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Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
Hostal in Monteverde with a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Pensión Santa Elena

Exterior
Petite Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Grand Cabin | Bathroom | Shower, towels, soap, toilet paper
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mexican cuisine
View from room

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

Map
Santa Elena, Monteverde, Monteverde, 5655
  • Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)

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Room options

View all photos for Petite Suite

Petite Suite | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Petite Suite

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room

  • 129 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Grand Cabin

Grand Cabin | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Grand Cabin

  • 258 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Grand Standard

Grand Standard | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Grand Standard

  • 151 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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About the neighborhood

Monteverde

Pensión Santa Elena places you next to Jardín de Orquídeas and Monteverde Orchid Garden. This 35-room, 3-star hostal welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and concierge services.

What's nearby

  • Monteverde Orchid Garden - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens - 3 min drive - 0.9 miles
  • Wildlife Refuge Monteverde - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - 9 min drive - 2.9 miles

Getting around

  • Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO) - 153 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Café Monteverde - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Las Riendas Restaurant - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Tree House Restaurante & Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Sabor Tico - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bon Appetit! - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Pensión Santa Elena

Hostal in Monteverde with a restaurant
Pensión Santa Elena features free WiFi in public areas, free newspapers, and laundry facilities. Limited parking is available. Front-desk staff can assist with concierge services, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a picnic area and a garden.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total pets
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 7 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-9:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers limited parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Pensión Santa Elena Hostel Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal
Pensión ta ena Montever
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal
Pensión Santa Elena Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal Monteverde

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of Pensión Santa Elena?

This hostal is located in Monteverde, just steps from Jardín de Orquídeas and Monteverde Orchid Garden, and within a short walk of Mundo de los Insectos. You'll also find Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Monteverde Butterfly Gardens within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Pensión Santa Elena?

As of Jun 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pensión Santa Elena on Jun 13, 2025 start from $35.94, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available on site at Pensión Santa Elena?

Yes, though parking is limited.

Does Pensión Santa Elena include a casino at the property?

No, Pensión Santa Elena doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Pensión Santa Elena?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostal.

Is Pensión Santa Elena a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this hostal will appreciate amenities like a restaurant and concierge services plus some guestrooms include garden views.

Are there hot tubs at Pensión Santa Elena?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostal.

Does Pensión Santa Elena feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Pensión Santa Elena serves breakfast for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Pensión Santa Elena allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at Pensión Santa Elena for a fee of USD 25 per pet, per stay.

Does Pensión Santa Elena have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostal.

What is the closest airport to Pensión Santa Elena?

The closest major airport to Pensión Santa Elena is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), which is about 17.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Pensión Santa Elena?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Pensión Santa Elena.

Pensión Santa Elena Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 169 out of 354 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 354 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 33 out of 354 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 354 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 354 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
La piscina estaba sucia y nunca pudimos hacer uso de la misma. El personal es amable como en todo CR.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pramod

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful. Place had everyting wr needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Ronald

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Kyle

Traveled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Aging hostel

It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorene

Traveled with group
The photos make the rooms look bigger. They also don’t show they count a double bed as a loft that has a low ceiling.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Anjelica

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

K

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great for the solo female traveller

As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Comfortable, convenient.

Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Good location, but…

Santa Elena Pension is in a central spot of Monteverde. However, there is poor noise isolation so you can really hear the traffic outside. In addition, some of the staff were a bit rude and unhelpful. The room itself is fine, but the floor is concrete and uneven.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Cecilia, austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sylvie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Eszter, Gloucester

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Fraser

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, convenient and good value place in the centre of Santa Elena
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Maria

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Erika

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The concept is interesting. Makes for a lovely youth hostel. Was surprised it was so much in the city. Breakfast was very good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

xuejun

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hostel experience!

This is an amazing place to stay. Feels like a cozy bed and breakfast up in the mountains. The staff is so friendly and accommodating! Common areas are comfortable and the free breakfast is a great way to start your day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Bryson

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely a hostel in terms of quality of facilities. Very small rooms. Loud since it is located on a busy road.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

LAURA

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
We really enjoyed our stay at the pension. We had the chance to meet with beautiful people and share parts of our trip with them. The place is very well located, but the area is quite busy and get somehow quite noisy with traffic noise in the background.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay in Santa Elena

Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

6/10 Okay

Hilla

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Check if it is what you are looking for
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I am a senior traveler and was trying to bring the self-indulgence of a solo trip in on a budget. Staying at Pension Santa Elena helped. I had a Garden Standard Room with private bath. Location in the town in very good for a traveler without a car. As noted by others staff are pleasant, informative and helpful with making travel arrangements. Room was basic but comfortable, shower was good. Found the pension quiet at night, though an early start to motorcycle traffic in the am might be a problem for some. Satisfied with the breakfast. If you are out and about before it is offered at 7 am, Panaderia Jimenez just up the street opens at 0500 and has good coffee.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023