Mal Pais surf camp offers good value. Three of us split a "rancho" that sleeps 5 with a shared bathroom. It was $15 a night each. We had to pay for meals and surfboard rental. We found out about this place in the "Lonely Planet". They offer a wide variety of accomondations. Rooms, ranchos, camping, condo. There is a pool, bar and restaurant on the grounds as well as surf board rentals. It's about a ten minute walk from the hamlet of Franks Place. It's a sleepy little surf town. For nightlife, the different hotels take turns hosting a disco night. Mal Pais is worth visiting and it is a matter of time before the high rises move in. It is not the easiest place to get to. The surfing is intermediate and not the best place for beginners. A lot of solo travelers were doing the surf camp deal. If you don't mind sharing a rancho with others for $50 a day you get a bed, three meals, and a surf board rental. The staff is friendly and they offer surf lessons. The food is good and averages about $10 a meal. They also play surf videos at the bar. It's clean and suited for active travelers. The beach is an easly ten minute walk down an easy trail. This place is suited for active travelers. We were in Costa Rica the first two weeks in December just before the high season. Prices then go up.