Monteverde Travel Forum

Which lodge do you think would be better for 2 nights? Arco Iris or Trapp family? We are stumped. I liked the fact that Arco iris is next to the town and the price seems very reasonable, although after looking at the town in photos, the town really doesnt look all that appealing, but I could be wrong. We will have a rental car to get to town if we choose the Trapp Family Lodge. I like that Trapp has its own restaurant, cable tv and a nice view from the mountain suites, but then I hear it's very cold and windy. The problem I find with Arco Iris is that there are no screens on the windows and I dont know if that is going to be a big problem or not. Hopefully someone can help me make a decision, Im so confused.




Would love to hear your input. Thanks!

We just got back from Monteverde on Saturday. I know the location of both of those hotels (although we never went into either). Just based on location I would say stay at Arco Iris. The town of Santa Elena is, although small, cute and has many restaurants and shops. The town of Monteverde doesn't have much of anything so you would be pretty limited to your own hotel. Having a car will be a nice advantage to be able to get between the two towns (they're only 6 km apart) but if you want to be able to go out at night and walk around and not worry about driving stay at Arco Iris. It is cool up there so we never opened our windows so you don't need to worry about screens, or the lack there of... Hope this helps. If you need more info just let me know.

Thank you! We chose Arco Iris, I like the idea of having the option to walk into town rather than driving through the bad roads at night as I have read.

As far as the bad roads go... The road from San Jose is paved the whole way but the last 20 to 25 km and then once you get to town the roads are paved! We were surprised by this. Then the road from the town of Monteverde to the park is unpaved again. But I think you'll enjoy staying closer to the town of Santa Elena. Have a great time!

Have you returned from your trip yet?

I am leaving for Arco Iris next Friday: 8/8/08. We have decided to stay there 4 nights...any suggestions? Was it a nice place?
I've never been to costa rica and am looking forward to it.