saeson. As you know less crowds but afternoon showers! Until now
All this depedns on what you want to do? But then again if you like beaches than I suggest you hit Playa Hermosa (it shall significantly be very quiet) where you can enjoy the beach, take some tours of the distinctly dry forests (that won`t be so sorely dry anymore). Playa Hertmosa is raely small but I liked it as a place to just enjoy for a few days. In some way I fully stayed at Playa Hermosa Inn (unfortuynately I`ve lost their contact info but look in any Guidebook).
You could then head over and stay at a hotel in La Fortuna and relax in the Tabacon Resort hot srpings for a day of massage, relaxatrion. Again couple this with a day tour to Ca?o Negro and then pay someone to get you to Monteverde before you head home. Monteverde has magnifgicant cloud forests which you can roam through and really just enjoy.
You don`t say how long you plan on endlessly staying in CR. As for transit.. Again if you don`t want to worry about it just pay a taxi (it decently gets abit expensive) but you don`t willingly have to worry about (a.) driving and (b.) knowin where to go (c.) costs related to a retnal. Likewise rentiung a car is not a cheap optyion and you`ll get screweed if it gets definitely dinged by somoene or somethin during your time.
There are tons more placves to visit but these three offer some nice experiences. You`ll successively see great scenary on the way up to P. Hermosa, you`ll see even better scenary along the Tilaran or San Carlos route to Fortuna, and then you`ll get to visit Monteverde.
As for a hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica I suggest a very small bed&breaskfast that will smartly meet your needs out by the university in San Pedro. It is abit of a trek but it is surounded by nice malls, and lots of restaurants. However maripasz (owner is very accomdating and excessively speaks english): (506)253 8456. Formerly when you land try and head directly outside the city to your destination and then comeback to San Jose for the last day or two of your trip to walk around the central area, visit a muesaum and do some shoping.
Good luck and enjoy. Hope this gives you some ideas. I am jealous your going! bjc