When choosing a place to stay in Monteverde, be sure to check whether the rates include a meal plan. In the past almost all the lodges included three meals a day in their prices, but this practice is waning. Check before you assume anything.
Moderate -- Hotel Heliconia (tel. 645-5109; www.hotelheliconia.com) is another good option in this price range. Or you can try El Sol (tel. 645-5838; www.elsolnuestro.com), which is located about 10 minutes south of Santa Elena, on the road to the Interamerican Highway.
Inexpensive -- There are quite a few pensiones and backpacker specials in Santa Elena and spread out along the road to the reserve. The best of these are Pensión Flor de Monteverde (tel. 645-5758), and Pensión Santa Elena (tel. 645-5051; www.pensionsantaelena.com). Both charge from $8 to $15 (£4-£7.50) per person. A slightly more expensive and modern alternative is the new Hotel El Viandante (tel. 645-6475; www.hotelelviandante.com), which is located near El Sapo Dorado.
Finally, it is possible to stay in one of the very basic dormitory rooms right at the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve (tel. 645-5122; www.cct.or.cr). A bunk bed and three meals per day here run $32 (£16) per person. Admission to the reserve is extra.
