I’ve stayed in my fair share of hotels over the years, but when I say The Rainbow Valley Lodge in Monteverde, Costa Rica has the best view I have ever seen outside my room, I truly mean it. I’m talking the kind of views that make you contemplate the meaning of life and have you sitting by the window for hours in awe of nature’s magic. There is something special about this no frills hotel with such an inspiring view.
The Hotel
The Rainbow Valley Lodge is comprised of 12 private, stand-alone rooms. Each one is unique with different views and offerings. All of them, though, have private entrances and a parking spot right next to the room. The front desk is quaint and super friendly. There is no restaurant on property, but the hotel is only a mile away from downtown Santa Elena. There’s also a friendly little doggo that belongs to the front desk I believe and will come by and greet you from time to time during your stay; Huge plus in my book! Although the grounds are lacking as far as amenities, what makes up for everything is the view.
The Rooms
We stayed in Chalet Room #5 for $88 a night. Our particular room had a king size bed, private bathroom, a sitting area by the window, a dining room table, a full kitchen with plates and utensils, and outdoor sitting area. It was a very large, comfortable room and felt more like an apartment than a hotel. Having the convenience of a kitchen and a large table to spread things out came in handy. The bathroom was lackluster though and the shower was disappointing, especially after our stay in La Fortuna where I had one of the best hotel showers ever.
All of that is okay though, because from our room we had a view of the mountains and the ever-moving clouds that would dance through them. It was like a discovery channel documentary right before our eyes—we would witness rain clouds coming into view from afar dumping heaps of rain, billowing fog rising up from the valley billow, lightening storms at night that would like up the sky, and rainbows and sunsets that would paint the sky better than Bob Ross himself. Happy little clouds everywhere.
Check out my GoPro timelapse video of the view before, during, and right after an afternoon rain storm to witness the magic for yourself:
The other rooms on the Rainbow Valley Lodge property vary from a two story honeymoon suite with a Jacuzzi to a budget friendly option with no in-room view, but a nice patio outside. Depending on your needs, you can find something in your budget here.
Things to Know
- This is an adults only hotel. So leave the children at home.
- Reception is only open from 7AM to 9PM. Be sure to arrive in time to check in!
- From November to March, the area experiences high winds, which you can hear from inside your room. Some people complain about the noise, but that’s the weather for ya.
- There is no AC in the room, but they do provide a fan. Being high up in the mountains, you won’t have to worry about it getting too warm though.
- Two night minimum
Final Thoughts
If you are in the Monteverde area and want an affordable, clean place to stay with some of the best views of your life, then I recommend checking out Rainbow Valley Lodge. If my review didn’t convince you, then maybe some of these photos will:
