I stayed at a few hotels within Tamarindo…my favorite being El Diria ( for obviously high-priced reasons. It’s right on the beach with an outdoor restaurant and bar and a great atmosphere. Tamarindo has the atmosphere of a small beach/ surf town with the variety of people from all aroudn the world ( I met Russians, Italians, Americans, Comlombians, Australians, and, of course, Costa Ricans all working at their own little places there). Take the time to make friends with some of the locals, it’s worth it. Also, try the surf and a day trip out to the rainforest to take a zip-line canopy tour.