Despite Percy's warnings about the drive from LIR to Monteverde, we are still seeing if we can make it work for a few days in April before heading to Peace Lodge. Anyone know anything about El Establo? Only one rating on Fodors, but only 2 for Monteverde Lodge, where we stayed in '04 and thought this place looked nicer (at least on internet). Thanks

We stayed there summer before last and we really liked it. They do have two seperate buildings. One is much cheaper, nicer than back packer rooms, but definately cheaper. The new lodge sits high on the hill and is quite deluxe. Huge rooms, bathrooms and showers and great views of the ocean when it is not being a cloud forrest. The owners are Quaker and were quite nice. Good breakfast that came with the room. The other meals didn't look too great. We ate elsewhere like the great pizza place down the street. If you stay there and are looking for a guide. See if they can get Sergio for you. He was recommended by them. He ruined us for any other guides. He was the best ever!

Thanks- that's great advice, all the way around.

In Monteverde, I liked the Fonda Vela Hotel.

We also enjoyed the Fonda Vela. And when we were there (about a year ago) the restaurant was excellent.

Anyone stayed at the Arco Iris hotel in Monteverde?