Photo by Chad Prahl

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Check availability on Santa Elena Cheap Hotels

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

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Front of property - evening/night

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna

4.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (431)
"Staying at the Monteverde Lodge was one of the highlights of our CR trip. The setting with the jungle/window outside the property was tranquil. The food is amazing! Everything was presented beautifully. They set us up on several awesome tours with Rafael and we saw lots of wildlife we would never see on our own. The gardens and trails are gorgeous. We even saw a pack of capuchin monkeys climbing over the roof when we left. The staff did everything possible to ensure an excellent stay."
The price is SAR 1,688
SAR 2,057 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna
Pensión Santa Elena
Exterior

Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (350)
"La piscina estaba sucia y nunca pudimos hacer uso de la misma. El personal es amable como en todo CR. "
The price is SAR 178
SAR 201 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Pensión Santa Elena
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Children's play area - indoor

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

4.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (591)
"I really enjoyed staying at Poco a Poco. The pool is great, it's warm so we enjoyed it at night after walking all day. Breakfast is really good.👍"
The price is SAR 820
SAR 927 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Ficus Sunset Suites
In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Ficus Sunset Suites

4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (335)
"The view was amazing and it was a quick walk into town for dinner and shopping. The service was wonderful. "
The price is SAR 1,245
SAR 1,407 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Ficus Sunset Suites
Hostel Cattleya
Junior Studio | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (41)
"We had a 2 bedroom appartment. Spotlessly clean, kitchen very well equipped. Parking out front. Stayed for two nights. Could not ask for a better place. Highly recommended."
The price is SAR 75
SAR 85 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Hostel Cattleya
Hotel El Amanecer
Interior

Hotel El Amanecer

2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (13)
"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. "
Hotel El Amanecer
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Family Room, Balcony, Garden View | Terrace/patio

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (77)
"Mother & daughter hosts are a delight and ready to assist you with all your adventuring needs. Assisting with bookings, tours, transport, advice, directions, dining queries - super lovely and kind. The accommodation is perfectly located. So convent to Santa Elena - grocery store 5 mins, food, shops- perfection.👌 The amenities are what you’d imagine for the affordability but certainty not without a feeling of local charm. Hosts have provided all one needs and are quick to assist if there is...
The price is SAR 161
SAR 182 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper Hostel
Panoramic Cabin | Balcony

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
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 SAR 235
SAR 266 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Hotel Sloth Backpackers
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Front of property

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
The price is SAR 293
SAR 331 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Mar - 12 Mar
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
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 Monteverde Orchid Garden, Mundo de los Insectos, 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 Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel and Hostel Cattleya.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
Expedia has 14 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 on your list, such as Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Arenal Volcano National Park, and then make time for other wallet-friendly activities. If you’re eager to get outdoors, you can enjoy the natural setting at Monteverde Orchid Garden, Jardín de Orquídeas, or Tabacon Hot Springs.
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.