Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Santa Elena from AU$34

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Our top choices for Santa Elena cheap hotels

Monteverde Lodge

Monteverde Lodge
4.0 star property
Monteverde
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (455)
"Everything was wonderful! Staff were super friendly and helpful. Hotel was very clean with beautiful views. "
Canada
Ryan
The price is AU$784
includes taxes & fees
22 Jan - 23 Jan 2026
Monteverde Lodge

Pensión Santa Elena

Pensión Santa Elena
2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (359)
"Excellent hotel with friendly and helpful staff; conveniently located. "
United States
Gilberto
The price is AU$82
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Pensión Santa Elena

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
4.0 star property
Monteverde
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (620)
"We stayed in a family room by the pool. It was awesome. Great property. Lovely staff. Comfy beds. Delicious breakfast. Pool was warm. Hot tub could be hotter. Wish there was a microwave in the room. Pool was very nice, and while the resort does overall seems family friendly, the pool is overall somewhat small and includes a swim up bar...so kids jumping, thrashing, splashing around isn't necessarily compatible. I did feel like I had to police my kids quite a bit to prevent them splashing people...
Canada
Brittni
The price is AU$508
includes taxes & fees
30 Dec - 31 Dec
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Ficus Sunset Suites

Ficus Sunset Suites
4.0 star property
Monteverde
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (351)
"Very nice hotel with good views "
United States
Nilanjana
Ficus Sunset Suites

Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya
1.5 star property
Monteverde
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (56)
"The junior suit was great"
United States
Carlos
The price is AU$34
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026
Hostel Cattleya

Hotel El Amanecer

Hotel El Amanecer
2.5 star property
Monteverde
7.4 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Beautiful all wooden property."
United States
Ravi
Hotel El Amanecer

Monteverde Monkey Hostel

Monteverde Monkey Hostel
2.0 star property
Monteverde
The price is AU$58
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Monteverde Monkey Hostel

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (80)
"Great locations , friendly hosts."
United States
carolyn
The price is AU$77
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
2.0 star property
Monteverde
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

Casa Madonna Hotel

Casa Madonna Hotel
2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1)
"Estancia tranquila, agradable. El personal muy servicial."
Costa Rica
JOSE ORLANDO
The price is AU$100
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026
Casa Madonna Hotel
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.

Top Santa Elena Hotel Reviews

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 Monteverde Monkey Hostel and Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel.
How many low-cost hotels should I expect to find in Santa Elena?
Expedia has 12 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 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 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.