Costa Rica self-catering

[MarkWithaC]

Has anyone done this, with Airbnb or similar? DP and I want to go this winter, but our budget doesn't allow for hotels/lodges etc for the whole stay (and we'd rather be independent anyway).

From a quick look on Airbnb, the standard and location of places to stay seems variable, especially at the lower end of the price scale, where we would be looking (up to about £80 a night, although ideally I'd prefer less). Does anyone have good experiences/recommendations for rentals?

And how is it generally for getting around on foot or by bus or taxi? I'd like a food shop and maybe a cafe or restaurant or two in easy walking distance, and ideally a beach in easy walking distance too.

Argh! Just lost a longer reply.

Short version - yes we did this.
Stayed in backpackers mostly e.g. poshpacker in la Fortuna and Samara Hostel in Samara.
Very comfortable, just simple.

Supermarkets are expensive but cheaper than eating out.
Eating out wasn't expensive compared with UK prices.
Sodas are cafes - a 'casado' is a whole meal for about £7.

Buses are good and vv cheap.

Minivan transfers are aimed at tourists - more expensive but good.

We did a day white water rafting that included our transfer from the Caribbean to San Jose as they pick up in multiple locations, so same cost as returning to the original pick up point.

Other recommendations:
Cabinas tito in Cahuita
El Bosque lodging in Monteverde (out of town, but includes breakfast and cafe near by - then walking distance in to town via sunset viewpoints and taxi back).
Uber for taxis
Exploradores for minivan transfers / rafting etc

The only place having no car was a pain was la fortune as activities were a distance from the town - we managed though by doing a tour one day and using Uber another. Within the town everything is walkable.

Thanks very much (sorry you lost your first reply – how frustrating!). For accommodation I'm really looking for actual self-catering ie renting a house/flat to ourselves. Good to know about buses/Uber and eating out.