Suggestions on where to stay first night
 

Our flight lands in San Jose at 9:30pm on a Friday. My goal is to find a hotel that is nearby and safe for the night. I want to leave as early as possible in the morning for our drive to Arenal, so a place that could have a rental car delivered early in the morning, or the night we arrive, would be ideal. Anyone have any good recommendations? Also, how long do you think it will take to get through customs and get our luggage?

We are staying at Adventure Inn on our arrival night, close by, will reimburse you for taxi, reasonable rates include breakfast, very easy to deal with and respond quickly. Customs/luggage - length of time shouldn't be more than an hour or so, depends if there are other flights arriving same time.

http://www.adventure-inn.com/

Thank you!

We've stayed at Orquideas Inn (mentioned often in this forum). They will have a driver pick you up at the airport for about $10. The hotel is about a 10 min. drive away in Alajuela. They have a wonderful breakfast and a variety of types of rooms (some too near the road). Cute pool area and lovely grounds.

Orquideas Inn is my pick if just for the great breakfast but they also have a fun quirky bar and lovely pool if you want to chill upon arrival. Adventure Inn gets great reviews too and is close to SJO but just didn't hold as much appeal for me as Orquideas. Darly's Suite is good as well as Orchid depending on how many beds you need. Other rooms are fine too if basic but ask for a room away from the street. I took a peek at Susan's room which was good too.

My vote is also the Oquideas. Love that place. I've been going there for years!