This was an outstanding destination. One thing I can add is that it was not as hot and humid as I thought it would be. I live in Washington DC and expected it to be like July and August here. I actually found it cooler and more bearable then our summer weather. We stayed in villa 8 which I heard (along with 7) has the best panoramas of the ocean. There are lots of exotic bugs in your room but it didn't bother us because we love the outdoors and the natural world. Also, we have done alot of camping. There were 50 steps from our bungalow to the diningroom which is about average. We are 59 and 65 and did fine but we walk briskly on a regular basis. Nothing out of the ordinary but we are not couch potatoes. The hiking trails were also easy for us but if you aren't at all in shape it might be a problem. We loved the naturalist guide Nito but all the guides were good. The food was superb and the staff was from the local community and warm and friendly. I got to practice my halting Spanish with them and was so encouraged I signed up for Spanish lessons when I came home.-

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.