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La Selva Biological Station

3.0 star property
Hotel in Las Horquetas with free breakfast and a coffee shop

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Photo gallery for La Selva Biological Station

Reception
Balcony
Food court
Children's area
Property grounds

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 1 of 1 room

View all photos for Double Room, Garden View

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi

Double Room, Garden View

7.8 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
Wardrobe or closet
Desk
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
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About the neighborhood

Map
De Rancho Robertos 28 km carretera, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, Horquetas, Las Horquetas, Heredia

What's nearby

  • Costa Rican Bird Route - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • La Selva Biological Station - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • San Agustin Church - 7 min drive - 4.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Soda Lucrecia - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Pizzaria La Terraza - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Restaurante Típico La Carreta - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Soda La Casita Típica - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Rancho Magallanes - ‬13 min drive

About this property

La Selva Biological Station

Hotel located in Barrio Flaminia
At La Selva Biological Station, you can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe. In addition to a garden and a playground, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hotel include:
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), smoke-free premises, and tour/ticket assistance
  • A front-desk safe, a banquet hall, and concierge services
Room features
All guestrooms at La Selva Biological Station offer comforts such as free WiFi and safes.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers
  • Balconies, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Library
  • Playground

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 1 floor
  • 3 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 8 AM; Check-in end time: 5 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 120.00 per vehicle (one way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Selva Biological Station Hotel Sarapiqui
Selva Biological Station Hotel
Selva Biological Station Sarapiqui
Selva Biological Station Hotel Las Horquetas
Selva Biological Station Las Horquetas
Selva Biological s Horquetas
Selva Biological Las Horquetas
La Selva Biological Station Hotel
La Selva Biological Station Las Horquetas
La Selva Biological Station Hotel Las Horquetas

Frequently asked questions

Is La Selva Biological Station pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at La Selva Biological Station?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at La Selva Biological Station?

Check-in start time: 8 AM; Check-in end time: 5 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at La Selva Biological Station?

Check-out is at 11:30 AM.

Does La Selva Biological Station provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 120.00 per vehicle applies.

Where is La Selva Biological Station located?

Located in Barrio Flaminia, this hotel is steps from La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rican Bird Route, and San Juan–La Selva Biological Corridor. Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Mixto Maquenque and San Agustin Church are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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La Selva Biological Station Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 85 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 85 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 85 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 85 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 85 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
True and non-comercialized Costa Rican nature. A wonderful place to experience native flora and fauna.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Staying at La Selva was a unique experience. The accommodations are very rustic, which fits a research station. The highlight was the 3-hour guided tour that was included in the stay. A great experience for nature lovers.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
An outstanding research and educational center. It was a privilege to stay onsite and enjoy an example of Costa Rica’s stellar conservation example
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place to stay for those interested in wild life and nature. Accommodation is basic but that’s not what you come here for. Maps of trails could do with being better
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Property conditions & facilities

Great place to see wildlife (Sloths) and birds

We had a great stay but wished there was air conditioning
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Delighted in being within nature setting; Day and night exposure to animal sounds, and Convenience to food services.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Peacefulness. Birdlife.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Cathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an amazing area for birding, either on a tour or just sitting on the patio. Staff was very accommodating and especially helpful when constant rains caused flooding in the river. Our living quarters were roomy although beds were quite firm. The property is several miles from Puerto Viejo, the nearest town so transportation is a little difficult without a car (but taxis are available). All roads n all, our stay here was great!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Gordon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent birdwatching and a great vibe with plenty of young people enjoying nature. The only problem was Google Maps kept directing us in the wrong direction down tiny little country lanes. This led to severe frustration because we wasted our limited time before even arriving.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is not a typical hotel or cabin stay. If you want luxury, keep looking. The food and accommodations are quite basic but serve the purpose. The real bonus about staying here is the great access to being very close to the nature of Costa Rica. The purpose of my trip was birding, so please be advised that I speak from this perspective, and fancy accommodations and other excursions were not important to me during this stay. You can do some great birding right around the cabin houses and have an easy stroll to the reception area. There are many kms of marked trails and I’ve probably walked 10 (km) of them in my two stays, and have very rarely run into other people other than near the researchers’ compound. If you stay on site there is a 2-3 hr nature tour with a knowledgeable guide which is good. Morning birding and night tours can be arranged as well. I hope to return one day.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
La Selva is no frills accommodations with no air conditioning, but it is a working biological station with animals and plants that you won’t see anywhere else. The guides were amazing, especially Chris on the night tour. It was a unique experience that I will always remember as a highlight of my time in Costa Rica!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
What a unique experience! The room included breakfast and a ~2 hour guided tour of the reserve. The rooms (with bunk beds) and the food/dining hall were bare bones, think summer camp vibes, but a summer camp where you are awakened by howler monkeys and tucans. Recommended!

10/10 Excellent

Neil

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a unique place of natural wonders and that makes it difficult to review or compare to other accommodations. This is not your regular hotel with a/c, maid service, restaurant and bar. No, this is a cabin with resident gecko and without a/c. If you eat on site, the meals are cafeteria style, good and hearty. In return, you wake to the sound of Howler Monkeys, toucans and macaws. You walk from your cabin into the forest and you are immersed in the natural world. We love this place. It was our second visit and we will return.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Lin Lee

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The counter staff were very patient and helpful. They made our stay stress free. The kitchen staff also very hardworking. Food is reasonably good . The park staff and workers are all very friendlly and helpful. Had a very good time staying there for more than 2 week. The room service was not average . Had to remind them to clean the room thrice.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Heaven for birders; we saw 115 species in two days of hiking mostly paved trails. rooms are spartan but clean, with good hot showers and porches looking into the forest. The mattresses in our unit need replacing, and one of the ceiling fan lights could not be turned off-- apeoblem in units without air conditioning.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Narayan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One should be careful about the ' Auto latches ' which may lock automatically behind us. ( So we should ensure to carry the keys always with us !!) 2. The reception desk/restaurant are in 25minutes walking distance from the room..
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Noland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was especially excellent because of its hospitality, value, and quiet, non-touristy environment. Right when we arrived to check in, the staff were smiling and welcoming. They made us feel at home during our stay, and every time we would see them they would be happy to see us. For the price of this stay, there was so much value. Access to a large property, breakfast included, as well as a 3 hour private tour with Octavio. Even though I traveled with a friend with much knowledge in herping, Octavio was excellent at spotting species for us. He was funny and also interested in what we had to say. Being on this property was also nice because most of the people were biologists and researchers from universities. I really enjoyed the non-touristy environment of the area. I would definitely stay again, so much to see and do!

10/10 Excellent

catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The forest and the wildlife are the reason for staying here so in that respect this place gets 10 out of 10. We did a birding tour and a night walk and took advantage of the free nature walk. The latter was conducted by Joel and I strongly encourage people not to pass on this even though they may have other tours booked. It was absolutely superb and held our interest for every minute of the 3 hours. The accommodation is simple. The beds were a little hard and the pillows win the prize for the worst in the world but the bed linen was clean and fresh and the fans were effective so overall we slept well. The bathroom was clean and well lit and the shower was probably the best we encountered throughout CR, even in some expensive places. The wifi worked well in the rooms and there was a pleasant balcony at the back of the cabin to sit and watch the birds. Laundry is cheap and efficient and there is a bag in the room for this purpose. Food was served in the canteen and was buffet style. It was pretty much the same every day and I think it was a bit over-priced for what we got. We had a car however so we ate in town for 2 of our 3 nights there. Breakfast was ample and there was free coffee and water all day. There are many trails here that you can follow without a guide and the beauty of being a resident means you have free access to them whenever you want. All the staff here were excellent. We would certainly return but might consider bringing our own pillows next time!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

philippe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Super sejour

Super sejour. La visite de 3h du parc avec guide etait super. Logement simple mais propre. Environnement exceptionnel
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Die Unterkunft ähnelt einer Jugendherberge. Was jedoch negativ auffiel, war die inkludierte Tour: Unser Guide hatte kein Teleskop, weil er es „nicht mochte“. Wir waren die einzige Gruppe ohne Teleskope, wodurch es sehr schwierig war, einige Vögel zu beobachten. Wahrscheinlich würde ich hier nicht wieder übernachten und auch keine Tour buchen. Der Guide war außerdem sehr desinteressiert.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Roger

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort

It’s about the wildlife not the accommodation

The accommodation is basic . It’s designed as shared student rooms . While the food too is fairly basic - served in student canteen fashion - it is perfectly edible and satisfying. But you don’t come here for either . You come to be close to the biological reserve and the wonderful birds and wildlife . So you can be up at dawn to catch the chorus and do the night walk after dark with the knowledgeable guides
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Youjie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria Beatriz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Otima experiência.

Foi uma experiência fascinante, pois incluiu uma trilha guiada na mata com explicações e visualização de animais e pássaros. Pudemos depois explorar por nossa conta. A recepção é excelente, com duas simpáticas funcionárias nos explicando e dando dicas. Ponto negativo: o jantar, que poderia ser melhor.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024