Do you ever wish we could go back in time to when life moved a little slower, communities were a little closer, and people appreciated the detail, time, and effort that went into something more than the brand name on its label?
For some, that kind of lifestyle is a distant memory. In today’s world with its global economy and ever-changing technology, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that new and fast is better. Or to lose sight of what it means to get real personal attention. To have someone ask you what you would like, and actually listen to the answer — and then make every effort to help make that a reality.
There was a time when that was the norm. When businesses succeeded or failed based on their attention to detail and their level of customer service. At Ocotea, we believe in continuing to uphold that standard of service when we welcome guests into our hotel. It may not fit in with some common norms in today’s hospitality industry, but we wouldn’t want to go about things any other way!
We believe that creating a truly welcoming and relaxing atmosphere comes just as much from what you don’t get, as what you do. It’s a strange thought at first, but in a place like Monteverde where so much can be gained by simply stopping and appreciating, we’ve toned down the distractions. You won’t find crowded spaces or big screens playing sports (except during the World Cup). You won’t find a bunch of electronic diversions, distractions, or billboards, and you won’t find cookie-cutter spaces more focused on efficiency than craft.
There is a time and place for familiarity, comfort, and commodity, but we don’t believe a journey to one of the world’s most beautiful, tranquil destinations is it. That’s because we are working hard to build not just a hotel, but a landmark in our community, one that uses quality finishes, understated elegance, and local luxury to create the sense of calm that permeates our property.
So what is local luxury? Let's circle back to the idea that truly great service is personal and unique to each individual customer because that is our ultimate goal, after all. You will find that kind of personalized service at Ocotea Boutique Hotel from the moment you book your visit, through your warm welcome at check-in, and during every meal.
You will notice it in the details, and in the helpful responses and recommendations from our staff when you have questions. That is the essence of luxury, more so than swagged velvet curtains or gold-plated faucets, because it makes you feel special, welcome, and appreciated.
The idea of local luxury takes it one step further. It began with the very first floor plans, and a design created to bring the sights, sounds, and smells of nature inside where you can enjoy them. The concept grew as the building did, with each design decision, because we want to welcome you- not only to our boutique hotel- but to our home, and that is Monteverde.
In order to provide true local luxury, every effort was made, not only to preserve and support that home but to share it with you. The essence of Monteverde is a part of everything we do, and everything we see.
For instance, Costa Rican artisans have been making phenomenal ceramics for generations, so it made sense to incorporate that into the interior design of the hotel. That’s why each of the guest bathrooms features handcrafted and custom-designed tiles. Not only did local artisans create the designs just for Ocotea and handcraft all of the tiles, but they made 5 different designs!
The designer also wanted to use local supplies as much as possible, so that the hotel fits naturally into its environment. The end design used local woods to line the walls and ceilings. This fast-growing tropical lumber has evolved to stand up to the heat and humidity of the area and is sustainably planted and farmed. In this way, we get to show off the beauty of our natural resources without depleting them.
You will also notice this desire to source locally and responsibly in the rich lotions and shampoos created by local company, and the fresh ingredients that make up every meal. Our luxury is in the attention to detail, and the thought and care that was put into every design and supply decision- all along the way.
We are proud of our community and its builders, farmers, and artisans, and in our quiet way, we present them to you in the hopes that you will love them as much as we do. And you will share them with the world.
Not only because our local artisans and producers are amazing and their wares are worthy of praise, but because by supporting the local community we are helping to maintain a way of life that has been generations in the making. We allow indigenous communities to support their history and traditions, and we enrich our own lives in the process.
The circular economy of small communities like Monteverde is truly inspiring. It is a community that shares with one another, supports each other, and grows as one unit, so we all get stronger, smarter, and better- together.
As strange as this may sound, taking this type of approach in the hospitality industry is not only unusual, it's a little bit daring. There is a reason that many hotels look and feel the same, and it’s not just that there are so many big box hotel chains out there.
For the most part, the industry runs on tried and true methods designed to provide the most consistent service while making the highest profits. Soaps, shampoos, and lotions are all outsourced to be manufactured in bulk and then labeled for each brand. Food supplies are purchased in bulk too, often frozen or premade in large warehouses and then shipped, because it’s the most cost-effective method.
Staff is trained en masse to provide the most efficient service with the least wasted effort. New hotels are built using cookie-cutter floorplans and designs so that building materials can be purchased in large quantities.
When you step outside of that box, you are taking your chances.
You are trusting your instincts and hoping that your clientele will appreciate your choices and that they will share your vision and your dedication. Building an eco-friendly, sustainable boutique hotel in one of the most important and delicate ecosystems on the planet isn’t easy. Doing it to the exacting standards of SETENA (the government body in charge of regulating environmental impact) is downright challenging.
It means incorporating specialized equipment into the design and infrastructure of the property, a costly undertaking that automatically increases the overhead and expenses you will incur. Coordinating with SETENA to ensure that the hotel’s presence does not negatively impact the area is completely voluntary, and they do not offer certificates for your efforts. That's why so few hotels take the extra tie and effort to do so.
It also means finding or creating new ways of managing and implementing your ideas, things like new finishes (in our case local, sustainable woods and hand-made tiles), and new systems (like the solar panels on the roof) to ensure that we reach our goals.
To do so is to put your faith in the idea that our world is precious and worth preserving and that our clients will agree. We aren’t just business owners, we are guardians, caretakers, and teachers, and we are putting our faith in you, and your love of our home and all that it has to offer.
What it boils right down to is that we are different, but we are proud of our differences. We choose to stand up for what we believe in and to support local businesses and artisans so that our community grows and thrives right along with us.
We love Monteverde and all that it has to offer, and we share that love with you every time you walk in our door- often in little ways that you don’t even notice. Not only the tiles, and the shampoos. It is in everything you eat and drink when you stay with us. It is in the care and attention that our tour guides give whenever you book a tour.
We hope that a little bit of that love stays with you when you go, in the form of happy memories, good stories, and maybe some locally crafted products.
If you’d like to learn more about the little details we have incorporated into the hotel, click here. Or, come check them out for yourself! Our doors are always open and we can’t wait to meet you.