El Bosque Lodging

The customer service was great, and the gardens were lovely. There are several cats around the grounds, and nice trails through the forest with a stream. The hollow tree is impressive. It’s a relaxed place surrounded by nature. Breakfast was okay, though not especially memorable.

My friend and I spent a few nights here in December, and the property was amazing. As biologists and birdwatchers, we loved having quiet trails on the property that tourists don’t use. It backs onto part of Children's Eternal Rainforest Park and is very close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. A clean, quiet spot in gorgeous mountains.

Monteverde was a dream trip for us, so it was really disappointing to have this accommodation go so badly. The receptionist messed up our transport twice and seemed more interested in computer games than helping. He told us off for not booking tours and transport through him, but we regretted doing so. We nearly missed our night tour and did miss our early morning private birdwatching tour. There was also a terrible bathroom smell in my room that got so overwhelming I moved into my sister’s room by the third night. If you make the trip to Monteverde, find somewhere friendly, where the staff help you sort out tours and transport instead of leaving you stranded at 5am.

The forest setting made the grounds very pleasant, and we saw and heard wildlife including butterflies, hummingbirds, agouti, and white-faced monkeys. We felt safe, and the WiFi worked well. These are simple duplex cabins at a bargain price for Monteverde, very close to the Bajo del Tigre entrance of Bosque Eterno de los Niños. We arrived in heavy rain and had no AC or fan, but stayed dry inside. The drive was muddy, though we could park right by our unit. A trail and bridge over a stream lead to the partner restaurant. Breakfast was included as a buffet with eggs, gallo pinto, pancakes, juice, fruit, tea, and coffee. We ate dinner there too and liked it. The guests seemed mostly younger, including couples and international backpackers. At reception we were greeted by a curious cat, the lodging’s mascot, who’ll search your room if you let him. The rooms are dark, which seems common in all kinds of lodging these days, so bring a headlamp. There aren’t many outlets, but we managed because we plan ahead and carry a wall tap cube.