El Establo Mountain Hotel

Description:

• From a working stable (El Establo translates as "the stable") owned by a local Quaker family, with just a handful of budget rooms, this place has morphed into what is the largest and most extravagant hotel in Monteverde. It is still owned and managed by the same family. However, I think the vision here far exceeds the execution. The design and scale are somewhat out of place with the vibe and aesthetic of Monteverde, and the service can fall short. The rooms are all quite large and have private balconies or patios taking in spectacular views, although the decor appears to have been an afterthought. All rooms come with cable television and are nonsmoking. The honeymoon suites have fabulous views and a private Jacuzzi, but the 400-block of rooms are my favorites. There's one midsize outdoor swimming pool and another slightly smaller pool built under a high open-air roof. El Establo owns 48 hectares (119 acres) of land backing the hotel, and half of that is primary forest. They also have an on-site canopy tour and extensive spa.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010