When Colin arrived at Ocotea Boutique Hotel, it wasn’t his first time to Monteverde. He had stayed in the area before, but as he later shared, something here felt different. "From before you arrive until you leave, you can tell the team legitimately cares about sharing Monteverde with you," he wrote.
It was something in the details: the way owners Karen and Valeria seemed to anticipate needs before they were spoken, the precision of the food presentation, the genuine conversations over breakfast. Here at Ocotea Boutique Hotel, he said, we’re dedicated to “sharing Monteverde with you” in a way that feels deeply personal.
This care shows up everywhere – from the warmth of the welcome to the quality of Nectandra’s meals, from our staff’s local knowledge of to the small, thoughtful touches you’ll find in every room. "No other place makes Monteverde feel like home," Colin finished… "And a great home at that."
Many guests arrive at Ocotea with full itineraries – cloud forest hikes, canopy tours, birdwatching excursions. And while Monteverde’s natural beauty always delivers, it’s what happens at the hotel that often surprises our guests the most.
For Gary K. and his family, they knew they were in for something special from the moment they stepped into the lobby. “We are a family of four with two [teenaged] daughters,” he wrote. They had arrived as part of a two-week adventure through Costa Rica. Ocotea was their base for the Monteverde leg – and what stood out most was the service.
"White Glove Treatment," Gary called it. From the moment they stepped into the lobby, he said, they felt cared for. Nacho and Valeria were always on hand to offer directions, coffee, or simply a warm greeting. Every interaction felt intentional.
And the food? "World class," Gary said. He raved about the made-to-order breakfasts – especially the smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, which he called "literally the best... I have ever had. No joke."
Sometimes it’s not the big things, but the smallest ones that linger long after checkout.
For Barbara, it was how the staff remembered her name and asked about her day. And for other guests, it was as simple as having hot water for tea. “Complimentary drinks and snacks in the room-fridge. The food was of very high quality and we definitely recommend it… Nothing was too much trouble and we were well looked after.”
Others mentioned how the staff anticipated their needs without being asked. Another guest review raved that “The beds were super comfortable and the large well-decorated bathrooms felt luxurious. The facilities are newer and more modern than other places in Monteverde, which was a great touch. The hotel offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a mountain getaway.”
Another noted that “The front desk staff were so helpful and kind, always welcoming us back with a big smile and opening the door for us,” and appreciated that Roxanna noticed her dietary preferences and offered alternative options without hesitation – including “the best chai latte.”
Built just a few years ago, Ocotea Boutique Hotel blends modern design with the cozy familiarity of a family-run inn. Many guests mention the warmth of our staff and the comfort of the rooms – quiet, immaculately clean, with plush beds and stylish bathrooms. But they’re also quick to point out that what makes the experience special goes far beyond amenities.
“It’s a little treasure in Monteverde,” wrote Zelda M. “From the moment we arrived, the team couldn’t do enough to ensure all our needs were met.”
Ben R. stayed for three nights and called Ocotea "one of the best hotel experiences that we have had anywhere in the world." Valeria and Karen, he said, offered "friendly and thoughtful hospitality" that reflected real passion for the guest experience. "They pay close attention to every detail," and the restaurant was another highlight, with food "prepared to perfection and artistically constructed." Like others, Ben urged future guests: Don’t skip dessert.
From the fragrant handmade toiletries to the thoughtful tour coordination, the experience is crafted to feel seamless – but never sterile. Whether it’s helping arrange a night hike or recommending a nearby eatery, the staff’s local knowledge and care shine through.
At Ocotea, we often hear that it’s the little things that linger: fresh coffee in the lounge, warm greetings after a day exploring, help booking a last-minute tour.
Barbara G. described it simply: "We were always greeted warmly when we returned after our day's adventure." For her, our personal touch was what most stood out. "The hotel staff were local and knew the area's attractions well... making suggestions as to how best utilize our time there."
Others shared similar feelings. Deer appreciated how Roxanna noticed she didn’t eat meat and adjusted every meal accordingly. Martine G. wrote about how Karen, Valeria, Randy, Jefferson, and Ignacio worked seamlessly as a team to create "a superb stay."
Every guest story is different. But across the board, we hear the same refrain: attentive staff, exceptional food, and a sense that someone genuinely cares about your experience.
It’s no exaggeration to say that our restaurant, Nectandra, has earned a reputation of its own. Time and again, reviewers call out the food as a highlight of their entire trip.
Ben described each dish as “prepared to perfection and artistically constructed.” and others commented that “The restaurant served the best food we had in Monteverde with a variety of gourmet dishes,” while Martine G reminisced that the “ food was exceptional, being freshly made each day. The rooftop bar with its stunning sunset view is outstanding!”
“The food was the best we had in Costa Rica,” agreed Jesse. “And the lattes were exceptional.” Several guests also noted our rooftop terrace as a favorite spot – perfect for a sunset drink or quiet moment overlooking the hills of Monteverde. Because, whether enjoying a three-course dinner or a quiet morning coffee on the balcony, guests find that dining here isn’t just a meal – it’s part of the memory.
Monteverde is known for many things: mist-draped forests, rare wildlife, and that feeling
of being cradled by nature. At Ocotea Boutique Hotel, those wonders continue even after you return from the trails.
In the guestbook and reviews, one phrase appears again and again: “I’ll definitely be back.”
Martine called the staff “a wonderful team,” citing the combination of local warmth and professional service. Guests summed up their stay simply: “A sustainable oasis in Monteverde.” And Michelle A. left with this final thought: “Lots of little touches that make it a high-end stay.”
We’re honored. Because for us, these little touches are everything.
We’d love to welcome you to Ocotea Boutique Hotel.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Costa Rica, we’re here to make your time in Monteverde feel effortless, meaningful, and quietly luxurious. Come experience it the Ocotea way.
*Note: All reviews are from real guests and pulled from our TripAdvisor.