About Fonda Vela - in their own words:

We invite you to the Hotel Fonda Vela, a hotel dedicated to the idea of eco-tourism in harmony with nature. The Latin root of the word Fonda means a place of rest or nourishment after a long journey. Vela, or candle, for us represents service and hospitality. To this we add a peaceful atmosphere that is sensitive to the local environment.

The Fonda Vela Hotel is located in beautiful Monteverde, famous for its Resplendent Quetzals, Three-wattled Bellbirds, an abundance of orchids, and a gorgeous cloud forest. The climate is refreshing, many times referred to as "eternal spring". The views of the Gulf of Nicoya from the hotel's 1400 meter elevation are spectacular. Monteverde is an ideal destination for relaxing and enjoying the wonders of the tropics. A visit of at least two nights in Monteverde is recommended.

The Fonda Vela Hotel has nine buildings nestled in the landscaped property, designed with natural lighting, privacy and warmth. All have large windows with views of our forest allowing the outside beauty to be a part of a cozy interior.

On the 35-acre property, you will find lush forests and verdant pastures that are excellent for birding and hiking. In this tranquil setting, you may see parrots and emerald toucans that come to feed in the fruiting trees, occasionally. During certain months the Fonda Vela is excellent for seeing Resplendent Quetzal, Three-waltted Bellbird and Keel-billed toucans. Horses graze in the pasture below. A 15-minute walk away is the world famous 10,500-hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The Santa Elena Reserve is a short drive away where you may observe the Arenal Volcano on a clear day.

The Fonda Vela has 40 rooms in 9 separate buildings, this includes 20 standard rooms and 20 junior suites; 14 with TV's. All rooms have private bath, hot water and 2 queen-size beds or a king size bed. We also have rooms with three beds, ideal for families. Our 20 junior suites have a small refrigerator, table, king and queen-size beds, a comfortable sofa and 14 with TV's. All rooms have telephones. Most of the rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Other services include our elegant and spacious restaurant, a separate bar and TV room.

Our meeting rooms seat 50 people and have balconies overlooking the forest. Every day at 6 pm. We present a slide show of Monteverde's Quaker history and secrets of the cloud forest. The slide show was prepared by Bobby Maxon and the cost is $5 per person.

Private hiking trails, guided horse-back riding, and laundry service are also available. We can arrange all local tours for you.

The Fonda Vela is an ideal hotel for birdwatching. We have more than one kilometer of private hiking trails and are within walking distance of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Hummingbird Gallery and the Children's Eternal Rainforest. For night entertainment, we are approximately one km. from the local disco, La Cascada with salsa, merengue and international music for dancing, a place to meet the locals, make friends especially on Friday and Saturday.