I was part of three single girls traveling through Costa Rica and it was our first big trip outside the US/Mexico. Our first hotel was near Manuel Antonio and was great and clean (despite itty bitty ants in the room but were no bother) and everyone was hospitable. The next stop was Jaco for 5 nights (way too long in this town but we were told it was fun and a surfing "mecca", one night would have been plenty). We stayed at the Amapola because it was all-inclusive and had a "casino". However, this hotel was not up to par with what we were anticipating. Everyone who worked there was extremely nice and bent over backward for us and helped us develop our Spanish much better. But the rooms were old and broken down, though clean. Water temperature and pressure were iffy. But the food was pretty good and, again, the staff were excellent.

One big problem was that this seemed to be a weekend spot for local Costa Rican's to get away to. Which is great. However they have very different customs than Americans using resort facilities. For example many many babies were put in the pool with and without daipers. It got very loud at the pool area as well. I would suggest not staying here during a weekend.

The town of Jaco itself is very small and there is a little shopping. Believe me when I say 1 night here is plenty.