ShellD

Dana,

From our experience last year, we made our frog tour reservation when we were there, but we were there in May and it wasn't crowded at all. There was just us and one other couple on the tour. I think they offered it 2x an evening. We were there two nights that visit, so we had more options though! I guess it couldn't hurt to call ahead and try to get the tour booked in advance! It's not long, maybe 30 minutes, but it's really cool because the frogs just sort of hop all over you! And you learn all about them.

Are you going to Tortuguero this trip too? We are as well. I'm really looking forward to that, it should be a really unique experience!

hopvac - good to hear that you finally did get a response! I'll keep those hours in mind when I call or email to make my confirmations! Thanks!! And I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip!

volcanogirl

We loved the frog tour too; one of them jumped on my head and was swinging around on the end of my hair - okay, I didn't love that part! We just made the reservation when we checked in, but we had to take the latest time (9:00) because it's all they had left. It's a neat tour. Also twice a day you can hand feed the hummingbirds.

Dana_M

ShellID,
Yes, we're going to Tortuguero as well. That was an absolute must on the kids' list. But, after reading several reports, including a comment by atravelynn who said the turtle egg-laying was one of the best experiences in her life, I think I'm more excited about it now than the kids!

Hopvac,
Thanks for the info on Peace Lodge's hours. Glad to know they returned your phone call promptly.

Volcanogirl,
It might have been a comment by you that prompted me to ask about the reservations for the frog tour. I am going to call and make reservations since there are so many of us. We'll also make sure to feed the hummingbirds.

shillmac

Don't get me wrong--we like it there, too! It's a great place to entertain kids and I absolutely do NOT mind the expense. They keep it up very well--those handrails and steps down the waterfall trail alone would be extremely costly.

The base prices they charge are perfectly in line for what you get (except for food, there's no excuse for that--I just think it reprehensible for them to charge for extra people at Monarch Villa when it is already priced up $100 because of extra people. I am fine with the fair pricing--it's the gouging that "jabs" me. It would just be great fun to see a huge boycott of Monarch Villa rentals until they stop that!

We stayed at Monarch Villa last year also--they upgraded us due to a misunderstanding in our favor. It was a real treat.

hipvirgochick

The hummingbird feeding was definitely my daughter's favorite part. She made sure to go to both feedings each day for 2 days. The butterfly observatory is amazing as well. The other attractions are great as well as the waterfalls, and worth the money to go at least once in a lifetime. It just gets soooo expensive for a family. Especially now with no breakfast. When we went I think the standard room came to $227, included breakfast for both of us and entrance fees, so it didn't seem too bad.

Dana_M

Shillmac,
I didn't take anything you said about Peace Lodge to mean you didn't like your stay. In fact, you said it was still a must see for first timers to Costa Rica. I think you gave a very well-balanced assessment.

I totally agree with you about the Monarch Villa. I think the marketing is very misleading. However, if you look at it on a per person cost, if you have 4 or 5 people in the Monarch Villa, it's still cheaper than two rooms. Therefore, people will book it; you're correct that they'll be able to charge what they like as long as it stays rented. Most disturbing to me is that they don't mention on the website the extra charge for additional people. Luckily my TA told me what it was going to cost.

I, too, am miffed that they don't include breakfast in the rate anymore, with no offset for people that booked when breakfast was supposedly included. I mean, really, how much do eggs, cereal, or fruit cost? Since we do have a kitchenette in the Monarch Villa, we'll probably stop on the way and pick up some food.

All-in-all, it's probably still a great splurge for one or two nights. But I do agree, that they are probably getting gready. In Alabama (where I live) we say "pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered." And at Peace Lodge, there's probably a little too much oinking going on.

Just my 2 cents (from somebody who not been there yet), so take it with a grain of salt.

GPSCOSTARICA

The new hotel at ARENAL build by the Peace Lodge Gardens owner...is almost ready...you can see it from the road from La Fortuna to Tabacon...at the top of a hill is a big red kind of Sky resort... they have a problem because at the moment to get there you have to drive to Monterey and then to the Hotel...about 40 minutes drive from La Fortuna...in the future and they already requested it...they are builduing a bridge...with that new bridge the drive will be about 15 minutes to La Fortuna...

They have a nice creeck ...with incredible clear hot water...some very nice "private little pools" The gardens are somenthing else...is a kind of different than Tabacon...but I can said is a very nice unique hotel... they gave me a tour the other day...

GPS

shillmac

Dana--when are you going?

Dana_M

Shillmac,
July 12th-26th. At Peace Lodge July 15th.

tully

Have fun you guys I agree with all, it's definitely fun, and a once in a lifetime thing, but at those prices once was good enough for me. Just another note on food - had a mini panic attack in the other restaurant they have on site, it's a large buffet type place. I walked in and it was just wall to wall people and I got kinda stuck in there for a few minutes. Chaos! I can't even comment on the food but I did see someone with a slice of pizza. Overall I had the best food at the Trout Bar.

bridetwobe

Well I wish I had found all this information about Peace Lodge before but oh well. We are planning to be married there next year. I think the wedding will be wonderful. We are getting married by the waterfall so I guess a little extra cash is worth the whole wedding experience. What I can avoid, with some help, is to find someplace close by to host a luncheon/reception. I have about 12 people total and currently no way to transport them so close is good. And if some one can tell me how we can get a group this size to someplace alittle farther and back that could be an option as well. I have heard that there are some decent restaurnats in the area but I can't seem to find out who they are or how to contact them. At this point anything would be better than the $45-$75 per person at Peace Lodge since I wouldn't have paid that back home in Northern Illinois. I have been dreaming of this trip to Costa Rica for many years and am now relying on your expertise to make my dream come true. Thanks in advance.
The only slightly stressed out bride to be.

volcanogirl

There's a place called Colbert's that shillmac always goes to; maybe she could give you more details. If you want to go super casual, the Trout Bar has good food.

Dana_M

Don't stress out, bridetwobe. Note that even though we're complaining a bit about the price, I think people unanimously agree Peace Lodge is an amazing experience, particularly if you've never been there before.

I don't have restaurant recommendations, but I have read on this board that Colbert's is good. I think it is about 20 minutes away. You could get the hotel to arrange for a driver/van for you.

I've also read only positive reports about the Trout Bar's food (and prices). Maybe you could have Peace Lodge do a private reception around the waterfall area, or around the Trout Bar/Pool, with casual food from the Trout Bar.

bridetwobe

You have but my mind at ease, well at least a little bit. This destination wedding is turning out to be more work than I had planned. I have heard about this Colbert's but have yet to find contact information. I guess I really just want to have all my ducks in a row so that I can enjoy the day and the time that we have in CR.
Thanks to all.

volcanogirl

Even though it's pricey, we still love the Peace Lodge; it's a beautiful place to be married, so relax and enjoy.

Dana_M

brideTWObe/bosslady,
I just have to say I chuckled at both of your screen names!

When is your wedding?

bridetwobe

Dana_M,
We are getting married in the end of February 2009. I have most of the information and reservations that I need. I'm still finalizing our honeymoon itinerary and after reading this forum and asking for travel times I'm thinking that maybe we need to cut one out. Although recently our officiants website has gone down and the eamils came bouncing back but I'm sure its just technical difficulties.

shillmac

Colbert's would be an outstanding place for your reception. It is probably even a little closer than 20 min--maybe about 10-15.

Colbert's is a French restaurant with a very accomodating owner-chef. We think the food is great; the cheese plates, the wine, there's an excellent chicken with mushroom sauce as well as other excellent entres, very good bread.

I almost think you could show up with your group and have a wonderful reception meal without contacting first--unless you wanted some extras that would need to be arranged in advance.

It's weird in that the 5-6 times we have been, there are seldom many other people--maybe a couple of others tables. Once or twice--just us.

I'm trying to remember and get a rough count--I think there are about 9-10 tables. We were there with a group of 7 once, and were seated at a longer table. There is a fireplace in the center of the main room. Nice place. I'll be there in a month--will try to find a number for you.

E-mail me (lest I forget)

shillmac

Not sure what key I tapped, but the wrong one!

e-mail: [email protected]

bridetwobe

Thank you so much for all your kindness. It will certainly make planning a little easier.