Fodor's Expert Review Pura Vida Hotel

Extremely well-informed, helpful owners and proximity to the airport (15 minutes) make this a good place to begin and end a trip, and thanks to its location on a ridge north of town, several of its rooms have views of Poás Volcano. All of them offer tranquility and abundant birdsong. The two rooms in the main house have the best views, but casitas (little houses) scattered around the large garden offer more privacy. These bright and cheery bungalows have small terraces with chairs where guests, typically well traveled, lounge. Continental breakfasts and delicious dinners (by reservation) are served on a covered terrace behind the house. Ask about their books-for-schools program.