Peace Lodge, San José

Peace Lodge offers a luxurious stay surrounded by nature, situated on the grounds of the renowned La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. With breathtaking views of the Poás Volcano and La Paz River Valley from your guest room balcony, you'll enjoy the beauty of the cloud and rainforest at 5,200 feet (15,00 m) above sea level. The lodge has multiple pools and restaurants, nature trails, and a spa. All 18 rooms are luxuriously appointed, and there are good options for solo travelers, couples, and larger families. 

Pros

• Rooms at the lodge are very cozy, featuring gas fireplaces and private Jacuzzis. 
• Travelers staying at the lodge have exclusive access to the surrounding nature park in the mornings and evenings, which are some of the best times for viewing wildlife. 
• Close proximity to two popular national parks in the region.

Cons

• There are no nearby towns, so if you're someone who likes to go off-site to explore, the lodge might not be the best choice. 
• Not ideal for travelers with limited mobility, as the trails can be a bit challenging, and there are no elevators to the upper floors of the lodge. 
• The lodge doesn't have a fitness center. 

Authenticity

The lodge has been open since 2000 and prides itself on the upscale rooms, which are all uniquely themed. Local design features include colorful art and stained-glass windows, natural wood floors and furniture, and river stone fireplaces. As the lodge is set in the middle of a nature park, you'll be surrounded by the sounds of local wildlife, with rooms near the Aviary, in particular, receiving a morning serenade of birdcalls. 

Location

Peace Lodge is 28 miles away from central San José, a 1.5-hour drive, tucked away in a quiet corner of La Paz River Valley that has almost no urban development. There are no nearby towns, but the resort has a diverse selection of restaurants and bars, so you won't need to head far off-site for dining. Poas Volcano National Park and Braulio Carillo National Park flank the property on both sides, giving you a chance to access pristine natural areas within 20 minutes of the lodge. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the 18 individually decorated guest rooms at Peace Lodge features a fireplace, LED TV, and a private furnished balcony. Relax in the comfort of your room with a jetted bathtub, rainfall showerhead, and free WiFi. Previous kimkim travelers have praised the lodge for its pristine cleanliness, natural indoor living gardens, and Jacuzzis in the bathrooms. 

Wildlife

Peace Lodge is located within La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, and while the park is open to the public during the day, travelers staying at the lodge have exclusive access before 8 am and after 5 pm. The park includes multiple enclosures that house wildlife that's in a rehabilitation program, including birds, monkeys, snakes, jungle cats, and local flora. The various trails throughout the park provide an opportunity to spot wildlife out in its natural habitat and you can head to one of the nearby National Parks for more wildlife encounters. 

Amenities

There's no shortage of places to lounge at the lodge. You can have your pick of a cold infinity pool, a heated pool with a waterfall, or an outdoor Jacuzzi (though all rooms also have private Jacuzzis). Book a luxury treatment of your choice at the Ventanas Verdes Spa, which can also provide in-room massages. If you want an option to do laundry, the Villa Lago includes a small washer-dryer unit. The lodge isn't a great option for travelers with limited mobility, as there are no elevators to reach the upper floors, and the trails throughout the property are uneven.   

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome, with one infant under the age of three staying for free and a reduced fee for children ages 3-12. Those older than thirteen are charged as adults. Families will want to book one of the two villas, which feature multiple bedrooms and fireplaces and can sleep between 6-8 people. Peace Lodge has been very popular with families as most kids love the pools, nature trails, and easily accessible wildlife throughout the property. 

Other Highlights

The Peace Lodge offers unique elements that cater to families and couples alike. The attention to detail, such as personalized name tiles outside each room and late-night snacks for kids, adds to the memorable experience. Enjoy the on-site trails, waterfalls, romantic rooms, and delicious food. There are three restaurants, two bars, and one café, offering everything from casual lunches to fine dining featuring Costa Rican cuisine.