Hotels Monteverde National Park Costa Rica: Hotel Fonda Vela

Although it's one of the older hotels in Costa Rica's northern zone, Fonda Vela is still one of the top choices in the Monteverde National Park area. Moreover, this is one of the closer lodges to the Cloud Forest Reserve, an easy 15-minute walk away. Guest rooms are in nine separate buildings scattered among the forests and pastures of this former farm, and most have views of the Nicoya Gulf.

The junior suites all come with cable television. The newer junior suites, some of which have excellent views, are the best rooms in the house, and I prefer them to the older and larger junior suites. The dining room has great sunset views, and it sometimes even features live music events. There's a popular bar here, as well as a small system of private trails. Throughout this Costa Rica hotel, you'll see paintings by co-owner Paul Smith, who also handcrafts violins and cellos and is a musician himself.

Location: around Monteverde
Phone: 257-1413, 645-5125
Room Information: 40 units
Rates: $94 double; $112 junior suite. Extra person $9
Credit Cards: AE, MC, V
Amenities: Stocked minibar
Hotel Facilities: Restaurant; bar; horse rental; tour desk; shuttle to the reserve; babysitting; laundry service

Hotel Fonda Vela
Monteverde National Park
Northern Zone, Costa Rica