Hi Frank: I am leaving in 4 days for a 10 day adventure in Costa Rica. Never been there and really wish I was going to AC (ha ha), but you know the old story - so many places to go! I am not going to Pacific Coast, but will be at Arenal, Fortuna, Tabacon (yes, getting a full spa treatment and relaxing in their hot springs while hopefully watching an active volcano giving me a show), and the Caribbean side for several days. Got to get in the reggae fix. Pick yourself up a copy of Lonely Planet Travel Guide to CR. Very informative. The message board for CR sucks compared to this one.
I have heard lots of good and lots of bad, but I think one has to go see for themself. Lobster on Turkey Day for me!