I believe we've decided not to rent a car, as it really doesn't make sense for our short trip and itinerary. I think we're going to the airport transfer through Ariel's company (the one mentioned by
healthnut). I have still not decided on a tour company for our activities, but right now I've reached out to Cosa Rica Issys Tours (Christian, #1 on TA), Costa Rica Best Trips (Ariel, #2 on TA), and Papagayo Vargas Tours (Josta, #3 on TA for LIR). TPG mentioned Herson Segura as another option who appears to be a regular reference among the Hilton and Four Seasons crowds. I may reach out to him tomorrow. Ariel and Josta have been extremely responsive thus far.
I also emailed the Andaz to see if they can get me in touch with the hotel concierge for assistance with planning activities, but I have not heard back from them at this time.
It looks like we're going to visit Playas del Coco and stay around the hotel on our first day... and possibly take a sunset cruise. We're going to do activities for the next two days (likely Arenal on Saturday and snorkeling on Sunday). We will then spend Monday around the hotel... likely spend some time in the spa, as we have an EARLY flight out of LIR on AA (6:10am, which means we get to depart from the Andaz at a ridiculous 3:30am).
The good thing is that it appears most brokered airport transfer services are 24/7 ... and still quite reasonable on the r/t fares (around $125 tops, so be sure to use these services rather than those arranged through the hotel). From reading on FT, it is highly recommended that you pre-purchase the airport exit fee ($29pp) while at the Andaz to a) save you time at the airport and b) to avoid the fee being charged as a "cash advance" by the airport (might as well get some points with multipliers, right?).
Also, for anyone wanting to explore Coco or Hermosa and not renting a car, be sure to do so on your way to the hotel (arrange it with your transfer service, if possible). Taxi fares are about a minimum $60-75 r/t from the resort to those areas. You can factor this into those "They charge THAT MUCH for dinner at the resort?!" type of internal debates.
As it seems a number of us are heading down to CR in May, I'm sure this thread will grow quite a bit with useful reports about what to do, what not to do, etc. I pretend to be a novice photographer (aka I take 10,000 photos and play the fairly decent odds that 10 of them will turn out above average), so I will be sure to get a lot of photos, as well.
healthnut and
Jay00848, be sure to check back as you start preparing for departure.