Photo by Chad Prahl

Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Elena

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Compare Santa Elena Cheap Hotels room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Aerial view

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna

4.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (413)
"Relaxing, peaceful and attractive hotel. Loved the atrium, garden and dining areas. Beds and linen are very comfortable. Also found the stream off our patio very relaxing. Only negative is that you can hear people in hallway and through the bathroom vent."
The price is AED 1,652
AED 1,941 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Jan - 15 Jan
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Pensión Santa Elena
Room

Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (344)
"Wonderfully walkable to restaurants, shops, etc with about a 10 min drive to all the reserves. Loved the communal kitchen and games in the shared gathering area with free tea and coffee all day. This is an older property, but the location is great, the staff are helpful, and it is clean. "
The price is AED 150
AED 170 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Pensión Santa Elena
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Front of property

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

4.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (584)
"Very nice property, beautifully done. Great check-in experience, spa treatment utilized by a couple of people from our small group was excellent. Pool is great too. A beautiful stray girl visited me 2 days in a row, I'm guessing the place doesn't show cruelty towards her, so that's a wonderful thing. The food at their restaurant was mediocre, but there are many places just 50 steps away from the property. I'd highly recommend the place."
The price is AED 992
AED 1,121 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Ficus Sunset Suites
Exterior

Ficus Sunset Suites

4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (325)
"Great service, great view, close to town and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Happy Hour at The Fig Restaurant was a great deal and the breakfast buffet included stay was well above average. "
The price is AED 1,227
AED 1,387 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Jan - 26 Jan
Ficus Sunset Suites
Hostel Cattleya
Room

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (39)
"Nice two bedroom studio apartment about 200 meters from main hostel building. Managers were exceptionally helpful and accommodating. Only slight negative, really more of a surprise, was that they didn't accept payment via credit card."
The price is AED 73
AED 83 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Hostel Cattleya
Hotel El Amanecer
Exterior

Hotel El Amanecer

2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (12)
"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. "
The price is AED 225
AED 255 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Jan - 14 Jan
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 AED 230
AED 260 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
Terrace/patio

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
Front of property

Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (12)
"They didn't clean my room during my 3 day stay but it was a decent place to stay, and cheap in a country that is expensive, I would stay again"
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Hospedaje Linda Vista - Hostel
Shared kitchen

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 travelers on a budget?
Santa Elena has cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, 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 like Mundo de los Insectos, Monteverde Orchid Garden, and Jardín de Orquídeas.
What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Santa Elena?
Based on our traveler reviews, Pensión Santa Elena is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other options for your budget-friendly stay include Hostel Cattleya and Hotel Sloth Backpackers.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia’s 16 budget hotels in Santa Elena.
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, and keep 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 temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and December with an average of 79°F. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June, and September, with each month seeing an average of 19 inches 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 Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde.
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 Juan Santamaria Intl. Airport (SJO), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away. Santa Elena might not have many public transit options to choose from so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.