muppetman:
I'll second that! Does ANYONE have any views about Pura Vida, please?
I did weeks on research on the smaller places and actually set up a database. Since no one wants to come forward and speak directly about the resort (except those with vested interests), let me just say that there are better deals--pricewise and accommodationswise. Without knowing what you want specifically, it's hard to say who is best--they all had trade-offs.
The problem I found is that the smaller places really aren't optimizing their web sites as a marketing tool, and the large and hugely overpriced resorts have not only marketing people, but "associates" in the states who are running trips and actively promoting those resorts to pump up their prospects. Hey, who can blame them? If I had something to gain, I would do it, too. It's called guerrilla-marketing. They even have a newer name for this kind of marketing because the public has become so jaded by traditional marketing that we totally discount it. However, this under-the-radar "peer marketing" does backfire, but because it happens on a one-on-one basis, the overall consequence to the firm/person using it is minimal. Let's just say that as a marketing strategy it has a large upside and a small downside. As all things on the net--buyer beware.
Ok, off my soapbox now. Keep googling and you'll learn what I did about all the neat little places on cliffsides or quiet beaches or charming hosts. Most publish prices and the sites will come up that include prices, most of them less than Pura Vida.
So that you don't feel cheated, I'll give you one name. After all my research, I liked Half Moon Bay Cabins. They're at the end of the main drag, away from the noise. The boats will pick you up at their dock. It's $38.50/night and has a terrific restaurant. The people are nice, too. Check it out.
Don't forget to take a weekend to visit Copan. The luxury buses to and from are CHEAP as are the pensiones.
Have fun, and I hope that helps. Although I sincerely regret that what I have written will bring out the trolls. Just click next when they pop up.
GD