I stayed at the Bell Bird for a week while attending the CPI school next door. The room wasn't huge but it had everything I needed and was clean. The free wi fi was a bonus. There's a nice communal room and the breakfasts were varied and good. Really good value and Alex, the owner, was really helpful and friendly. It's located outside of Santa Elena but walkable (or cheap taxi) into town. It's nearer to Monterverde itself which is nice and quiet and has its own forest reserve, gift shops and cafe.

The hotel has relatively small rooms, which have solid wooden walls. They can look a little dark but then we were only sleeping there anyway.

There is free table tennis in the balcony area, and free internet access on the PC.

The owner, Alex, was incredibly helpful, even phoning our next hotel to make sure they had made a reservation for us.

We stayed at Bell Bird for 2 nights so that we could visit the Biological Park nearby. It's about a 40 minute walk to the main park but you can get a taxi for a dollar or two.

We ate at Johnny's (Italian restaurant) which is a 5 minute walk west along the main road. You'll need a torch to walk there and back as the road is dark and quite busy.

I did a homestay with Alexis and his wife, Cecilia, and their two adorable children. Although I can't comment on the accomodations of the hostel next door to their home, I can attest that these are wonderful people, extremely accomodating, and Cecilia is a great cook! I traveled with my 14yo daughter, and we took Spanish classes at CPI next door. I can't wait to go back and take my husband and other daughter. I will definitely look into staying at the Bell Bird as a family, and Monteverde was one of the most awesome places I can ever imagine going!

The owner was fantastic. I had a problem with my phone and he was very accommodating, letting me use his computer and phone even when he wasn't in the office. Not all of the rooms had bathrooms and showers, but it wasn't a problem. I never had to wait to use the bathroom or shower. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The hotel is right off the main road and a minute or two from town. I believe we paid about $20 US for the rooms. It is an awesome deal and I will stay there again when I go back.