very good for a traveler without a car. As noted by others staff are pleasant, informative and helpful with making travel arrangements. Room was basic but comfortable, shower was good. Found the pension quiet at night, though an early start to motorcycle traffic in the am might be a problem for some. Satisfied with the breakfast. If you are out and about before it is offered at 7 am, Panaderia Jimenez just up the street opens at 0500 and has good coffee.
I am a senior traveler and was trying to bring the self-indulgence of a solo trip in on a budget. Staying at Pension Santa Elena helped. I had a Garden Standard Room with private bath. Location in the town in very good for a traveler without a car. As noted by others staff are pleasant, informative and helpful with making travel arrangements. Room was basic but comfortable, shower was good. Found the pension quiet at night, though an early start to motorcycle traffic in the am might be a problem for some. Satisfied with the breakfast. If you are out and about before it is offered at 7 am, Panaderia Jimenez just up the street opens at 0500 and has good coffee.
8
Mukhtar
19 Mar 2023
·
Stayed 1 night
Great location! Near a lot off restaurants!
Great location! Near a lot off restaurants!
8
Fraser
1 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Friendly, convenient and good value place in the centre of Santa Elena
Friendly, convenient and good value place in the centre of Santa Elena
8
Olivia
30 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
8
Abby
12 Mar 2023
·
Stayed 2 nights
The hotel has a lot of personality and staff was super friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great. Hotel is easily walkable to a bunch of good restaurants and super market in the area. Beds were not comfortable and there is no sound proofing in the rooms-- we could hear everything on the main road all night long. We slept really poorly but otherwise were happy with the hotel.
The hotel has a lot of personality and staff was super friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great. Hotel is easily walkable to a bunch of good restaurants and super market in the area. Beds were not comfortable and there is no sound proofing in the rooms-- we could hear everything on the main road all night long. We slept really poorly but otherwise were happy with the hotel.
8
Anjelica
5 Jan 2025
·
Stayed 2 nights
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
Dining
Included breakfast is generally tasty and convenient with a few options, though portions or variety can feel limited and breakfast seating can be tight.
Related guest reviews
10
Hinna
8 Mar 2023
·
Stayed 2 nights
The place I stayed at during my stay in Costa Rica. The staff are beyond helpful and they make everything easy. They helped me book tickets and transport and it was more reasonable than anything I found online. It's not a fancy place, it's pretty basic but great for what it is. The rooms don't have TVs and the beds are too soft for me personally but I didn't mind any of that. There's a common kitchen for everyone's use and free tea/coffee available all day. There's a little courtyard on the property that was really nice to have. The included breakfast has three options and they're all pretty good. There's plenty of restaurants in walking distance and a short drive to Santa Elena cloud forest or Selvatura adventure park. Most tours to the park should include transportation from hotels/hostels nearby. Definitely recommend.
The place I stayed at during my stay in Costa Rica. The staff are beyond helpful and they make everything easy. They helped me book tickets and transport and it was more reasonable than anything I found online. It's not a fancy place, it's pretty basic but great for what it is. The rooms don't have TVs and the beds are too soft for me personally but I didn't mind any of that. There's a common kitchen for everyone's use and free tea/coffee available all day. There's a little courtyard on the property that was really nice to have. The included breakfast has three options and they're all pretty good. There's plenty of restaurants in walking distance and a short drive to Santa Elena cloud forest or Selvatura adventure park. Most tours to the park should include transportation from hotels/hostels nearby. Definitely recommend.
6
Erika
19 Feb 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
The concept is interesting. Makes for a lovely youth hostel. Was surprised it was so much in the city. Breakfast was very good.
The concept is interesting. Makes for a lovely youth hostel. Was surprised it was so much in the city. Breakfast was very good.
8
Pilar
30 Mar 2025
·
Stayed 1 night
In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower
In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower
8
Rikke
21 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
Beliggenheden var super god i forhold til Santa Elena. Det ligger i gå-afstand (ned og op af en stejl bakke) fra bussen der kommer fra San José. Rigtig fin morgenmad hvor man bestiller fra et kort. Der er 3 retter at vælge i mellem. Værelserne er simple men fine. Gå efter et H-værelse. De er lige en tak større. Der er en hyggelig have man kan opholde sig i. Pas på katten hvis i bor i C7, der vil katten gerne med ind. Der er fællesskab og køkken man kan bruge.
10
Louise
2 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 1 night
Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
6
Maria
29 Feb 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
8
Cecilia
11 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
4
MARIA ISABEL GONZALEZ
9 Jan 2024
·
Stayed 2 nights
Las camas son bastante incómodas. Cuidado con dejar comida sin vigilancia más de 5 min, se la comerán las hormigas. Habitaciones pequeñas. Desayuno pobre, escaso y no demasiado rico. Precio elevado para lo que ofrece.
Las camas son bastante incómodas. Cuidado con dejar comida sin vigilancia más de 5 min, se la comerán las hormigas. Habitaciones pequeñas. Desayuno pobre, escaso y no demasiado rico. Precio elevado para lo que ofrece.
10
Charli
7 Mar 2025
·
Stayed 4 nights
Super rapport qualité prix! La chambre H16 était très bien pour notre petite famille de 2 adultes un enfant. le déjeuner inclue est super bon et pratique. C'est vraiment au coeur de Santa Elena. Le petit bémol est pour que les responsables des lieux se procurent éventuellement plus d'équipement de cuisine, des rideaux plus opaques et des poubelles fermées (Comme ils demandent qu'on y jette nos PQ). Je recommande!
Super rapport qualité prix! La chambre H16 était très bien pour notre petite famille de 2 adultes un enfant. le déjeuner inclue est super bon et pratique. C'est vraiment au coeur de Santa Elena. Le petit bémol est pour que les responsables des lieux se procurent éventuellement plus d'équipement de cuisine, des rideaux plus opaques et des poubelles fermées (Comme ils demandent qu'on y jette nos PQ). Je recommande!
10
Sylvie
8 Mar 2024
·
Stayed 3 nights
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews
10
Rafal
2 weeks ago
·
Stayed 2 nights
Awesome stay! Great staff. Breakfast was phenomenal! The room is excellent and has all the essentials like proper shelves and hooks. Shower is hot. Soaps are well scented and good quality.
Awesome stay! Great staff. Breakfast was phenomenal! The room is excellent and has all the essentials like proper shelves and hooks. Shower is hot. Soaps are well scented and good quality.
10
Sian
3 weeks ago
·
Stayed 2 nights
Really great location and helpful to have the shared kitchen. Staff also very helpful with booking trips, were also the cheapest we could find.
Really great location and helpful to have the shared kitchen. Staff also very helpful with booking trips, were also the cheapest we could find.
4
Kim
11 Jun 2026
·
Stayed 3 nights
Staff was amazing. Unfortunately, the walls are paperthin, the room was absolutely freezing, they were very dated… It is more of a large field than a hotel. I unfortunately didn’t get much sleep due to how send the walls were and how cold the rooms were. The price was very cheap, but you are better off paying $10-$20 more to get a good nights rest.
Staff was amazing. Unfortunately, the walls are paperthin, the room was absolutely freezing, they were very dated… It is more of a large field than a hotel. I unfortunately didn’t get much sleep due to how send the walls were and how cold the rooms were. The price was very cheap, but you are better off paying $10-$20 more to get a good nights rest.
10
Chloee
22 Apr 2026
·
Stayed 4 nights
great central location
great central location
10
Ashley
18 Mar 2026
·
Stayed 1 night
It's a hostel but better than many hotels. We had a big family room and bathroom and the garden was awesome. Having access to the kitchen was great and the breakfast was fantastic. The location couldn't be beat and the staff was so nice.
It's a hostel but better than many hotels. We had a big family room and bathroom and the garden was awesome. Having access to the kitchen was great and the breakfast was fantastic. The location couldn't be beat and the staff was so nice.
FAQs about Pension Santa Elena
Is parking available at the property?
Limited parking is available onsite, and it is free of charge.
Does the property allow pets?
Pets are allowed in specific rooms only, with a pet fee of USD 25 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Early or late check-in/check-out may be requested but is subject to availability and may incur additional charges.
Where is the property located in relation to key landmarks?
The property is located in Monteverde, within a 10-minute drive of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Jardín de Orquídeas. It is approximately 0.2 miles from Monteverde Orchid Garden and 26.5 miles from Lake Arenal.
What are the hotel's policies for guests staying with children?
Up to 2 children aged 7 years old and younger can stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
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Instant AI responses are based on hotel information
Prices for upcoming dates
September 2026
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October 2026
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Cheaper
Pricier
Average nightly price across deals, with taxes & fees.
Prices in USD for 2 guests, updated daily.
- 2026-09-24: 25.89256530830383USD
- 2026-09-25: 17.275085356349944USD
- 2026-09-26: 17.275085356349944USD
- 2026-09-27: 17.275085356349944USD
- 2026-09-28: 17.275085356349944USD
- 2026-09-29: 17.23811640035629USD
- 2026-09-30: NO DATA
- 2026-10-01: NO DATA
- 2026-10-02: NO DATA
- 2026-10-03: NO DATA
- 2026-10-04: NO DATA
- 2026-10-05: NO DATA
- 2026-10-06: NO DATA
- 2026-10-07: NO DATA
- 2026-10-08: NO DATA
- 2026-10-09: NO DATA
- 2026-10-10: NO DATA
- 2026-10-11: NO DATA
- 2026-10-12: NO DATA
- 2026-10-13: NO DATA
- 2026-10-14: NO DATA
- 2026-10-15: NO DATA
- 2026-10-16: NO DATA
- 2026-10-17: NO DATA
- 2026-10-18: NO DATA
- 2026-10-19: 39.12475934417724USD
- 2026-10-20: 17.545949285659788USD
- 2026-10-21: 17.545949285659788USD
- 2026-10-22: 26.18349142017364USD
- 2026-10-23: 26.18349142017364USD
- 2026-10-24: 19.27145138557434USD
- 2026-10-25: 17.37176461288452USD
- 2026-10-26: 17.37176461288452USD
- 2026-10-27: 17.434697736530303USD
- 2026-10-28: 17.37176461288452USD
- 2026-10-29: 17.37176461288452USD
- 2026-10-30: 19.08013703830719USD
- 2026-10-31: 19.230209253196715USD
- 2026-11-01: 18.291978468322753USD
- 2026-11-02: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-03: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-04: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-05: 18.291978468322753USD
- 2026-11-06: 19.934322163696287USD
- 2026-11-07: 19.934322163696287USD
- 2026-11-08: 18.408700335617063USD
- 2026-11-09: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-10: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-11: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-12: 45.86790561599731USD
- 2026-11-13: 19.934322163696287USD
- 2026-11-14: 19.934322163696287USD
- 2026-11-15: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-16: 27.367370044403074USD
- 2026-11-17: 27.55896274616241USD
- 2026-11-18: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-19: 18.225950825595856USD
- 2026-11-20: 20.006539931907653USD
- 2026-11-21: 19.951438790321347USD
- 2026-11-22: 54.589117196502684USD
- 2026-11-23: 18.291978468322753USD
- 2026-11-24: 27.367370044403074USD
The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM. This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools.
Check-in must be done by someone who is at least 18 years old.
- Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
- Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
- Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
- This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
- Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
- Up to 2 children 7 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
- Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section).
- Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per stay
- Service animals are exempt from fees
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
Popular amenities
Non-smoking rooms
Family room
Tour desk
Garden
Luggage storage
Designated smoking area
Services
Tour desk
Luggage storage
Designated smoking area
Self laundry
Concierge Services
General
Non-smoking rooms
Family room
Internet
Free wi-fi
Activities
Garden