We arrive mid afternoon and then leave early the next morning for Tortuguero. Would it be better to stay in Alajuela or go closer into San Jose? We will want to have a look around SJ and dinner in town. We are looking for a modest priced hotel. Thanks

With your plans, it would be best to go on into San Jose. There are several very nice hotels that have excellent loctions and are moderately priced. Our favorite is the Hotel Don Carlos--within 5 minutes walk of the part of San Jose you will want to see. Also there is Hotel Dunn--less money, same general area. Seems to get good reviews. Hotel Santo Tomas, Hotel Grano de Oro (advertised as one of the small distinctive hotels of Costa Rica, a little more expensive, and not so centrally located--taxis are cheap and easy, however).

There are many choices. Hotel Brittania, Amon Plaza (casino), etc. etc. My recommendation: the Don Carlos! They have secure parking, good breakfasts, clean rooms, and the management has always been extremely helpful and courteous. Nice large gift shop there as well.

Thanks shillmac. From reading other posts you have a wealth of info! Have you ever dealt with Central America.com It is a travel group. We want to take a trip with them to Tortuguero.

No, sorry, I haven't. But would like to hear what you think of them after you use them! I'm sure they are fine. There seems to be much competition between tour providers and that is a good thing.

We stayed at Grano d'Oro coming into the country and leaving (2 nights). I loved it! Wonderful food and nice accomodations. Highly recommended.

You can easily stay in the Alajuela area and go into the city for dinner and a little sight seeing. It is only about 1/2hr to get there from the airport area. Possibly a little more if you stay in one of the more outlying hotels.

Some consideration could be made for which airport you will be flying out of in the morning. Those flights to Tortuguero are very early and being closer to the airport you will be using might give you an extra 15-20 mins sleep in the morning. If flying Sansa you might be better off staying in the Alajuela area. Tobias Bolano airport is slightly closer to San Jose.

You can't go wrong with Grano de Oro...standard room is about $100 per night and they have a great restaurant. It's close enough to town to see some sights as well..