I'm just wondering if anyone who's been to San Jose would recommend staying there for 3 days. I've heard that it's fairly dirty and there isn't a whole lot to do.
Also, if you wouldn't recommend San Jose, where else would you recommend that is within a 3 hour driving distance of both San Jose and Manuel Antonio (flying into SJO and staying a week in MA). An area that has enough activity to keep us busy for 3 days and is pretty and fun.
Any info is much appreciated!

One option...but is not 3 hours from Manuel Antonio but is 3 hours from San Jose is ARENAL!!

Add only 2 more hours from Manuel Antonio...and go to Arenal...from there is only 3 hours to San Jose..and in Arenal you have a lot to do...at least during the day...and weekends a visit to Volcano Look the best and only Disco in town!!

R.A

Note: I live in San Jose...is not that bad...but I rather be in Arenal!!

San Jose is home for me too. I wouldn't spend three days of a vacation in the city. It would be fine to use San Jose as a base for day trips. There's much to do in the surrounding Central Valley.

I agree with Jeff in that San Jose is a good base for daytrips. Stay at the very moderate, but nice Hotel Don Carlos. Juan Carlos in the tour office can arrange some wonderful outings for you. At least one half day, take a walking tour (by yourselves, no guide needed) and see the Teatro Nacional, Plaza de la Cultura, Mercado Central, Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), Jade Museum, etc. We like sitting in the outdoor Rica across from the teatro and having a cappucino. If you stay in town, you can easily get to locations in all directions. There are some nice outings toward the southeast, Irazu, Lankester Gardens, Orosi Valley, etc.

For more luxury, stay at the hotel Grano de Oro. The Don Carlos is better for walking to the above mentioned areas, however. But taxis are plentiful and cheap.

A good evening outing would be to El Pueblo, a mall of sorts, bars, restaurants, discos, artisan shops, etc.

You can also stay somewhere nearer the airport like Orquideas Inn and use Wady Tours, a great company. The Marilyn Monroe bar is a fun place to hang out in the evenings.

On the other hand, the Arenal suggestion is outstanding as well. LOTS to do in that area. Either would be a good choice for you. . . .

We had friends who spent 3 days in SJO last September doing the tours (one of the tours was a daytrip to Arenal, they had a great time!). They enjoyed that experience and are going back for 12 days this weekend to explore more on their own. . .

Whatever you decide, it will be okay. Have fun!

Arenal is the option I've been looking at most closely, however I just know I'd be dreading the 5 hour drive to MA. That seems like a long day. Perhaps day trips from San Jose would be an option, but then again we'd be doing a lot of driving. This same group went to Tuscany a few years ago and took day trips to the various towns. We hated being in the car for so much of our trip.
Anyway, thanks for the tips and keep them coming! Perhaps we will end up in Arenal...I know it's an area I want to see!
Also, still looking for info about the Jungle Villa in MA if anyone has any!

It's a pretty drive, and if you leave by 8:00 in the a.m., you'll be in MA by 2:00 at the latest.

You can always fly as well. . .

Actually, if you stay in SJO, there are a LOT of excellent places within an hour of the city. Same for if you stay at Orquideas Inn.

The Highlights of Costa Rica tour is excellent--full day, yes, in the vehicle a lot (small group), but you'll see SO much and all of it very enjoyable. It was a fascinating day for me a few years ago. . .offered out of most hotels in SJO.