We stayed at this hotel for two nights in mid Aug, 2008...The hotel /lodge was super clean, people and staff very friendly and accomodating, ambiance and food excellent, room and panaromaic views above expectations and eco friendly

If you have a chance to stay at this reserve it is well worth it..We didnt want to leave

Irwin and Maxine Brand

Althought our travel agent had a difficult time contacting Lapa Rios, the place was amazing and we can't wait to go back! We did their honeymoon package and have amazing pictures and stories to tell. There are a lot of bugs around, but you get used to it after about a day. The staff was amazing and would go out of their way to meet your needs, totally professional, friendly, and accomodating! We recommend the waterfall tour, surfing lessons, and dolphin watching! The bungalows were private and quiet (with the exception of monkeys and birds outside), with beautiful views! The food was fresh, original and delicious! All was very affordable too! We can't wait to go back for an anniversary!

We flew to Lapa Rios from Arenal and were transfered by the Lapa Rios shuttle directly to the property - about 45 minute bumpy ride on unpaved roads. We absolutely loved our stay and would recommend to most! It was extremely peaceful and relaxing and we could barely keep our eyes open past 9pm each night (we are age 29 & 31)

Rooms - no A/C, mosquito nets on beds, wake up to monkeys at 5-6am, big bathroom, everything is recycled, outdoor desk with lounge chairs and hammock. Occasionally we would see bugs or small lizards in our room - - not a big deal, more authentic!

Hikes -- We had an amazing guide - Tino -- for both the Night and Waterfall Hike. Both were very interesting and we highly recommend. Not very strenuous and it is amazing how much wildlife and fauna Tino was able to point out.

Pool -- good place to relax in between hikes or during the day. Beverage service available.

Restaurant - PHENOMENAL - all meals are included and you never leave hungry from any meal. The Tican bfast is delicious and every meal is so fresh and delicious. There are plenty of lighter options on the menu as well - you get the opportunity to order dinner at lunch time.

Surfing - we booked through Lapa Rios and do not recommend for beginners. The surf is too rough near Lapa Rios and the instructor was not the best. Save surfing for anywhere else in CR. Waste of money.

Beach - 10-15 minute walk to beach. Very pretty, lots of young surfers around. A bit rocky, no beach chairs, lots of secluded little beaches. Careful, it gets very hot and is hard to find shade.

Our room at Lapa Rios required us to walk nearly 150 steps uphill to the main lodge! We welcomed the workout but note that this may be difficult for older people or small children. While we did see children at the ecolodge, it could get a bit boring if you stay more 3 days, in my opinion.

My wife and I just returned from 5 nights at Lapa Rios this was the end of our 2 week stay in Costa Rica. We have been to Costa Rica many times(apprx 12) we have never been to the OSA region and had read great things about Lapa Rios.
The ride from the airport is about a 45 minute very bumpy but scenic ride the staff greeted us at the airport and allowed us to use the internet in the office, there as none will be available at the resort.
Upon arrival we were greeted by a welcome committee like something out of Jurastic Park they knew everyone by name without asking,very nice touch. Each party was assigned a guide to explain the property and answer questions while bags were taken to the rooms. Beware that the rooms from 9 to 14 have a very severe hike to the restuarant and pool.We enjoyed it but knew some would not or possibly may not be able to do it at all. You are rewarded with an incredible view and a very nice room,no a/c,just ceiling fans and you are in 100% humidity it is not the "Four Seasons". It is quite possibly the best "Eco Lodge" experience in Costa Rica.
The food was superior to any we have had in Costa Rica,all included in price just order what you want off the menu like a cruise ship.The only real complaint we had on the food was at times the fish tasted a bit off not as fresh as we would have expected;also the coffe was extremly bitter possibly the worst we have had in Costa Rica.Overall the food was excellent.The food service staff was very attentive and friendly as were all the employees always willing to accomodate in any way.
In regards to the activities we found the hikes to be informative ,the guides very knowledgible;but we would consider these more walks than hikes we were expecting more of a challenge in the hikes as we are avid hikers.We did the Ridge Hike and the Montapalo Road Hike.We made up for it by walking each day down to the beach and back up the extreme hill to the property this gave us our excersise fix,plus we would see plenty of animals along the way,monkeys,scarlett mackaws,couti's,etc.
Make sure you do the "Living Green Tour" (free tour) this is a tour of the property to see how the are a leader in sustainable tourism and see first hand all they do to achive this.
We are glad we went and experienced this area,we probably would not return , for us the area is one we are glad to have experienced but do not need to do again as there are still other parts of the country we wish to explore.

Chris and Kelly Atlanta,Ga.