I am trying to decide a central place to stay in Costa Rica, what city is a good place to be located....?

Question

I want to be close to the beach, but also in an area where it's not too expensive. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Try Liberia. It has one of the two INT'L airports in Costa Rica. It's about 30 minutes from the beach (by bus, it's pretty close) and it's got a good little touristy shopping area. The best place to eat there is a restaurant right on the main square called "Paso Real". It's an upstairs restaurant that has a great view with a balcony that you can eat on! There's a nice hotel there called "Hotel Sitio" and it's part of the Best Western chain.... definitely look into it!

Answer 2

i would say Perez Zeledon. is a nice place, not expensive and dominical beach is about 40/45 min drive. the weather is warm, and the mountains around there has beautiful scenery

Answer 3

Jaco is about 1 1/2hr away from San Jose and is pretty central on the Pacific coast.  It is the largest beach town and known for surfing.  There are many places you can stay in all ranges, from budget hostel to nice resorts.  If you are staying for a few nights consider renting a villa.  We got one for 3 people for a week and it cost us under $400 total for 3 bedrooms, 2 floors, kitchen, cable, A/C, back yard, private pool for 6 villas total.

Montezuma is kinda central, it is across from Jaco on a peninsula but ferries and roads make it easy to get to and from.  It is a small little town, maybe 8 blocks long and 2 wide.  We got a double double room very basic with hot water and A/C for under $25 a night and also stayed at a nice place with deck, hammock, laundry, A/C, pool, jaccusi and that was $95 a night.  Awsome food too.  

Arenal and La Fortuna are fairly central but not too near the beach.  

Anywhere just south of Jaco will be pretty inexpensive and fairly central.  You have to consider if you will be flying, taking cabs, using tour transportation to get around or using your own vehicle.  You dont have to move around too much in Costa Rica in order to experience much of what it has to offer.  Pick the right place and everything from beach walking to rain forest trekking to white water rafting will be within an hours drive.

Answer 4

The most developed place where you can have access to all your needs, the Capital Province, San Jose and the county of San Pedro in San Jose would be a great place.

Answer 5

Sorry but you can not have your cake and eat it too!

If you want a central place in Costa Rica try Escazu which is about 12 miles southwest of San Jose.

If you want to be close to the Beach allow me to suggest Quepos on the West Coast of Costa Rica or 29 minutes away from San Jose - by Sansa Air, round trip costs $118.00.

And its only about 10 minutes away from Manuel Antonio Nature Park/Beach - world famous!