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Pensión Santa Elena

2.0 star property
Hostal in Monteverde with a restaurant

Photo gallery for Pensión Santa Elena

Exterior
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mexican cuisine
View from room
Petite Suite - Private Bathroom
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
The current price is NZ$117
includes taxes & fees
3 Oct - 4 Oct

Explore the area

View map
Santa Elena, Monteverde, Monteverde, 5655
  • Monteverde Orchid Garden
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • La Fortuna (FON-Arenal)

Room options

View all photos for Petite Suite - Private Bathroom

Petite Suite - Private Bathroom

Petite Suite - Private Bathroom

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Pet friendly
Daily housekeeping
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Desk
Daily housekeeping
  • 12 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Grand Cabin

Grand Cabin

Grand Cabin

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Pet friendly
Daily housekeeping
  • 24 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Grand Standard

Grand Standard

Grand Standard

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Desk
Pet friendly
Wardrobe
Daily housekeeping
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the area

Monteverde

At Pensión Santa Elena you'll be within steps of Jardín de Orquídeas and Monteverde Orchid Garden. Highlights at this hostal include a restaurant and in-room free WiFi. .This pet-friendly hostal offers free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and a garden. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a picnic area and free newspapers in the lobby. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .Near this Monteverde hostal, you'll find Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

What's nearby

  • Monteverde Orchid Garden - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Monteverde Butterfly Gardens - 3 min drive - 1.4 km
  • Curi-Cancha Reserve - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve - 9 min drive - 4.6 km

Getting around

  • San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.) - 153 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tree House Restaurante & Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Café Monteverde - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Taco Taco - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Choco Café - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Green - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Pensión Santa Elena

Hostal in Monteverde with a restaurant
There's a restaurant on site. WiFi is free in public spaces. Pensión Santa Elena also features tour/ticket assistance, a garden, and a picnic area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Monteverde hostal.

  • 35 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Dining venue
Pensión Santa Elena offers 35 accommodations. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Bathrooms include a shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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The price is NZ$60
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • Picnic area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25 per pet, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 1 pets
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 7 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Up to 2 children aged 7 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Pensión Santa Elena Hostel Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal
Pensión ta ena Montever
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal
Pensión Santa Elena Monteverde
Pensión Santa Elena Hostal Monteverde

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Pensión Santa Elena?

Onsite parking is limited.

How much does it cost to stay at Pensión Santa Elena?

As of 18 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Pensión Santa Elena on 3 Oct 2025 start from NZ$117.48, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Pensión Santa Elena?

No, Pensión Santa Elena does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Pensión Santa Elena?

Yep, you can grab a meal at Pensión Santa Elena's onsite restaurant that serves Mexican cuisine.

What time are check-in & check-out at Pensión Santa Elena?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Pensión Santa Elena Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 170 out of 357 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 135 out of 357 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 33 out of 357 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 357 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 357 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Pilar

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No frills, but perfectly adequate accomodations. Wonderful, hot shower with good pressure.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
La piscina estaba sucia y nunca pudimos hacer uso de la misma. El personal es amable como en todo CR.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pramod

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful. Place had everyting wr needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Ronald

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
I understand that this is a budget hotel, but I have to admit we were disappointed. First off, the photos online were misleading regarding the standard rooms with bath. It turns out that our room was small, dingy and run down. We ended up going elsewhere after a couple nights. The bed was hard and uncomfortable. Housekeeping service is apparently only on Saturday. It was fairly noisy, but that was expected since we were centrally located. On the positive side, the location was good, staff was as friendly and as helpful as possible. The breakfast was generous and good. The communal kitchen seems to function quite well, and there was room in the lobby to hang out or eat. We prepaid and were not offered any refund options when we asked (our fault for prepaying). In short, this hotel might work well for the price providing you know what you’re in for. Again, better photos would help.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Kyle

Travelled with group
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Aging hostel

It is an aging hostel right on the main street, expect uncomfortable beds, unclean floors, and lots of road noise all night. The breakfast was good
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lorene

Travelled with group
The photos make the rooms look bigger. They also don’t show they count a double bed as a loft that has a low ceiling.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Anjelica

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

K

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Great for the solo female traveller

As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its not a problem 👌
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Comfortable, convenient.

Super convenient location, very clean and comfy bed, warm shower, staff helpful and breakfast included with ease. Downside: noisy road, lots of dust and exhaust fumes. However, if you’re staying here it’s likely because you want the central location and it’s right in the centre so it’s perfect. Wouldn’t stay if I had a car. The kitchen facilities could also do with updating: better pans and more fridge space.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Good location, but…

Santa Elena Pension is in a central spot of Monteverde. However, there is poor noise isolation so you can really hear the traffic outside. In addition, some of the staff were a bit rude and unhelpful. The room itself is fine, but the floor is concrete and uneven.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Cecilia, austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pension was good the breakfast was perfect, the kitchen worked well too and room was great. They had free yoga and they helped us book tours and things to do.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sylvie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très belle expérience. Réception très efficace. Très propre. Cuisine communautaire bien organisée. Espace commun correct. Emplacement central près de tout à pied.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Eszter, Gloucester

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Basic but well kept property in a very convenient location. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Fraser

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, convenient and good value place in the centre of Santa Elena
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Maria

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location, well equipped and clean common area, free breakfast. Paper thin walls, squeaky bed.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Erika

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The concept is interesting. Makes for a lovely youth hostel. Was surprised it was so much in the city. Breakfast was very good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

xuejun

Travelled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hostel experience!

This is an amazing place to stay. Feels like a cozy bed and breakfast up in the mountains. The staff is so friendly and accommodating! Common areas are comfortable and the free breakfast is a great way to start your day.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Bryson

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Definitely a hostel in terms of quality of facilities. Very small rooms. Loud since it is located on a busy road.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

LAURA

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
We really enjoyed our stay at the pension. We had the chance to meet with beautiful people and share parts of our trip with them. The place is very well located, but the area is quite busy and get somehow quite noisy with traffic noise in the background.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay in Santa Elena

Great hostel close to restaurants. Easily walkable. Great breakfast. The staff is amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023