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 & Gardens by Böëna

4.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (420)
"A stunning hotel which is highly recommended. The staff can't do enough for you."
The price is SAR 1,687
SAR 1,982 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Feb - 8 Feb
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna

Pensión Santa Elena

3.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (346)
"The photos make the rooms look bigger. They also don’t show they count a double bed as a loft that has a low ceiling."
The price is SAR 177
SAR 201 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Feb - 8 Feb
Pensión Santa Elena

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

4.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (589)
"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 911
SAR 1,030 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Ficus Sunset Suites

4.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (328)
"Lovely hotel, wonderful, friendly staff. comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Great location for many activities. "
The price is SAR 952
SAR 1,076 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Mar - 9 Mar
Ficus Sunset Suites

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (40)
"Nice two bedroom studio apartment about 200 meters from main hostel building. Managers were exceptionally helpful and accommodating. Only slight negative, really more of a surprise, was that they didn't accept payment via credit card."
The price is SAR 75
SAR 85 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Feb - 14 Feb
Hostel Cattleya

Hotel El Amanecer

2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (12)
"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. "
The price is SAR 260
SAR 294 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Feb - 8 Feb
Hotel El Amanecer

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (76)
"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
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

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"
The price is SAR 118
SAR 134 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Sleepers Sleep Cheaper 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 265 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Feb - 8 Feb
Hotel Sloth Backpackers

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
The price is SAR 293
SAR 331 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Feb - 12 Feb
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 Hostel Cattleya and Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Santa Elena?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia’s 16 budget hotels in Santa Elena.
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 Arenal Volcano National Park and Tabacon Hot Springs, 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 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.