Cloud Forest Lodge by Boena

The ecolodge is, as name stipulates, located high up in the forest. The access, from the town of Santa Elena, is via very steep road, graveled towards the end. Welcoming juice drink was a nice touch. There are forest walks around the lodge as well as a zipwire experience. If you are taking the longer, canopy trail make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the ground is very uneven. The reception has a range of ponchos and walking sticks that you can borrow for walks. Accommodation is in spacious chalets scattered around the centre ground of the facility. Our Euphonia Deluxe Suite was huge but sp****ly furnished. We had large twin beds with comfortable mattresses, a couple of armchairs and a table. The wardrobe was located in the hallway. There was a terrace overlooking the centre of the lodge grounds, but cold or inclement weather limits its use somewhat. There were no tea/coffee-making facilities nor TV. WiFi signal was good. The bathroom was equally vast, with walk-in shower in one corner and His & Hers sinks opposite. Bathrobes were provided. We dined one night at the Endémica Restaurant. The menu was limited and quality quite average with a small choice of wines. The crackling wood burner in the middle created a homely a**osphere. The following day we ate at the Orchid Restaurant in town and the fare was very acceptable there. Breakfast was served in the dining room, with nice views over the forest. We were encouraged to pre-order our dishes as, apparently, preparation was quite lengthy. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Overall, an interesting though very expensive experience for the limited services offered.

Literally in middle of forest. Spotted Capuchin monkeys, an Agoati and a band of Coatis. Geat views from lodge restaurant which also served excellent food.

Quiet, modern room with lovely bedlinen and soft towels. Only disappoin**ent was no coffee making facilities in the room, although there was a coffee station for those requiring coffee before the restaurant opened,

Loved our stay. An amazing location in the heart of the Rainforest. Great food in the restaurant, very friendly staff and a real bonus that the original zip line tour is onsite.

What a great experience! Staff was wonderful, room was Uber clean and comfortable, and lodge was so special. Walking paths around property, guided night walks to see creatures was huge plus. Food was outstanding, creative and delicious!

Perfectly maintained and new property, rooms are very big with large balconies. Restaurant has best food that I had in Costa Rica.

Hotel is unique as it is tucked away from the center of town. Best option is a taxi considering the parking challenges in Monteverde. If you're on a tight budget, stay closer to a hotel closer to town. Boena rooms are VERY clean but do not have amenities like t.v. and coffee maker. They are serious about eco friendly with solar and have space heaters and heater was enough in Dec. No views from the rooms. With all this said, they have an awesome restaurant and a great view. They serve traditional Costs Rican dishes and I am a Foodie so be prepared for a wonderful experience. We didn't make it past the 3 appetizers. If you are served by waiter Randall, you are in for a treat as he will explain the local cuisine. There are several trails and a Zipline course that starts right on the property. We tried a different zipline but Boena's ZL is supposed to be started by the original founders. Stay here if you want a unique, off the grid experience physically (they do have a very fast Internet).

The property is very commercial. Rooms are like big halls, not hospitable at all. The bathroom is huge, appears that a large room was painted white and converted to a bathroom. There is no sense of warmth in these rooms that are completely uninviting, cold and dreary. Looks like a dorm. First hotel in Costa Rica with no coffee maker, kettle or frig in the room. Very basic furniture in a large room with no sense of architecture or planning. Minimal art on the wall. No amenities apart from basic soap, shampoo etc, hair dryer stopped working and sink clogged right away. The roads leading up to the property are basically non existent. They are like muddy trails with huge potholes. We actually saw a car stuck in a pothole in the rainy weather. Perhaps work on the roads when you are going to charge so much for the room? Hotel also tacked on a conservation charge per person, for protecting indigenous people. If the hotel wants to donate to these causes, how about you donate out of your profits, or make it part of the hotel charges up front? We were in Senda day prior and this was a complete let down. Will not be coming back.

Amazing! Beautifully designed, excellent food, superb service, with a canopy tour just 20 meters away and several easy hiking trails on the proporty. I hope to go back!