Photo by Chad Prahl

Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Elena

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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

4.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (437)
"Great place, excellent food "
The price is SAR 1,486
SAR 1,829 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Monteverde Lodge

Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (353)
"In general the place was good. Not enough tables for breakfast, you had to make your own coffee and breakfast portions were small. Bed a little on a firm side, not enough water pressure for the shower"
The price is SAR 195
SAR 220 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Pensión Santa Elena

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

4.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (595)
"10/10 hotel. Family of 4 (2 adults 2 12 yr old). Staffs were helpful and very friendly. No uber in this town. They helped us arranged taxi pickup and drop off. Location is perfect quick walk to downtown, supermarkets and restaurants. Room is spacious and clean. Water pressure was a little low for shower. Otherwise everything is perfect. Loved the marshmallow they provided. Would recommend and would stay here again."
The price is SAR 760
SAR 859 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Ficus Sunset Suites

4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (341)
"Phenomenal property and staff. Cannot recommend more highly. The sunset views were incredible and the staff made my family feel like family. "
The price is SAR 821
SAR 928 total
includes taxes & fees
6 May - 7 May
Ficus Sunset Suites

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (46)
"Loved the pool and the wildlife around, clean and comfortable rooms with AC. Hammocks are nice touch. Check in/out was simple and the staff was very kind."
The price is SAR 75
SAR 85 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Hostel Cattleya

Hotel El Amanecer

2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Staff very friendly. Really good value for the cost."
Hotel El Amanecer

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (79)
"Great locations , friendly hosts."
The price is SAR 161
SAR 182 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

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 Apr - 12 Apr
Hotel Sloth Backpackers

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
The price is SAR 293
SAR 331 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

Hostel La Suerte

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (16)
"Really nice place, great kitchen and super friendly staff. 5 stars"
Hostel La Suerte
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 Hostel Cattleya and Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
Expedia has 11 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 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.