hi - we are going to costa rica in january - contacted peace lodge and they have some dates open - question is: since our dates our flexible, should we stay there at the end or beginning of our trip? i have read that many say to save it because it is so great - we probably will not splurge for accomodations like this during the 7-10 days we will be in CR, so maybe at the end is best. what do those who have been there think?

We stayed at the end of our trip and I am glad we did.

We had stayed at a mix of places on that particular trip. When you go from a rustic cabin in Tortuguero to "over the top" accomodations at Peace Lodge it is a jolt to the senses!!!

I agree with your thought, after an active adventure, Peace Lodge at the end is very nice and relaxing. Plus you will have the hot tub and waterfall showers to soothe out those aching muscles!!

thanks for the feedback, dfarmer. any other places you enjoyed (restaurants, hotels?)

Well now you have opened a can of worms!!

I clicked on your screen name and realize you have asked another question, so this response takes into both of your post.

So here I go, talkative tonight I guess!

I absolutely loved the Osa Penisula - stayed at Bosque del Cabo and Iguana Lodge - it was heaven. Posted a report back in maybe late Feb or early March, also posted a link to pictures.

Also very much enjoyed our stay in Manuel Antonio a few years back, stayed at Hotel California - ate at several restaurants the only one that ever sticks in my mind is Mar Y Sombre - I guess because it is just our type of place. On the beach, literally tables in the sand, gazing out at the water, watching people and the world, being totally content just being!

And then there was El Sano Banano Beach Bungalows over in Montezuma. We snorkeled, hiked and went horseback riding. Plus some excellent hammock time! Funny one of my memories that sticks while here was the night we watched Pirates of Caribbean while having dinner!

Arenal is fun and adventurous, stayed at Arenal Parasio, rustic cabin but no complaints. Lots of activities to choose from.

Another fave was our trip over to Tortuguero. Very different area of CR. Basic, Rustic cabins, with excellent staff, delicious food. Stayed at the Mawamba Lodge.

One of my many fondest memories in CR is our Pacuare Rafting trip. Loads of fun, excitement and beautiful scenery.

We much enjoyed Vista del Valle Plantation Inn for a final night on one of our trips. Very relaxing, good food, close to SJO.

Orchideas Inn, was a lower priced hotel for the beginning and end of this years trip. It was great, really enjoyed staying here, the food was fantastic, the conversation even better.

Actually there is only one place that I would not return, and that has nothing to do with the hotel. Instead it has to be with being in the city of SJ. I just do not want to look out of my room and see tops of buildings and lots of cars.

So I seem to be rambling - Your question about is CR right for me - well I don't know, I just know that I can't wait to go back for trip 5.

seriously, dfarmer, you sound like me when someone asks me about a place with which i have fallen in love! i can totally appreciate "opening a can of worms"! i totally appreciate it - i will check out places you suggest - we are not so much for a total itinerary, more of a getting to a city and finding a place, but perhaps this is easier to do in european towns and cities than in cr? so maybe we will just book ahead for everything - thanks for the feedback about SJ also - was sort of thinking we would not spend time there...