Photo by Chad Prahl

Santa Elena Budget Hotels from RM84

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Check availability on Santa Elena Budget Hotels

Tonight
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Tomorrow
5 Dec - 6 Dec
This weekend
5 Dec - 7 Dec
Next weekend
12 Dec - 14 Dec

Top Santa Elena Budget Hotels

Lobby sitting area
Monteverde Lodge

Monteverde Lodge

4.0 star property
Monteverde
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (455)
"Everything was wonderful! Staff were super friendly and helpful. Hotel was very clean with beautiful views. "
Canada
Ryan
The price is RM1,230
RM1,472 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Monteverde Lodge
Exterior
Pensión Santa Elena

Pensión Santa Elena

2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (358)
"Excellent hotel with friendly and helpful staff; conveniently located. "
United States
Gilberto
The price is RM126
RM222 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Pensión Santa Elena
Children’s play area – indoor
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco

4.0 star property
Monteverde
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (615)
"We loved our stay at Hotel Poco a Poco! The location is perfect—close to town but still peaceful—and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful with recommendations. Our room was clean and cozy, and the restaurant served excellent meals. The only downside was that the pool and jacuzzi were under renovation during our visit, but everything else more than made up for it. Highly recommended for a Monteverde stay!"
United States
William
The price is RM899
RM1,016 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Balcony view
Ficus Sunset Suites

Ficus Sunset Suites

4.0 star property
Monteverde
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (350)
"Very nice hotel with good views "
United States
Nilanjana
The price is RM875
RM989 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Dec - 12 Dec
Ficus Sunset Suites
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Hostel Cattleya

Hostel Cattleya

1.5 star property
Monteverde
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (55)
"The junior suit was great"
United States
Carlos
The price is RM74
RM84 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026
Hostel Cattleya
Interior
Hotel El Amanecer

Hotel El Amanecer

2.5 star property
Monteverde
7.4 out of 10, Good, (13)
"Beautiful all wooden property."
United States
Ravi
Hotel El Amanecer
Interior
Monteverde Monkey Hostel

Monteverde Monkey Hostel

2.0 star property
Monteverde
The price is RM144
RM163 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Monteverde Monkey Hostel
Terrace/patio
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel

2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (80)
"Great locations , friendly hosts."
United States
carolyn
The price is RM196
RM222 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel
Front of property
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast

2.0 star property
Monteverde
Hostel Coati Place Bed & Breakfast
Living area
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel

2.0 star property
Monteverde
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (72)
"Very beautiful view and common areas"
Canada
Hailey
Cabinas Vista Al Golfo - Hostel
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.
View all properties

Top Santa Elena Hotel Reviews

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

10/10 Excellent
"Staff was great, rooms were comfortable and clean. Pool and Spas were clean. Area was 10 min from downtown La Fortuna. "
Victor 3-night trip
Posted 19 hours ago
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Elena like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Elena has cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, 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 such as Monteverde Orchid Garden, Mundo de los Insectos and Jardín de Orquídeas.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Santa Elena?
Based on our traveller reviews, Pensión Santa Elena is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Monteverde Monkey Hostel and Cabinas El Pueblo - Hostel.
How many low-cost hotels should I expect 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, but bear 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 temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and December, with an average of 26°C. The rainiest months in Santa Elena are October, August, June and September, with each month seeing an average of 482 mm 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 San José (SJO-Juan Santamaría Intl.), which is 47.5 mi (76.5 km) away. Santa Elena may not have many public transport choices so a car rental could be a reasonable alternative to explore the area.