Hello all, it's been a while but I made my way back to Fodors for another trip. The people are great on this site.
One or two questions. I arrive in CR (Liberia) April 3-April 11th and I don't have hotel reservations due to life being absolutely crazy at the moment. Does anyone know how difficult it is to book a hotel with short notice or walk in around these dates??? Am I out of luck??

Also, can anyone recommend a good laid back town near the beach that is less touristy or as expensive as Tamarindo within that region??

Any favorite hotels for the $50-$85 range

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Anthony

I don't have any specific recommendations, but I thought I could try to help you relax about the hotel situation.

We are leaving Saturday 3/25 and except for our first night, we have no reservations at all, just a rental car.

According to Arenal.net, that area's hotels, while some are full, are still showing vacancies for this weekend. And that is one of the most popular areas to go to. And that's only the main hotels, the ones that you often read about here, the ones that have internet exposure.

We're going budget and are just going to make it up as we go along.

I'll be back 4/1, so if I have time, I'll post a report right before you leave, so you can see how we fared.

I think we're going to go to Arenal for a few days and then head to Playa Samara for a few days...

Karen

Karen, I would love to hear about your trip. I am going to CR in Aug. and will only have the first nights lodging booked. I am planning on MA, Arenal, Monteverde and possibly another locale as I will be there for 17 days. Any suggestions would be welcome. I am 60 yrs. old, like the outdoors, adventure, hikes, beaches...but not wanting to spend days on a beach. I am not planning on having a car but taking local transport and planes between destinations. I know that limits my lodging choices. Please share your trip with us. Thanks.
Barbara

Check out the Gilded Iguana in Nosara. The prices are ver reasonable, the location and beach and restaurant great!

My husband just got back and he said things were rather slow in Nosara for peak season. There are many other lodging choices in Nosara and Samara as well

Not sure I understood your question, but it's been awhile since I've mentioned it anyway, so here goes!

Hotel Brasilito (in Playa Brasilito between Conchal and Flamingo) is a fun little place to stay if you can manage with a fan rather than AC. We've stayed here during different months of the year and it's always been a pleasant stay. Very basic. Used to run about $35, but is probably more now. There are 2 upstairs rooms right on the beach that are basic, but clean and comfortable. Anyone looking for a low-moderate place in this area might check it out.