We are now arriving in SJ around 3:00 pm. The following morning we are renting a car and driving to MA. Therefore, we need a hotel for just one night. Origionally, we were going to stay at Hotel Villa Bonita, but that was because we were getting in around 9:00pm. Now that we are getting in a little bit earlier, we would like a hotel "were the action is". Any suggestions? We would like to spend around $100/night.
Also, we would love a great, authenic Tico meal for our first night. Again, suggestions?
Thanks!

Right... That should read "we would love to be WHERE the action is.." And to think I teach 4th grade...

With getting in at 3 PM, you still have to clear customs, etc and will probably not get to your hotel before closer to 5 PM.

Can't help you with where the action is, but we find that we are exhausted that first night. You know - last minute packing, instructions, restless sleep, traveling and so on..... So we enjoy a nice little hotel, with a nice bar, good meal. This year we stayed at Orchideas Inn and it fit the bill. Very much enjoyed sitting in the bar, having dinner and talking with others that were coming and going from their own travels.

I think any of the hotels that are freguently mentioned here for first and last nights would work for you.

Hello , a good hotel in the heart of San Jose is Hotel Presidente on Avenida Central. See the location on San Jose accommodation map
http://www.costaricaweb.de/crweb/en/...-hotels-en.htm

Saludos
costaklaus - www.costaricaweb.<font color=red>de</font>

I agree with dfarmer that a hotel around the airport [Orquideas Inn etc...] would be better than going to downtown San Jose, especially if you are driving. If you do go downtown you will need to retrace your path in the morning on your way to MA.

Just my opinion.

Jerry

I really had fun at Orquideas also. Laid back and great company.

I would ask a cab driver or your hotel for a good tico place to eat. We have thrown caution to the wind and done that and had some great meals as well as some not so great but it is always an adventure.

We had a great tico meal right across from the airport opposite a little park with kiddie rides. Unfortunately, our driver sprung a huge surprise on us just before getting there and I didn't take notice of the name of the place. It had a full bar and several large screen tv's for the soccer games. Hopefully someone else has been there and can help out with a name.

TXgal,
I had to laugh at your reference to your type. How many times I've regretted mentioning on Fodor's my teaching profession (5th grade) in light of my many typos!

Also, wondered if you could send a little sympathy this way to those of us preparing kids for the TAKS test! You familiar?

I'm sorely missing Costa Rica (my 3 month time away limit has come and gone), but my teaching companions would think I'd lost my mind if I took days off before &quot;the test&quot;! Bottom line: Lots of teaching pressure here in Texas! Perhaps it's a good thing you've relocated to GA!

BTW, I second the Las Orquideas suggestion. Last couple of times we've stayed near the airport, we've stayed with Humberto &amp; Carmen at Villa Bonita (enjoy their friendship and company), but drive over to Las Orq for dinner and bartime later in the evening. They have a great staff--always lots of fun to hang out there.

Actually Shillmac- I'm still in Texas. I created my screen name when we thought we were moving, and we didn't. So I am fully aware of the TEST- fun stuff, huh? 3 yrs ago it snowed for the 2 days we were supposed to give the writing test. The day we were finally able to give it, I was supposed to fly to Vegas, and I did. My students did not do as well as they should have- lesson learned Lot's of pressure..... on teachers and kids.

I should also add, we're staying at Hotel Los Volcanes B&amp;B- I'll let y'all know how it is!

Well, in that case, bless your heart!

Yes, do write all about your trip--it is shaping up nicely. When you first posted about planning a Dec. trip, I would've bet dinero that you wouldn't be able to find availability. So glad it is all working out for you!