Portal de la Montaña — Hotel in Sabanillas

Amazing Experience……Juergen you are a Wonderful Host!

We stayed in a Villa in the forest at Portal de la Montaña for two nights and wish we had at least one more day. We arranged with Juergen for a driver to pick us up at the airport and takes us down to the Cruise Port after our stay. Our flight was delayed and arrived late in Costa Ria. One driver and an assistant were waiting for us with a sign outside of the airport. It was approximately a two hour drive and the last hour was quite bumpy but well worth it. We arrived at the de la Montaña around 12:30 am and thought that Juergen would have gone to bed.

However, Juergen was up waiting for us! Not only that, he knew we were hungry and offered to make us something. We did not want to trouble him so late at night (early in the morning). We sat down at the table and immediately felt at home with the ambiance and most friendly and hospitable host. We were treated with homemade cheese, fresh baked bread, salad, and smoked trout. To top it off was some fresh muffins and homemade wine! The wine flowed as we ate and talked until 4 in the morning!

There were over 150 steps to get down to our Villa but well worth the trek. The Villa was fully equipped with an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, king bed, sitting area, powder room and separate bathroom/shower.

The breakfasts are plentiful and delicious starting with fresh fruit and highly recommend trying the Costa Rican breakfast including eggs, rice and beans. It was yummy. The view of the mountains is spectacular as is the property with the peacefulness of nature and many species of birds. After breakfast, we went horseback riding through the mountains and what view and fantastic experience with breath-taking views. Juergen took us for a walk around the property and has many animals not to mention the various Villas that one can stay. The dinner that Juergen prepared is made with all fresh ingredients from the homemade soup to the tasty ceviche. For the main course, I had the tender and mouth- watering beef tenderloin and my husband had a full baked snapper. Dinner was delicious!

We had a very relaxing and amazing experience and were very sad to leave. Thank you so much Juergen for making our stay enjoyable. You are truly a wonderful host.

We hope to come...

We stayed in a Villa in the forest at Portal de la Montaña for two nights and wish we had at least one more day. We arranged with Juergen for a driver to pick us up at the airport and takes us down to the Cruise Port after our stay. Our flight was delayed and arrived late in Costa Ria. One driver and an assistant were waiting for us with a sign outside of the airport. It was approximately a two hour drive and the last hour was quite bumpy but well worth it. We arrived at the de la Montaña around 12:30 am and thought that Juergen would have gone to bed. ||||However, Juergen was up waiting for us! Not only that, he knew we were hungry and offered to make us something. We did not want to trouble him so late at night (early in the morning). We sat down at the table and immediately felt at home with the ambiance and most friendly and hospitable host. We were treated with homemade cheese, fresh baked bread, salad, and smoked trout. To top it off was some fresh muffins and homemade wine! The wine flowed as we ate and talked until 4 in the morning! ||||There were over 150 steps to get down to our Villa but well worth the trek. The Villa was fully equipped with an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, king bed, sitting area, powder room and separate bathroom/shower. ||||The breakfasts are plentiful and delicious starting with fresh fruit and highly recommend trying the Costa Rican breakfast including eggs, rice and beans. It was yummy. The view of the mountains is spectacular as is the property with the peacefulness of nature and many species of birds. After breakfast, we went horseback riding through the mountains and what view and fantastic experience with breath-taking views. Juergen took us for a walk around the property and has many animals not to mention the various Villas that one can stay. The dinner that Juergen prepared is made with all fresh ingredients from the homemade soup to the tasty ceviche. For the main course, I had the tender and mouth- watering beef tenderloin and my husband had a full baked snapper. Dinner was delicious! ||||We had a very relaxing and amazing experience and were very sad to leave. Thank you so much Juergen for making our stay enjoyable. You are truly a wonderful host. ||||We hope to come...

Our family spent 8 days at Portal de la Montaña and it was such a wonderful experience! It was definitely an adventure getting there, as rural roads in Costa Rica could use some work, but that's part of the adventure. 😉 If you're renting a vehicle like we did, get a 4x4 option.

The host Juergen, was so amazing! He was incredibly friendly and greeted us upon arrival. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits with him, his story telling, and his knowledge of the local area. We chose to stay in the cabin tucked away in the rainforest, down a 150 steps from the main lodge. It's a trek, but well worth it, as the cabin is beautiful! Our kids loved the indoor/outdoor pool, fed by mountain water, and the jungle noises at night. I personally enjoyed viewing the night sky through the skylight from our king size bed! All our needs were met and our family felt really at home here. The nature is stunning and if you're wanting to see breathtaking views of Costa Rica, come to Portal de la Montaña! The Pacific Ocean is viewable from up here in the mountains, and when the clouds roll in, right into the main lodge, it's a pretty cool experience! Hiking to the waterfall was amazing!

I brought food along to cook in our cabin, as the kids get hungry all the time, and our cabin was equipped with everything I needed, including a mini fridge, microwave, small cook top burner, dishes, fry pan, etc. But we also ate food prepared by staff, and I especially loved the typical Tico breakfast! It was so delicious!

I noticed some bad reviews from the past few years (covid years) but what guests probably didn't realize is that the owner's wife was struggling with cancer and then passed away during this time. The owner has worked hard to build up this beautiful place; it is his pride and joy.

Portal de la Montaña is truly a hidden gem. Here you have your peace and quiet, and the saying "Pura Vida" is literally FELT! Our family did many excursions around Costa Rica, but always drove back to Portal de la Montaña for the night. We were sad to leave, and are looking forward...