Photo by Chad Prahl

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Santa Elena from AU$34

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Best Santa Elena Cheap Hotels

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Front of property - evening/night
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
4.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (387)
"Beautiful and serene the surroundings were. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway, this is the perfect spot. The quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The hotel itself was immaculately clean, which is always a top priority for us. Every corner was spotless, and you could tell that cleanliness is a key focus here. The staff truly pays attention to detail, from the tasteful decor to the little touches that made our stay extra special. We also...
The price is AU$556
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Pensión Santa Elena
Exterior
Pensión Santa Elena
3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (342)
"As a female traveller, I felt completely safe here and would definitely stay again if I'm ever back in Monteverde. Great place for a solo traveller with a communal kitchen to help keep down expenses of eating out. WiFi in all the rooms. Staff were extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful 😊 My only complaint would be the floors in my room hadn't been cleaned (but in fairness it's a 2 star hostel, not a 5 star hotel). Make sure you have some flip flops or slippers for the room and then its...
The price is AU$72
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Pensión Santa Elena
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Children's play area - indoor
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
4.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (576)
"The staff at Poco a Poco were so incredibly kind and accommodating, they were a pleasure every time we had a question or needed something. The amenities of the property were clean and well-maintained, having a covered pool and hot tub was such a big plus for us since we visited during the rainy season. The property even has a walking trail on its grounds where you can see capuchin monkeys in the trees above you! They're also in the process of updating and revamping the interiors of some of...
The price is AU$343
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Ficus Sunset Suites
Reception
Ficus Sunset Suites
4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (317)
"This property was perfect! The view of monteverde is incredible. Your reservation includes breakfast, which was delicious. Overall, all the staff had great communication and were very attentive. I will definitely be coming back to enjoy this property longer! "
The price is AU$454
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
Ficus Sunset Suites
Hostel Cattleya
Junior Studio
Hostel Cattleya
1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (37)
"Great stay! Has private cabins! "
The price is AU$34
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Hostel Cattleya
Hotel El Amanecer
Interior
Hotel El Amanecer
2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (11)
"Friendly staff, and I enjoyed the breakfast which was included. Very convenient to Monteverde nature areas. Room was serviceable, nothing fancy but it afforded a comfortable night's sleep. "
Hotel El Amanecer
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Terrace/patio
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
2.0 star property
7.0 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Host was real friendly and very helpful "
The price is AU$108
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Living area
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (72)
"Great place to stay! Staff very knowledgeable of the area and willing to help. My room was very nice. Night winds were high so it was a bit loud. Nothing the hotel can change, just part of the area. Just something to be aware of in the area."
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Balcony
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (9)
"Be sure to calibrate your expectations: this is not a luxury apartment. It was, however, an excellent value. While the building wasn't new, the room was well-kept. We were able to find parking each night on the street in front, but had to relocate the car closer one night. The owner is helpful and friendly, and the included breakfast of fruit, eggs, and gallo pinto was solid (especially at this price point). "
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Basic Single Room, 1 Single Bed, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom | Balcony
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
1.0 star property
6.0 out of 10, (2)
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Elena like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Elena has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Monteverde Orchid Garden, Mundo de los Insectos and Jardín de Orquídeas.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Santa Elena?
Based on our traveller reviews, Pensión Santa Elena is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Hostel Cattleya and Hotel Sloth Backpackers.
How many low-cost hotels should I expect to find in Santa Elena?
Expedia has 15 hotels in Santa Elena that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Elena?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to Santa Elena, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn’t as good. The hottest months are usually March and February, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June and September, with each month seeing an average of 482 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Santa Elena?
Santa Elena is known for its bird watching and hiking trails, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Arenal Volcano National Park, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you’re eager to get outdoors, you can enjoy the natural setting at Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas or Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
How can I get to Santa Elena and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Elena can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is La Fortuna (FON-Arenal), situated 17.4 mi (28 km) away. However, if that doesn’t suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away. Santa Elena may not have many public transport choices so a car rental could be a reasonable alternative to explore the area.