suggestion on planning a trip to CR
 

Can anyone help with sugguestion on where to go or stay in
CR. Going end of Sept arriving evening and leaving 4 days later in the morning

Many places to go but you have a very short time. It would be helpful if you gave an idea of budget, what you're looking to do/see, travel style etc so posters here can give you good advice.

We've been researching for a couple of months for a trip in May. There are so many areas to stay in and so many things to see and do. I would hate to have only 4 days and a couple of weeks to plan a vacation.

Start with the Arenal area or Manuel Antonio. 2 of the more recommended areas.

With such a short time I would plan for one area only or you'll spend too much time on the road. What are your interests? Beach, volcano, adventure?

September can be quite rainy depending on which part of the country you are in.

For beach, your best bet would be Manuel Antonio, probably. For mountains/volcano - Arenal/LaFortuna. Use either private driver or commuter airlines to maximize your time in either place.

As others have said, it would be helpful to have more information. What time of day are you arriving and leaving? What is your budget? What kind of lodging do you prefer? Do you prefer mountains/volcano or beach?

Enjoy beach but would like to see mountains/volcano. Budget is not a problem, want something nice. We had thought of renting car. Did this in England but was sure of the roads were to bad.

For such a short trip, I'd say try Arenal - it's about a 4 hour drive from the airport. Are many lovely resorts near/around Arenal and even if the volcano doesn't "show" itself, there is much to do - zip lines, hanging bridges, rafting, thermal pools, wildlife walks. Very many nice resorts - check out the posts on this site and decide which sounds like it meets your objectives. Be sure to take at least a couple guided tours - you will learn more in 3 hours than you would in a week on your own. Have fun!

Agree with Ventura - would go to Arenal, plenty to keep you busy for 3-4 days. Cano Negro is a full day trip but worth it for wildlife spotting. La Fortuna Waterfall, hiking at national park and/or hanging bridges, Eco-Termales or another thermal springs, zip line - that pretty much takes up your short visit.

If you have a morning flight, you'll need to stay by the airport your final night. Xandari and Vista del Valle get good reviews here for higher end hotels not too far from the airport. Several people also like Lost Iguana and The Springs at Arenal.

Also recommend your first night near airport since you arrive in the evening, do not want to drive up to Arenal after dark. If you hire a driver, you might want to have him take you up to Poas Volcano your first morning or the afternoon coming back towards the airport.

Www.hotelvillacaletas.com around your flights

Maybe a couple of nights at www.tabacon.com

All you have time for really...

Have fun,

Arenal would be my pick too - so much to see and do, and your time frame is about right.

If you arrive late afternoon or evening and hire a driver, there is no reason to stay in the Alajuela area since you won't be driving. Of course, if you are driving, do spend the night and start out the next morning. This is really up to you and how you think you will feel after your arrival.