Arco Iris Lodge is a tranquil retreat in Santa Elena, Monteverde. The lodge, open since 1993, offers 20 charming stone-and-hardwood cabins amid beautifully landscaped and perfectly maintained grounds, including a patch of old-growth forest with some of the tallest trees in the area. The hotel’s two-story main building houses the reception and an upstairs dining room. Arco Iris Lodge is popular with families thanks to its child-friendly atmosphere, spacious cabins, and large landscaped grounds.

Pros

• The hotel’s grounds are beautiful, featuring old-growth forest and flower and fruit trees.
• Each room and cabin is warm, cozy, and quiet.
• The property follows eco-friendly practices.
• Travelers love the breakfast made with organic ingredients from a nearby farm.

Cons

• Arco Iris Lodge doesn’t have a full-service restaurant or a bar.
• Reaching the property’s reception involves a bit of a hill climb, and the hotel doesn’t offer a complimentary shuttle service to guests.
• Some rooms are dimly lit at night.
• There’s no gym, pool, or spa.

Authenticity

Its connection to nature sets Arco Iris Lodge apart. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the forest, surrounded by nature and wildlife. The property sources its ingredients from its organic farm or other local suppliers and manages its organic and paper waste by composting. It also uses biodegradable laundry detergent and organic pesticides. Additionally, the cabins are equipped with energy-saving lighting. Connected by stone pathways, the cabins incorporate natural stone and hardwood in their architecture and interiors that seamlessly blend with the environment.

Location

Just one block off the main road, you’ll be surrounded by the lush beauty of the area while still being close to the action. The hotel is a mere 2-minute walk from the center of Santa Elena and is set on a hillside backed by protected forest. You’ll be in a prime location to explore Monteverde’s attractions and enjoy easy access to nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The lodge provides a mix of rooms and cabins with varying sizes and layouts that can sleep up to five adults. The units feature stone-and-wood exteriors, hardwood or tile flooring, and a cozy ambience. Most rooms are spacious and receive plenty of natural light through large windows. All accommodations include one or more beds, an en suite bathroom, and an outdoor terrace or patio with seating. The House and Honeymoon Cabins also feature private outdoor gardens with hammocks.

Wildlife

The property attracts a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. You’ll have plenty of relaxation and wildlife-watching opportunities, with tree swing-style chairs and lounging areas throughout the property.

Amenities

The lodge features a large, lush, well-maintained garden with citrus trees that travelers enjoy exploring and unwinding. The main building also houses a large, well-stocked library with seating and a cozy ambience where guests can read or borrow books. The reception is happy to assist travelers with booking tours, activities, and tour guides. This is a wheelchair-friendly property. There are stone pathways across the grounds connecting all the cabins, and some units, such as the apartments, are adapted to serve the needs of travelers with limited mobility.

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome, and those under three stay for free. Older children are charged reduced rates based on their age groups. While no extra beds are provided, the reception can arrange for extra cots for free, depending on availability. The breakfast buffet is about half the price for children compared to adults. The stone pathways connecting all areas are stroller-friendly. Children enjoy playing on the sprawling grounds of the property and the tree swings outside some of the cabins.

Other Highlights

Enjoy a delicious and varied breakfast buffet each morning in a dining room where large windows allow travelers to enjoy the natural surroundings while enjoying their meal. The breakfast offers continental and Costa Rican dishes, and several ingredients are fresh and locally sourced from the hotel’s organic farm. The spread includes milk, meats, cheeses, honey, sausages, ham, homemade granola, yogurts, marmalades, and sweet bread. Travelers can enjoy made-to-order eggs sourced from the hotel’s organic poultry farm and locally sourced and roasted coffee.