Tamarindo and Playa Grande have a wide range of beach houses and condos for rent by the night, the week, or the month. For more information on this option, check out Remax Tamarindo (tel. 653-0073; www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com) or Century 21 (tel. 866/978-4492 in the U.S. and Canada, or 653-0030 in Costa Rica; www.c21tamarindo.com).
In addition to the cabinas listed here, Tito's Camping (no phone), out toward the Hotel Capitán Suizo in Tamarindo, costs $3 to $5 (£1.50-£2.50) per person. Cabinas Dolly (tel. 653-0017), a perennial budget favorite and decidedly basic, still has the best location right on the beach in the center of town. Also, Cabinas Arco Iris (tel. 653-0330; www.hotelarcoiris.com) and Hostal La Botella de Leche (tel. 653-0189; www.labotelladeleche.com) are two popular, if slightly inland, options.
Where to Stay in Playa Grande
Hotel Bula Bula (tel. 877/658-2880 in the U.S. and Canada, or 653-0975 in Costa Rica; www.hotelbulabula.com) is excellent inland option, while the Playa Grande Surf Camp (tel. 653-1074; www.playagrandesurfcamp.com) is geared toward surfers and budget travelers.
