Anyone heard of Pasatiempo hotel or Cabinas Los Olas in Tamarindo? Any opinions? Or, any other hotel, or preferably bungalows in Tamarindo area. We (4 girls) do not want expensive all inclusive, prefer under $100/night, relaxed surf environment, close to beach, hammocks--but clean!

We've stayed a couple of time at Hotel Pasatiempo. It's a fun place. Nothing fancy, and not particularly close to the beach (you'll have to walk about 3 minutes), but it is a good value. And has hammocks!

What about Rip Jack Inn...my friend suggested that one, it looks nice too and Playa Grande seems more laid back than Tamarindo?

We just came back Feb. 14th, and we stayed at the Cabinas La Laguna del Cocodrilo. It is owned by a French couple and they have a great little French cafe on the premises that sells great quiche for breakfast. The hotel is clean, air conditioned and has cable TV. There are hammocks. It is steps from the beach. The price was very reasonable: $65 for a room with a double bed and two bunk beds. You are right at the beginning of town and easy walking distance from everything.
I have to say, though, that unless you are a beginner surfer, Tamarindo is kind of boring. All of the shops sell the same stuff. The surf is strictly for beginners and very crowded. Don't leave anything on the beach; my husband's grungy flip flops were even stolen. We went to Mal Pais after that and is way better. Beautiful, immaculate beaches, great little town with good food and good lodging. I could stay a week there. After 2 days in Tamarindo, I was ready to leave.

We stayed at Cabinas Marielos in Tamarindo too, and while the price is cheap, there is no a/c. If you go on the turtle tour, buy your tickets at Cabinas Marielos; they are about $10 cheaper than everyone else.

I agree, I went to Santa Theresa/Mal Pais for a week last month and LOVED it, very rustic, but beautiful and very relaxing. I liked the vibe there a lot and am a little worried about being disappointed in Tamarindo and it being too overcrowded and Americanized. My friends want to go there though, and I guess I can't have the same party twice in Mal Pais...They are trusting me to find a good relaxing place to stay, but they are a little less open minded than I am about what to expect. We stayed in Santa Theresa for $20 a night so I'm a little shocked at Tam prices!!