Fonda Vela
Monteverde, Costa Rica
40 rooms / 3 stars
From San José, take the Inter-American Highway north to the 149 km. road marker. Turn right just before crossing the Río Lagarto and continue for 39 km to Monteverde, following the signs to the Monteverde Reserve. A second option, a part way paved road of approximately 12 km in construction from Sardinal to The Fonda Vela Hotel is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its Resplendent Quetzals, Three-wattled Bellbirds, an abundance of orchids, and a gorgeous cloud forest. The climate is refreshing, many times referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel''''s 1400 meter elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights in Monteverde is recommended.
The Fonda Vela Hotel has nine buildings nestled in the landscaped property, designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth. All have large windows with views of our forest allowing the outside beauty to be a part of a cozy interior.
The 20 junior suites have a small refrigerator, table, king and queen-size beds, a comfortable sofa and 14 with TV''''s. All rooms have telephones. Most of the rooms are wheelchair accessible; please request one at the time of making your reservation if that is required.
On the 35-acre property, you will find lush forests and verdant pastures that are excellent for birding and hiking. In this tranquil setting, you may see parrots and emerald toucans that come to feed in the fruiting trees, occasionally. During certain months the Fonda Vela is excellent for seeing Resplendent Quetzal, Three-waltted Bellbird and Keel-billed toucans. Horses graze in the pasture below. A 15-minute walk away is the world famous 10,500-hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Santa Elena Reserve is a short drive away where you may observe the Arenal Volcano on a clear day.
Come visit the Hotel Fonda Vela and discover the beauty of Costa Rica''''s Highlands. If you are interested in transportation to or from the hotel, please ask for rates. They offer a chofer and a 15 passenger microbus ideal for traveling.
Other services: An elegant and spacious restaurant, a separate bar and TV room.
They meeting rooms seat 50 people and have balconies overlooking the forest. Every day at 6 pm. They present a slide show of Monteverde''''s Quaker history and secrets of the cloud forest. The slide show was prepared by Bobby Maxon and the cost is $5 per person.
Private hiking trails, guided horse-back riding, and laundry service are also available. They can arrange all local tours for you.
The Fonda Vela is an ideal hotel for birdwatching. They have more than one kilometer of private hiking trails and are within walking distance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Hummingbird Gallery and the Children''''s Eternal Rainforest. For night entertainment, they are approximately one km. from the local disco, La Cascada with salsa, merengue and international music for dancing, a place to meet the locals, make friends especially on Friday and Saturday.
40 rooms in 9 separate buildings, this includes 20 standard rooms and 20 junior suites; 14 with TV''''s. All rooms have private bath, hot water and 2 queen-size beds or a king size bed. They also have rooms with three beds, ideal for families.
Attractions
The Monteverde Cloud Forest: A private biological reserve dedicated to the conservation of the rare flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem. The reserve is 26.000 acres and is an important link in the growing network of protected areas in Costa Rica. We are one of the closest hotels to the Reserve, which attracts birdwatchers from around the world.
The Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve: Opened in March 1992, this new reserve is quiet and less traveled and is located 9 km away. It offers beautiful views of the Arenal Volcano on clear days. The viewing point of the Arenal Volcano is just 12 km from the hotel. All proceeds go to the improvement of regional education.
Horseback Riding Tours: A lovely way to see the area with a local guide. Admire the views of the Nicoya Gulf, waterfalls and the valley of San Luis.
The Monteverde Cheese Factory: Here they produce the tastiest cheeses in Costa Rica. The cheese-production process can be witnessed through the observation window.
CASEM: At the Women''''s Artist Co-op in Monteverde one can find hand-crafted souvenirs such as stationery, jewelry and T- Shirts decorated with the famous quetzal.
The Butterfly Garden: This is a study center and gardens are full of many stunning butterflies, including the Blue Morpho.
Slides Show At The Colibri Gallery: Learn more about the natural history of the region through a slide show and an exhibition of photographs of Michael and Patricia Fogden (professional photographers).
Our Private Trails: Another alternative ways to see exotic birds and mammals.
Home of the Resplendent Quetzal: Outstanding bird viewing opportunities.
Sky Trek: Ziplines attached from one platform to another allow you to glide through the forest canopy with the use of special equipment.
Sky Walk: Six suspended bridges, platforms and paths built within the Cloud Forest make walking through the canopy an experience of a lifetime.
Canopy Tour: An opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy using modified techniques, which were previously done only by canyon climbers, which provide an enjoyable adventure.
Orchid Garden: More than 380 species are part of a unique research project and beautiful to see.
Ecological Farm: A secondary forest-farm located in lower Monteverde becomes a great spotting place for a wide variety of birds and some large mammals.
Bajo de Tigre Trail: A drier and more open forest with more than 3 km. of trail and arboretum with over 200 trees and Children''''s Nature Center.
Aerial Adventure: Consists of metal rails, which extend for approximately 1,5 km. The rails carry electrically propelled cars with capacity for two people.
Twilight Tour: A tour during the night that will show you surprising nocturnal animal life not seen during the day.
Frog Pond of Monteverde: A herpentarium in which you can admire over 20 species of frogs and other amphibians.
Serpentarium: tropical reptiles in abundance.
Hummingbird Gallery: featuring the work of world-renowned photographer Michael & Patricia Fogden.
*Note: The Hotel Fonda Vela has no relationship and bears no responsibility with regard to any of the services or attractions mentioned
*Transfer to La Fortuna Taxi 4X4-Boat-Taxi (2 hours)
- Our Opinion
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A great option for couples or families with children. Enjoy the brand new roofed swimming pool and jacuzzi´s. We highly recommend the Jr suites.
