Fonda Vela Boutique Hotel, San JoséFonda Vela Boutique Hotel in San José, Costa Rica has a corrected score of 3.5 ± 0.3 (fair evidence, 3 of 4 platforms), ranked 29 of 88 hotels we score in San José. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 3.7 before correction: Booking.com 4.3, Tripadvisor 3.0, Agoda 3.8. Rooms from about $227 a night (cached, not a live quote).Fonda Vela Boutique Hotel is a hillside lodge situated on a nine-hectare estate near Santa Elena in Monteverde. Surrounded by tropical gardens and jungle, the property sits close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, making it a practical base for hiking and birdwatching. The hotel contains 40 rooms and suites featuring air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. Guests can use the indoor swimming pool, spa, and on-site restaurant. It suits families and nature enthusiasts looking for a lodge-style stay. While the setting is quiet, the dining options on the premises are limited.What stands out

Close to cloud forest hiking

Indoor swimming pool

Spacious clean rooms

On-site spa and massage

Watch out for

Limited dining options

Better-scored in San José

The Retreat Costa Rica, San José: 4.5 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $555 a night. The Retreat Costa Rica is an adults-only wellness retreat located in the hills of Atenas on a 50-acre quartz mountain.

Nayara Springs, San José: 4.4 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms). Nayara Springs is an adults-only resort located in the rainforest foothills near La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

Crocs Resort And Casino, San José: 4.2 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $225 a night. Crocs Resort And Casino is a 17-storey oceanfront hotel situated on the quieter side of Jacó Beach in Costa Rica.