Meg, we had good luck with the BW Irazu. It is on the main route from San Jose to the airport, only about 15 minutes from the airport (and when we were there they ran a shuttle to/from airport). We paid $50 a night for a nice double a couple years ago (airline or nonrev rate at the time). You can check out the hotel on the BW site www.bestwestern.com . Don't know the other hotel you mentioned, but we had a wonderful experience at the Laguna Lodge at Tortugero. There are a couple of tour agents at BW Irazu that can set up tours to the volcanos or eco sites. Hope you enjoy your trip . . . Tesek