If you're going to Tamarindo, I'd recommend . . . whats the name? El Cocodrilo? Hotel cocodrilo? Something like that. It's a few blocks north of the circle on the beach side.
French owned. Clean. A/C. Cheap. Plus they have a French bakery you can get pastries for breakfast, a bar & resturant, and beach access. Just watch the lagoon for the croc.