Working in the hospitality industry is more than a job; it’s a gateway to experiences that are both rewarding and profoundly inspiring, especially when your workplace happens to be in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. It’s true, the staff at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel might be a little biased, but we invite you to hear us out.
Monteverde’s lush cloud forests are a feast for the eyes, but they are also vital to our planet. Often referred to as part of the "lungs of the Earth," these forests play a crucial role in producing oxygen through the miraculous process of photosynthesis. Beyond their environmental importance, Monteverde’s forests are home to an astonishing variety of species, making this region a globally renowned destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.
Yet, Monteverde’s magic isn’t solely found in its breathtaking landscapes or vibrant biodiversity. One of our greatest treasures lies in our people. It’s our people who make the difference: those who preserve the forests, educate others, rebuild ecosystems, foster community growth, and share the beauty of this region with visitors from every corner of the globe. Their warmth and generosity create an experience for tourists that is as unforgettable as the environment itself.
Why is this sense of community so special? Because, in Costa Rica, the community is at the heart of everything. It transcends borders and fosters a spirit of connection that’s felt deeply by everyone who visits. The hardworking, open-hearted people of Costa Rica don’t just thrive in this environment—they embody the very essence of pura vida, an ethos that celebrates life, simplicity, and connection. When guests step through the doors of the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, they experience this firsthand.
The smiles you see here are authentic, and the sense of welcome is as natural as the forests that surround us. We love to help, share our culture, learn about yours, and introduce visitors to the wonders of Monteverde. Every interaction is an opportunity to educate others about the extraordinary sights and sounds we enjoy daily. In turn, our guests respond with curiosity, gratitude, and warmth, creating connections that transcend language and distance.
Today, we are thrilled to share some of the most heartwarming, inspirational, and fun stories from our amazing team and their interactions with guests. These moments highlight the unique blend of nature, culture, and humanity that make Monteverde, and the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, truly special.
The Stories We Can Tell
Ignacio Picado is the operations assistant at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, and he told us this story:
“Towards the end of December this past season, one of our guests was staying with us on the day of her birthday. Her husband let us know that it was a special day during the afternoon, and asked if we could help him make her birthday dinner extra special.
Chef Hines immediately got word of it. Normally, when we find out that a guest is celebrating their birthday, we serve them a birthday pancake “cake” for breakfast, and they love it. We knew that Chef Hines would make something special for her birthday celebration in the evening, but we didn’t know what it would be.
When dinner arrived, the celebrating guests and their traveling friends enjoyed a lovely meal including various appetizers, main course plates, wine, and cocktails. The staff of the Nectandra Restaurant were just as surprised as they were when Chef Hines then brought out a chocolate cake, beautifully decorated with chocolate sauce and strawberries for their party.
Without prompting, the room burst into song. The staff, as well as the other guests, sang Happy Birthday in both Spanish and English. Our birthday guest then shared slices of cake with other tables and offered some to the staff, so that everyone joined in the celebration. Afterwards, our birthday guest said that it had been a delightful celebration.”
Let’s Hear From a Guest
White Glove Treatment
In January of this year, Gary K left a 5-star review for Ocotea Hotel and said:
“Just returned from our two-week family vacation to Costa Rica. Our trip planner booked two rooms at the Ocotea for our Monteverde portion of the trip. We are a family of four with two daughters, one 17 and the other 19. Things to know about staying at the Ocotea:
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It was built from the ground up three years ago... and it feels that way. Everything is modern, clean, and organized.
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It is a "boutique" hotel in the sense that I believe there are only 22 guest rooms, and it is owned by a local family with previous experience in the Costa Rican tourism industry.
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The staff is amazing. I titled my review "White Glove Treatment" because you felt that way from the moment you set foot into their lobby. Nacho, Valeria, and the company were always available to provide services, drinks, coffee, directions, etc.
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They also have a world-class restaurant on premises (quick diversion - the food in CR as a whole was excellent), where you have an included breakfast. The breakfast is not a brunch. You order from their menu, and they prepare your food. I had the smoked salmon eggs Benedict both mornings. Why?...because it was literally the best eggs Benedict I have ever had. No joke. We had dinner at the restaurant both nights as well, since it was that good.
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They have a great 3rd-floor lounge with great views of the mountains.
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Pro tip - our king room was smaller than the room with double beds that our kids stayed in. So, if you need a little extra room, book a room with two double beds.
Amazingly Kind & Attentive Staff
In December of 2025 Deer left a 5-star review of Ocotea Hotel with this lovely comment:
The Ocotea Hotel is a smaller hotel with an amazing staff. They were so kind and accommodating to us. The restaurant has a made-to-order fresh breakfast. Coffee, tea, and the best chai latte made by Roxana are offered at no cost anytime. Roxana is very knowledgeable about the menu for lunch/dinner. She saw that I did not eat meat and was accommodating for every meal.
The front desk staff were so helpful and kind, always welcoming us back with a big smile and opening the door for us. The hotel is close to town and walkable. Taxis were very cheap at $5 to get into the center of town. The rooms are newer. The rooftop bar overlooks downtown and the ocean.
From Our Family to Yours
As you can see, working at Ocotea Hotel is a truly incredible and unique experience. At the end of the day, it's easy to see why we start every day with happy smiles and an expectation of wonder. For that, we would like to send a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our guests. We hope to see you soon.
Click here to start planning your Monteverde trip.
