Leaving Sat! Haven't planned! Ack!! Help!!!
 

Because of procrastination and the hurricane, we've not been able to do any planning for our trip to Costa Rica, which begins Saturday! Will we have major trouble finding lodging without advance reservations? We'll be on an intermediate budget, with room for splurging here and there. Is this salvageable???

LOL! Don't panic! I think your timing is ok since its after our Labor day and tourist activity should diminish with more kids in school. You didn't say how long you are staying but if its a week or more you should book a rental car. Then depending on when your plane arrives, you might book 1 nite near the airport then head for the Arenal area, on of the "must see" places in CR. After that you can head for the beach in Tamarindo or Jaco or further south. From now until Thanksgiving or so I think you can "wing it" as far as hotels go unless you hear of some place you really want to stay. Otherwise, check with other travellers to see where they are staying and what they think. Good luck and have fun!

I have not been to Costa Rica, but have traveled without much of a plan many times. I suggest getting the first night's hotel reservation so you'll have a place to head from the airport when you land. Pick a town and a hotel for those first couple days to get your bearings. You can plan the rest after arrival.

September and October are probably the two slowest months for tourism in Costa Rica. I think you should be okay. Enjoy your trip.

Whew, any suggestions for a couple of nights in San Jose? We're getting in midafternoon and I figured we'd get our fill of SJ in a day and a half and set out for the "good stuff" on the morning of Day 3.

I prefer not to stay right smack in the city. I like Casa Conde, probably 20 min. from the city. They are like nice apartments, and you can be very comfortable there. Two bedrooms, living room w/ dvd player (you can rent movies), full kitchen, some rooms have washers/dryers -- just ask for one. We bought some things from the grocery store and made our own batidos w/ the blender. There's another hotel I like outside of San Jose too -- San Gildar.
Sandy

Orquideas Inn is a great place, only 10-15 minutes from the airport. Lovely grounds to walk around, a pool, a super breakfast and a nice restaurant. Rooms start at around $65 and they will pick you at the airport for $10. They also have a great in-house tour company for very reasonable rates. I really enjoyed my stay there. http://www.orquideasinn.com