Los Pinos – Cabanas y Jardines

As the name of this hotel implies -- the English translation is "The Pines - Cabins and Gardens" -- it's all about getting away from it all and back to nature here. The amenities and simple decor are reminiscent of a spiffed-up campground -- without the tents and outhouses. Rooms and common areas are adorned with basic paneling and mismatched yard-sale-style furnishings that creates a simple, homey aesthetic throughout the grounds. The property consists of 14 freestanding cabins spread across several interconnected dirt paths that cut through lawns and trees and lead to the hotel's highlight, its large hydroponic garden. There's an ecotourism bent at this property, and most travelers are here to unplug and enjoy the wooded mountain setting -- as such, there's not much of a social vibe. The hotel draws families and couples looking for solitude, and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with only occasional bird songs to break the silence.

Situated in the forested mountains of Monteverde, the hotel is outside of the small tourist district of Santa Elena. In town are dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. There's a bakery just across the street from the hotel plus a small grocery store a short walk from the hotel. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, dozens of hiking trails, and other outdoor activities are only 10 minutes away by car. As there are limited options for things to do within an easy walk, a rental car is the best bet for the area. Punta Arenas, a major port of call on the Pacific Ocean, is an hour and 45 minutes away by road for those heading to the beach. There are plenty of counters at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Expect a three-hour drive to reach the hotel from the airport. As an alternative, private taxis are available, but will be costly. Shared shuttles are also an option, and rates are always negotiable with the driver.

True to its woodland setting, decor in each of the 14 cabins is simple and rustic. Wood paneling adorns every wall and ceiling, while seating -- which includes an array of chairs and futons -- is done in leaf-print fabrics. Floors are covered with off-white tiling and walls are hung with everything from tourism posters to bright "local" art. Charming additions include carved rocking chairs in some rooms. Everything is clean and well-maintained, but the look is decidedly homey and things can look a little mismatched in some cabins.

The hotel features five room categories with different sizes and bedroom configurations. Standard amenities in all cabins include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a full kitchen (with a hot plate, a refrigerator, a microwave, coffeemaker, and other small appliances). Most offer some form of a patio or outdoor terrace. Entry-level Standard Cabins are ideal for one or two guests, with one double bed and a seating area. Junior Cabins feature a slightly larger layout and newer furnishings. Superior Cabins are the nicest of the options, and feature all of the above, plus an even more spacious, bi-level design with a private bedroom, flat-screen TV, fireplace, and barn-style windows with lovely woodland views. Large Family or Family Deluxe Cabins are also available. Both offer three individual bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, while the Deluxe option provides a more spacious floor plan.

Private bathrooms in every cabin are plain, clean, and functional. The flooring, ceiling, and walls are done in a mix of tile and wood paneling. A stand-up glass shower stall with pump-style toiletries is standard. All come with towels and housekeeping is provided daily. Additionally, cabins are set nearly 250 feet (75 meters) apart from one another, making them feel more private than at similar campground-style properties.

Despite its countryside setting, there aren't a ton of features at this hotel. A tiny, one-room seating area adjacent to the lobby serves as the hotel’s only definable social space. The room offers a handful of couches and chairs. There's a large, flat-screen TV playing video slideshows of local tours and the TV is also available for watching DVDs and movies. At the rear of the property, a large, hydroponic vegetable garden has 22 different crops across nearly 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters) of greenhouse space. Free, impromptu tours are available with guests welcome to show up whenever they like to chat with the full-time gardener. Guests can also use produce from the garden in their kitchens, so check ahead with the hotel. Plenty of free parking is available in an off-street lot and directly in front of each cabin. Wi-Fi is also free. The hotel can help arrange a variety of tours and activities in the Monteverde area as well.