When I got off the plane, I could tell that the service at Lapa Rios was out of this world, as SEVEN, yes SEVEN staff members were waiting for me. I am not sure if this happens all the time but it was really nice to have that many people waiting for you.
They let you go to their little office just a stroll away from the air strip, there you can use the bathroom and enjoy a glass of water or have a soft drink.
They then take you in a van and drive you up to Lapa Rios.
Our bungalow was luckily pretty close to the lodge. The rest were all a long walk up. Hard work.

The beach was nice! There were jellyfish there and unfortunately I got stung by one. It wasn't too bad, though.

There were lots of insects in the room at night even though we kept the lights off. The rooms have screens and use no glass. There was a poisonous toad outside of our door and numerous insects that entered our room. I got bitten by a spider one night.
The food was good, breakfast was good, lunch was nice. They had a certain kind of chip, dip, and juice every day at lunch. Dinner was a lovely three course meal, and I got sick of the food after 4 days but I have to give them props for having great food in the jungle.

Within 15 minutes of going to the observation tower I saw:
a flock of about 6 Scarlet Macaws
a toucan
monkeys!
Howler monkeys make noise often during the night and the first time I heard them it scared me really really bad.
The Ridge Hike was really nice. Ulices is a really great guide!

The service was so great. Best service I've ever had anywhere. They pay attention to your every need.

I would recommend Lapa Rios to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway from civilization.

It is a memory to remember.
Thank you Lapa Rios.

We stayed at Lapa Rios 2 years ago and absolutely loved our experience there, hoping to visit again next year. Nature is the focus at this wonderful place, every one was very friendly and knowledgable about the area and the food is excellent gourmet. We would describe Lapa Rios as Jungle Luxury.
Nature is up close and personal everywhere you turn, Macaws, Parrots, Toucans, Hummingbirds, many kinds of birds, Monkeys (Howler monkeys sound like gorillas), Agouti, giant Iguanas, butterflies, I could go on and on... One morning they had to use the net to clean the pool with to get a beautiful 3 ft emerald green Iguana out of the deep end of the pool, he got in then the cool water must have put him into hyperthermia but they saved it with no harm done.
LR has about a dozen thatched roof bungalows built on the mountainside with special screened walls on two sides with a view of the Golfo Dulce where it meets the Pacific. Views are to die for...
Each bungalow is arranged for privacy with a large deck, an indoor bathroom with shower, you feel like you are outside but have a thatched roof overhead and a screen between you and the jungle and a garden shower just off the deck. They even offer early morning coffee delivered to your bungalow for those not ready to hurry off to breakfast.
The wildlife is VERY abundant as they have not disturbed the wilderness except where absolutely necessary, a true Eco-Lodge and absolutely a nature lovers paradise. There was some kind of fruit bearing tree just outside of our bungalow (tree top was at eye level) that attracted monkeys and toucans so we could watch them undisturbed having a snack only a few feet away.
The large open dining area has a good size deck with viewing telescope and a spiral staircase up to a rooftop lookout that is at the highest point in the area, incredible!
They offer guided hikes with friendly knowledgable guides from easy hikes to vigorous for the enthusiastic.
The downhill walk to the beach is an adventure and fun, we had the beach to ourselves during our visits and they even offer to pick you up so you do not have to hike back up the mountain if you are feeling lazy.
We rate Lapa Rios as a Five Star Jungle Luxury Lodge and a memory to cherish.

I just returned from Costa Rica and the Lapa Rios lodge is amazing. Complete eco experience, with top luxury touches. Unbeatable service, great food, knowledgeable guides. Highly recommended.

Lapa Rios has won many travel awards and testaments to the lodge and to eco-tourism are displayed prominently throughout the building. However, this is probably the first destination where the reality of the place actually exceeds all that is written about it. From the moment of arrival, you are made to feel like a very honoured guest. Everything is so well organised and the staff carry out their tasks with such a quiet efficiency that you just know everything will work and be wonderful. Bungalows are all the same and are designed and situated to give maximum privacy. If you are not able to walk well, it is definitely recommended that you request room numbers 1 & 2 as there are a number of steps and gradients between all the other rooms and the reception area. However, you do spot loads of wildlife on your walks from the rooms to the public areas. All rooms have a huge decked area with sunbeds, garden furniture and a hammock, where you can just while away the time watching the birdlife, the monkeys and the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce. The food is excellent (we bought the cookbook) and is on a full board basis. It prepared and served by local people with the same friendly, calm efficiency as everything else. There are a diverse number of tours available ranging from easy, gentle walks to long hikes and nights spent out in the jungle - something for everyone in fact. The pool area is quiet and restful and is kept beautifully. Most guests typically spend 3/4 nights here, but I would really recommend that if you can, spend a week (or more). It charges top rates but is worth every cent!