Cloud Forest Lodge is a boutique-style address in Santa Elena, about a kilometre east of the Banco de Costa Rica, which puts it close to the town's restaurants, shops and tour offices while still feeling set apart among its gardens. It is classed as a five-star property and guests rate it a very high 9.6 from around 160 reviews, with cleanliness and staff and service both scoring 9.8. The rooms are named after local birds and all look onto the gardens: Manakin rooms with a king bed for couples, Manakin family rooms that sleep four, larger Euphonia rooms with two queen beds and the Tityra junior suites, the roomiest of the lot at more than a thousand square feet. Breakfast is cooked to order and included, there is free parking with valet service and free WiFi in the rooms, and the on-site restaurant, Endemica, serves fine dining that makes an easy dinner plan after a day of trails and zip-lines.
Location and getting around
Santa Elena is the practical hub of Monteverde, so staying at the lodge makes it easy to reach the tour offices, supermarkets and restaurants without a long drive. The reserves and canopy parks are further along the ridge, so you will want a car, a taxi or a tour shuttle for the Monteverde reserve and the bigger attractions, and the front desk can arrange transfers and tours. An airport shuttle is available for a surcharge, which is worth asking about if you are arriving after a long drive.
The rooms
The lodge has a boutique feel, with a calm atmosphere and personal service. Manakin rooms are the entry point and suit couples, while the family rooms and the larger Euphonia rooms with two queen beds suit families and small groups. The Tityra junior suites combine a king and a twin bed with generous space, which is useful for a longer stay or travellers who like room to spread out.
All of the rooms look over the gardens, so the outlook is green and quiet, and a porter service, luggage storage and laundry make the practicalities easy.Good to know: the lodge is at the top of the market in price, so it suits a special trip or travellers who value service and calm. The property does not list a pool or a spa, so it is not the best fit if you want resort facilities, and pets are not allowed.
Free cancellation is offered on selected rates, which is helpful when planning around the weather and reserve timed entry. The mix of high ratings, a refined restaurant and a quiet garden setting makes it a strong choice for couples and honeymooners, and for anyone who likes a more intimate lodge to a large hotel. Book several weeks ahead for December to April, when the best rooms in Monteverde are in demand.
Why stay here
- ✓Breakfast cooked to order, included
- ✓Fine-dining restaurant (Endemica)
- ✓Bar
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Free in-room WiFi
- ✓Garden-view rooms
- ✓Laundry and luggage storage
- ✓Airport shuttle available for a fee
Good questions
Does Cloud Forest Lodge include breakfast?+
Yes, breakfast cooked to order is shown as included, along with free parking and WiFi. Confirm the details when you book.
Does the lodge have a pool or spa?+
No pool or spa is shown for the property. It is a quiet, garden-based lodge with a restaurant and a bar rather than a resort.
Is it close to the town of Santa Elena?+
Yes, it is in Santa Elena, so restaurants and tour offices are close. The reserves and canopy parks are further along the ridge and need a car, taxi or shuttle.
