Hotel Los Jardines de Monteverde

Hotel Los Jardines de Monteverde takes its name from the gardens, and a garden setting is a good fit for Monteverde. The flowers attract hummingbirds, the trees attract other birds and the mist drifting across the grounds gives the whole stay a quiet, slow feel. It suits couples, honeymooners and travellers who want a more comfortable and relaxed place to return to after a full day in the cloud forest, without tipping into the top price bracket. Look at the room categories carefully. Differences in size, view, bed type and bathroom can be large, and so can the price. Check whether your room faces the gardens, whether it has a balcony or terrace, how it is heated on cool nights and whether breakfast is included. If you are travelling with children or an older relative, ask about the number of steps between the room and the dining area.

Gardens matter in Monteverde for a practical reason. The area is one of the best in Costa Rica for hummingbirds, and a hotel with flowering plants may see several species before breakfast. Sit quietly with a coffee and watch, and you will often see more than on a rushed walk. Ask the staff which plants attract the most birds and which time of day is best, because they usually know.

A polished mid-to-upper hotel also pays off on rainy days. When the cloud rolls in and the afternoon activities lose their appeal, a comfortable lounge, a good restaurant and a warm room make the trip enjoyable rather than damp. Many travellers plan a mix of busy mornings, with a reserve walk, a hanging bridges visit or a zipline, and slower afternoons with coffee, chocolate or a spa treatment if one is offered.

Getting around is the usual question. The Monteverde area is spread out, and the roads are winding and in places unpaved. Taxis are common and many tour operators collect from hotels, so a rental car is rarely necessary. Ask where the hotel sits relative to Santa Elena and the main reserves, and choose your restaurants and tours accordingly.

Prices sit in the upper-middle range and rise in the dry season, from December to April. The green season, from May to November, brings lower rates, mist and afternoon showers. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, and check the cancellation terms, taxes and inclusions when you book. Bring a small daypack, a refillable bottle and a pair of binoculars if you own them, since the birds here reward patience and a good look.

Ask whether the hotel can arrange a guide for a dawn bird walk, a night walk or a coffee tour, because staff often have trusted local contacts and can book you in for the best time slots.