Because Punta Leona, Playa Herradura, Playa Hermosa de Jacó (not to be confused with Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste), Playa Esterillos, and Playa Bejuco are close, many people choose accommodations in these beach towns as well.
Moderate -- The oceanfront Apartotel Girasol (tel. 800/923-2779 or 643-1591; www.girasol.com), with 16 fully equipped one-bedroom apartments, is a good option, especially for longer stays. Hotel Poseidon (tel. 888/643-1242 in the U.S. and Canada, or 643-1642; www.hotel-poseidon.com) is a pretty boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, while Hotel Catalina (tel. 643-1237; www.hotelcatalinacr.com) is another good beachfront choice.
Inexpensive -- There are quite a few budget hotels around town. Most cater to itinerant surfers, backpackers, and Ticos. If you're looking to stay on the cheap, your best bet is to simply walk the strip and see who's got the best room at the best price. If you walk slightly inland from the center of town, the Blue Palms (tel. 643-0099; www.blue-palms.net) offers immaculate rooms and a small swimming pool at budget prices.
There are also several campgrounds in or near Playa de Jacó. Madrigal (tel. 643-3230), at the south end of town at the foot of some jungley cliffs, is my favorite. You can also try El Hicaco (tel. 643-3004), which is close to the beach but also pretty close to the Disco La Central, so don't expect to get much sleep if you stay here. Campsites run between $3 and $6 (£1.50-£3) per night.
In Playa Herradura & North of Playa de Jaco
Very Expensive -- There are scores of condominium units for rent at the Los Sueños resort. All come with kitchens, access to swimming pools, and rights to use the golf course here. These are excellent options for families, who want to do some cooking, and for longer stays. If you want to rent a condo here, contact Costa Rica Luxury Rentals (tel. 866/525-2188 in the U.S. and Canada, or 637-7105 in Costa Rica; www.crluxury.com). Rates run between $350 and $450 (£175-£225) nightly for one- and two-bedroom units, to over $1,000 (£500) for some of the more luxurious three-bedroom units.
