Relax in the Rain Forest
by Bwana_Brown about Villa Lapas
Villa Lapas is a very laid back little resort in the foothills of the mountains not too far from Puntarenas. We really enjoyed our stay there because of the great weather, location and the friendliness of the staff. The resort is not fancy, but it is very quiet as compared to a traditional tourist tropical get-away spot. If you want to wind down, this is the spot for you! Villa Lapas had a very nice swimming pool, a babbling brook that ran through along one side of the establishment as well as butterfly and local wild animal exhibits. We paid C$3200 for the two of us to enjoy the one week vaction, including air-fares. However, since that price was out of Toronto, we had another C$800 in expenses flying to/from Toronto as well as 2-overnight hotel stays there!
Nice Place for a Cool Dip
by Bwana_Brown about Villa Lapas Eco-resort
Within sight of our room (in the background) was this beautiful swimming pool. Because it was never crowded, we had a great time cooling off there after our excursions in the forests surrounding the resort. Of course, it did not hurt that there was a pool-side bar serving cold Imperial beers (2nd photo)!
Lodge near Carara Biological Reserve.
by no1birdlady about Villa Lapas Hotel
Villa Lapas is right next to Carara Biological Reserve, one of the best places to experience nature in Costa Rica. It had a pool and lots of trails. It sits on a stream and one of the best things for me was that there were birds that came to the dining area. So we had breakfast with 2 Scarlet Macars and a Keel-billed Toucan who catches pieces of melon thrown for him. Our rooms were along the stream and were fairly nice with fans. If you did not have transportation, you could stay here and walk the many trails and see a lot of good birds.
Great place to stay
by Strombus about Hotel Villa Lapas
We spent 3 night here in a pleasant room with all inclusive service. Even pina coladas were included! :-)
The 55 room hotel is in the jungle, close to the Carara Biological Reserve, (which is one of the biggest protected areas of the Costa Rican Pacific,) and also close to beaches.
The hotels' buildings are scattered in a larger area with tropical gardens in between and a river alongside the property. Iguanas are running around, and we saw many birds, butterflies and some frogs.
Meals are served in an open air area near the main building. The food was good and plenty, service was attentive.
One evening, when we have just finished dinner and were ready to go back to our bungalow, the lights went out. We were told that this happens quite frequently as the electrical cables come through the jungle and monkeys don't relaize that they should not touch two of them at the same time. Poor monkeys. :-( Instead of walking in the dark, I lay down the lawn in front of the restaurant and watched the stars. I have never seen so many stars, so brigth and so close to me, as here in the complete darkness of the jungle. Soon, my eyes got used to the darkness. I was surprised how much light there is actually. We ended up walking back to our house without any torch, because it would have just bothered our vision.
We arrived here from San Jose by bus. With the help of the hotel staff, we rented a car from some local agency. The car was delivered to the hotel and picked up there. It was fun to drive around and explore the forests as well as the beaches. Peaceful location near the Carara Biological Reserve.
Good rooms, good food, good service.
Enjoy the Sounds of Nature
by Bwana_Brown about Villa Lapas Restaurant
Villa Lapas had a very nice covered outdoor restaurant for all meals. It certainly was nice sitting outdoors in the balmy breezes listening to the sounds of nature as we ate our meals! Since this was pre-VT days for me, I do not remember the details of what the restaurant served, but I do remember enjoying whatever it was that I ordered - whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Photos
Villa Lapas Eco Resort
Another section of rooms at Villa Lapas
Dining Area at Villa Lapas Hotel
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