Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Villa Lapas Jungle Village

Within a tranquil rain-forest preserve, the stucco rooms here are nothing special, but are a great escape for nature lovers who want lodging, tours, and wildlife all in one location. Rooms have 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. A selection of in-house tours mean you never have to leave the property. 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 shop. 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.