Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Elena

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Check prices for these dates

Tonight
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Tomorrow
10 Nov - 11 Nov
This weekend
13 Nov - 15 Nov
Next weekend
20 Nov - 22 Nov

Our top choices for Santa Elena cheap hotels

A covered outdoor area with a wooden bench, hanging plants, and a stone wall.

1. Pensión Santa Elena

Pensión Santa Elena
2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (380 reviews)
"The pensione is right in town and has nice shared Spaces - indoor and out. Staff is extremely nice and helpful. Could use a fan in the room but overall it was a nice place to stay for a couple days"
United States
Suzanne
The price is AED 116
AED 202 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Nov - 29 Nov
Pensión Santa Elena
A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a dining table with chairs, and a balcony with a view.

2. Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya
1.5 star property
Monteverde
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (72 reviews)
"Great place"
United States
Divya
The price is AED 88
AED 100 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Hostel Cattleya
A wooden room with two beds, a stone wall, and a painting.

3. hotel rey

hotel rey
3.0 star property
Santa Elena
The price is AED 132
AED 149 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
hotel rey
A spacious hallway with wooden floors and walls, a central seating area with tables and chairs, and potted plants.

4. Hotel El Amanecer

Hotel El Amanecer
2.5 star property
Monteverde
7.6 out of 10, Good, (15 reviews)
"Staff very friendly. Really good value for the cost."
Canada
Stephen
The price is AED 180
AED 203 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Hotel El Amanecer
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stainless steel stove, a microwave, and a sink. There are two stools at the counter.

5. Monteverde Monkey Hostel

Monteverde Monkey Hostel
2.0 star property
Monteverde
The price is AED 98
AED 111 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Monteverde Monkey Hostel
A bedroom with a bed, a wooden chair, a small table, and a wall-mounted TV.

6. Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde

Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde
2.0 star property
Santa Elena
The price is AED 198
AED 224 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel las Orquideas Monteverde
A covered balcony with a bench, hanging baskets, and potted plants.

7. Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (91 reviews)
"Great location to shops and restaurants. Booked all excursions through hostel, they were super helpful in arranging everything we needed."
United Kingdom
JULIE
The price is AED 179
AED 285 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Nov - 14 Nov
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
A wooden interior with a bed, a hanging chair, and a plant.

8. Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown

Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown
2.0 star property
Monteverde
The price is AED 156
AED 176 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel El Rey Monteverde Downtown
A covered outdoor area with hammocks and a tiled floor.

9. El Nido Lodge

El Nido Lodge
3.0 star property
Monteverde
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (7 reviews)
"Clean rooms, quick check-in"
United States
Sasikumar
The price is AED 127
AED 143 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
El Nido Lodge
A wooden cabin with two beds, a small wooden desk, and large windows offering a view of the forest.

10. Manakin Lodge

Manakin Lodge
2.0 star property
Monteverde
7.2 out of 10, Good, (10 reviews)
"Excellent staff. Kitchen and dining area was great. "
United States
Sophia
The price is AED 139
AED 157 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Manakin Lodge
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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Top Santa Elena Hotel Reviews

A hotel room with two beds, a sofa, a dining table with chairs, and a balcony with a view.
Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya
Monteverde

10/10 Excellent

Clean room, friendly staff
United States
Alexander
Reviewed February 2, 2026
Hostel Cattleya

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 Monteverde Orchid Garden, Mundo de los Insectos, and Centro Comercial Monteverde.

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 Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel.

How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?

Expedia has 13 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, 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 Wildlife Refuge 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.