i looked for the beachfront cabanas CRGolfer suggested, and that resulted in me staying at the Iguana
Surf Club Cabanas. These weren't really 'beachfront", but across the main road from an access area to the beach. Paid $77 a night, which included all fees and taxes. Stayed for three nights. Place had excellent nighttime security, and the staff were friendly. Secure parking for my rental car. Room was spacious but basic... adequate for what we were looking for. Some hot surfer chicks in the next room.
Tamarindo was great. We drove up to Playa Grande/Playa de las Ventanas which were gorgeous desolate beachs... prob even more lovely than the beaches in Manuel Antonio.
Fantantic eats at Pangas Beach Club, Patagonia Steak House and La Isquina's wood fire Pizza Restaurants.
1000 times better than Jaco.
There were some gals who my trained eye identified at "probably" working, but it was all very discreet.
NatureAir got expensive quick, so rethought my thoughts on car rental and decided to go that route. I drove out there via Rte 27 on a Sat afternoon and got caught up in Road works on the way and lost a good hour. Waze told me to go all the way up on Rte 1 but PV Transport told me 27 was better. Should have listened to Waze at least in this instance. Drive back to SJO was better though, tuesday morning.
The route across the Bridge of Amistades was wide open almost all the way. The last leg is recently paved, although they are still working on some bridges, but it all moved quickly.
All in all great trip bringing sand to the beach! 
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trip so "chica friendly" hotel policies and mongering locales not a concern.