El Establo Mountain Hotel

Otherwise amazing hotel plagued by rude staff and tour buses. First, this a hotel is used by Americans in bus tours - expect hundreds of them any given time. Second, the staff is incredibly rude. We had an issue with our keys and the reception employee, Ana Belen, refused to help us or even try to understand the issue. TV turned up by itself in the middle of the night. The toilet flush situation is terrible, there is simply no pressure. The good thing, hotel is nearby the Cloud Reserve, breakfast is good and pool looks good.

Ok so first the good points: Yes the hotel is on a steep site with wonderful views of the mountains. There is a reasonably good restaurant on site but you need to take the hotel shuttle as it’s near the top. The pool is heated with a small bar serving some snacks but again it’s a steep walk or shuttle bus. The on site spa offers good treatments. The staff were very friendly and helpful especially the shuttle drivers who do nothing else but drive up and down the steep site! Now the rest; We were given a room relatively near to reception but when we walked in the view was obliterated by a gigantic yucca tree. FYI this was Room 308 . We complained and were given the room next door where this time , whilst the view was beautiful, the bed area was upstairs on the upper platform accessed by a wooden staircase with open sides and only one horizontal handrail. No middle of the night bathroom visits then! The bathroom was dirty in places and I had to call the cleaner to correct the situation. In the morning we were given new towels but the wet ones were left on the rail. There was a bath in the bathroom but the plug didn’t work and the constant stench from what must have been a drainage problem was repugnant! The room , whilst spacious, was tired, shabby and dated with absolutely no decor at all. Gallons of magnolia paint, shiny dated woodwork and furniture and only a couple of small lights. Not a painting or a splash of colour anywhere! Think schools of the 1960’s minus the pupils and you’ve got the picture. The bed linen was extremely low quality and we couldn’t sleep due to the ants and bugs everywhere. The hotel is in desperate need of a total refurbishment- it is NOT suitable for anyone with a mobility issue and if you’re looking for all your lovely homely creature comforts forget it! Remember the larger the number the higher you will be AND it’s a VERY LONG walk! Don’t book this hotel- I won’t be returning!

Beautiful property. On an hillside with no sidewalks to walk down to the street. Also steep walk into town with intermittent sidewalks, so steep we took a taxi back. They offer a shuttle for internal use. The scenic view at the top has a nice zip line. Room was nice but both blinds were broken. Pool very nice, chairs and loungers with a scenic view. Again a downhill walk to it. Hot tub electronics not working.

First, this review may apply mainly to our building, #5, since we did not stay at the others. Our building seems to be recently renovated, with simulated hardwood flooring, and updated furnishing and bathroom. It has a fantastic view, all the way to the Gulf of Nicoya! The room is large and clean, the beds are comfortable, the shower is hot and strong. There are walking trails and even a zip line on site. We didn’t use the pool and spa, but heard they were good from our fellow tour group members. The upscale restaurant by the lake was excellent, definitely above my expectations for a hotel restaurant, and the service is great in general. We thought the breakfast buffet was very good, and has a large variety. Yes, the property is steep (thus the great view), so may not be as good for those with mobility issues, but we are able to walk to the view point at the top and the breakfast restaurant at the bottom without difficulty (we’re in our late 50’s and definitely not in prime fitness :) True, there’s a bit of wind noise at night, but it sounds like ocean waves and is actually conducive to sleeping. The lack of AC and heating may be an issue during certain times of the year, but not during our stay in April. Again, the view and the natural setting are fantastic, and that’s priceless!

Poor lighting in the rooms yet comfortable mattresses, no closet, no kleenex. Good hair dryer and water pressure in shower. Don't expect your room to be cleaned in the morning. Housekeeping staff have until 4pm to clean and continue to work all evening, too.