Hotel list
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Fonda Vela
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User reviews
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| |  | | | | | Monteverde | |
The Fonda Vela Hotel is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its Quetzals, three-wattled Bellbirds, an abundance of orchids and its unique cloud forest. The climat...
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| | 1-5 of 5 records. | |
Posted By Claire on 7/1/2009 5:31:54 PM
Fonda Vela was a lovely property that really grew on me during my stay. Having arrived after sunset, I spent my first night with no concept of how the outside of the hotel looked as the grounds are quite spread out and we were sent up a gravel path to search for the building housing our room. The beauty of our Junior Suite is not something that is blatantly apparent, but the subtle tones, warm wood paneled floor and ceiling in deep mahoganys and the floor to ceiling window looking out over gardens and the forest became a spectacular, comfortable retreat. The whole hotel had a contemplative, Hemmingway-esque feel to it, with a writing desk and seating area positioned beside the large window, benches scattered throughout the property and a series of stone indigenous statues as well as bronze sculptures paying hommage to farmers, artists and more. The property also has more than 400 paintings done by the owner's father spread throughout of simple country scapes.
While the distance from Santa Elena is a small thing to consider (the taxi was a consistent $5 back and forth), I would argue that there isn't much in Santa Elena anyways. The stores, restaurants and attractions are spread out from Santa Elena down the road past the hotel and to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We were in walking proximity to the cloud forest (a beautiful 25 minute walk) as well as some of the town's best restaurants (10 min to Tramonti pizzeria, an artisan cooperative, the Monteverde Cheese Factory, etc.) So if you come to the region, no matter where you are, something will require a taxi or rental car to get to.
Finally, the restaurant service we encountered was wonderful. I will agree that breakfast was slightly dull, but as I found out thanks to my boyfriend's whimsical requests, they could really make you anything you could dream of, and not overcharge for doing so. This included a lovely breakfast club sandwich and a seafood chowder for dinner that only totaled $8 despite the Jumbo shrimp and crab heaped into the bowl.
So overall, the property for me was in the perfect location and really drew all your attention to the surrounding nature and the clouds coming and going in a hurry. Mixed with the cool, fresh climate and great service, I had an excellent time at Fonda Vela! However, if you want extravagent, this isn't the hotel for you.
| The warm, rustic charm juxtaposed with the truly perfect cool and fresh climate.
| They taunted us with a nearly constructed pool with gorgeous views that won't be open till Dec. 2009.
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| Posted By abaker on 9/26/2008 10:34:07 AM
After living in Monteverde myself for nearly 2 years it felt somewhat strange staying so far away from the actual town of Santa Elena, and rather in the area of Monteverde itself. So regarding it’s proximity to the Monteverde Cloud Forest’s entrance it is very nicely situated, though for younger travelers I would suggest that there are better areas and to be truthful nicer hotels to stay at nearer the area where things actually happen.
For me Fonda Vela could really have done with a small make over, regarding its grounds which seemed somewhat unkempt, and as nice as the space was in the Junior Suites, both room types could be updated a little, as it does feel as though not a lot has changed in the 20 years since it was constructed. A fresher smell in the standard rooms would have been quite welcome!
The service was very pleasant indeed, however the breakfast was a little ‘rubbery’ as it kind of felt it had been waiting for orders rather than been cooked freshly. The one other thing I was hoping for was the pool table which is advertised on the website but which turns out to be in the owner’s room now! So that really needs to be updated.
Never the less, to end on a high note, you do really get the feeling that you are in the Cloud Forest region, with the perfect silence surrounding the hotel and its beautiful views from the suites. All in all, the hotel is worth the price you pay for it, even if it could do with a lick of paint!
| The Space within the Junior Suites and front Gardens.
| The age of it, and it being somewhat unkept around the grounds.
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| Posted By charica on 9/24/2008 6:53:35 PM
When we first arrived, I really liked the fact that we were well outside of the town. The hotel is set in the middle of nature, and it has beautiful scenery all around. The staff was very friendly, and dinner was great the first night. I had the jalapeno steak, and it was delicious. On Saturday and Sunday morning, I had the french toast breakfast, and I truly think it was the best French toast that I have ever had. I really liked the hotel's grounds and gardens. I also liked how spacious the rooms were. Overall, I thought it was a very nice hotel, especially for the price.
| The gardens
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| Posted By CharlieH on 9/24/2008 6:15:18 PM
Upon arriving at Fonda Vela we were swiftly greeted at reception and given the keys to our Junior Suite. The room was extremely spacious and clean and included two very comfortable double beds, cable TV, a view onto the gardens and a bathroom containing both a shower and bath. In the evening we enjoyed a drink at the bar at the entrance of the restaurant where service was quick and friendly before heading downstairs to the restaurant. At the restaurant the service was fantastic and our waiter was very polite and made sure that we were OK. The menu was slightly limited yet the food ordered was well cooked and filling!
With large grounds accommodating to much of the local wildlife, this hotel makes you feel like you are miles away from the bustle of cities and is deeply relaxing. It is a good distance away from the town centre however, while this adds to the isolated effect, it also means that you would need to take a taxi to get around especially at night (unless you enjoy a long walk!)
| The spacious rooms
| The Restaurant was only open at certain times and the reception closed at 9pm
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| Posted By jacquelinemora on 9/24/2008 2:09:37 PM
We stayed at Fonda Vela for two nights and three days. The hotel is located a few minutes from the town of Monteverde, very close to the Monteverde Reserve where you can walk to if you are staying at the Hotel. The room was very spacious and it is a perfect set up for families or young eco-travelers that can stay together in the room. We had dinner at the restaurant the first night and the service was amazing and the food quality was very good. Next to a fire place, it made for a very romantic and cozy atmosphere. Breakfast was delicious and the french toast were the best we have had!
We walked to the Monteverde Reserve the next morning where we saw the most dense and exuberant cloud forest, quetzals and sloths. The walk to the reserve from the hotel is about 20 to 25 minutes. Overall the hotel is a great place for naturalists and people looking to really experience the nature that makes Monteverde so famous. Great stuff, great service and a great stay.
| The Nature around it!
| Being away from the town
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| | | | | | 1-5 of 5 records. | | |
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