We liked Fonda Vela, one of the hotels closest to the reserve. The newer junior suites are nice. For the most part, accommodations in that area are pretty rustic. Fonda Vela has a nice garden area, pretty grounds, a good restaurant on site, and our room had a small frig and a bathtub. Pizzeria de Johnny has good food - it's a pretty elaborate place. Sofia and Morpho's always seem to get good reviews as well.

We loved Morpho's and Tree House.

I was in Monteverde in January and stayed at Finca Valeverde. There is the orignal hotel which is a very basic jungle wooded/rustic atmosphere. We stayed in the new section - first guests! Very beautiful set into the mountain side with great views of the gulf. They offer a nice breakfast.

Arco Iris is another one that's popular.

Moneteverde Rustic Lodge - http://www.monteverderusticlodge.com/ Don't make it up that way much, but thats usually where I stay when I do.
Cheers

I would go with El Establo, I was just there two weeks ago, I loved... The rooms are very beautiful, we got a room in the third floor and the view was amazing, the first day was a little cloudy but on the second morning it was sunny and we got to see Nicoya´s Gulf.

I love Monteverde. I own a home there, and send travelers. I have been going for over twenty years. As retirement looms in a few years, we plan to spend a lot more time there.

Where you stay, depends on your budget and transportation needs.

If you don't have a car, you really want to stay near Santa Elena. The Hotel Poco a Poco and Hotel Arco Iris are good low budget choices. Poco offers more amenities (pool, restaurant, spa), Arco Iris is more basic, but squeaky clean and homey feeling.

El Establo is the more expensive option. But is the only true luxury hotel in the area and has big hotel amenities.

If you have a car, The Trapp Family Lodge is a great option. This is the closest hotel to the main reserve, and a good value. Hotel Fonda Vela has some rooms that are great for families. Hotel Belmar has small rooms, but is a good value for the money.

Here is a link to my NON-COMMERCIAL blog: http://truecostarica.com/?cat=2. This is the Monteverde section, and I go into some detail about restaurants and things to do in the area.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

We didn't have a car, but found taxis pretty easy to get and affordable. Usually $5-8 depending on where we went. For tours, they'll usually pick you up and drop you back off. If you're also going to be in Arenal, the Jeep Boat Jeep through Desafio is an easy way to get from Arenal to Monteverde or vice versa.