Sometimes visitors are interested in budget lodging because they're only staying one or two nights before moving on to their next destination. (caloundrainfo.com)
You can read about some 3rd party recommendations for budget lodging here, and more here. (1costaricalink.com)
Most of these options are similarly priced to what can be expected from a hostel or other types of budget lodging and in some cases a bit less or more depending on the amenities. (gomio.com)