Hi everyone...does anyone have an opinion on staying in a hotel in Santa Elana versus at the Monteverde Lodge & Garden? In Arenal we are staying at the Observatory Lodge and in MA we are staying inside the park...I thought maybe a "city" experience somewhere may be nice? Would staying in Santa Elana be fun?

We stayed in Monteverde, but we did the Jeep Boat Jeep there from Arenal so got to see everyone get dropped off at their hotels. One couple didn't have a place to stay yet and got dropped off in the middle of Santa Elena - they were instantly surrounded by people trying to sell them tours, places to stay, etc. Very pushy, have never seen that before in CR. They were just in the middle of this group of people, all waving pamphlets and shouting out pitches at them - kind of turned me off and made me glad we stayed out where it was beautiful and natural.

You want to stay in Monteverde. I don't know anything about the Monteverde Lodge & Garden however. In MA, do you have a special permit to backpack in. I understood that they no longert allow overnight camping.

Arco Iris Eco-lodge is in Santa Elena, but up a driveway and hill. You are in town, but would never know it since the lodge grounds are quite large. We had a cabin with a front porch and would sit out to watch the stars at night. It's very convenient to all restaurants in town, yet quiet and peaceful - and right next to the overlooked MV Orchid Gardens.

Don't know anything about MV Lodge and Garden.

I've recommended this place several times: just outside of town (on the way to Monteverde), but can walk to restaurants, etc. The grounds are beautiful. Plus, if you stay in S.E., you are closer to other places you might want to visit, like Selvatura Adventure Tours (treetop bridges and ziplines, etc.)
http://www.lospinos.net/

BTW, Their website activities list of things in the area is very thorough.

Thank you everyone...I will take the boards advise and stay in monteverde. 1bhcrashman-I am staying at arenas del mar which is inside ma...no camping for me! Did that once in Peru and that was enough! lol!

Doryyoung, Arenas Del Mar is not IN the Park but I've stayed there and it is a beautiful resort with lovely grounds. I think it's the best. Have a great trip.

The only place that even borders on Manuel Antonio park is La Posada.

Arco Iris in Santa Elena is a fantastic choice--you probably get more bang for your buck there than anywhere else. Overall, I would choose a place on its own merits rather than what town it is 'in' since many of these places feel quite isolated.

Personally, I liked the rainforest hikes/bridges of Selvatura better than Monteverde NP.

I forgot to mention where we stayed - Fonda Vela is great if you get one of the new junior suites. The rooms are huge with a tub and small refrigerator. The restaurant on site is good and has a cozy fireplace. We saw toucans on the property. It's one of the closest to the Monteverde Reserve. Have not stayed at Monteverde Lodge and Garden, but it seems to get good reviews.

I would definitely recommend staying in Santa Elena - although you won't get a "city" experience there. More like a small town experience. While there are some very nice places to stay which are closer to Monteverde Park, it means you are isolated from everything else as the hotel will be stuck in the middle of the forest and you have to either walk forever or pay for a taxi to get around. I've visited there a number of times and stayed at different hotels - I really like Claro de Luna (which is not right in the center of Santa Elena, but a very close walk - and has a great view) or Arco Iris which as someone else already said is in town but with an isolated feel to it. Monteverde Lodge is actually right on the edge of Santa Elena and easy walking distance to the Santa Elena town center. I would recommend it over Claro de Luna and Arco Iris. Its going to be a step or two up in price, but also in amenities as well.

I know you didn't ask for this, but just an additional tip - Be sure to eat at Johnny's Pizzeria but I'd skip Morphos restaurant in Santa Elena - service there is always sloooooooooow and I've never had them get an order right. Tramonti's and Stella's Bakery are also good choices for dining - but they are closer to Monteverde Park - but I'd say they're worth the taxi ride to get there.

If you need a taxi, they're pretty cheap in the area. Our fares ranged between five and eight bucks.

We actually had one of our best meals at Morphos. We couldn't find Pizzeria Johnny even though we drove past where it was supposed to be three times.

Thanks everyone!