No reservations
 

We (boyfriend and I) fly into CR next week; I've made no hotel reservations b/c I want to keep a flexible schedule and I was overwhelmed with the choices. Question #1: Do you think it will be difficult to get a place the day of since it is the low season? #2: Any recommendations for where to stay (no more than $100/nt) or activities? We fly into SJ and leave from Liberia (7 days) and rented a car, so we are flexible with our plans. I have ideas of what to do, but am tired of researching :) Thanks!

I was just in Costa Rica last week and we trasveled for 10 days with only a reservation for our first through fourth nights there. We ad no trouble finding a place for the rest of our stay and allways was able to get a room at our first choice. Just bring a good guide book (I like Lonley Planet or the Moon guide) so you can get some ideas on where to stay when you get into town. ALso bear in mind that many places will give you a 10% discount if you pay in cash.

If you are leaving from Liberia you will probably want to stay in the northern areas. I'd spend a night or two in Arenal and then go to the northern Pacific area like Tamarindo. If you do decide to stay in Tamarindo I recomend the Hotel Pasatiempo. We stayed there for three nights and had a great time!

I do suggest reservations, as July is the Costa Rican Holiday month, kids are out of school, parents are on vacation, and hotels tend to book up if they are not already.

They are definitely booking up fast. We are trying to secure reservations for the last week, and many of our first choices are already booked. July is the busy part of low season, for sure! There will always be something available, but it might not be the place you'd prefer to stay!

Thanks for the advice. We plan on staying at least two nights in Arenal, and then heading near Tamarindo. Might stop in Monteverde but unsure of that still. I guess I'll be doing more research tonight and making a reservation or two. Or else I'm bringing a tent and sleeping bags with! :)