We went to the Peace Lodge last year for just one night and had to really rush to see everything. This year, we planned to stay two nights so that we would have time to really enjoy the property. We came via Monteverde, and the roads were awful, so we were so glad to pull in to the Peace Lodge and check into our beautiful room. We had a Deluxe room this trip, complete with fireplace, balcony with gorgeous view, a hammock, 2 jacuzzis, a cozy bed, and a waterfall shower! The bathroom was huge and live bromeliads covered the walls. It was so relaxing that I almost would have been happy never to leave the room, but this property offers lots of activities, so off we went.

We toured the aviary, butterfly house, serpentarium, the hummingbird garden, the cat house and monkey house, and the ranarium. Since the frogs are nocturnal, nothing much was happening there. I'd suggest doing the nocturnal frog tour to see them at their most active. They have guides at each station to explain to you about the animals, and you can get quite close to them. Twice a day you can hand feed the hummingbirds in the garden - great experience, and a don't miss in my book.

We also did a combination tour of Poas volcano and the Doka Coffee Estate. Both were wonderful. When we got to Poas, it was already enshrouded in fog and mist, but as we waited, it all cleared out, and we were lucky enough to see the crater! Get there early for the best view. The Doka Coffee tour was enjoyable too; we got to sample a lot of different coffees, hike into the field, pick some coffee beans, visit the roaster, and buy some nice coffees at their gift shop.

The next morning we got up early and had the entire waterfall hike to ourselves since it wasn't open to the public yet. We saw 5 beautiful waterfalls and enjoyed the hike. At the end of the hike, there's a little area where they set out bananas for the animals, and we happened upon a coati happily devouring one. Saw lots of beautiful birds here as well.

On our last visit, breakfast was included for free, but apparently that policy has changed. Breakfast was good, but for the price I probably would have been happy just to have packed a few granola bars. We ate lunches and early dinners at the Trout Bar - a great spot for casual food, with a view of the trout lake where you can fish. Burgers and casados were good here, and we always a couple of Imperials. The nachos were cold and made with Cheez Whiz, so I'd give those a pass next time, but all the prices were affordable. On our last night, we ate at their Vista Poas restaurant and enjoyed a 4-course dinner that was delicious, but pricey at $35 per person. We had sweet corn chowder, a delicious salad, beef tenderloin and shrimp served in a Bernaise sauce, and brownies topped with Bailey's for dessert - all of it was delicious, and the service was spot on.

I would say two nights here is ideal; it's a beautiful property with gorgeous landscaped grounds, and being only an hour from SJO, the location is pretty convenient to the airport. It's romantic and would be a perfect spot to begin or end a honeymoon. We will definitely be back.

We arrived at what we thought would be paradise. The Hotel it self is truly beautiful. The service on the other hand was horrible. For what we were paying $350 a night we exected at least ok service. That was the last thing we ever got. On all the videos and on their website they said they will include breakfast they never did. We will never visit this hotel again!!!!

We stayed here the first two nights of our honeymoon in a deluxe garden room. Here's a breakdown:
The room:
Absolutely amazing- two jacuzzi's, a waterfall shower and regular shower, a very useful fireplace. Just beautiful. After the frightening drive from the airport, soaking in the jacuzzi with the waterfall in the backround was the best way to start off our trip. They offer free movies to borrow at night since nightlife isn't something you're going to experience here. Large balcony with hammock and really cool jacuzzi nestled in the corner, very pretty views. Bed was comfortable enough. The breakfast buffet was very good. Lunch and dinner were eaten either at the Trout Bar or room service...wasn't very good at all. DON'T get the chalupa...isn't like Taco Bell!

Outside the room:
Free internet, great heated and cool pool and another jacuzzi around the pool area, awesome views here. The rooms are nestled along the side of a hill so it's a very steep walk from area to area. The Trout Bar was a nice place to have a drink. They have a trout lake where you can fish (they will show you how) and they will cook your trout for you...we enjoyed watching a family doing this, didn't do it ourselves.

Waterfall and animal areas:
We thought this was a great introduction to the animals, birds, and insects of Costa Rica. We saw many of these animals in the wild during the rest of our trip and it was a little sad to think of them caged up at the Peace Lodge, however, from what I understand some, if not most, of these animals were rescued. I really did enjoy seeing them so close up and really getting to watch them.
The waterfall gardens were gorgeous, very steep hiking here.

I would absolutely recommend this place for the start of your trip. It is an hour's drive from the airport, which is closer then most other popular destinations. I wouldn't recommend driving it yourself. I don't think more than 2 nights is necessary.

Beautiful start on our trip to Costa Rica. Lots of steps at this resort. Beautiful bathroom, just as the pictures described. Plenty of hot water. Wondeful hot tub out on the balcony. Great view of the rainforest. Frog tour was lovely but a bit too informative. Trout pond was beautiful, you could actually fish for your own trout to eat. My son did not catch any but we saw a child nearby catch one. They say they cook it for you to eat but ,hmmm,,,i don't know about that. Pools were beautiful overlooking the rainforst. The hotel was prettier than I imagined. Service was good. Yes, the bathrooms are over the top, but fun. Animals are encaged but the cages blend into the rainforest. Great place!