The hype
Travelers love the heated pool and central location, often calling it the perfect mix of luxury and convenience.
Hotel & Spa Poco A Poco
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the creature comforts of a city hotel—heated pool, swim-up bar, reliable AC—in the middle of the cloud forest.
Why People Love It
- Heated indoor/covered pool (a rarity in Monteverde)
- Walkable to Santa Elena town center and restaurants
- Naroa Spa uses local organic ingredients
Quick Take: It’s not a secluded jungle lodge; it’s a polished, busy hotel that feels like a safe, warm basecamp after a wet day of hiking.
Reviewed by @SpiceC1: I stayed here in Monteverde and it was magical. The private jacuzzi in my room was perfect, but the best part was spotting wild monkeys right in the hotel garden! It feels so authentic and peaceful, plus the location is super convenient.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'heated' pool can feel lukewarm on particularly windy/cold days, and the rooms are on the smaller side for the price.
- You hate being cold and damp (the heated pool and cozy rooms are a savior)
- You want to walk to dinner instead of taking a taxi every night
- You are traveling with kids who need a pool to burn off energy
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. They are proactive about mud tracked in from hikes.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout is generally clean, but watch for mildew in corners due to high humidity.
- Maintenance: Well-maintained, though some wear and tear on carpets in older rooms.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, replaced on request. No stain issues reported.
- Odors & scents: Common 'cloud forest mustiness' in some rooms, but generally fresh.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Live music from the restaurant (evenings)
- High winds howling through corridors (seasonal)
- Guests passing by on external walkways
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is on a hill; walking to town is downhill, but the walk back is a steep uphill climb.
- Breakfast is included and is a highlight—don't skip the homemade breads.
- The pool is covered, making it usable even during the frequent rain showers.
What to pack
- Quick-dry layers (humidity is 100%)
- Earplugs (for the wind and restaurant music)
- Waterproof hiking boots (trails are muddy year-round)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Quetzal Rooms (Upper Floors): Better views of the forest/town, more privacy.
- Garden Superior: Includes a jacuzzi, worth the upgrade for hikers.
Rooms to avoid
- Bromelia Rooms (Ground Floor): Often face the parking lot or walkways, darker and noisier.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a 'Quetzal' room on an upper floor, facing away from the restaurant/bar area to minimize noise. Please avoid ground-floor units near the parking lot.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there AC in the rooms?
Yes, most rooms have AC, though you'll rarely need it due to the cool mountain air.
Is the pool actually warm?
It is heated (approx 80-85°F), but can feel cool when you get out into the chilly mountain air.
How far is the cloud forest reserve?
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is about a 15-minute drive; the hotel can arrange a shuttle.
Is it walkable to dinner?
Yes, you are 5-10 minutes walking distance from Santa Elena's main strip of restaurants.
Do they offer laundry service?
Yes, but it is pricey per item. There are local laundromats in Santa Elena for a fraction of the cost.
Is the internet good enough for work?
Yes, Wi-Fi is generally strong and free throughout the property, suitable for video calls.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Happy Hour at the pool bar usually runs from 4-6 PM—2-for-1 cocktails.
- ✨
Ask for a 'box breakfast' the night before if you have an early morning birdwatching tour.
- ✨
The hotel has a small private trail (Sendero) on the property—great for spotting agoutis without leaving the grounds.
5 things to know before you go
💡The wind during 'windy season' (Nov-Feb) can sound like a freight train hitting the building.
💡The jacuzzi jets are sometimes weak, making it more of a 'warm bath' than a hydrotherapy session.
💡You can rent DVDs from the front desk if the cable TV options bore you.
💡The 'Garden' rooms sometimes just face a hedge, not a sprawling vista.
💡Room service food is the same as the restaurant menu but often arrives lukewarm due to the open-air transport.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel & Spa Poco A Poco is located and what's nearby.