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San Gerardo de Dota Hotels Guide: Best Places to Stay
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s cloud forest, San Gerardo de Dota is one of the best places to do it!
This little mountain village is located along the Savegre River (which is filled with trout). It is surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls, and some of the best birdwatching in the country (especially if spotting a resplendent quetzal is on your bucket list).
We’ve spent a lot of time in this area and always come back feeling refreshed. It’s peaceful, wild, and unique.
In this guide, we’re sharing our top hotel picks for San Gerardo de Dota, based on our own experiences, local insight, and what we think makes each place special. Whether you’re looking for luxury, something cozy and romantic, or a place to stay with great birdwatching tours, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get into it!
Map of Hotels in San Gerardo de Dota
You can also open this in Google Maps here
As you can see on the map above, most of the hotels are located along a single winding road that runs through the valley alongside the Savegre River.
San Gerardo de Dota is not a big town with a main plaza or shops. It’s more like a long stretch of forest with scattered eco-lodges, a few small restaurants, and a whole lot of peace and quiet.
To reach San Gerardo, you’ll turn off the main Inter-American Highway (Route 2) at the signposted entrance.
The road into the valley is steep, narrow, and winding. It’s mostly paved and in decent condition, but we definitely recommend a 4×4 or at least a vehicle with good clearance.
The drive down is nice, but it can get foggy, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, so take your time and watch the curves.
- From San José: It’s about a 2.5-hour drive (give or take, depending on traffic leaving the city). You’ll head through Cartago and then up into the mountains on Route 2. Expect cooler air and beautiful views as you climb in elevation.
- From the beach (like Manuel Antonio, Dominical, or Uvita): It’s about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your starting point. You’ll head northeast on Route 243 to connect with Route 2, then climb up into the highlands.
Once you’re in the valley, most hotels are spaced out along the river, and many are accessed via small gravel side roads.
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Now on to the 9 best hotels!
1. Hotel Savegre
⭐️ RATING: 9.1 /10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Hotel Savegre is arguably the top hotel in the area, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a fully immersive experience without needing to leave your lodge, this is the place!
There’s an on-site spa, a cozy bar and restaurant, guided daily activities, and even an extensive private trail system through the cloud forest. Yes, you can spot quetzals right on the property!
Rooms range from standard doubles to master suites, all with a warm, rustic feel. The master suites even have fireplaces and hot tubs!
Why We Like It
I think it’s the ideal place if you want to slow down and just enjoy nature without running around.
In our experience, the staff were incredibly friendly, the food was great (definitely try the trout), and the birdwatching right on the property was some of the best we’ve seen in Costa Rica.
That said, this all comes at a higher price point. For example, their morning quetzal tour is over $100 per person. Compare that to the one at Trogon Lodge, which is around $40.
Yes, Savegre’s includes a scenic hike through their private trails, but I still think it’s a pretty steep price.
So, just something to keep in mind when budgeting!
2. Trogon Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 9.2 /10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Trogon Lodge is a peaceful, nature-focused retreat tucked into the cloud forest.
The cabins are spread out across beautifully landscaped grounds.
Rooms are rustic and cozy, with propane heaters and rocking chairs on the porches. They also offer a superior room with a Jacuzzi and sweeping valley views.
The on-site restaurant serves farm-to-table meals, including trout from their own pond and veggies grown in a hydroponic garden.
Why We Like It
When we stayed here, we loved how quiet and relaxing it felt.
Thomas saw his first ever quetzal during the morning quetzal tour here. He absolutely raved about the guide, so it sounds like something you should definitely check out. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to book the morning tour. Just contact the hotel.
3. Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is one of the more modern and upscale places to stay in San Gerardo de Dota. It’s located at the upper end of the valley, surrounded by lush cloud forest and with stunning views.
What sets this lodge apart is its sleek design. The rooms feel more like contemporary bungalows than traditional mountain cabins. Each suite or bungalow has huge floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, ethanol fireplaces, and some units have Jacuzzi tubs.
On-site, there’s a great restaurant that serves elevated takes on traditional Costa Rican meals (including trout dishes, of course). They also have a small art gallery featuring Indigenous and Latin American artwork, and access to a private forest reserve with walking trails right on the property.
Why We Like It:
When we stayed here it felt like a luxury retreat in the middle of the forest. I think it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something a little more refined and private, especially for couples or solo travelers who want peace and comfort with beautiful design.
In our experience, everything was well maintained and the staff were helpful and kind. Just keep in mind that the property is spread out and built on a slope, getting around might be a bit tricky for anyone with mobility concerns.
4. Las Cataratas Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 8.9/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Las Cataratas Lodge is a charming, family-run lodge.
The lodge features comfortable cabins with private bathrooms, balconies, and mountain or garden views.
There is also an on-site restaurant that serves delicious home-cooked food. You can also catch your own trout in the small pond on the property and have them cook it up for you.
Why We Like It
The host, David, and his family are super welcoming. You will feel right at home here, and he is happy to help you with whatever you need. I like that, because it feels like a more personalized and local experience versus some of the larger hotels.
Just keep in mind that while the lodge’s rustic charm is part of its appeal, the cabins can get quite chilly at night due to limited insulation. However, ample blankets and heaters are provided to keep you nice and cozy.
5. Lauraceas Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 9.5 /10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Lauráceas Lodge is a family-run eco-lodge. The property features spacious cabins with private bathrooms, balconies, and views of the surrounding gardens or the river. They offer Standard Double and Standard Queen cabins.
There is a very nice botanical garden on the property that you can explore. And, there is a delicious restaurant that focuses on local ingredients and food grown on their property (they grow their own avocados, which are so tasty)!
Why We Like It
I like that the cabins strike a nice balance between rustic and modern. They’re wooden, which really fits the vibe of the area, but still feel fresh, clean, and thoughtfully designed.
The property itself is beautiful, and the on-site restaurant is definitely a highlight. The food is great!
6. Hotel de Montaña Suria
⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Hotel de Montaña Suria is a family-run lodge. It has a very down-to-earth, friendly vibe.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, with wooden furnishings and views of the gardens or mountains. They offer singles, doubles, triples, and even family-sized rooms.
The property includes beautiful gardens filled with birds, private hiking trails, and an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Costa Rican meals using local ingredients.
Why We Like It
In our experience, this is a great budget-friendly option that still gives you beautiful surroundings, birdwatching opportunities, and friendly service.
Just keep in mind that these rooms are a bit more rustic than some places on this list.
Overall, for the price and setting, we think it’s a solid choice.
7. Entre Árboles Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Entre Árboles Lodge offers three modern wooden chalets with panoramic views of the surrounding valley and river.
Each unit includes a private terrace, TV, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and a private bathroom. The setting is quiet and scenic. It is ideal for unplugging and enjoying the sounds of the forest.
There’s no on-site restaurant, but there are several great places within a short drive.
Why We Like It
We like that this place has amazing views and feels very private. The owners are also great.
The one downside is that there aren’t full kitchens in the cabins. You will need to go to restaurants for your meals.
8. Miriam’s Quetzals Lodge
⭐️ RATING: 8.8/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Miriam’s Quetzals Lodge is a rustic, family-run spot in San Gerardo de Dota.
The property offers a handful of simple wooden cabins nestled into the hillside, each with private bathrooms, basic furnishings, and views of the surrounding forest or gardens. It’s not fancy, but it’s peaceful, clean, and surrounded by nature.
The real highlight here is the on-site restaurant, Comidas Típicas Miriam, which serves traditional Costa Rican meals like gallo pinto, casados, and whole fried trout. The dining area overlooks a garden filled with bird feeders.
Why We Like It
In our experience, this is one of the best-value stays in the area. Miriam’s restaurant is also a must-visit spot, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel.
Other Things to Know About San Gerardo de Dota
- Weather: Expect cool, misty conditions year-round. Daytime temps are usually in the low 60s°F, while nights can dip into the 50s°F. Rain is common, especially from May through November, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Dining: While the area is small, there are several great restaurants:
- Comidas Típicas Miriam: A local favorite for traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casados.
- Café Kahawa: Offers a relaxing atmosphere with a terrace overlooking gardens and a river. Try the black bean soup and smoked trout dip.
- Restaurante Le Tapir: Known for its delicious Costa Rican cuisine and cozy ambiance.
- Booking Tips:
- Use Booking.com: We often find the best rates and flexible cancellation policies here.
- Book Early: Especially during the dry season (December–April) when birdwatching is at its peak.
- Transportation:
- Rent a 4×4 Vehicle: The road into the valley is steep and winding; a 4×4 ensures safer travel, especially during the rainy season.
- Rental Car Discount: We’ve partnered with Adobe Rent a Car to offer our readers a 10% discount. Get Your Discount Here
- Activities:
- Birdwatching: The area is renowned for sightings of the resplendent quetzal, especially between January and April.
- Hiking: Explore trails in Los Quetzales National Park and the Savegre Reserve.
- Waterfall Tours: Visit the stunning Savegre Waterfall for a refreshing experience.
- Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty here.
In conclusion, whether you’re here to spot quetzals, go hiking, or just unwind in the fresh mountain air, there’s a lodge or hotel to match every travel style and budget.
We hope this guide helped you narrow down the best place to stay for your trip!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!
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🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
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- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
Want the whole crazy story?
Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
Want the whole crazy story?
