Hello all,
I could use your help on our itinerary. We have 7 nights to spend in CR and plan on renting a 4x4. This is what we are thinking:

Day #1: Arrive San Jose early afternoon, spending day/night in San Jose.
Day #2: Drive to Arenal.
Day #3: Arenal
Day #4: Drive to Monteverde
Day #5: Monteverde
Day #6: Drive to Tamarindo
Day #7: Tamarindo
Day #8: Flight out of Liberia.
What do you all think? Thanks a lot!

Seven days equal two destinations. Unless you want to have to return home and go back to work so that you can get some rest!

You are going to have to skip Monteverde, I believe. It simply is not do-able in the amount of time you have and considering the difficulty and time involved in getting there.

Arenal and Tamarindo are plenty for one week. Add a day at either place, and save Monteverde for next time (there WILL be a next time, doncha know!)

I agree - skip Monteverde.

For one week I'd see Arenal and Tamarindo.
I'd spend my first night at Xandari - two nights at Arenal Lodge (not observatory lodge)check out Tabacon Hot Springs while there... and then Capitan Suizo (bungalow, not regular room) in Tamarindo.

my two cents after only two trips there and many combinations of hotels

Ditto

Although your itinerary is doable, you are really limiting your ability to enjoy the areas you are visiting. Instead you are zipping through.

Your travel time does not look like much on a map, but to Arenal about 3 hours, to Monteverde about 4, to Tam another probably 4. You want time for scenic stops, lunch breaks and time to get lost.

Have you chosen hotels/lodges? And when are you traveling?

I totally understand your desire to see lots, but in my opinion 2 locations would be best.

Thanks for everyone's replies! We are going at the end of April. We have not yet booked hotels as we are waiting on finalizing our vacation schedules. The hotels are filling up, however. Captain Suizo is booked as is Tabacon. Lost Iguana is still available. I appreciate everyone's help!

We loved Hotel Capitan Suizo but there are two Bed and Breakfasts that I would try the next time I go to Tamarindo - they are south of Capitan and thus their location is in Langosta. Go to www.visittamarindo.com and click on accomodations and click on Villa Alegre. Suyze and Barry Lawson, former Californians own it - they are very active in the communtity and school at Villreal - I took school supplies to them at their B&B. Also, before (or north of Villa Alegre)is Sueno something B&B, it is on the website too. This place is nice and has a great reputation for great breakfasts. Both these places you can walk just a few steps to the beach - you don't have to cross a road, etc. Have a great trip. Do go to Capitan's property and tour it, it is awesome.

I think the name is Sueno del Mar.