Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
Hostal in Monteverde with a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Pensión Santa Elena

Exterior
View from room
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Mexican cuisine
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

Petite Suite

Highlights

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

Standard Room

Highlights

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

Grand Cabin

Highlights

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

Grand Standard

Highlights

Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
Wardrobe
Desk
Pet friendly
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!

About the area

Map
Santa Elena, Monteverde, Monteverde, 5655

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
  • Wildlife Refuge Monteverde - 5 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

  • ‪Café Monteverde - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Las Riendas Restaurant - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Tree House Restaurante & Cafe - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante Sabor Tico - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Bon Appetit! - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Pensión Santa Elena

Hostal near Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
At Pensión Santa Elena, you can look forward to a garden, laundry facilities and a restaurant. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks include:
  • A front desk safe, free newspapers and tour/ticket information
  • Luggage storage and concierge services
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Pensión Santa Elena include amenities, such as free WiFi.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and soap

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

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 are allowed for an extra charge of USD 25 per pet, per stay
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total pets
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property on the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 7 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

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 Pensión Santa Elena pet-friendly?

Yes, this hostal allows dogs (limit 1 total). There's a fee of USD 25 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking at Pensión Santa Elena?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Pensión Santa Elena?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 9:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pensión Santa Elena?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Pensión Santa Elena located?

Situated in the mountains, this hostal is steps away from Jardín de Orquídeas and Monteverde Orchid Garden. Mundo de los Insectos and Ficus La Raiz are also within 10 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Pensión Santa Elena Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 169 out of 354 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 134 out of 354 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 33 out of 354 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 354 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 354 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

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

Anjelica

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

Pilar

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was great for our family. Helpful knowledgeable staff, great breakfast and perfect location in the center of Santa Elena.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

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

8/10 Good

Mukhtar

Great location! Near a lot off restaurants!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff were very helpful and friendly. Good central location
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lorene

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

Cecilia

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

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

6/10 Okay

Maria

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

8/10 Good

MacKenzie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very nice and helpful. I enjoyed the courtyard.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a lovely experience staying here! Has a great location -walking distance to restaurants and shops. Staff were welcoming and helpful with booking us a shuttle and recommending places! Very cozy and comfortable sleep, clean and cute place, tasty free breakfast included. Pretty garden lounge area outside too!

10/10 Excellent

Meredith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our 4th time staying at the Pension Santa Maria. Staff and guests are super friendly. Location is very centralized. Beds are comfortable (but bring your own pillows).
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very helpful they arranged my ground transportation when I left
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

LAURA

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

6/10 Okay

Hilla

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Check if it is what you are looking for
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Abby

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

friendly staff, easy access to town, slept awful

The hotel has a lot of personality and staff was super friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great. Hotel is easily walkable to a bunch of good restaurants and super market in the area. Beds were not comfortable and there is no sound proofing in the rooms-- we could hear everything on the main road all night long. We slept really poorly but otherwise were happy with the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

ian

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

Basic but perfect

Very basic. but super friendly and convenient, the staff are great, the breakfast is really good local food.. you have to try the local ice cream at the front of the hostel it was amazing. great base for town and trips. also the hotel helped us with our arrangements when our plan were changed due to flight issues.. thank you Pesion Santa Elena.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

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

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

4/10 Poor

Ronald

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

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

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I am a senior traveler and was trying to bring the self-indulgence of a solo trip in on a budget. Staying at Pension Santa Elena helped. I had a Garden Standard Room with private bath. Location in the town in very good for a traveler without a car. As noted by others staff are pleasant, informative and helpful with making travel arrangements. Room was basic but comfortable, shower was good. Found the pension quiet at night, though an early start to motorcycle traffic in the am might be a problem for some. Satisfied with the breakfast. If you are out and about before it is offered at 7 am, Panaderia Jimenez just up the street opens at 0500 and has good coffee.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023