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Reviews of Howler Monkey Hotel

Cabuya, 60111 Montezuma, Costa Rica

#16 of 21 hotels in Montezuma

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 131 hotel reviews

8.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.0

  • Comfort

    7.8

  • Location

    8.8

  • Facilities

    7.8

  • Staff

    8.5

  • Value for money

    8.3

  • Free Wifi

    9.3

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Showing 76 - 100

  • Reviewed: November 11, 2023

    10
    A magical place
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The only bad thing was that the vacation ended, I really recommend the place

    A magical and incredible place, the facilities are beautiful, there is easy access to many places, beaches, restaurants and supermarkets... We really recommend it, Jim, an excellent person...!!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: November 9, 2023

    2.0
    It was not for me, but maybe for more adventurous souls
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I did not stay... I left... I am a solo female traveler... Without a car the place is very isolated. The facilities were old and the place needs looking after. To be fair, I was supposed to bring cash but my car did not work in Costa Rica and it was clear that this annoyed the owner. When I tried to pay for my stay it would not work either... After looking around I decided to leave... It was too isolated and too "rustic" for me...I did not have a car... I had a rocky arrival in the area due to not having cash, I was clearly stressed but I did not feel welcomed by the owner and this added to my sense of loneliness. After he showed me my cabin, and I saw how old it was, I just could not stay... The owner was understandably very annoyed with me. I paid one night but did not even stay as I felt very uncomfortable. I think it can be a great place if you are with friends or a couple and you don't mind the "rough and ready", also if you have transportation as it is far from the nearest village. For the price, I was expecting better facilities. I ended up in Montezuma in a double room with my own shower (in a hostel) 5 Min from the beach for half the price....

    The area is very very beautiful! It is a jewel! The area where the hotel is is definitely worth visiting

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: August 5, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location is more difficult to get to than anticipated without a rental car, and taxis are not as common in the area.

    The proximity to nature and the beach was amazing. WILL come back with family as the location is setup to allow you to cook and prepare food and offers complimentary kayaks and bikes and has a pool and a 1 min walk from ocean water.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: July 29, 2023

    2.0
    Very Poor
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    the property is not kept up at all. rooms were hot and not very clean. not worth it

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: July 18, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The staff was really friendly and accommodating. The cabins are surrounded by nature and the dogs were wonderful at making me feel safe and welcome! Thanks again for the great stay!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: July 11, 2023

    5.0
    As advertised.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night

    The bed was not comfortable and the cabins are kind of tilting. The property isn't expensive to stay at and I would say that you get what you pay for. The owner was absent for most of our stay, but we were mostly in and out and appreciated that it was inexpensive.

    We stayed at this hotel just for the night as it was on our way between two cities. There was amazing access to wildlife and really cute dogs that were guarding the property. The pool was quite cool and clean.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: June 30, 2023

    10
    Wonderful local jungle experience with lots of wildlife!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing—it suited our needs perfectly.

    We are an adventure seeking couple that always looks for the more quaint, remote, bungalow type facilities so this place was perfect for us! We stayed two nights and the first day we saw two kinkajous in the trees right above the property! The next morning we woke up to an amazing chorus of howler monkeys—at least 8 of them along with their babies hung out in the trees above all morning—it was quite the jungle experience! We also saw a huge iguana in the canopy above us and listened to macaws fly about. Jim, the owner of the property, was very kind and knowledgeable about the area and attractions. He let us borrow some things we needed for our hike at the nearby reserve and offered discounts on local attractions. He has four very sweet dogs and he was very meticulous about keeping his pool clean—which, was very refreshing! Property sits right up against the beach and you can stroll in either direction without a glimpse of any other humans. Short drive to the main town and very close to the national reserve entrance. We highly recommend the 5 kilometer hike first thing in the morning to experience different bands/species of monkeys.

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: May 19, 2023

    10
    Excellent beachfront bungalows
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great spot right on the ocean, lots of outdoor spaces including a pool to cool off in. Jim was a great host and upgraded my cabina on arrival. It was nice to have a kitchen, do some laundry, and the sweet dogs were a bonus!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: May 16, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Jim was so lovely, helpful and knowledgeable! The road is being redone so it's a bit bumpy but worth every second for the beachfront location! When the tide is in its lovely and sandy and when the tide is out there are cool rock pools to explore

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: May 10, 2023

    10
    Hidden treasure of Costa Rica
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 13 nights

    Wish I could of stayed longer

    Great little slice of paradise right on the water! Was lucky enough to book this place for 2 weeks. Had a great pool and even a kayak to go out the island nearby. Supermarket and fresh fish were near by so I didn't need to constantly eat out. Was welcomed by Jim and his 4 dogs in a timely manner. Jim made everything nice and easy even offer a lift here and there. The property had heaps of wildlife to offer and Jim was very knowledgeable on all the animals that are on his property. Can't wait for my next trip back!

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: May 5, 2023

    6.0
    Great location at the beach in the jungle - No comfort (like camping), callenging drive
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The drive to Cabuya is a challenge in daylight and not recomendable at night. A 4 wheel drive or jeep is recommendable. Jim is friendly and very very relaxed. Do not pay in Colon, Jim takes a horrible convergence rate. The cabin is great bc of its location, but it is more glamorous camping than a hotel. The are no windows in the 'bedroom' only wooden blinds, the kitchen consists of a camping cooker, waterheater and a fridge. To go from the bedrrom to the kitchen or bathroom, you have to go outside first. It would be a great hostel to camp at, but for the price, I would expect much more.

    Right at a non crowded beach, which is amazing and in the middle of the jungle, where you might see and hear monkeys 🐒 and lizards. The pool is great.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 17, 2023

    10
    Jungle beach paradise found! 👍👍👍
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    This place is the hidden gem of the jungle in Cabuya. The cabinnas were authentic, clean and comfortable equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom and patio… The hammock was perfect for relaxing to the sounds of the ocean waves and the jungle.. Lots of wildlife to see and listen too. The pool was refreshing, and the beach is amazing with beautiful sun and moon rises.. The owner, Jim, is also a gem and very accommodating. He let me take the kayak for a tour out towards the cemetery island and guided me down the beach to the local fishermen for a GREAT deal on some super fresh yellow fin tuna. This place was the best, I’m so glad I found it and I can’t wait to find my way back to the howler monkey hotel. Thanks for a fantastic stay Jim!!

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: April 6, 2023

    10
    Peaceful simple living at its best.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing.

    Absolutely perfect location, so peaceful with a beautiful garden setting with paths down to the beach. The cabina had exactly what we needed, cool sleeping quarters with a really effective ceiling fan- we definitely didn’t miss a/c; a simple kitchen area with all that we needed; a clean bathroom & a lovely shaded dining & relaxing area at the front. The pool was perfect & refreshing & a real treat was spotting the howler monkeys in the trees above the pool! Drinking morning coffee at the end of the garden on the beach every day was a highlight. We would definitely return if we were back in the area. Jim was always around to help out & share his local knowledge. His quiet kind nature is well suited to being a host. A fantastic start to our holiday.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: February 8, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I adore the personal & friendly service, such an amazing beach, wonderful for families and honeymooners. The nature is incredible. I loved the dogs. Jim is a wonderful host & so welcoming. I am staying 5 more nights here.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: February 2, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I loved the location there is truly magic in each sunrise sitting there on the beach. I loved having the protection of the owners dogs. Being a women solo traveler it gave me a great sense of security. Plus they are great company! The owner Jim is an awesome guy, so accommodating and a pleasure to talk with. This place was everything I needed on this trip. The bungalows are the cutest, simply perfect.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: January 19, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Howler Monkey is the perfect place to experience Pura Vida. It is located in peaceful Cabuya and has direct access to the Beach. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in front of your cabin, listening to the sea and watch the monkeys that occasionally pass by from the nearby resort. Jim (owner) really puts in a lot of effort into Howler Monkey and he has very kind dogs that will embrace you as people of the hotel as soon as you enter. Even though Cabuya is a remote place we still managed go get there conveniently by buses and ferry from Monteverde within less than a day.

    Stayed in January 2023

  • Reviewed: December 30, 2022

    10
    Enjoyable and quite time in paradise
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Whilst the tights the beach is quite stony.

    We enjoyed our stay a lot. Jim is a friendly host and had many great advices for us for the area. He cares a lot about his guests and his place. Cabuya is a calm place and has everything we needed. It’s easy to hitchhike or take the bus to Montezuma. We saw many monkeys in the garden and when the hight is coming, the sea is nice to go bathing.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: December 24, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Had everything we needed for our stay.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: December 19, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The property was in a great location in the tiny town of Cabuya. It is right on a cove where the tide comes and goes. It was so peaceful to have a night of true darkness and quiet at night. The property owner and manager, Jim, was very friendly and helpful with recommendations on places to eat, calling a cab, and fixing an error I made when I originally booked on Booking.com. I enjoyed my stay here for the night.

    Stayed in December 2022

  • Reviewed: December 2, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There is no place near Montezuma as good as this one. You must go there if you love a conjuction of jungle, sea and rustic. Cabins are comfortable, spacy, well ventilated and appropriately furnished. A lot of work has been done there. The whole place has so lazy vibe, it's up to you if you decide to lie all day in a hammock, go to pool, kayaking, biking or take a hike in beckoning green pura vida nature around Cabuya. No one will push you into anything. Perfect asylum from hectic city lifestyle. We stayed for four nights, but ultimately found ourselves regreting we couldn't stay more. One of the top hotel experiences in Costa Rica.

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: November 18, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I stayed 3 nights in the howler monkey hotel, it's heaven very clean and surrounded by nature. jim , the owner, was very kind and very helpful with everything thanks jim for everything you were amazing

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: November 12, 2022

    10
    loveley, adventurous and relaxing stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow - Beach Front
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    really lovely place. we stayed 9 days in one of the big cabins. the kitchen had everything we needed, including a big fridge, gas stove, cutlery, cooking utensils, plates and mugs. jim also took us to a trip to cobano, where we were able to make a big grocery purchase for our stay. the beds upstairs have been really comfortable, there were 3 different ventilators to choose. additionally there has been a hammock and a table with 4 chairs. and the bathroom was also really good. and of course the pool was really delightful to cool down, because even we have been there in end of october/ november, it was really hot. we have seen a lot of animals around our cabin: macaws, big families of capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, many different iguanas and frogs and toads. cabuya is a bit small but it offers a lot of restaurants and even mini supermarkets. besides there is the cemetery island, which is really lovely to visit, a river with some pools to swim and of course the high and low tide wich was really lovely and relaxing to watch the whole day from the beach. jim also offers free use of mountainbikes and a kayak. jim is a really good and funny irish guy, we had some really nice conversations. he made our stay unforgetable. thank you!

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: October 18, 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    I enjoyed every bit of it. The owner is super friendly and very accommodating to what ever you need. I'd take walks down the beach walking rocky (owners dog). Monkeys and iguanas just hang around the property. Very nice experience

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: October 14, 2022

    10
    Relaxing safe haven in nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    That we couldn't stay longer ;)

    We loved our stay at the howler monkey hotel. The cabin was neat and had a good atmospere, well actually the whole park had a good atmosphere:) Jim (the owner) told us that he tries to biologically balance the area with plants, toads, bats etc. This means you don't get bothered too much with insects you do not want. The place feels in harmony with nature, really special. And if you like good stories, talk to Jim, he got plenty. A tip for Cabuya: if you love to go into the ocean (and to island of the dead), take water shoes with you, then the rocks aren't a problem.

    Stayed in October 2022

  • Reviewed: October 3, 2022

    10
    My time here was absolutely the “Reset” my soul was longing for.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Small Bungalow
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    N/A

    This place is a true little slice of paradise. As the website says, it really is where the jungle meets the ocean. The road to get here may be a little bumpy however I promise you that it’s totally worth it. When you arrive you’ll be greeted by Jim, the owner, who is from Ireland originally but has been here 20 years now. He’s a very kind soul with a big heart, love for all creatures, especially his 4 canine companions who like to greet each new guest as well and is a plethora of knowledge, If you have a question, he more than likely has an answer. He also loves to share stories of past experiences to any listening ears so if you have the time you should sit with him a spell. The cabins are literally just steps from the ocean and are fully equipped with all you need and are very comfortable. Now, if you’re looking a 5 star, fine dining, luxury hotel with AC and cable TV, when this may not be a good fit for you however, if you are looking to get away from all the over priced tourist areas and really escape into nature, soak in the green, beautiful vegetation that surrounds each cabin and listen to the waves crash as you sit seaside and watch the morning sun rise while you enjoy your morning cup of coffee, followed by a dip in the sparkling clean pool then this is absolutely the place for you. So do yourself a favor and feed your soul what it’s truly hungry for and return to quietness of nature and when your stomach tells you that’s it’s time to feed it as well you can rest assured that there are 2 or 3 restaurant options within walking distance that will blow your mind. I’ll definitely be back so I hope to see you there :-)

    Stayed in September 2022

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