Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [159]
Monteverde Backpackers (2645-5844; www.monteverdebackpackers.com/home.html; dm US$10, s/d/tr/q US$20/30/39/44, all incl breakfast; ) Part of the Costa Rica Hostel Network (along with Arenal Backpackers, Tamarindo Backpackers, Pangaea), Monteverde Backpackers is smaller and more basic than some other cheapies in town. But it’s clean and friendly, with wood-paneled rooms, comfy beds and some of the hottest, most powerful showers we’ve ever felt. Ahhh! You’ll also find a communal kitchen, outdoor patio and TV lounge. Note that parking here is extremely limited. Find Monteverde Backpackers on a hill just above Cabinas Vista al Golfo.
Hotel El Sueño (2645-5021; www.hotelelsuenocr.com; s US$15-25, d US$30-50, all incl breakfast; ) This Tico-run hotel has huge wooden rooms with private hot shower. The pricier, upstairs rooms are airier, though the best ones are toward the back. There’s a great balcony with sweeping views of the area.
Cabinas Vista al Golfo (2645-6321; www.cabinasvistaalgolfo.com; s with/without bathroom US$20/15, d with/without bathroom US$25/20; ) This is a very comfortable locale run by a congenial Costa Rican family. Rooms are well kept, the showers are hot and the owners will make you feel right at home. The upstairs balcony rooms ($5 extra) have great views of the rainforest and, on a clear day, the Golfo de Nicoya. There’s a small, communal kitchen.
Manakín Lodge (2645-5080, 2645-5835; www.manakinlodge.com; r per person incl breakfast standard/superior US$18/25; ) This simple Tico family-run lodge in Cerro Plano has a very friendly, laid-back feel. All of the rooms have homey furnishings, wi-fi and private hot-water shower, though the 2nd-floor superior rooms have better views of the forest and have TV and fridge.
Pensión Monteverde Inn (2645-5156; r per person incl breakfast US$20; ) In a tranquil corner of Cerro Plano is this small inn, next to the trailhead for the Sendero Valle Escondido. Spartan rooms have private hot shower, and its remote location means lots of peace and quiet. The owners can pick you up at the bus stop if you have a reservation.
Casa Tranquilo (2645-6782; www.casatranquilohostel.com; r per person incl breakfast with/without bathroom US$25/20; ) This wonderful little hotel is owned and managed by a delightful Tico couple, David and Elena (and their little one, Josue). Some of the wood-paneled rooms have skylights and views of the gulf. Check out the great upstairs terrace, perfect for a few late-night ballads on the guitar. There’s also a communal kitchen, free internet (and wi-fi), free coffee and tea, CD burning and printing, and a buffet breakfast with granola, bread, eggs and fruit.
Pensión Colibrí (2645-5682; r US$20-30; ) Another popular budget option, this small, family-run pensión is on a quiet lane and feels like it’s perched among the trees. The larger rooms are worth the money as they have a fridge and balconies overlooking the woods, which are perfect for breathing in the cool, mountain air. There’s also a small communal kitchen.
Cabinas Eddy (2645-6635; www.cabinas-eddy.com; d US$20-35, without bathroom US$20; ) This reader-recommended budget spot continues to get raves for its delightful, English-speaking staff and the marimba-playing owner and manager Eddy. Breakfast is an extra US$3, but there’s a shared kitchen. The balcony is a great place to relax with a cup of free coffee and take in the view.
Mar Inn B&B (2645-5279; www.monteverdemarinn.com; s/d incl breakfast US$25/40; ) On a hill about 50m north of the high school, this family-run B&B is a great option, as the managers are welcoming and breakfasts filling. Wood-paneled rooms are rustic and airy, and the quiet location means a restful night’s sleep. The tastefully decorated rooms have private