Central America - Northern Pacific Costa Rica - need hotel advice

We are looking a 4-5 nights in the northern Pacific area of Costa Rica. Some other posts have stated to stay away from the Tamarindo area. So where do people rec, and at what hotels/resorts?

Main things we're looking for:
:-:great beaches:-:
maybe close to a town for other eating/hanging out options
Not the 4 Seasons price range :)
Good pool (not just something that's rectangle with coping around it.

Any suggestions would be welcome...I'm getting a little overwhelmed.

Tamarindo is getting knocked around because they are having serious water issues.
Here are a few options:

Flamingo Beach: mostly houses for rent though I think thee might be a hotel or two there (don't know about current prices or quality)

Melia Conchal: pretty nice all inclusive resort, good beach & pool, pretty good food options, golf course

Playa Panama (Hotel Casa Conde Del Mar): across the bay from Papagayo peninsula (4 seasons among others) has a nice little cabina style hotel with neat rooms, good pool, ideal beach for kids since there are no waves or strong currents

There's also a new Hilton (Hilton Papagay Resort), though I think they just rebranded some other property (old Fiesta property I believe).

There are a couple of Hotwire properties in this area. My wife lives in San Jose for 9 months of the year, and likes the Playa Flamingo Resort. Nothing fancy, but decent enough. You can get it on Hotwire for $55-$66 a night, plus taxes/fees. She even booked it during the Spring Break period, when the hotel charges 3x more.

There are a couple of Hotwire properties in this area. My wife lives in San Jose for 9 months of the year, and likes the Playa Flamingo Resort. Nothing fancy, but decent enough. You can get it on Hotwire for $55-$66 a night, plus taxes/fees. She even booked it during the Spring Break period, when the hotel charges 3x more.

I just came back from a week at Flamingo Beach and I highly recommend it!
Not Fancy just a nice friendly place where you can relax.;)

Playa Grande is nice and only 2 km North of Tamarindo. However, there is an estuary between the two so it's about a half hour drive by car (or an easy walk up the beach).

It is so much more relaxed and peaceful than Tamarindo but you are still close enough if there is anything you wanted to go there for.