Nestled amidst the cloudforest of Monteverde overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya.
This family owned hotel is nestled between the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. Surrounded by 150 acres of private cloudforest, this is a haven for birds and wildlife and a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The rooms are elevated, each with a balcony or veranda boasting outstanding views. They are spacious, nicely decorated and have large bathrooms with separate bath and shower. The main areas house two restaurants. Las Riendas provides a mixture of Costa Rican and international cusine, while Laggus, located in a separate two storey building is more about fine-dining. There is a balcony with views of the on-site lake and the Gulf of Nicoya to enhance your dining experience, it also has a lounge/bar for pre or post dinner drinks. There are two heated swimming pools for your enjoyment as well as a games room, tennis and basketball courts so there’s plenty to do. If you prefer a more sedate pace then try the spa where you can enjoy relaxing, pampering treatments.
Why go to El Establo?
The hotel is perfectly located to allow you to experience not only the 150 acre private reserve, but also Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloudforest reserves and the surrounds which are not to be missed. The hotel has its own on-site canopy walking trail that you can enjoy with a qualified guide. It takes in the varying landscapes around the property and includes a tarzan swing, hanging bridge and some hiking trails – well worth the experience. There is also a night trail in the grounds where you might encounter some of the nocturnal animals that inhabit the forest. A stay at El Establo makes for a perfect, well rounded cloudforest experience.
You don’t have to go far to see some of the cloudforest favourites and on the night tour you could happen upon raccoons, sloths, kinkajous, armadillos, bats, frogs and various insects without even leaving the hotel grounds. Being at higher altitude, you will encounter some different birdlife too that might not be present on the lower slopes. The quetzal is one of those birds that prefers the high cloudforests. It is easy to forget everyday life and immerse yourself in these misty, magical forests.
Hanging walkways and suspension bridges, high in the cloudforest canopy.
El Establo has 155 rooms across the site. There are deluxe rooms, junior suites, large suites and honeymoon suites.
All the rooms have en-suite facilities with a separate bath and shower, air conditioning, telephone, tv, safe and a hairdryer.
Deluxe rooms have 2 queen size beds and a balcony or terrace with views over the Gulf of Nicoya. The rooms are a good size with a spacious en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower.
Junior Suites are larger than the deluxe rooms and have 1 or 2 king size beds, a sitting area, and a coffee maker.
Large Suites are spread over two floors and have two bedrooms.
Honeymoon Suites have all the facilities of a suite, but they have one king size bed and also a Jacuzzi in the bathroom.
WiFi is available in reception and the common areas. All rooms have telephones.