Can anyone help our family of 4 pick between these 2 hotels for 2 nights in Monteverde? I understand El Establo has been renovated and people love it. Thanks in advance.

Haven't stayed at El Establo but have stayed at Monteverde Lodge. Monteverde Lodge is closer to town therefore more convenient to walk around. It is owned by one of the top tour companies in CR and is very well run with very good food. El Establo is a little further a way from town but within easy walking distance to Finca Ecologica and the butterfly garden. You could walk to town but it will be a pretty good hike and there is a hill you would have to walk up that is pretty steep. I stayed in a little pension across the street and took a cab many times to town and walked back. It looked very nice (I walked by it every day on my way to my spanish classes). Just off the road. The views of the Gulf of Nicoya are breathtaking and I stopped in front of it everyday to take in that view.

We stayed at El Establo about 2 years ago. The owners are lovely & arranged all our tours (Sky Trek, horseback riding & guided tour of Monteverde). We stayed in the new addition. The room was very large. There were either two doubles or a double & twin on the lower level and a double or queen in the loft. There was also a small balcony. The bathrooms were also very nice, everything was new.

I found it very convenient, even the walk to town was not lengthy.

We stayed at El Establo for three nights last March. Thought it lacked warmth and charm, but the accommodation was relatively luxurious, the view was spectacular, and the location was great. We had a junior suite; the kids slept on the main level, and we were in the loft. Lots of room for all of us. Didn't like the dining room, but it was fine for breakfast. You can walk across the street to Johnny's Pizza for dinner. Anyway, I liked the location on the road and didn't get the impression there was all that much to see or do in town. We had a 4X4, picked up lunch fixings at the bakery in town or ate at Stella's. Great ice cream at the cheese factory! We did try for Monteverde Lodge (not available then), but I think for a family that El Establo is just fine. Depending on the age of the kids, there's lots of room for them to run around, a tv lounge down the hall, and even a swimming pool (which we never used).

you didn't specify when you will be traveling but we are going in mid march and have found that el establo and monteverde lodge had no openings for a family of 3 as of 3 weeks ago. perhaps this changes with cancellations etc. but thought you might appreciate a heads up!