Hello to all. I and a friend are travelling to San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Travel to occur in May of 2006 (off season/green season). I am paying for the air and hotels - she just recently went through a terrible time and needs the break. I am in need of some budget hotels that are clean and quiet and safe. Any suggestions in San Jose (central), Arenal or La Fortuna? Manuel Antonio? I would like to pay around $50 to $64 per night per room - - We will need 2 separate rooms. Thank you to all for reviewing and your responses.

A place for Manuel Antonio is www.cabinasespadilla.com it is a beautiful place and a short walk to the beaches and the park.

You mean May of 2007, right?

If you'll have a car, Arenal Observatory Lodge would be perfect for you. We stayed in July of 2006, $53 per night got us a very nice room (small, but nice) in La Casona. It is a lodge on the property with several small single bed (double) rooms, a couple of bunk rooms, and shared bathrooms. The sharing was never a problem as it seemed my husband and I were the only ones in the building most of the time. $53 included breakfast and taxes. We thought it was a great deal, and the property is just beautiful with some nice hiking trails. It's a little out of the way, but worth it. Very near to the entrance to the park as well as SkyTrek, the ziplines.

Another possibility closer to La Fortuna, is La Pradera. About the same price. It was a toss up for us, but we went with AOL.

Are you sure you want to stay in San Jose city? The airport is about 15 - 20 minutes west of town, and most people stay their first and last nights near the airport. If you stay in town, I'd recommend Hotel Dunn--great area, good value. If you'd prefer to stay near the airport (and closer for the drive to Arenal) check out Hotel Villa Bonita. www.hotelvillabonita.com

Humberto and Carmen Brenes own this B&B, 5 min. from the airport. They have very comfortable rooms for less than $50, breakfast included. For $50, you can get a little larger room, 2 beds, with a bathtub and walk in closet--both extremely rare in Costa Rica, even in the nicest of hotels! Internet available, excellent breakfast. Humberto has 2 of the larger rooms, 3-4 smaller ones. All with private baths. There is an excellent Peruvian restaurant, Inti Raymi, down the street with wonderful seabass (corvina) and ceviche. Hope this helps a bit--good luck! I hope your friend will find some peace and renewal in beautiful Costa Rica--I feel sure she will!

We are going to Manuel Antonio in February and we are staying at Didi's charming bed and breakfast. In green season it's $35 per night for a room with a fan and $50 for a room with air. This includes breakfast but not taxes. It gets good reviews on trip advisor so hopefully we will like it. I can let you know how it was when I get back. The website is didiscr.com
Have a great trip.

i like La Pradera and Dorothys in La Fortuna, but Arenal Lodge is my fave!
I agree with Shillimac re hotel in San Jose, better off staying nearer the airport, but i usually stay at Hotel Dunn when im in town.

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