I just want to go to the Beach

Another option if you just want to go to a resort or to the beach is to go to a resort. I have stayed in three in the area, Hilton Double Tree in Puntareanas (Formerly La Fiesta). I was there last, it is my current favorite, it is also all inclusive. The beach itself leaves a lot to be desired, but the resort is great, food is good lots of activities, a little casino, a night club. The pools were amazing.

FOAM PARTY AT LA FIESTA - July 2010

 Another option is the Marriott Los Suenos resort. I have been once about three years ago. It was not all inclusive, but it was beautiful. It was very new at the time and has a golf course. However, at least when I was there, there was absolutely zero to do except for lay by the pool, work out in the gym, or play golf. So in the evening there was nothing to do, they did not even have music in the bar. We were very bored there. The third resort is Tambor, which is you can only reach by taking the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera and then driving about 20 minutes down the coast. I have stayed there few times. It is nice, but getting a little dated, also all inclusive. Food is ok, facilities are nice, pool is nice. Beach is pretty good. Some activities onsite. There is a nearby golf course.

There are several resorts in Guanacaste (about 4-5 hour drive northwest of San Jose, I have not stayed in any I am crazy about, but I have also not stayed in any expensive ones. There is a resort called La Conchal, which is beautiful, but also very huge, I have been to the beach which is made up of tiny white sea shells, almost no sand (beaches are open to public in Costa Rica). There is also a Four Seasons Resort in the Papagayo area, have not been, but passed by it in a boat, looks incredible.