Costa Rica: Need major help please!
 

Hello all! My husband and i will be going to Costa Rica in Janruary for five days, flyng into Liberia. We wanted to stay beach side but also wanted to do a day trip to a volcano site. I think we decided on the Playa Hermosa area. Is that a good idea? We like lounging around the beach, eating at affordable, good restaurants and we also like the bar scene. As far as lodging goes, we wanted an affordable, clean, authentic hotel. Anything that fits the bill? Any response would be greatly appreciated. :)

When I did this last rented a car at LIR from www.mapache.com
Stayed at www.lafinisterra.com www.hotelcapitansuizo.com
www.tabacon.com for volcano view hot springs.Had an awesome time nice ride paved roads www.mapcr.com justa couple of hurs
to Lake Arenal and the volcano will worth it if you have not
been.

Have fun!

finisterra is ~$135/night, capitansuizo is ~$200/night.
You could stay at Arenal overnight (many many places) rather than a day trip, to not be driving 4 hours out of a day.

You likely won't get a glimpse of Arenal this time of year. I live on the lake with a dead shot view of the volcano and spotted her about 6 times in the last two months.
The winds are fierce right now.
Go to Playa Montezuma and enjoy yourself.
If you want some mountain adventure, head to Rio Celeste.
It's very frustrating for me to read tour guides, likely from some nitwit in Minnesota, trying to get people to come here in the dry season,........ only to never return.
The best times here are mid March to mid September.
Tomorrow makes 27 Costa Rican Xmesses. Have a good one.
Pura Vida.

If you are looking for a more active nightlife you may want to check out Tamarindo. www.tamarindo.com They have some great restaurants and bars. Go to Sharky's and Voodoo Lounge. You may also want to check our http://www.sueno-del-mar.com/ bed and breakfast or www.tulin.com/costarica for vacation condos and homes. Enjoy your trip!

Affordable...authentic ...good restaurants are not phrases that spring to mind when someone says "Costa Rica" to me. I think..."overpriced for what you get" "Hawaii with monkeys" and "beans rice chicken AGAIN?"