Monteverde Country Lodge — Hotel in Monteverde

Where do I begin? I’ve travelled the world, slept in five-star suites and $5 beach huts, but nothing prepared me for this. I’m fairly certain I time-travelled back to the 1960s the moment I stepped inside this crumbling relic of a “hotel.” Except in the 60s, I imagine they at least changed the sheets. Here? Not so much. Ours were as fresh as a compost bin, complete with mystery stains and the faint aroma of regret.||||The toilet looked like it had survived three wars. It groaned louder than I did when I realised how much I’d paid for this experience. And speaking of paying, I’ve seen better facilities offered to illegal immigrants for free. I’ve paid for this dystopian hospitality experiment.||||Let’s talk wildlife: bugs everywhere. I’m talking the kind of insect party you’d expect in a David Attenborough documentary. It wasn’t just a room; it was an ecosystem. I half expected to be charged for the privilege of sleeping in a nature reserve. I wouldn’t let my dog sleep here!||||Breakfast? Oh yes, if you enjoy hunting for a clean plate and a free table like it’s a competitive sport, you’re in for a treat. There weren’t enough tables unless you enjoy playing musical chairs with other grumpy, sleep-deprived guests. I watched someone wipe a table with what I think was a sock. Or maybe it was a napkin. Hard to tell.||||Let’s widen this review and look at Costa Rica itself…Hugely overrated. It’s like they heard the phrase “Pura Vida” and decided to charge a premium for it. Want to see a waterfall that wouldn’t even qualify as a decent fountain in Europe? That’ll be $25 per person. Dual pricing is a thing here, locals pay less, tourists get rinsed. It’s not even subtle.||||And just when you thought you could escape the disappointment with some TV, everything’s dubbed in Spanish. Even the American channels. So unless you’re fluent or enjoy miming plotlines, good luck winding down at the end of your day. ||||This wasn’t a holiday. This was a slow-motion robbery of my time, money, and will to live. If annual leave had a refund policy, I’d be filing paperwork now.||||Avoid like the plague, unless the plague is also staying here. In that case, they may already be...

The hotel is perched on a hill, but unfortunately there is no view down the valley.|Looking at the website, the hotel has had few improvements such as the reception or the headboard in our room or the new sofa. It looks more contemporary.|The hotel is good as a base, but the facilities are limited. One restaurant/bar and that is it. The sister hotel downtown has a swimming pool and transport is offered to go there.|We found our bedroom spacious and well appointed. As mentioned in other comments, there is no A/C, but that was not needed anyway. Nights can be fresh. The bathroom was small with a big shower, which is standard in Costa Rica. But unlike other places, there was ample space to put our wash bags, either under the basin or on the self above the toilet. The only issue was the bathroom door (recurrent issue in CR) which opens inside the small bathroom. It is therefore difficult to be 2 in the bathroom.|We had a problem with the safe, which locked itself. Unable to repair it, a new one was fitted immediately by a very friendly maintenance man.|Food at the restaurant was good and breakfast very good. |We noticed that the walls were thin, but that was not a problem, as everyone goes to bed early and gets up early. This is not a party place. So there were no noisy people.|The staff is wonderful. We were warmly welcome by the staff at reception. They could not do enough. We had to wait for our room, and I can see another comment complaining about the wait. But the main problem is our transfer people picking us up too early and offloading us too early, too. 2pm check in is standard everywhere. However, we were dropped off in all places in between 11.30 and 12.30 hence the wait afterwards.|The restaurant staff was equally friendly...

Location is very relaxing and calm mountainous area. Approx a 20min walk to town for restaurants. Lodge has a restaurant and bar area, and a smokers area. All the gardens clean and well kept.

Lodge is a older eco friendly lodge, rooms feel a cabin, rustic feel inside. Kinda reminded me of a motel due to the noise, thin walls, noise from other rooms. No heat or air condition in rooms, a good size. Our coffee pot outlet didn't work. We did have a small bag of coffee in a paper bag. Also I had ask for clean blankets due to someone else's hair being on them. Room is very damp, moldy smelling the entire stay, no dehumidifier, no ceiling fans, no air vent in any of rooms- bathroom. We kept windows cracked for air circulation.

So far all my hotel rooms have been very expensive in a low cost area. You will pay USA prices. Im ok with that if the business is going to deliver awesome service and cleanliness. Choose wisely if your traveling in a touristy area. This room was booked by Gate 1 travel agency. Not a place I would choose for my family. Tip: bring warm clothes

Food Happy Hour was decent, drinks where tasteful for price. USA prices for food, portions are a good size. They of course messed my order up, put mayonnaise on my chicken and beef nachos. When I complained about it took forever to come back to table to fix my meal. Breakfast- more beans rice, hotdogs, eggs, shredded chicken, veggies. Tips: take a taxi or walk downtown for food.

Conclusion: I would not stay here again on...