Any new reports on the Peace Lodge?
 

I've read Suzie2's reports about the PEace Lodge. Has anyone stayed there since she went?

I'm planning on spending the first few nights of my honeymoon in May there and would love to hear reactions to it.

My family and I have reservations there next week. We're back mid-April and will advise.

MonaManuel--

My family reurned yesterday from a Cosra Rican vacation that included two nights at the Peace Lodge. It is easily accessible from SJO; our flight arrived at 9:30PM and we were at the Peace Lodge less than two hours later. The accommodations are enthralling, decadently comfortable, and somewhat whimsical, in a Disneyesque kind of way. The deluxe room boasts a large bedroom that includes a sitting area with gas fireplace and couch. There is a CD player and radio with speakers in the bedroom and bath. Outside is a huge balcony with table, chairs, hammock, and hot tub overlooking the cloud forest and Vulcan Poas in the distance.

The bath is as large as the bedroom, maybe larger, and made to resemble a tropical paradise. It has two showers, one an ersatz waterfall, and hot tub. The enormous vanity has two sinks, every manner of soaps and creams, and an aromatherapy machine with four flavors. At the far end of the bath is a waterfall that tumbles soothingly into a pool that shimmers with the mood lighting on floor and ceiling.

The grounds of the La Paz Waterfall Park are lovely. In addition to the various trails along the river from which to view the five waterfalls, there is a tremendous butterfly farm and hummingbird haven. Dr. Aaron Sederek will accompany you on a provate tour if you'd like. We enjoyed his company and appreciated his vast knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region. We learned a lot being with him.

The service at the Peace Lodge is well-meaning and friendly, but lacks some of the professionalism you would expect from such a facility. The office was a bit bamboozled assembling our at check-out, for instance. Breakfast is included and is acceptable--the usual breakfast fare. Lunch consists of a steam table of Costa Rican/Mexican dishes and was plentiful and tasty. These meals are served al fresco on the deck or sitting area in front of an enormous fireplace. Dinner takes place upstairs. The menu is limited to four or five main courses, including fish, chicken, beef, and pork. There is a short wine list. The service staff is pleasant, if a tad slipshod, and the food is okay. Even though dinner is not the Lodge's strong suit, it's perfectly fine for a couple of days. And, of course, the atmosphere and ambiance of the Peace Lodge makes up for a lot.

The morning weather our first day at the La Paz Waterfall Park was spectacular, the skies so clear and crystalline that we saw Arenal belch smoke when we were visiting Poas. When the afternoon cloud rolled in, a fine mist fell for the rest of the day. The next morning's sun was short-lived at before 7:30AM, the Park was shrouded in fog. But that provides a different reflection of the beauty of this Park, especially along the river trails.

I hope this summary captures the essence of the Peac Lodge for you. My family is unanimous in recommending it to you as a honeymoon locale. You'll surely find it enchanting and romantic.

You said it so much better than I. I hadn't mentioned a couple of the things to leave something as a surprise. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
Cant't wait to see what they are building near Arenal.

Thank you. This reply certainly helps their cause a lot.

I had knocked them off my itinerary for a variety of reasons, but for a variety of OTHER reasons, I have been having the feeling that I need to re-include the Peace Lodge to make a sensical 3-week plan. Your report may just tip the balance.

By the way, your writing is crisp, clear and to the point. Your use of paragraphs and full sentences: refreshing. It's not often that posters take the time to compose their thoughts before leaving messages on a board.

Thank you for writing AND for your writing.

Yep--I'm a geek. A geek who's going to the Peace Lodge!

Many thanks for the kind compliments. Now, if I can only improve my proofreading and two-finger typing skills.

Thanks for posting info on your stay at the Peace Lodge. I never had any doubts from what I have seen and read and am more excited now about my stay there.

My 1st Costa Rica trip will be here soon! My husband and I have 10 nights in May for our 10 year anniv.

I booked our last 3 nights at Peace Lodge and we are in MA 5 nights prior to that.

Fatboy & Suzie2 (& others): Do you think 2 nights at Peace Lodge is enough?

seh2397--

In my opinion, two nights at the Peace Lodge is just right if your plans are limited to visiting the La Paz Waterfall Park, and perhaps Poas Volcano and a coffee plantation. However, if you are contemplating other activities in the area, such as a rafting trip or a stop in Sarchi or Grecia or visit to Braulio Carillo, you may enjoy the third night at the Peace Lodge.

Suzie you mentioned that they were building something near Arenal....has it started yet? Any idea on when it will be up and running?

Haven't heard anything recently but heard that they are also talking about a place on the Savegre River (this is one of the rivers you can raft from Manuel Antonio). Will keep everyone posted as I get info.