Lodging: Las Colinas
I paid $10/night for this La Fortuna hotel, which was totally fine after paying a whopping $9 the previous night for a bunk bed in a cramped room in a San Jose hostel that reeked of urine. For $10 I got my own room with queen size bed, private bath and towels. It was supposed to be a shared bath on the first floor, but since it was low season, the receptionist (or manager?), Ivette, moved me to the third floor. Ivette was really sweet and as she said eagerly, she loves to help!
The hotel price included free breakfast at the restaurant next door, Java Jungle. Worth 900 colones, the choices were American, continental, or tipico cuisine, which is what I chose—eggs, generous portion of gallo pinto, toast, and orange juice. Delicious, and a great bargain.
Hotel Las Colinas also offers internet access on four computers in the small lobby. They are on dial-up connections, but very cheap: 450 colones for an hour, and they do prorate it.
The hotel was conveniently located near several restaurants, the bus stop, and the grocery store. The hotel wasn't listed in my guidebook; I found it online because I was looking for the cheapest jeep-boat transfer to Monteverde and they offered it for $18. I had exchanged multiple e-mails with Ivette before arriving, and true to her word, she was always very helpful.
I really enjoyed this hotel, although there was another place on the main road that advertised rooms for $5. So cheaper rooms are available, but if this fits your budget, it's highly recommended.