But if you visit outside of San Jose it's a GREAT place, I mean mountains, turtle beaches, rain forest, ect.

A relatively small hotel will not cost you much, walking to night clubs is better than taking a cab. But I really recommend trying to see the beauty, the beaches are amazing.

Look here for "specials" and "sales" on Costa Rica travel packages:
* http://vacations.travelzoo.com/south-american-vacations/

Costa Rica travel package websites:
* http://www.govisitcostarica.com/
* http://www.tourcostarica.com/
* http://www.naturevacations.com/
* http://www.costaricaguides.com/
and many more….

Costa Rica packages from general purpose travel sites:
* http://www.orbitz.com/App/PerformMDLPDealsContent?deal_id=costa-rica-vacations&cnt=PKH
* http://www.expedia.com/daily/vacations/costa-rica/default.asp?rfrr=-41686

I would advise this route –
start at Arenal Volcano area – we stayed at http://www.tabacon.com/
we took an excursion on a little river boat and saw so much wildlife. this area is LOADED with natural hotsprings – it is just amazing.

Drive to Cloud Forest, Monteverde. We stayed at http://www.fondavela.com/
we did a canopy tour. This area is so cozy and you will truly feel like you are in the middle of nowhere but it is beautiful. It is the rainforest

Finally drive to Jaco area, we stayed at
http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/caletas.htm
you will be a short drive to Manuel Antonio which has a beautiful conservation park with tour guides. The park is the most famous in the country. And Jaco is a cute little beach town even if you do not go in the water.

By doing this you will see all CR has to offer – the volcano part, the rainforest, and the beachy part.
Even if you do not stay at these hotels, you can use them as a way to map out the trip and stay at less expensive ones

1. Send him something practical with a twist. For instance, pick up one of those little first aid kits at the Dollar Store, then customize it. It should come with alcohol swabs and bandaids, but you could add chapstick, individual packets of Tylanol and Benedral, and (wink) condoms (course he won't want to use this until he sees you!)

2. Make him a small day pack and fill it with stuff he might need. First aid kit, sunglasses, hat, etc

3. Most people when going to CR are going to play in the water or play in the dirt. If you are going to play in the water and he doesn't have an underwater camera – maybe pick up an inexpensive or disposible underwater camera that you guys can use on the trip.

4. Email him CR pictures everyday before the trip or send him a digital frame with CR pictures and then he can replace the pictures with pictures of your trip when he gets back. If you don't have any – let me know and I'll send you some – just got back on Saturday.

Can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but I hope this is helpful!

http://www.truecostarica.com loads of info available.

I saw book a package deal, especially cheaper if you want to actually tour the countryside….there are some wonderful deals for just under $1,000 for 10 days including tours throughout the country, meals and hotels throughout the country. You get to see the sites, taste the foods and stay at more than one hotel/villa! I have friends in San Jose and hope to go down for a visit next spring – stay with them some, but plan to take a package tour also…Have fun!