I'd read some of the reviews on here before we went out to Costa Rica and approached our stay at the Heliconia with some trepidation. But really there was no need - from the welcome drink on arrival to our departure, the hotel proved to be far better than its ranking here would suggest.
We stayed in one of the family suites on the hill - yes, it's a little walk from the hotel itself, but the walk is worth it to have what is essentially your own lodge. Some people here seem to be complaining about the smell of damp in the rooms - there was certainly nothing like that, although there was the smell of wood everywhere; but then I think you can expect (and enjoy) that when you are staying in a wooden cabin.
Breakfasts were great, probably the best we had in Costa Rica. And -most- of the staff were friendly and helpful. Although we ended up not booking any of our tours through them, they were always willing to offer advice, to contact operators on our behalf (ones we suggested rather than the ones they have links to at the hotel) and to sort out transport that was cheaper than booking a taxi.
There are, of course, a few small issues - the restaurant for dinner was expensive, though with four good restaurants within a minute of the place, and town only a ten minute walk away (though a steep walk back) that's really not a problem. And the box lunches are rubbish - make up your own before you go out for the day. I could also see that in the rainy season the cabins might get a bit cold - unless they put in a heater when it's needed.
But overall, it's a great place to stay and so nice to have that bit of isolation and not feel like you're just in a standard hotel.
