We had had a horrible day prior to arriving at Pura Vida, but luckily it turned around then. Our bag had been stolen on the bus from San Jose to La Fortuna (NEVER leave your bag in the overhead shelf on a bus), and when we got to town, we had to search for the police station to submit a report. The police directed us to a hotel across town that was fully booked, and they directed us to the hostel next door which was also booked. Luckily they directed us to Pura Vida. It was exactly what we needed. We paid $40 for a nice room with a huge shower with hot water. There was also cable TV. We had dinner here twice, and both times were excellent. The staff was very friendly and helpful, even let us make phone calls about our stolen bag. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from "downtown" La Fortuna (I use the term loosely) so it was a bit quieter here, though there are still some noisy trucks and dirt bikes that speed by. But overall a great place to stay.

My husband and I stayed here because this hotel was the Lonely Planet Costa Rica editor's pick for mid-range hotels. What a huge mistake! The bed coverings were digusting and looked like they hadn't been washed for years. We *hoped* at least the sheets were clean. Our room was poorly lit with one tiny overhead light and a tiny bedside lamp, so we always came home to a dark and dank room. The worst part was the inconsistent water temperature. Lonely Planet made much of the hot showers, which are important in Costa Rica after a long day of rafting or hiking. During our first few showers, the hot water would come and go, forcing us to wait about 5 minutes between each temporary spurt of hot water. By the time we left, the shower water only ran cold. We paid $60/night in the low season, and after comparing notes with other travelers who went to La Fortuna at the same time, seems like you can get a much better hotel for about $35-$40/night.

I stayed with my girlfriend at Hotel Pura Vida while we were in La Fortuna, and it deserves a good recommendation. It is a great, centrally located place that is perfect for a base to explore all the area has to offer. It is three blocks from the center of town, where there are plenty of restuarants, bars, etc, but that puts the hotel away from the bustle of the main drag. The rooms are inexpensive, but very clean and have air condition, TV and hot showers. The beds are great, which cannot be emphasized enough if you are planning to do some of the multitude of tours available. You can book tours right downstairs that will pick you up at the hotel. The owner was very helpful in booking tours and even helped us book a hotel in Liberia the night before we flew out. Highly recommended if you're in La Fortuna for the excitement and not the resorts.