Costa Rica Hotels: Heredia/Alajuela/Airport Area: Peace Lodge

Location 6km (3 3/4 miles) north of Varablanca on the road to San Miguel, Heredia/Alajuela/Airport Area
Phone 2482-2720, 2225-0643
Room Information 17 units
Prices $235-$295 (£118-£148) double; $385 (£193) villa. Rates include breakfast and entrance to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Rates lower in off season; higher during peak weeks
Credit Cards AE, MC, V
In Room Amenities A/C, TV, minibar, coffeemaker, safe

The rooms at this outgrowth of the popular La Paz Waterfall Gardens just might be some of the most impressive in Costa Rica -- and the bathrooms in the deluxe units easily earn that distinction. The rooms are quite large and feature sparkling wood floors and trim, handcrafted four-poster beds, beautiful stone fireplaces, intricately sculpted steel light fixtures, and a host of other creative touches and details. Every room has a private balcony fitted with a mosaic-tiled Jacuzzi. The aforementioned deluxe bathrooms come with a second oversize Jacuzzi set under a skylight in the middle of an immense room that features a full interior wall planted with ferns, orchids, and bromeliads and fed by a functioning waterfall system.

Guests here have full access to all the tours and attractions of the La Paz Waterfall Gardens during normal operating hours and beyond. The Costa Rica lodge is located about 45 minutes from the airport and makes a good first stop if your itinerary takes you next to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, or to the Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui region.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; 2 outdoor swimming pools; Jacuzzi; tour desk; laundry service; free Wi-Fi