Check out Surf Inn Hermosa. Stayed there a couple years back. Reasonably priced and right on playa Hermosa.
stayed here back in 2004 and it was sick and cheap. i assume its similar and the jungle pong is legendary http://www.cabinasbrisadelmar.com/
I have stayed at the beach house in tamarindo in a pinch once. Walked in, $15 later I had a locker and a bunk. Pretty cool atmosphere, lots of folks just hanging out watching surf movies, outdoor fire pit and yard area, beach access (right at the river mouth in tamarindo). The place is run by young gringo kids who are there just to live the dream. If you will be booking in advance, ask for the tree house out back, it sleeps 2 or 3 comfortably and is really private and badass. Beats the standard hostel room full of bunks and strangers, of course.
i been sleeping outside under the stars for 20+ years. i just go to the community center when its cold out and the library to use the computer. I have 2 surfboards a taxidermy frog, Charles. Life was ok until the all these college kids figured out its SUPER cool and mature to harm people minding their own business. lift weights and juice up. sick. anyways im going to get a 32 ouncer of bud ice, right now. catch up with me on facebook too, heading east in 8 hours. - Jamie Kelly, out.
try to rent a horse.they are much better than 4 wheel drive!a lot of great spots are in very secluded areas.i never rented any hotels or anything,my buddy from work lives down there and his nephew surfs for oneill,so we get all the secret spots..just be respectful and treat others how u want to be treated or end up like that macafee guy on the lam.and ps if somebody tells u theyl take u to the best surf spots with lots of women,run away!!!
before alll the trash talkin on me begins,my buddy from work HAS a house down there.i can see one of these kooks sayin how do u work with someone from costa.well i do,its a small world.when u interact with people u will see itll be the guy who doesnt even know what surfing is thatll bring u on your greatest adventure!!be ocean minded,not ocean blinded.if any respectful dudes on here plans a trip to costa around january,il be staying in jaco.dont bring any boards,everythings at the house
Costa Rica was cool in 1999. Now its the most overrun clown show on earth. I have been there 8 times between 1998 and 2008 and I will never go back ever again. If you are thinking of going to Tamarindo or Hermosa then get ready to get real comfortable with 500 of your new best friends every surf. Go down to OSA, its the only uncrowded spot left. Good Luck...your gonna need it
^^content consistent with user name. I've been several times, all after 1999, had good trips. Crowds are not a problem, but maybe it's all relative after growing up in va beach
IMO costa rica is an awesome destination, maybe its more crowded than it used to be but where isnt? Solo Bueno hostel in playa guiones is a great hostel, you can find them on facebook and hostel world, not sure if they have a website. they are a 10 minute walk to beach, and there is very cheap surfboard rental w/ good board selection from Juan Surfo ($70 for the week and can change boards whenever you want) Guiones is overrun with expats and middle age surf tourists but its a fun mellow wave and there are a lot of peaks i.e. handles a crowd well (esp if your on a long board)
Costa Rica was way cool in 1988... back when you WANTED and NEEDED somebody to paddle out with you in well overhead Hermosa (or even 4 foot anywhere). I can't imagine staying in Jaco Beach again, or even Hermosa since it has changed so much. But there are pearls.
