Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Villa Lapas

Within a tranquil rain-forest preserve, the stucco rooms here are nothing special, but are a great escape for nature lovers with their white tile floors, hardwood ceilings, and large baths. The resort is far from other hotels (and the beach) but has on-site entertainment to keep you busy, such as a large-screen television, a swimming pool, and game room. You can follow the river flowing through the protected forest for a pleasant hike and cross a suspension bridge to reach a small replica of a Costa Rican colonial village with a restaurant, cantina, church, and gift shops. This place gets a bit chaotic when cruise-ship passengers visit (several times per week) for tours. An all-inclusive meal plan is available, but you're better off eating your lunch and dinner elsewhere. Request one of the quieter rooms in the 200-section, just beyond the hanging bridges.