First and foremost, Lapa Rios is what it is billed as... an incredible Ecolodge in the Rain Forest. The combination of comfort, in harmony with it's surrounding (a stunning hill top location) is fabulous.

The overall service my girlfriend and I recieved however was very disapointing. I won't bother you with the littiney of little complaints (my favourite was the 5 am wake up knock that, contrary to the claims of the front desk, we did not ask for).

We have stayed several places in Costa Rica, for much less money, that had freindlier staff, and much more personalized service.

We will definately return to the Osa Peninsula, but will not be staying at Lapa Rios again.

Beautiful Location for those seeking nature and eco-tourism in a rainforest setting. Very nice rooms. Over priced and poor service. The service started out poorly with complications in bookings and a lot of back & forth. We were greeted at the Puerto Jimenez airport and this was a nice experience. Beyond that, the service was medicore, at best. i.e. Here's your key, you're in number 11 - make your own way. luggage will arrive shortly - it took 1.5 hours and another trip up 175 steps to get our luggage. This was annoying after an allday journey from Canada to get there in long trousers. Next morning came a 5am wakeup call that we did not request - no explanation. The food was good. Beach was more than a half hour walk away and not safe for young kids - very high waves. The hotel did provide rides back from the beach IF you knew to sign up for it.
Wouldn't go back.

The staff at Lapa Rios are unbeatable: friendly, helpful, sincere. We've been there 3 times now, and it feels like going home - but better!

While Lapa Rios can seem somewhat expensive and not as luxurious as some hotels (no, there's no TV or mini refrigerators), it is doing everything right.. Considering everything they do, it's an incredible value and profit is not their motive. Some of the things they do include: They protect 1000 acres of rainforest instead of building more bungalows. They hire only Costa Ricans, and they treat their people right. They created the only school in the area. They started the only recycling program in the area. They strengthen the community and are as green as can be! Every year I go back they are doing something new, trying harder.

Then there's the natural beauty of the place, the great food and the fun tours. Make sure you visit the wonderful animal rescue across the Golfo and get a chance to swim with the dolphins. Just waking up to the incomparable view each day is worth the price. While I love to travel, I find myself having a hard time going anywhere else. I plan to be there next year.

Lapa Rios is truly an amazing location and offers quite the experience for the adventurous traveler. My husband and I adored our stay here. . .it was like staying in an Ewok Village! The food was very good and the staff was great. The truly unique aspects of this property are its unspoiled location and mission. I have never seen so much concentrated wildlife, and I thought other parts of Costa Rica were biologically dense!

I do have to warn that this lodge is not for the faint-of-heart. There is a LOT of hiking involved just to get around the property and the bungalows don't have many of the Western amenities that a lot of luxury travelers are likely used to. However, in my opinion these things add to the experience rather than detract from it. Also, this place is extremely expensive, and the cost may not be justified for many if they are only looking to be pampered. Know thyself before you book here! If you love the rainforest but do not want to be "inconvenienced" by it, please do everyone a favor and do NOT stay here. You must want to totally immerse yourself in the experience or you probably won't enjoy it as much as you could.

For a full review and pictures, please visit my blog entry here: http://urstinkymonkey.blogspot.com/2008/02/costa-rica-act-3.html