View Full Version : San Jose - Hotel Recommendations
Moved over from San Augstin. Very good service and was reminded several times by staff to get be sure and get a reservation in advance for next stay. They are usually pretty full. Very accommodating staff. Clean room fully carpeted with big bed, TV, a/c, and bathroom. Card key door lock. Safety deposit box in room. Ask for "the discount" = $41 a day. No chica hassles / fees.
I could not call out from the phone in my room but the desk could call me.
Once my card key would not work and I had a chica from the del ray with me waiting to get in. So after screwing around for a while they figured out the batteries were dead.
They gave me the key to the next room so we could go in and relax while they put new batteries in my door lock.
So we go in to room #2 and get busy then the next thing I know the maid is banging on the door telling my room is ready. I shoulda put the do not disturb sign out because she just kept knocking damnit.
Long story short my second stay there and no real problems.
Z
I need a place with decent wireless IN THE ROOM.
Del Rey says they have - any confirmation?
Anyplace else - good for the gals too?
Thanks!
I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica in Dec. for a week I've heard the Del Ray is the place to stay. Can anyone help me out with what I should expect or prices there or any other places to stay for good prices and are chica freindly. That would be great.
The Holiday Inn, San Jose GF?
What is the fee for guest to stay over night?
Standard room at Del Rey is $80 and they charge $10 per chica visit. It is ground zero but I would suggest Presidente ($56 with discount) or Clarion Amon Plaza ($60 with discount). Presidente is one block away and much nicer than Del Rey. It's on the main walking street which is a great location. Amon Plaza is a 10 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride away. Amon is quieter but the neighborhood is less interesting. Always use taxis at night.
The Holiday Inn, San Jose GF?
What is the fee for guest to stay over night?I stayed there my last visit, very pricey. The rooms are great as is the hotel in general but they were charging $25 per girl per trip in. I have heard the price has gone UP on the chica fee.
Rolleratnight
08-02-07, 11:21
Standard room at Del Rey is $80 and they charge $10 per chica visit. It is ground zero but I would suggest Presidente ($56 with discount) or Clarion Amon Plaza ($60 with discount). Presidente is one block away and much nicer than Del Rey. It's on the main walking street which is a great location. Amon Plaza is a 10 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride away. Amon is quieter but the neighborhood is less interesting. Always use taxis at night.How do you get a discount at Hotel Presidente?
Standard room at Del Rey is $80 and they charge $10 per chica visit. It is ground zero but I would suggest Presidente ($56 with discount) or Clarion Amon Plaza ($60 with discount). Presidente is one block away and much nicer than Del Rey. It's on the main walking street which is a great location. Amon Plaza is a 10 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride away. Amon is quieter but the neighborhood is less interesting. Always use taxis at night.
Clarion Amon is now $ 70 for a regular room and $90 for the jr suite..ONLY BOOKED through the Paradiso casino inside the hotel
The discount is from another site
Sportsmens Lodge is another alternative, if you can get in (always booked solid)
www.sportsmenscr.com
Hotel Presidente has different types of rooms. Regular room with the bed moving every which way is the cheapest which I would not recommend.
Junior suites are pretty good, somewhere around $90/night. Ask for Casino discount.
For $90 at Presidente you can choose between a Jr. Suite or a spa room. I've only been in trhe standard room, but the spa room (for the same $90 price) is much nicer.
The regular rooms at Amon Plaza are spacious and I would not pay more for the JR. suite.
Just booked a ticket for my first trip to SJO for early NOV 07. After reading all 260+ posts on hotel recommendations, I have decided to try Sportsmen’s Lodge. (I’ll be hearing jokes about Sportsman staying at the Sportsmen’s Lodge til eternity.) On their website, room types are Standard Regular, Standard Large, Standard Deluxe, Junior Suite, and Master Suite (Not considering the Penthouse Suite). The price ranges from $59 to $99 in $10 increments. The questions are 1) What are the differences between those rooms/suites and 2) What is the overall recommendation on room type.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Just booked a ticket for my first trip to SJO for early NOV 07. After reading all 260+ posts on hotel recommendations, I have decided to try Sportsmen’s Lodge. (I’ll be hearing jokes about Sportsman staying at the Sportsmen’s Lodge til eternity.) On their website, room types are Standard Regular, Standard Large, Standard Deluxe, Junior Suite, and Master Suite (Not considering the Penthouse Suite). The price ranges from $59 to $99 in $10 increments. The questions are 1) What are the differences between those rooms/suites and 2) What is the overall recommendation on room type.
Thanks in advance for the help.
I've stayed in both the Master, or Presidential Suite and in the Junior Suite, both near the front. The Master Suite has a large bedroom and a living room that I never used. It also has a huge bathroom. The Junior Suite has a huge bedroom with a sofa, and a tiny bathroom that I found intolerable. For just $10 difference, go for the Master Suite.
A couple of caveats. Don't book either of these rooms if you're not a sound sleeper. The floors outside are tiled and uncarpeted, so you'll hear the clacking of heels well into the night. Also, both of them, especially the Junior Suite, are poorly lit. When I recently stayed in the Junior Suite, I had to insist on an extra light, so they brought in a halogen floor lamp from the owner's room. Otherwise it would have been too dark to read. I've never stayed in the back, so others will have to report on those rooms.
L
Member #2964
08-06-07, 13:15
Sporstman. Ck out the Sportmans web site or better yet give Bill (owner of sportmans)a call and ask him.
I have to agree with Lorenzo, I would not want to spend my time in the front rooms and by that I mean any room before the bar. I would spend the extra Paga for the rooms in the new section faceing the zoo. Have fun what ever you decide.
Fellow Mongers;
I told my dad (70) of a small trip that I took to Panama and he told me on Saturday that he wants to go. His health has rapidly declined over the last two years so I'm booking this baby for Sept 9.
I would like some recommendations on some suites where we can bring some chicas with ease and where my father will be comfortable. It must be close to a casino or in a casino because that is what my dad wants to do the most. Elevators are a must because Stairs and my old man just don't mix anymore.
The Balmoral has a really neat tour & food package that interests me but I can book a tour anywhere.
Your advice is appreciated.
Fernando
Thanks Lorenzo and Member #2964, I decided on the Presidential Suite. I'll report back on my experience.
Dan D Dick
08-11-07, 13:22
How do you get a discount at Hotel Presidente?
First, pay the damned money to this forum so you can receive PMs.
*******
I spent 3 nights there at their rack rate last week ($125/nt for a spa room).
I e-mailed them & told them I often return & wound up with an $89 offer for the CRT discount for the same room on my next trip. At $89 it'll probably become my favorite. I presume the regular rooms are also steeply discounted but my friend likes the tub & I like the extra room & workspace.
/Dan D.
Global Macaroni
08-15-07, 04:10
Hate to beat a dead thread, but here is where I'm at.
I procrastinated. I will be in DT SJO on Saturday Sept 1st, then off to Jaco/Los Suenos for the rest of the trip.
My first time to CR, and I have been reading the hell out of this thread.
My dilema:
Hotel Del Rey
SL
Presidente
Zona Blue
and most of the other recommends.... all booked.
Can anyone drop some insight? I want to be near the gulch/fun. with a decent room, chica friendly.
I will be in the 1st of Sept out the 2nd. Need a 1/2 way decent room hotel. Any ideas?
All help is Greatly Appreciated!
GM
Dan D Dick
08-15-07, 23:21
Try the Clarion Amon Plaza. I was able to move my visit up two days & add another room as late as last week. Now I'l be arriving on the 30th with one friend, will have a 2nd friend arriving on the 31st & will have a newbie arriving on the 1st. All will be staying at the Amon Plaza. You can either book on their website (quicker) or contact Nixon (**usually** cheaper).
/Dan D.
Hate to beat a dead thread, but here is where I'm at.
I procrastinated. I will be in DT SJO on Saturday Sept 1st, then off to Jaco/Los Suenos for the rest of the trip.
My first time to CR, and I have been reading the hell out of this thread.
My dilema:
Hotel Del Rey
SL
Presidente
Zona Blue
and most of the other recommends.... all booked.
Can anyone drop some insight? I want to be near the gulch/fun. with a decent room, chica friendly.
I will be in the 1st of Sept out the 2nd. Need a 1/2 way decent room hotel. Any ideas?
All help is Greatly Appreciated!
GM
Global Macaroni
08-16-07, 04:39
Try the Clarion Amon Plaza. I was able to move my visit up two days & add another room as late as last week. Now I'l be arriving on the 30th with one friend, will have a 2nd friend arriving on the 31st & will have a newbie arriving on the 1st. All will be staying at the Amon Plaza. You can either book on their website (quicker) or contact Nixon (**usually** cheaper).
/Dan D.Took your advice. Thanks dan! Will be in the amon plaza sept 1st!
Is this close to the action?
Thanks again!
Global:
Clarion is a great hotel, in right location, not too overwhelming and not too far from action. Also try Sprttsmens Lodge. A small place but adequate.
Anybody stay at the Presidente recently? Are they charging a chica "joiner" fee?
Is the place true to its pictures on their website: http://www.hotel-presidente.com/main.cfm
It looks swanky like they are trying to be a boutique-Euro-style hotel, not exactly what i expected in a chica-friendly hotel, though definitely welcome if true to life.
Thanks! I'm trying to line up some fall mongering trips...
I emailed them and asked, their response is:
------------------
Thank you for your e-mail; about the guest charge if
the person stay overnight the charge will be $15+tax
extras.
------------------
I'd still be interested to hear Monger reviews of the hotel itself.
Dan D Dick
08-23-07, 17:29
I'd still be interested to hear Monger reviews of the hotel itself.
I'll likely make it my first choice when visiting; maybe 2nd behind the SL.
The location is perfect. It's an easy walk downstairs to Avenida Central. The breakfast is better then the one at SL. The rooms (I had a spa) are better than the SL for the most part. There are no putas to drool over like at the SL.
There have been concerns about the walk from the BM to the Presidente at midnight. I did that a couple of times last visit (3 weeks ago or so) with my novia du jour. No issues. Of course there were the irritating little peddlers but no issues from a safety perspective.
They do scrutinize the chicas though. Although my novia checked in a few hours after I arrived (no extra cost) she had to fill out the guest registration. No biggie. She was stopped once when leaving & they asked for her ???? card. Not a cedula, apparantly a health card. She was actually flattered they thought she was pretty enough to be a puta (other than lacking in the tits department she's great - very pretty face & a perfect ass).
The bellman came rushing over & waved us on, apparently telling the bouncer she was a guest. No problems after that.
There is a VERY nice touch at the Presidente. You can reserve the roof in one hour segments at no cost. There's a nice hot tub (a little too hot for me), sauna & chairs. It's open air, over looking the city. I got some great nekkid pics of my honey with San Jose in the background. Bring your own drinks & towels up & the area's yours for an hour undisturbed. I think it's only available from 4 to 10.
We had a bit of a problem with the wireless, though it worked much better than at the SL. No charge for the internet connection.
With the CRT discount I'd say it's a much better value than the SL, though the SL bar is the best & Asta [sp?] is a doll at the SL.
Unfortunately I figured it out a bit late & will be staying at the Amon Plaza next week.
/Dan D.
With the CRT discount I'd say it's a much better value than the SL, though the SL bar is the best & Asta [sp?] is a doll at the SL.
/Dan D.
Many thanks for the details, much appreciated.
What exactly is the CRT discount you mention? I see it in a couple of other spots in this forum but not exactly what it is.
rumpus:
There is no guest fee to take one chica to your room at Presidente. They will be stopped at the concierge desk at the elevator and her ID will be examined and her visit recorded. Her name is checked to make sure she has not created any problems in the past. This check is for your protection. You will not be charged extra for the chica.
Presidente does have a dress policy and she will not be allowed into the hotel wearing hot pants or other "inappropriate" attire. The girls all know this. The Del Rey girls bring a change of clothes with them and change before they leave Del Rey for Presidente.
Dan D./Global If you've never been to Amon Plaza, don't worry. It's a very nice hotel a short walk (taxi at night) to Del Rey. Zona Blue and New Fantasy Massage are less than 5 min. walk. Dan D., I know you're a Marriott guy, but Amon Plaza is a good hotel.
I received a reccomendation from a Non monger for the Hotel Don Carlos, I of course scoured through the hotel section and found one reference to it but no info as to its chica friendliness. Anyone have any info ?
The Hotel Don Carlos is an overpriced family type of hotel that does not cater to mongers or P4P gals.
You will do better to look elsewhere........
This is my opinion....if you have a differing opinion....then by all means voice it....but please don't jump down my throat for voicing my opinion.
Pura Vida
The Hotel Don Carlos is an overpriced family type of hotel that does not cater to mongers or P4P gals.
You will do better to look elsewhere........
This is my opinion....if you have a differing opinion....then by all means voice it....but please don't jump down my throat for voicing my opinion.
Pura VidaHow dare you give me good information on that hotel !! The nerve of some people responding with straight forward concise info to my question. You should be rounded up and forced to be Rosie O'Donnell's personal gynecologist.
I had a feeling that was the case for the Don Carlos but thought I would run it past the group. Looking for a nice place that is in the middle of the road as far as mongering as that is not my only reason for going ( it is in the top 2 or 3 though lol ). Essentially looking for a place that will not promote it or profit off of it, just turn a blind eye. My top choice right now is the La Sabana Apartments - any comments from the group ?
Diesel E,
If I was able to be the personal gynecologist (hope you spelled that correctly- as I copied you) then I guess that would be OK. At least I would get to see 'a little pussy' every now and then, and wouldn't have to pay for it, like I do now.
Although with Rosie O'Donnell, I don't believe anyone could mistake hers for " a little pussy "....... hell I bet it's as big as a catcher's mitt and probably smelly too.
Now on the hotels in San Jose, what would be your prefered price range for hotels.....when I know that, perhaps I can recommend a few that you would like.
Steve
I'm not sure I'd agree with Steve about the Don Carlos being overpriced (obviously YMMV), but he's absolutely right about it being extremely non-chica friendly. I'm not sure where you did your search, but when I ran one I came up with 18 hits including several by me which addressed its chica friendliness (or lack thereof).
Just 2 months ago this question came up and I wrote:
When I went to SJ once with my family, I stayed at the Don Carlos, which is a nice mainstream and very charming tourist B&B in Barrio Amon north of the Gulch. It also happens to be across the street from the NF, which makes it handy for sneaking away during the day, but I'm not sure I fooled everyone in my family with all my "going out walks". They also aren't girl friendly so any mongering done while staying there will have to be done somewhere else.http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=622325&postcount=770
And 2 years before that I wrote:
The Don Carlos is a nice hotel that I've actually stayed at a few times, but it is NOT chica friendly. You used to be able to bring chicas back later at night after all the ecotourists had gone to bed, but no more. They have a new female manager who is very down on our type of tourism.
Wyld,
If you still insist on staying at the Don Carlos, I recommend that you reserve room #10. All you need to do is look out your balcony and you will see New Fantasy MP directly across the street, which is a good thing since all your mongering will have to be done at places like that, since you won't beable to bring anyone back. So forget about worrying about where to pick up any chicas unless you're prepared to get a room somewhere else..http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=405038&postcount=551
La Sabana Apartments are in the same middle of the road price range ($60-90/nt) as the Don Carlos but the location is not nearly as convenient for mongering. I suggest you focus on places in the nice safe and quiet Amon or Otoya neighborhoods just north of Gringo Gulch (and close to the ZB and NF MP's).
If you don't mind a US chain you could go for the Clarion Amon Plaza, a Choice Hotel which makes it about as mainstream as you can get. Their rate is only $70/nt including tax IF you book through their casino (Phone: 1-888-800-5759 email: info@casino-paradiso.com). The casino website is no longer up so I'm not sure they still offer that deal to the general public but I know you can still get it if you have a CRT card and reserve with the casino manager Nixon (call him on his cell at 506-878-7138)And booking through him will mean their usual chica fees will be waived. BTW, the Sleep Inn next door to the Del Rey is also a Choice Hotel but they charge a $25 chica fee (so they're definitely not promoting it but they ARE profiting).
Personally, I prefer more the little B&B type places. The Inca Real (www.hotelincareal.com) has rates from $45-65 including tax and a normal $10 chica fee HOWEVER if you join CRT you get a 20% discount plus a waiver of any chica fees. Obviously, this is more of a budget option than the nearby Amon Plaza and the rooms not nearly as nice, but it is still a very good deal. Also, this is much more of a quiet eco-tourist hotel so don't make a lot of noise when you bring your chicas back late at night so as not to disturb the other guests. And try to avoid getting the room on the first floor near the breakfast area if you're a light sleeper and plan to get up late since those eco-tourists usually start early so they can head out on their tours.
Maybe I used the wrong choice of words, I did not use the search feature but I read through the entire hotel recomendation section keeping an eye out for the Don Carlos. Both of those posts were in different sections so did not come across them.
I am not too concerned about the distance as I have read that it is a good idea to take a taxi at night even if you are only a few blocks away so a couple bucks more is not a big deal.
These are my preferences
1) Monger friendly but not Mongercentric
2) Would prefer a local place rather than a chain
3) would like a king bed
Was also looking at a place on VRBO.com that specifically mentions that it is within walking distance of the Del Rey so I would assume it is monger friendly.
http://www.vrbo.com/77704
THE HOLIDAY INN IS NOT, I REPEAT, NOT GUEST FRIENDLY. UNLESS YOU CONSIDER 47.00 PER GUEST EXTRA TO BE GUEST FRIENDLY. I have circumvented guest policies all over LA. Not here. I am back at home in Hotel Presidente. I miss having a pool, my tan will have to wait until My next stop Managua. Hell it rains here constantly anyway, no need for a pool.
Diesel E,
As we say here in Missouri - (yea - it's hillbilly country).....
"Bub You Are Barkin Up The Wrong Tree".
I am not criticising your hotel choices....just trying to point you in the right direction. So this info is to help you find a good hotel for your needs.
I believe you will also find that the Casa Don Tomas (Hotel) like the Don Carlos Hotel, is also a family style hotel that does not cater to mongers & and does not want P4P girls in the place.
It appears that your prefered price range may be around $ 40-45.00 a night- right?
If that is what you want to pay, you will do yourself a favor to investigate the Hotel Castillo which is only about 2 - 4 blocks from the other hotels that you have asked about......all of them are in Barro Amon (one of the suburbs of the city of San Jose).
Plus the Hotel Castillo is most decidely chica friendly- never an extra chica fee....even has a couple of non-obtrusive gals who are on site or who can be called by the receptionist, who will come to your room to give you a massage......your choice of non-sexual or sexio....either way.
Hotel Castillo - website -----> http://www.hotelcastillo.biz/
The Castillo is very nice, laidback, small hotel, with American management....everyone speaks English....and you should be very comfortable there for about $ 40.00 (cash)- this time of year - as it is low season. If you pay with a credit card it's slightly higher. Did I mention a very nice complimentary breakfast outside on the patio too.....
If you want to spend more money and upgrade a little , then I recommend the Sportsman Lodge which is just up the street and around the corner from the Castillo.
Both of these hotels are in Barro Amon which is a short 5-6 block walk from the famous Hotel Del Rey.
But don't walk it at after dark, as you have to walk right by the park, and just at, and after dark, it is filled with trannies, pickpockets, and theives.
Plus there will be regular street walkers working out of the two parks in that area...but be warned....they are more interested in stealing money out of your pocket than showing you a good time in the sack.
Two real good massage parlors ( New Fantasy and Zona Blue ) are right in this same neighborhood and within walking distance from any of the hotels mentioned....Don Carlos, Santo Tomas, Castillo, or Sportsman Lodge. You should enjoy yourself at either of these two MP's - if that is your thing.
Well the VRBO option does have a private entrance and a mention of the Del Rey but I will heed your advice and pass on it. Hotel Castillo was another one on my short list so I think I will shoot for that. I appreciate the info and welcome any other nuggets of wisdom as I am a first timer to CR.
GringoLoco2
09-19-07, 08:15
Does Sportsmens Lodge have a chica fee?
If you want to spend more money and upgrade a little , then I recommend the Sportsman Lodge which is just up the street and around the corner from the Castillo.
World Jockey
09-20-07, 16:01
I'm a CR newbie just trying to get the heads up.
1. Does Hotel Gran Via have a hotel fee?
And how close is it to the center of action (I'm only staying 4 days)
2. How close far is morazan from all the action?
From what I understand they have a $3 chica fee correct?
Thanks in advance
For those of you who might frequent comfort inns in your travels here in the states, your points are now good at Sleep Inn in San Jose right next to the Hotel Del Rey. Nice new property with free breakfast. Its 8000 points for a night. I would only recommend this for a points stay, there are better places if you are paying. DO NOT TRY HOLIDAY INN, EVEN FOR FREE. They are out of their minds.
Dodger Bulldog
09-23-07, 01:34
Does Sportsmens Lodge have a chica fee?Absolutely not.
Hell, in order to serve you better, they encourage chicas to hang out on the premises for just for your convenience and happiness!
DB
I had a great stay at the Hotel Castillo (www.hotelcastillo. Biz). I arrived for my reservation at The Sportmen's Lodge a day early and they were sold out. They helped me get a room at Hotel Castillo. When I went back to the SL the next day, they were nice enough to let me cancel my reservation and continue my stay at HC. SL let me see the room I had reserved in the back portion of hotel and it was definately more modern but I liked the vintage corner room I had back at HC. The rate was also much lower at about $50/night cash.
Besides the vintage rooms at HC there is a strip of newer motel style rooms in back that are air conditioned and have kitchens. The best part, however, was the new owners of the connected restaurant/bars. In the early evening, there were tour buses w/ groups eating but later the 2 small bars are a perfect chill place to have a drink with a new friend. The new owners are more than chica friendly! So, I felt I had the best of both worlds. The SL was just around the corner where I had some great meals and met some beautiful chicas in their bar which is my favorite in San Jose and also enjoyed hanging out for a night cap at the Hotel Castillo bar before inviting my new friends to see my room.
I also booked a white water rafting trip (which was amazing! ) at Hotel Castillo which has a large bus that picks you up at the hotel. The hotel has a mix of guests that aren't exclusively mongers. I had a funny visual of a chica kissing me on the cheek while boarding a bus full of tourists if I had stayed at the Hotel Del Rey! No guilt at the Hotel Castillo!
World Jockey
10-03-07, 05:28
But is their a difference between...
Hotel Costa Rica Morazán
and
Hotel Casa Morazan
Are they one in the same?
Also what do you guys think of the hotel San Agustin?
They are VERY different places.
Casa Morazon is a cutesy little B&B with maybe 10 rooms located on Calle 7 & Ave 9. (about 2 blocks north of Morazon Park near NF). My understanding is that it is not chica friendly, but I don't know anyone who has stayed there myself. Room rates start in the $50-60 range.
Hotel Costa Rica Morazon (or simply the Morazon) is located on the NE corner of Calle 7 & Ave 1. (about 1 block south of Morazon Park & 1 block west of the HDR/BM). As you know, it is very chica friendly. And discounted room rates of $35/nt are always offered.
There could be some confusion about the San Agustin Hotel(s) too. The main hotel is located behind the BCR building on Calle 6 between Ave Central and 2 (just south of the Central Market). As shady as the areas around the above 2 hotels can be after dark, they're fairly safe compared to the area around this hotel (ie take a cab at night).
They also have a sister hotel that most of us are more familiar with - the Gran Via (located on the NW corner of Calle 3 and Ave. Central). The Gran Via had been a favorite of some long-time CR vets but has been going down in quality for some time, finally closing recently and reopening I believe only in the last couple of months. The big sign on the side of the building still reads Gran Via but the Gran Via website redirects to El San Agustin.
If you're referring to the original San Agustin. They're chica friendly (no fees) and cheap like $34/nt including tax & breakfast (and probably negotiable below that), but the rooms are tiny and the location very rough. If you are going to go there, I'd go a block and half further south and try the Doral, whose rooms are fairly nice. If you're referring to the "new" San Agustin (aka Gran Via), I don't know about their new rates or chica policies. They USED to be chica friendly and had posted rates around the $50 range, which were also negotiable. Hopefully, they've resolved some of the other issues that had led to their closure.
Personally, if you found the Morazon to be acceptable to you on your last trip, I think you should just stick with that. Unless you want to trade up in price, you probably won't find anyplace with rooms that are significantly better in that price range and you won't find a more convenient location relative to the BM unless you stay at the HDR.
World Jockey
10-13-07, 22:04
Thanks for the breakdown Prolijo.
The last thing I need was to be stuck in some honeymooners B&B with some old people at the desk screaming no chicas
Now I know.
I am a CR virgin
So I'm crossing my fingers that the good people at morazan actually keep the reservation I just booked.
I just
They are VERY different places.
Casa Morazon is a cutesy little B&B with maybe 10 rooms located on Calle 7 & Ave 9. (about 2 blocks north of Morazon Park near NF). My understanding is that it is not chica friendly, but I don't know anyone who has stayed there myself. Room rates start in the $50-60 range.
Hotel Costa Rica Morazon (or simply the Morazon) is located on the NE corner of Calle 7 & Ave 1. (about 1 block south of Morazon Park & 1 block west of the HDR/BM). As you know, it is very chica friendly. And discounted room rates of $35/nt are always offered.
There could be some confusion about the San Agustin Hotel(s) too. The main hotel is located behind the BCR building on Calle 6 between Ave Central and 2 (just south of the Central Market). As shady as the areas around the above 2 hotels can be after dark, they're fairly safe compared to the area around this hotel (ie take a cab at night).
They also have a sister hotel that most of us are more familiar with - the Gran Via (located on the NW corner of Calle 3 and Ave. Central). The Gran Via had been a favorite of some long-time CR vets but has been going down in quality for some time, finally closing recently and reopening I believe only in the last couple of months. The big sign on the side of the building still reads Gran Via but the Gran Via website redirects to El San Agustin.
If you're referring to the original San Agustin. They're chica friendly (no fees) and cheap like $34/nt including tax & breakfast (and probably negotiable below that), but the rooms are tiny and the location very rough. If you are going to go there, I'd go a block and half further south and try the Doral, whose rooms are fairly nice. If you're referring to the "new" San Agustin (aka Gran Via), I don't know about their new rates or chica policies. They USED to be chica friendly and had posted rates around the $50 range, which were also negotiable. Hopefully, they've resolved some of the other issues that had led to their closure.
Personally, if you found the Morazon to be acceptable to you on your last trip, I think you should just stick with that. Unless you want to trade up in price, you probably won't find anyplace with rooms that are significantly better in that price range and you won't find a more convenient location relative to the BM unless you stay at the HDR.
Making a return trip to SJ over Thanksgiving. Has anyboy got a method for making a reservation at the Morazan? We've been trying to contact the front desk via phone, but it goes right to an answering machine. Also, their home page won't allow a submittal for a reservation. Any contact advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Columbian Lover
10-24-07, 01:59
Gentlemen,
Can anyone tell me if the Hotel Presidente still is ok and somewhat GF?
I stayed there about a year ago.
I usually stay at the Best Western near the airport, but I was thinging of staying downtown for one night since most of my night is down there.
Can anyone suggest a hotel near the Best Western near the airport?
Any comments of the Courtyard Marriot or any other hotel the is GF or normal id checks?
Thanks
I usually head to Colombia but will head to San Jose tomorrow for 2 nights as I have not been since 1994. Tried all the recommended hotels,
Sportsman lodge
Presidente
Amistad
El Castillo
Del Rey
Morazon
But they are all booked. The two that have rooms are Sleep Inn or Clarion Amon through Nixon at the Casion. For 2 nights, which would be best? One is next door to the action but the other is a little further away but has NO Chica FEES!
Thank you for your help!! Happy Thanskgiving!
http://www.sudamer.net/
Try this place, the guys name is Carlos, speaks english, he quoted me rates of $30 per night. It is nearby the HDR, but appears nicer than the Morazon or the Delrey.
Happy hunting
Panda
Gentlemen,
Can anyone tell me if the Hotel Presidente still is ok and somewhat GF?
I stayed there about a year ago.
ThanksI stayed there in August and it was OK. Girl had to register her ID at the front but no other hassles.
There were also a couple of girls hanging around in the bar downstairs who I later saw in Key Largo, but not the hordes you see elsewhere.
Huge Hefner
12-14-07, 01:57
Does anyone know the Hotel Europa?
I hear it's chica friendly.
I am a newbie planning for my first mongering trip ever. We have decided on Costa Rica. I am going with three friends. I hear the hotel del ray is shitty but it seems it would be the best place to stay for newbies. I just don't like the fact that if my friend finds a girl then he has to leave the place by himself and take a cab to go back to another hotel. I hear you should take a cab everywhere because it is dangerous. I like the fact that with the hotel del ray you just take the elevator up to your room and that is it, no chances of anyone getting robbed or killed. Is my best bet to just rent some rooms at hotel del ray for sex when I go there to pick up chicks and still book rooms at a better hotel where I will spend the night.
The taxi rides are definitely the way to go. There are other hotels in the area, like the Morazan across the street. Hotels are not US quality so it is a crap shoot. HDR is the palce where it all happens and can be very convienent but they charge a $10 chica fee, Morazan doesnt. I hear good things about the Sportsman Lodge and the Presidente, both are short cab rides from HDR. HDR and Morazan can be loud and not good for sleeping...street noise is awful there. Everyone honks their horns fro EVERYTHING!! I stayed at the Morazan in August. The room was ok, noise was terrible, price was good, no chica fee, close to HDR and Key Largo ((good food))
Hope this helps
Panda
Does anyone know the Hotel Europa?
I hear it's chica friendly.I did a threesome in the Hotel Europa. It is definitely chica friendly, but not quite US hotel standards. Hotel guard had a pistol on his hip. Not something you'd see in the US.
I am a newbie planning for my first mongering trip ever. We have decided on Costa Rica. I am going with three friends. I hear the hotel del ray is shitty but it seems it would be the best place to stay for newbies. I just don't like the fact that if my friend finds a girl then he has to leave the place by himself and take a cab to go back to another hotel. I hear you should take a cab everywhere because it is dangerous. I like the fact that with the hotel del ray you just take the elevator up to your room and that is it, no chances of anyone getting robbed or killed. Is my best bet to just rent some rooms at hotel del ray for sex when I go there to pick up chicks and still book rooms at a better hotel where I will spend the night.For a newbie the Hotel Del Rey is probably the best place to stay because of the convenience factor. The Presidente is another option but there are chicas that have had problems with a dress code that the hotel has in effect. I would advise taking taxis at night and not going overboard with your drinking. If you use common sense you'll have no problems. Have fun.
BlkPanther
12-18-07, 15:29
I'm not a newbie to CR but I'm trying something new. I usually stay at the DR or SL and sample the chicas at my leisure. This time I'm going to shack-up with a chica (GFE) for a couple of days and wanted to find a decent hotel in the same area that won't give her a hassle. From the recent posts it looks like I'm leaning toward the Presidente, but I have a question if anyone can help. There's a casino that I frequent that's directly behind the DR. I think it's called the Colonial (? ). Really nice casino. But is it just a casino or is it part of a hotel? If so, which hotel is it and are they chica friendly. I've never bothered to check while I was there as I just enjoyed the casino and was staying elsewhere. Any help will be appreciated.
I'm not a newbie to CR but I'm trying something new. I usually stay at the DR or SL and sample the chicas at my leisure. This time I'm going to shack-up with a chica (GFE) for a couple of days and wanted to find a decent hotel in the same area that won't give her a hassle. From the recent posts it looks like I'm leaning toward the Presidente, but I have a question if anyone can help. There's a casino that I frequent that's directly behind the DR. I think it's called the Colonial (? ). Really nice casino. But is it just a casino or is it part of a hotel? If so, which hotel is it and are they chica friendly. I've never bothered to check while I was there as I just enjoyed the casino and was staying elsewhere. Any help will be appreciated.If your staying with a chica then the Presidente is a good choice because the rooms are very nice and it's fairly quiet.
BlkPanther,
I believe the Colonial is now associated with the Sleep Inn even though it was there long before the Sleep Inn was built. The Sleep Inn is normally not what I'd call chica friendly since they charge a $20 guest fee, however if you register a chica with you as regular guest rather than bringing a different one back every night, you shouldn't have any problem. And for those who contend that some CR hotels are "not quite [up to] US hotel standards", the Sleep Inn (like the Amon Plaza) is part of the US-based Choice hotel chain and thus should be perfectly fine for the more particular gringos. BTW, the Clarion Amon Plaza would probably be another good option for someone in your position (plus it also has a casino, which you should book through if you decide to stay there).
Lastly, DrBrew mentioned the Presidente. I'm not so sure that its rooms are any nicer or more quiet than any other hotel in its class without a casino in the lobby. It is tiled rather than carpeted through out and thus can get fairly noisy itself. The real problem that I'd have recommending it for you is that their policy towards chica guests seems very conflicted at best. On the one hand, they don't charge chica fees but they do limit you to 1 chica at a time. However, since you'll be checking in with a chica rather than bringing different ones back that should not be a factor. On the other hand, they have a chica dress code that ostensibly is directed at the chica hookers that guys used to take back there but has on a few occasions been mistakenly directed at regular chicas that happened to be around. DrBrew is right that this would be an option, but I think for your purposes the Sleep In would be just as good or better.
Vincity,
I think DrBrew gave you really good advice AND short and to-the-point. I don't do short and to-the-point :) and would like to expand on that a little.
The Del Rey IS a shithole and not "up to US standards of quality". They can be that way and still charge the premium that they do because they're so famous among would-be mongers throughout the US (who don't know about all the better nearby options) and by guys who just prefer the perceived convenience and excitement of staying in the "Belly of the Beast". Aside from spotty shoddy quality and worn out rooms, IMHO, the service there often seems lacsadaisical if not downright rude, like they feel they can just take your business for granted because, even if you choose never to stay there again, there are so many other newbies that will take your place. And, despite all that, they charge for every little thing like they were a 4 star hotel (which they're not). For example, it amazes me that they can charge a $10 chica fee every time a guy takes a girl upstairs (which, as you can imagine, is quite often), and yet for some reason, guys still consider the place "chica-friendly".
Enough of my anti-Del Rey rant. All that being said, I don't think it is necessarily a bad place for newbies to stay on their first trip, only not quite for the reasons you say. Staying in the Del Rey is an experience that every monger should go through, once anyway. Not because of the security thing that you mentioned, but because it is such a novel and immersive jaw-dropping kind of experience. Of course, you can experience much the same thing just visiting the Blue Marlin, but there is something about knowing it is all going on just a few floors below waiting for you whenever you want to walk down the stairs. Unfortunately, I think for most guys that novelty wears off fairly quickly and they find better places to stay, but it is still good for a first trip or the first few days of it anyway.
A lot of guys, well not a lot but some like you, say they like it because of the security thing. They say things like "I could go to CR and never have to step outside the Del Rey building" and when they say that MY jaw drops and I'm flabbergasted by their blasphemy, as I think THAT would be the only real crime. Yes, you don't have to worry about getting mugged walking back to your room with a chica (unless you count the $10 chica fee), but how many times a day would you have to do that? Now think how many times a day you'd have to step outside the Del Rey if you wanted to experience at least a little of the rest of the country, besides that highly limited (and warped) one, or even just eat out at a restaurant that isn't ridiculously overpriced. Besides, the worst risk you'll probably face out on the street is right in the area around the Del Rey itself. The area around the SL, for example, is tame by comparison.
That part about not wanting to take separate cabs than your buddies, I just don't get. You'd rather pay a $10 chica fee than take a $2 cab ride? If you feel you HAVE to share a cab with your buddies for some sort of security reason, you could still probably do that without too much difficulty. Most guys schmooze the ladies a bit or even take them over to the KL for some dancing before they pull the trigger. Even if they don't, most ladies are pretty much standing around waiting for the guys to ask them out. If you all have to leave at the same time, one or the other of you can either wait to cast your line or delay once they've set the hook until the other is ready to go. Besides, if your chica isn't willing to wait a few extra minutes and have a drink with you while you wait for your friend to make his pick, then she'll probably be in a real rush back at your room.
Yes, you should probably take a cab most of the time most places after dark because it can be dangerous. However, worrying about getting "robbed or killed" if you step outside the Del Rey is kinda overstating it. Robbed maybe, but killed pretty unlikely. And, personally, I think you probably have just as good or more of a chance of being somehow ripped off by the CHICA up in your room as you do stepping into a cab outside the Del Rey. If you have even an ounce of street savvy and haven't gone overboard with your drinking, walking to the Morazon even at night is reasonably safe. Going to the Prez is a bit more dicey, but there are always cheap cabs.
Finally, if the Del Rey is too much of a shithole for you to actually stay at and you'd only be using it for a convenient place other than your more distant hotel to bring chicas back to, there are much more affordable and only slightly less convenient options. For example, the Morazon is not much further from the Del Rey than is the Key Largo. Its rooms are nearly as nice as the Del Rey's for not much more than half the price and they'll rent them out for short-term for even less than that if they have any vacancies. So, if you had to stay some place that didn't allow guests, that would be a better alternative than the Del Rey. But why even stay at a place that doesn't allow guests? Even if the place you stay charged $20 guest fees that would still be much cheaper than keeping a 2nd room at the Del Rey. So I just don't get that idea either.
Panda and MCruddy
I don't get how you suggest that in general CR hotels are not up to "US standards" - whatever those are. Like the US, you have hotels in CR at every level of quality, from dives like the Hotel Asia to really fancy (and expensive) ones, though the latter tend not to be located in the Gulch or even in the downtown area. You have relatively upscale american chain hotels like Marriot, spanish chains such as Barcelo, and tico independents like the Grano de Oro downtown or Herradura Resort out by the airport, just to name a few of the better places. Unfortunately, for those that are going to CR to monger, the upscale places often aren't too keen on their guests parading obvious hookers through the lobby and charge hefty fees for the privelege of allowing it if they allow it at all - again just like BETTER hotels in the US.
Panda -The Morazon charges $35/nt. Try comparing that to a $35 hotel in the US and then complain about the relative quality. BTW, your review of the Morazon was not far off the mark but it did have a few other things I disagree with.
1) They do often charge a chica fee but the inconsistency in their policy is more the issue than anything else since at worst the fee is only $3.
2) The Presidente can be every bit as noisy as the Morazon if not more so. First, there is the issue of internal noise (the Presidente is all tiled while the Morazon is carpeted). OTOH, the Morazon has a casino in the lobby so if you stay on the first couple of floors that could be a source of noise. Secondly, street noise is a problem at any Gulch hotel. The Presidente may not get as much traffic noise but the street vendors out on the Pedestrian Mall out front can be just as bad and start early in the morning. If you're a light sleeper it is best at both hotels to stay on an upper floor and away from the street if at all possible.
MCruddy
I don't know much about the Europa other than where it is located. Its not a particularly good neighborhood and so its probably a good thing that the "hotel guard had a pistol on his hip". Keep in mind this is a city where the police can not be relied upon and so most of the security is handled privately for that reason. That is why you might not see that in the US. So what? Don't be ethnocentric. There are fast food restaurants and convenience stores in the US in bad neighborhoods where the clerks and servers hide behind bulletproof glass, schools even in the suburbs with metal detectors at the entrances and alarms systems and surveilence cameras everywhere. In Latin America, labor is cheap and low tech works better so private guards are no big deal. So, I wouldn't judge the hotel based on just that. Besides, it reflects more on the neighborhood than the hotel itself.
BlkPanther
12-23-07, 07:51
Thanks for the info. I think that I'll try the Sleep Inn as I like that casino and from staying at the DR and SL several times, I'm moreor lessfamiliar with the surrounding neighborhood.
BlkPanther,
I believe the Colonial is now associated with the Sleep Inn even though it was there long before the Sleep Inn was built. The Sleep Inn is normally not what I'd call chica friendly since they charge a $20 guest fee, however if you register a chica with you as regular guest rather than bringing a different one back every night, you shouldn't have any problem. And for those who contend that some CR hotels are "not quite [up to] US hotel standards", the Sleep Inn (like the Amon Plaza) is part of the US-based Choice hotel chain and thus should be perfectly fine for the more particular gringos. BTW, the Clarion Amon Plaza would probably be another good option for someone in your position (plus it also has a casino, which you should book through if you decide to stay there).
Dodger Bulldog
12-23-07, 08:17
no chances of anyone getting robbed or killed. Is my best bet to just rent some rooms at hotel del ray for sex when I go there to pick up chicks and still book rooms at a better hotel where I will spend the night.Rent out two hotel rooms - one to sleep in, and another at the Del Rey for sex? That is TOTAL overkill!
Prolijo, he isn't talking about just paying the $10 chica fee at the Del Rey, but the entire cost of a room
at the Del Rey PLUS the ten dollars just to have sex in it.
It would probably be cheaper to hire a body guard for the night!
Seriously, the talk of crime here is completely overblown. Of course, you should be careful. Of course,
bad things can happen. But don't go crazy with your fears.
I have been hanging out in San Jose many times since '04, and nothing, I mean NOTHING, has ever
happened to me. And I not only walk over to the Presidente at night but also up and down the pedestrian
mall on a regular basis.
Quite frankly, it cracks me up to imagine taking a taxi two blocks to the Presidente. Hell, that's how
far I'm willing to walk to just to get away from the Del Rey if need be so that I can FIND an honest taxi
that won't charge me four times the going rate!
I have even walked the nine blocks to Apartamentos Sudamer that D.Panda mentioned (it is not really as
close as he makes it sound). And I've done it at night, with and without a chica in tow.
Now, I look a lot more like Jonathan Livingston Seagull than Steven Segal, but still, I've had no
problems whatsoever.
I am not saying you should do that. If you are going that far, please do as I say, not as I do. Certainly
you should take a taxi.
BTW, I always stay at the Sudamer. $30 per night or $180 for the week, with a separate living/dining room
combo, a full kitchen, even a laundry room. You get free local calls, too.ANd Carlos really is a great guy.
Plus, there is a double-locked security gate and a night time security guard who walks the block and
comes over to greet you and your chica when your taxi pulls up.
Seriously, how many guys here have been robbed in San Jose? One in two? One it ten? Or is it more like
one in a hundred? One in a thousand? I can't say. But I do not personally know anyone who has.
The idea that if you step foot outside the HDR someone is probably going to get you is completely insane.
The biggest risk of getting robbed is a bad performance by a chica. Which really doesn't even happen
all that often if you make an effort to judge the their personalites before pulling them from the bar.
Oh, I admit I did have one who snuck and extra bottle of perfume into her purse once. That is the
worst thing that has happened to me in four years.
Rent one room to sleep and another for sex? Really, there is no reason to do that at all.
DB
While not getting blasted, but rather called to the carpet so to speak by Mr. Projilo, I now feel accepted into the frat that is this page.
But to take exception with his obvious assumptions and misunderstanding, I feel I must.
In my comparison of hotels in CR to US hotels I was merely stating that the mongering spots were less than equal to US main stream hotels that one might be accustom to. Whether it is a Holiday Inn or a Sleep 8 there are differences between the two countries. I did not mean to suggest that upper teer Hotels were not the same, just those used by the majority of the mongers ( chica friendly and all ). I prefer the Ritz ((as we probably all do)) but even staying in a Chain Motel in the states is better than the majority of the gulch hotels. While I understand other countries do not operate under the same principles as the US, I am spoiled. I LIKE an ice machine, vending machine, or coffee/drink station that many US hotels have or a continental breakfast. Not saying that some do not have these amenities but for the most part they do not.
Moving on.
The Morazan, while close to the action, is cheap...and dirty....and NOISY! I stayed on the 5th floor and was kept up all night by the street noise, horn honking, and less we forget the paper thin walls and being lulled to sleep by "whose your daddy!" eminating from the next room. I have stayed there twice, the employees were always polite, never a chica fee, and it is inexpensive.
The Holiday Inn (first trip mistake) with its $25+ chica fee (which turned me on to the MP's) and over priced rooms is probably the nicest "close to the action" hotel. I understand the chica fee has gone up, but I can't imagine they improved the rooms. I stayed on the 12th floor so noise was not an issue, the view was fantastic, and it has an indoor pool.
Panda and MCruddy
I don't get how you suggest that in general CR hotels are not up to "US standards" - whatever those are. Like the US, you have hotels in CR at every level of quality, from dives like the Hotel Asia to really fancy (and expensive) ones, though the latter tend not to be located in the Gulch or even in the downtown area. You have relatively upscale american chain hotels like Marriot, spanish chains such as Barcelo, and tico independents like the Grano de Oro downtown or Herradura Resort out by the airport, just to name a few of the better places. Unfortunately, for those that are going to CR to monger, the upscale places often aren't too keen on their guests parading obvious hookers through the lobby and charge hefty fees for the privelege of allowing it if they allow it at all - again just like BETTER hotels in the US.
Panda -The Morazon charges $35/nt. Try comparing that to a $35 hotel in the US and then complain about the relative quality. BTW, your review of the Morazon was not far off the mark but it did have a few other things I disagree with.
1) They do often charge a chica fee but the inconsistency in their policy is more the issue than anything else since at worst the fee is only $3.
2) The Presidente can be every bit as noisy as the Morazon if not more so. First, there is the issue of internal noise (the Presidente is all tiled while the Morazon is carpeted). OTOH, the Morazon has a casino in the lobby so if you stay on the first couple of floors that could be a source of noise. Secondly, street noise is a problem at any Gulch hotel. The Presidente may not get as much traffic noise but the street vendors out on the Pedestrian Mall out front can be just as bad and start early in the morning. If you're a light sleeper it is best at both hotels to stay on an upper floor and away from the street if at all possible.
Superman06
12-23-07, 19:56
I'm planning a San Jose trip for early in June. I've been RTFF but can't find anything recent on Hotel Santo Tomas at AVENUE 7TH STREET 3 AND 5. Seems like a decent price for the money and gets good reviews on various travel sites. But of course I'm wondering if they are chica friendly or any other useful information. This would be my first foriegn mongering trip.
I'm planning a San Jose trip for early in June. I've been RTFF but can't find anything recent on Hotel Santo Tomas at AVENUE 7TH STREET 3 AND 5. Seems like a decent price for the money and gets good reviews on various travel sites. But of course I'm wondering if they are chica friendly or any other useful information. This would be my first foriegn mongering trip.How did you read the forum? Did you just scan back over recent posts looking for the name of that hotel or do you use the search feature? And if you used the search feature did you spell it as Santo Tomas or Santo THomas, as other guys sometimes do? If you spelled correctly, you would have found 7 mentions (inlcuding 1 by me) though most are admittedly not that recent. Here are a couple:
You made a classic mistake of staying in a far away hotel which really does not like guests. Most other hotels in the central area do not permit guests such as the Hotel Santo Tomas, Hemmingway, Hotel Costa Rica and other little charming places.
Consider the Castillo.
Santo Tomas - B&B tourist type place not normally thought of as a monger place, about halfway between the Amon and the plaza.I don't really know if Santo Tomas allows guests at all or if they do what their fee might be, but I can't imagine thay they're particularly chica friendly or that they've changed at all for the positive in that regard in the year and a half since I made that post. Also, while it is certainly relatively cheap and gets decent reviews on other sites, it doesn't get great reviews and there are other equally cheap places that I would stay first if wanted to be able to bring chicas back to my room regularly and without much hassle. I'd suggest either the Morazon which is not the most charming but is within a short walk of the BM and DEFINITELY chica friendly OR the Castillo which offers good discounts if you pay cash or pay for a whole week (or even better discounts if you have a CRT VIP card) and with absolutely no chica fee. The Castillo also has, I'm sure, nicer rooms than Santo Tomas and is in a nicer (and safer) area going up towards the SL (and still only 1 block from NF and 3 blocks from ZB MP's). They're both several blocks from the BM so you'll probably want to take a cab back to those hotels late at night (particularly if you have a chica with you) (and particularly since this is your 1st foreign mongering trip and you're probably not accustomed to what urban streets in a poor country can be like).
I don't mean to blast you as, even if you had read my older post, I didn't make it exactly clear about what the Santo Tomas is like (and I'm still mostly speculating). You might also want to PM my buddy SteveWxly, who HAS actually stayed there. Anyway, now you know and I hope you found this info useful.
Panda, my brother,
You ARE part of the family, the ISG family. I didn't mean to seem like I was blasting you or even calling you to the carpet. We're just 2 guys having an honest, open and civil difference of opinion on something. You should note that I said that your review of the Morazon was not far off the mark. Your summation listed 5 basic points and I was just disagreeing with a couple of them.
You haven't disputed what I said about the chica fee and to be honest I'm not really sure what their policy is. Some guys, like you evidently, don't get charged anything while others get charged $3. Maybe it has to do with when you were there (in August) when they were probably hungrier for business and were willing to let things slide. Maybe you had been there before and/or had tipped the guy well, so he was willing to let it slide. Whatever it was, $3 is not a lot of money. It is more the inconsistency and unpredictability of it all that makes me question how they run their hotel (sort of like the complaints that some guys have about their reservation system). If that is what you mean about failing to meet US hotel standards, then I'd tend to agree with you, but then I've had mismanagement issues like reservation screwups at some places in the US (though I've never been charged a chica fee :)). So, like I said before even many hotels in the US won't be up to your US standards.
My other point about the noise, maybe we should leave as an honest difference of opinion. I won't (and didn't) say the Morazon isn't noisy (or at least can be). I've stayed there several times and never really had a problem with it. Okay, I was wrong in my speculation that your problems were due to you're being on a lower floor. I'll risk speculating again and guess that maybe your problems were due to you're being a light sleeper (or I'm a heavy one). That is the only thing I can figure. Or maybe it is due to you're being used to places like the Ritz, which the Morazon is definitely NOT. Even forgetting top tier hotels, you mentioned US chains like the Holiday Inn, but those are really mid tier and not really comparable. Try comparing it to places like Motel 6 or Budget Inn in the US, places I'm guessing you don't stay in too often, where you can get rooms for $35/nt and where the walls are equally thin. Or, if you're going to complain about the sounds of "Aye, Papi" coming through the walls, try comparing it to the type of hotels that are primarily used for trysts with hookers in the US. And try comparing it to equally cheap hotels in the US in active downtown entertainment districts where the street noise is as much a problem of the area as it is of the hotel's.
There are certainly cultural differences in hotels (between the Tico ones in CR and the Indian run ones in the US:)). I've already mentioned, the differences in how security is handled (BTW, my "blast" was really directed at BlkPanther as much as you). Due to different attitudes about time, ticos are probably much less apt to respond to complaints with the alacrity that gringos muight expect. And if you have a problem or complaint that is handled quickly or sufficiently by your perspective, dealing with it confrontationally and aggressively is liable to backfire on you since ticos do not like to admit mistakes or show ignorance and don't like to lose face. For another thing, I think Ticos seem much more apt to blow their car horns than are most americans and so outside traffic noise downtown will be of a different nature. Standards of cleanliness are no different as its usually third world latinas cleaning the rooms in both countries. If anything, I have found CR hotel rooms tend to be much cleaner than those at comparable hotels in the US (sometimes even to the point where the industrial cleaner they seem to use leaves overpowering fumes). However, to be completely honest, I'd be scared to run a blacklight over the bedspread of any hotel that regularly allows hookers up to their rooms. Again my one complaint about the Morazon, which you didn't really mention, is sort of culturally related. A culture in CR seems to be developing of playing "how much can we soak the gringo for". At the Morazon, this seems to be reflected in the way they handle chica fees.
Last comment for you: when did you stay at the Holiday Inn? The rooms used to be fairly run down and they actually DID improve them with a long overdue makeover not that long ago, although maybe it has been 2-3 years already. Anyway, I'd agree with you, the upper floor rooms may afford excellent views and protection from street noise, but a $25 chica which is now, what?, $47!?!? is simply ridiculous. They might as well have put a sign on the building that says "Mongers, fuck off!", though I'm sure they're still more than happy to take the money of any monger who is unfortunate enough to make the 1st trip mistake that you did (see my comment in the last paragraph).
Prolijo, he isn't talking about just paying the $10 chica fee at the Del Rey, but the entire cost of a room at the Del Rey PLUS the ten dollars just to have sex in it.Yeah, I understood that, which is why I said in that same paragraph that the shortterm price at the Morazon is less than half the price at the HDR (chica fee included).
There are situations where for one reason or another guy has to stay at a place that doesn't allow guests. Maybe it is because his company is paying for it or maybe it is because he is with other people who he can't allow see him bringing back chicas. That said there are a LOT more practical ways of dealing with it than paying for an extra room PLUS a chica fee.
One time I was in that situation and I just limited myself to on-site places like the MP's during the afternoon and IDEM later at night (had to be back to my hotel by midnight anyway so I could get up for my ECO-TOUR the next day anyway).
There is also the Hotel Asia right around the corner, which admittedly is not particularly nice but whose cost for the whole night is no more than the chica fee alone at the Del Rey.
I think the Morazon only charges $20-25 for short time when they have the rooms available, which is no more than the guest fees at some places, and even Panda admits that their rooms are "ok" as long as you don't plan to do any sleeping there :).
And there is also always a "love motel" like the Motel Eden (in Central America Motels as opposed to Hotels are always places for trysts). I haven't been there myself but I hear their rooms are very nice, with jacuzzis, streaming porn and the whole works and even they would be less
But, barring HAVING to stay at some place that doesn't allow guests for some reason, there really isn't any justification for having to get a second room, certainly not security concerns.
Seriously, the talk of crime here is completely overblown. Of course, you should be careful. Of course, bad things can happen. But don't go crazy with your fears.I agree nearly 100% with not only this but the rest of your post, but I'll have to "blast" you or at least "call you to the carpet so to speak" :) on a couple of points:
1) I've also been hanging out in San Jose many times (since '99 for me) and, like you, I also walk all over the place at night, not just around the corner to the Presidente but as far north as the SL (not counting the Calle Blanco area near Linda Vista), as far south as Idem and as far west as Paseo Colon (and, of course, even further during the day). The closest thing to an incident for me was walking back one night from the old Park Hotel Oil Show I had a group of young thugs call out to me from a block away and start to walk towards me. I just went into a little jog down the then empty Pedestrian Mall to put some greater distance between us looking over my shoulder to see if they were continuing in my direction (which they weren't). A cab even screeched to a halt beside me (on the mall!) and warned me to watch out for those guys (and of course offered to give me a ride to my hotel, which I politely declined) and that freaked me out as much as the distant young thugs. Aside from that one time, nada. Even the trannies in Morazon Park won't seem to give me the time of day, or night rather.
2) It seems a little silly to me too to imagine taking a taxi two blocks to the Presidente. At least, for me personally. But I never drink heavily, carry any large sums of cash from gambling, am fit enough to dissuade most unarmed assailants and to run if I have to and I'm fairly street savvy. However, I can recognize how not everyone always fits that profile, particularly new bie mongers unfamiliar with poor urban streets. And so I always hesitate to advise others not to take that fairly cheap, albeit semmingly silly precaution. BTW, having to walk as far as the Presidente to find a reasonably priced cab is a bit of an exaggeration. The ones by the curb are all ridiculous rip-offs, but there are always cabs on the street passing by which you can flag down without taking more than 10 steps from the HDR front doors.
3) I was going to call Panda to the carpet on Sudamer not really being as
close as he made it sound, but I decided to let that go. I'm glad you mentioned it, however, while it is certainly within physical walking distance and COULD be done at night. I wouldn't recommend it to most newbies on this board with out knowing their particular situation. And if you have a chica in tow, for godsake man, don't be a cheapskate and get a cab. Have you ever tried walking on SJ sidewalks in high heels? Hell, I've twisted my ankle more times than I can count on them and I wear regular shoes (most of the time:))
4) Okay, you're no Steven Segal (he's an asshole), but you're not exactly a small guy (okay you could stand to hit the gym, but how many of us couldn't). You're certainly a lot bigger than most Ticos and not the most tempting target.
5) I don't know how many guys have been robbed in SJ either, but I'm guessing it is much closer to 1 in a 1000 than 1 in 10. However, while I've never been robbed I DO know several guys that have. In most cases, I suspect there were contributing factors, particularly having too much to drink. Follow basic common sense, short of taking a cab, and you can reduce your odds further still. Taking a cab may reduce your odds even further than that. But the way I figure it, even say it has happened to 1 in 10 guys, how many trips have those guys taken before (or since) it happened without incident. Let's say it happens even once every 10 trips on average. In that case, the overall odds of being mugged on any one trip would be only 1 in 100 (and, again, I strongly doubt they're even that high). But let's say they are. If I take a cab 100 times it would cost me $100-200. If I walk and eventually get mugged, I'll quickly hand over the $20 or so dollars I'm carrying and at worst get a bump on the head or pushed to the ground (and then have a good war story to tell my friends about back at the bar while I have a drink to settle my nerves). Getting killed? Forget about it unless perhaps you stupidly resist. Very few muggings even require a trip to the hospital. Fortunately, with all my walking it has never even come to a scratch. Maybe I'm just lucky or maybe knowing how to conduct myself on the streets is the critical difference.
6) The idea that you'll definitely be mugged as soon as you step out of the door of the HDR certainly IS insane, however I still think that the area immediately outside the HDR (between the door and the curb) and the surrounding block (particularly between the HDR and the Prez) is about the most "dangerous" night-time area RELATIVELY speaking that most mongers will encounter. For muggers that is a "target rich" environment, what with all the rich and drunk gringos stumbling around or distracted by the chica in their arm and with lots of money in their pockets. There are grabby pushy people that MIGHT pickpocket you before you even step into the street to get a cab. Personally, I try never to let anyone get that close, but at the very least it can be distracting thus making you more susceptible to someone else. I know some of them scout for likely targets and then signal others when they're heading their way so they can accost them as soon as they're some "safe" distance away from the building. Frankly, the short distances from the HDR bother me the most. Once I'm out of that neighborhood and know I'm not being followed, the streets are usually empty enough so that I can easily see any possible danger heading my way.
I don't mean to make it sound like getting mugged on the sidewalk in front of the HDR is a sure thing or even a likelihood, but I do think that relatively speaking that immediate area is relatively more dangerous than other areas just by virtue of all the riffraff hanging around and unless you plan to be a completely degenerate monger and coccoon yourself in the HDR, never going out, you're going to have to run that gauntlet more frequently if you actually stay at that hotel than if you just visit it occasionally while staying somewhere else in a safer quieter neighborhood.
7) One definitely has to put one's concerns in perspective. Like you I have often said that the worries about street crime that so many guys seem to have pales in comparison (and frequency) to the risk that most guys take bringing strange chicas back to their rooms. And, just as some seem to have enough street sense to be handle walking SJ after dark and others don't, some guys can do a reasonable job of screening their chicas (AND not allowing them any opportunities to rip them off back at the room) while others can't. However, over all if you're going to stress about anything, stress about that.
Try comparing it to places like Motel 6 or Budget Inn in the US, places I'm guessing you don't stay in too often, where you can get rooms for $35/nt and where the walls are equally thin. Or, if you're going to complain about the sounds of "Aye, Papi" coming through the walls, try comparing it to the type of hotels that are primarily used for trysts with hookers in the US
Someday I will learn the damn "quote" procedure!
I am in agreement with you on the Motel 6 / Budget Inn comparison....and you are correct I do not stay in those motels here in the states (but at least they have ice machines and vending machines). As I have gotten older I find either an upscale Hotel or a condo are more to my liking. CR seems like camping!! LOL but hey roughing it once in a while is fun.
I stayed in the Holiday Inn in July 2005. The Morazan in 06 & 07. So as you can see I was not THAT put off by the rooms. I like the location as I enjoy eating in the stained glass window room of the Key Largo, and the HDR is right there.
I shudder to think of running a black light over the rooms in CR. I always shuck the bedspread first thing and leave it on the floor in the corner telling the maids to leave it there.
So hopefully I will return to paradise in the spring and reaquaint myself with the locals.
Merry Christmas to all,
Panda
Superman06
12-25-07, 01:06
It does appear I have blundered in my search of Santo Tomas. My spelling was right but I did not use the search engine correctly. I do apologize for not checking more thoroughly before posting. I'm a senior member on the USA Sex Guide and regulary thump newbies for what I did here. Thank you for the heads up on the Santo Tomas and for your reccomendations.
How did you read the forum? Did you just scan back over recent posts looking for the name of that hotel or do you use the search feature? And if you used the search feature did you spell it as Santo Tomas or Santo THomas, as other guys sometimes do?
ArchieLeach
12-25-07, 10:47
I've been RTFF since I'm not an experienced CR monger (other places, yes. CR, No). I was planning to come in Jan for about ten days staying at the Sportsmens Lodge and maybe a few days at Zona Blue, but when I called SL the girl couldn't get me a room for more than a night or two without having to move to another. It was obvious they were packed. And on some nights there was just nothing at all.
I now understand that a lot of this has to do with the lead up to the Superbowl etc.
My questions is this: Since it looks like everything clears out after the SB (am I wrong on that), is that a great time to come? I'm sure I won't have free run of the entire country myself without a single monger to compete, but...... Do all the girls run off somewhere right after the SB every years to recuperate or anything like that? Or are they all alone and desperate for a Walking-ATM Gringo to come service them since their newfound boyfriends have all returned Stateside?
Any thoughts on my timeline, the SL, or ZB (or any other places to recommend would be much appreciated).
I can put it off to right after the SB if that's what works best, but I'm jonesing to come ASAP. I just got back from a month in Asia and I'm not satiated.
IMHO, there are certain weekends when you always got a bump up in guys going to CR - Superbowl, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and to a lesser extent July 4th. For obvious reasons, religious holiday weekends like Easter and Xmas are not so popular for mongering. Some guys come for just a long weekend (of varying lengths) and some come for the full week leading up to it or full week following before heading home. So its not exactly like the place just immediately and completely clears out come Monday morning, but things do start to ease up fairly quickly as guys dribble away from their 3, 4 or even 5 day weekend trips or weekend to weekend trips. By Tuesday or Wednesday night things should be pretty much back to normal.
I have sort of mixed feelings about this phenomenon. I can appreciate the camradery aspect of going to CR when my friends will also be there (or guys I know from on-line who may become new ones). Its also great to be able to compare notes with those guys you know and trust - e.g. which chicas are great and which are ones you should avoid, swapping rounds of drinks and always be able to find willing wingmen to go out with to hit the nightly hotspots. Plus sometimes such "group weekends" are the only time one can get away for more than a couple of days without burning through all of their vacation time. OTOH, when I go to an MP, I want to get my first choice of chica and at least delude myself into thinking I'm the first one she's been with that day rather than having to decide whether to wait until my favorita is done with her current client or to just go with one of the other chicas who aren't quite so popular. So I can certainly see the pros and cons of both sides.
As for you chica question, this is not like going home for the holidays. As long as there are fresh gringos coming into town there is money to be made and there will be chicas trying to capture part of that money. Supply if it dips at all dips only marginally while demand takes a dramatic shift. If I were you and I couldn't go any earlier, I'd go later. Unless, of course, you can go for more than just a long weekend, in which case you can have the best of both worlds - some time to meet some very nice guys and some time to have the chicas more to "yourself", well yourself and the other guys that also choose to remain or come later.
There seems to be lot of conflicting informtation in this page about Presidente.
Could somebody clarify the following points?
1. Does Presidente charge chica fee?
2. How does one get discount at presidente. Somebody mentioned "casino discount". How does this work. Do you just call up and mention casino discount or do you have to provide some kind of code?
I am visiting San Jose is a week and any help would be greatly appreciated. In return I promise to share with rest of the members my experience out there.
Superman06
01-11-08, 23:10
You can get a discount if your a CRT member. Heres a comparison from the CRT site:
RACK rates 2008
Standard room single or double $ 89+tax
Junior suite $ 125+tax
Spa room $ 131+tax
Grand spa suite $ 145+tax
Master suite $ 325+tax
CRT rates 2008 (only for CRT VIP members)
Standard room single or double $ 62+tax
Junior suite $ 91+tax
Spa room $98+tax
Grand spa suite $ 111+tax
Master suite $ 270+tax
I don't know about the chica fee.
There seems to be lot of conflicting informtation in this page about Presidente.
Could somebody clarify the following points?
1. Does Presidente charge chica fee?
2. How does one get discount at presidente. Somebody mentioned "casino discount". How does this work. Do you just call up and mention casino discount or do you have to provide some kind of code?
I am visiting San Jose is a week and any help would be greatly appreciated. In return I promise to share with rest of the members my experience out there.
Mr Jetsetter
01-12-08, 13:19
There is no chica fee at the Presidente. However, they do impose a dress code for the chicas, and this can cause you problems if your lady isn't dressed to their standards, which can be selectively and subjectively imposed. If she is wearing a short skirt or revealing too much cleavage, for example, it is very likely she will not be allowed up to your room. Many of the Del Rey gals are aware of this code and dress accordingly or bring a jacket and extra clothes with them to pass muster.
This dress code policy is quite controversial, and I personally know of a couple of mongers who now refuse to stay at the Presidente because of it.
One acquaintance of mine has stayed there a half-dozen times, and twice had ladies rejected during his recent stay in December. This had never happened to him in the past.
It should also be noted that you can only take one chica to your room at a time.
The consensus seems to be that the Presidente is no longer a "monger-friendly" establishment. I have also heard it is now very difficult to book a room with the CRT discount. At best, they have a limited number of rooms at this rate, and they are almost always unavailable, from what I've heard.
Hey Guys,
On a whim I decided to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King by going to CR next weekend. This will be my first time. I am an experience traveler just returning from Bangkok last summer, and $300 RT from Tampa sealed the deal. I have contacted Presidente, Del Ray and Sportsman and all are booked. I want to be where the action is. I’d like to have the entertainment be within walking distance or very short taxi. I plan on calling Castillo and Amistad but neither look very inviting. I posted my adventures in Thailand and look forward to posting my Tica adventures so any help will be appreciated and rewarded.
Hey Guys,
On a whim I decided to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King by going to CR next weekend. This will be my first time. I am an experience traveler just returning from Bangkok last summer, and $300 RT from Tampa sealed the deal. I have contacted Presidente, Del Ray and Sportsman and all are booked. I want to be where the action is. I’d like to have the entertainment be within walking distance or very short taxi. I plan on calling Castillo and Amistad but neither look very inviting. I posted my adventures in Thailand and look forward to posting my Tica adventures so any help will be appreciated and rewarded.Just spent a week at the Castillo over the Holidays ( first time to CR ) and highly recommend giving the Castillo a try. It is just around the block from sportsmens and a block away from New Fantasy. During the day it is a nice five minute walk to DR and at night a short cheap taxi ride. They are completely monger friendly and even allow multiple chicas. There is also a nice bar / restaurant attached. I was able to get the discounted rate and would not hesitate to stay there again.
Mr Jetsetter
01-13-08, 10:49
The Castillo is a decent option if you stay in the right room. I like rooms 20-23 in the new section, as they are in the back on the second floor and pretty quiet. Rooms 11 and 12 are in the original section but are on the top floor and are nice and spacious.
I have heard Amistad will be very nice once all the construction is completed. If indeed they are done with all the work, I wouldn't hesitate to stay there. It is only 1/2 a block from the Sportsmens Lodge.
Has anbody stayed in the Barceló Palacio or Barceló Rincon Del Valle before? I have a voucher to stay in either of the hotel. But I couldn't find any info regarding these hotels. They seem pretty far from all the action, is it? Also how much do they charge for "guest fee", that is even if they allow you to bring "female guest"? Any help is greatly appreciated.
I'm not sure about the Rincon del Valle but reportedly the Palacio charges a $35 chica fee (ouch).
Distance-wise it is located north of Sabana Park or about 2-2.5 miles from the HDR/BM, i.e. not terribly far if you don't mind taking a cab (as you'll probably want to do late at night any way for most other places you'd stay at). But it is much farther than you'd probably want to walk during the day or go on a whim and far enough to be a bit of negative sometimes in chica negotiations. You see, some chicas prefer not to have to travel that far from the bar. OTOH, it could also be argued those are also the ones in the biggest rush to get back and maybe being that far could also be seen as a useful screening tool.
Bottom line: for most guys that $35 fee would be the real deal killer, however if you've got a free voucher and don't plan on bringing back more than 1 a day, it will probably be much cheaper in total even with the high fee to stay there than to pay full price for a more "chica friendly" hotel closer to the action.
Pierre999,
I will also be flying out Monday the 21st. I will be staying at the Holiday inn. holiday inn is about 3 blocks from Del Rey. and around 4 blocks from New Fantasy. Holiday inn is a little more on the expensive side. (company pays for it). There is the Balmoral. I do not know what they charge.
Hk Traveler
01-20-08, 03:07
I will be in SJ for a few days mid of february and only for fun.
I am looking for the good hotel to book: quite, Chicas friendly, good location, internet and clean, what would be the best recommandation?
Thanks by advance.
Superman06
01-21-08, 14:55
I will be in SJ for a few days mid of february and only for fun.
I am looking for the good hotel to book: quite, Chicas friendly, good location, internet and clean, what would be the best recommandation?
Thanks by advance.Lots of invaluable advice here if you take the time to read this forum.
Has anybody ever used this site to book a hotel? I'm returning to CR in May and did a search on kayak.com. "Skoosh" quoted the Balmoral for $60 per nite, excl taxes (comes out to $70. 25 per night). I stayed at the Balmoral last time and had a great experience with them. It's booking through "skoosh" I'm concerned about. If anybody has any pros or cons about this "skoosh" site, I'd like to hear about it. It looks like its European based.
I stayed at the Marazon and have mixed feelings about the place. The place is a dump and if you aren’t on the 4th or 5th floor its too loud. DO NOT stay on the 2nd floor unless you plan on going to bed at 9:00 am. Last Sunday morning I got up at 8:30 am to get some breakfast at the restaurant/bar in the lobby and it was packed. The music was so loud that you could hear it in the elevator from the 3rd floors. It is old, dirty, and generally dingy inside and out. It rivals a skid row motel in the States. My AC rattled and made loud noises intermittently. The fat guy that works the front desk is a prick and not helpful. He selectively charged guys a 20 dollar chica fee if you have 2 guests, and when I checked out he called me a taxi and after I started to negotiate the fare with the driver he dismissed the guy. That being said I may return under certain circumstances. It is cheap and next to Key Largo and Del Ray. No taxis needed. No chica fee unless gordito catches you with a second Tica. The security is good and when the girl leaves you get a call from the lobby to make sure every thing is cool before returning the girl’s Id. They have 24 hr room service and casino. Its fine for a long weekend of partying but nothing more.
BTW after the Jones v. Trinidad fight on HBO there was a fight at the door steps of the Del Ray and security rushed out only to watch.
Superman06
01-24-08, 00:02
Has anybody ever used this site to book a hotel? I'm returning to CR in May and did a search on kayak.com. "Skoosh" quoted the Balmoral for $60 per nite, excl taxes (comes out to $70. 25 per night). I stayed at the Balmoral last time and had a great experience with them. It's booking through "skoosh" I'm concerned about. If anybody has any pros or cons about this "skoosh" site, I'd like to hear about it. It looks like its European based.I've never used it but they have a listing for the Santo Tomas that I was considering. The Skoosh price is a bit higher than what they quoted me when I called them directly. None of the hotels they list are partically monger friendly, that is they charge you $10 to 20 extra if you have a guest for an hour or so. Why not used one of the better known sites if this is the way you want to book. I have used both Expedia and Travelocity in the past with no problems. Probally better just to book them directly.
Columbian Lover
02-18-08, 04:04
Gentlemen,
I am coming to San Jose next week. I usually stay at the Irazu (BW) but they are booked.
I am thnking about the Barcelo.
Does anyone know if they are GF?
Or if anyone elese has any other suggestions?
Thank you
I'm not sure about the Rincon del Valle but reportedly the Palacio charges a $35 chica fee (ouch).
Bottom line: for most guys that $35 fee would be the real deal killer, however if you've got a free voucher and don't plan on bringing back more than 1 a day, it will probably be much cheaper in total even with the high fee to stay there than to pay full price for a more "chica friendly" hotel closer to the action.Screw that! When I stayed at the Holiday Inn back in Mar of 07 for ten days i never paid i chica fee. All I did was have her walk in and go right to the elevator not saying a word to anyone and go right to the room.
Never had a problem.
I suspect that the same technique would work for you.
J
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone know if there are safe deposit boxes in SL's standard rooms? And also, if SL accept cash payment in $100 denominations? I'd read in a guide book that it is better to not use denominations of more than $20. It's just that I'd rather not be carrying huge wads of lower denominations when I arrive in CR.
Would the ticas prefer payment of $20 bills or lower? From reading the forum, I understand I should try for $60 plus tip.
I will be in SJ on March 2 and it will be my first time in a Latin America country.
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone know if there are safe deposit boxes in SL's standard rooms? And also, if SL accept cash payment in $100 denominations? I'd read in a guide book that it is better to not use denominations of more than $20. It's just that I'd rather not be carrying huge wads of lower denominations when I arrive in CR.
Would the ticas prefer payment of $20 bills or lower? From reading the forum, I understand I should try for $60 plus tip.
I will be in SJ on March 2 and it will be my first time in a Latin America country.The SL has safes in all their rooms. The $100 won't be a problem either as in Mar of 07 i was in CR for 5 weeks( Yeah it sounds great but trust me that is to much for me) and again in Nov 07 for 2 weeks and i paid all my hotels bills in $100 bills including the SL. Never had a issue. As most of the SL clients are North Americans seeing a $100 bill is not an issue.
Now for all other things including chicas i just exchanged money at the Horseshoe or Morzan for the best rate also it is best to just exchange US $ for CR $ simply because that US $100 ,will go much further.
As for the price of chicas it all depends on what you are willing to pay and how good is your gift to run game.
At $60 that will pretty much lock you out of the 9's and 10's( your 9's and 10's will vary form mine).
I shudder every time I hear that word "tip" as that just as American as apple pie. It is that thinking IMHO that has ruined Zona Blue.
Mr Jetsetter
02-22-08, 07:27
Wicked8
All the rooms at the Sportsmens Lodge have safes, and they will be delighted
to accept your $100 bills. I don't think you really need to bring a bunch of dollars with you, if you have a credit/debit card. The ATMs are very reliable -- I prefer the ones in the Del Rey. Also, the Sportsmens Lodge does take credit cards, with no penalties involved. The chicas will happily accept dollars or colones.
Big Philly Willy
02-23-08, 03:02
I am going to San Jose and then to Quepos on march 6th untill 3/10 so can anyone hppk me up with the hot spots to find the chicas at I already know the BM so anything would be a great help just looking for a good time for about 4--5 hours each night.
[QUOTE=Stevewxly]Diesel E,
I believe you will also find that the Casa Don Tomas (Hotel) like the Don Carlos Hotel, is also a family style hotel that does not cater to mongers & and does not want P4P girls in the place.
I have an update on the Penthouse Casa Don Tomas advertised on VRBO that I was considering for my last trip, it is indeed chica friendly. I confirmed by email directly with the owner Tomas de la Ossa via email. The cost is $650 per week and the pics show a real nice and private looking hot tub. Think I will pull the trigger on this one and will report back to all.
http://www.vrbo.com/77704
PS will be in SJ April 1st - 9th if anyone wants to meet up for a beer or two.
Hi guys.
Thanks for all the info on this forum.
I get to make my first San Jose trip in a long time this June, and my first with any hobby possibilities. Mainly business outside of the city, but a few days to play at the end.
I see a lot of info about hotels in the heart of the city, but is there any action out towards the airport that might make it feasible to stay out that way? Also, any chica friendly places out there?
Lastly, any cool places (clubs, etc.) to meet non-pro/semi-pro local girls, in case I feel like trying some of that action as well. I like a challenge - haha.
btw: I have functional spanish, but not fluent. Thanks.
Superman06
03-31-08, 16:30
Personally I would never reccomend staying near the airport. It's about 20 miles or so to town and the traffic is in a constant state of gridlock. Probably best to finish your business and stay in town on your last few days. Knowing functional Spanish is a real plus, I know it would of helped me. Have a great trip!
Hi guys.
Thanks for all the info on this forum.
I get to make my first San Jose trip in a long time this June, and my first with any hobby possibilities. Mainly business outside of the city, but a few days to play at the end.
I see a lot of info about hotels in the heart of the city, but is there any action out towards the airport that might make it feasible to stay out that way? Also, any chica friendly places out there?
Lastly, any cool places (clubs, etc.) to meet non-pro/semi-pro local girls, in case I feel like trying some of that action as well. I like a challenge - haha.
btw: I have functional spanish, but not fluent. Thanks.
Capt Crunch
03-31-08, 22:22
Personally I would never reccomend staying near the airport. It's about 20 miles or so to town and the traffic is in a constant state of gridlock. Probably best to finish your business and stay in town on your last few days. Knowing functional Spanish is a real plus, I know it would of helped me. Have a great trip!I would definitely stay somewhere in the city if you only have a few days towards the end of your trip. I would recommend the Sportmen's Lodge or Hotel Del Rey for convience and to be at the center of all the action. If you want to explore strip clubs or massage parlors, you will not be too far out.
Check Craigslist for possible non-pro action. There is also a complex about 15-20 minutes from downtown called El Pueblo. There are about 10+ clubs there and plenty of women. I have never picked up any non-pros, but i did see some of the girls that hang out at the Del Rey there. Sometimes they have non-pro friends with them. If you do go, be careful and vigliant as there have been shootings in the past. Double check with some of the locals to see if they are still open and what the vibe is.
THere is also the San Pedro Mall near the University that might have non-pros walking around.
Good Luck&Stay Safe,
Capt Crunch
I'd agree with the Captain and the Superman that you'd be much better off staying in town for what you have in mind. HOWEVER, to answer your question a different way, the airport area is not totally devoid of possibilities. For one thing, D'Pelufo's has a club out there in addition to their better known club in San Pedro. I don't know anyone who has been there or how it compares to its sister club, which does get good reviews, but I'd love to hear about that place if you do wind up staying out there and going to it. Beyond that place, the only other reports I've ever seen on P4P in the Alajuela area have been of the cheapie local dive variety that most gringos would rarely go for. The better quality will definitely be downtown where the greater demand (and money) is located. You could also travel to the city from there for your mongering but it would be next to impossible to convince a Gulch chica to schlep bacj out to your hotel. That leaves just doing MP's or on-site action in bars and nightclubs before going home for the night or finding a local S-T room somewhere, which also might work well enough for you.
As loking for local non-pros, it will be hard enough without fluency, being stuck out in Alajeula would make it that much more difficult. Any nightspots out there will definitely of the local dive variety with probably questionable quality. Even Heredia, with all its college age population from UCR, does not have a lot of nightlife. The students there mainly head into San Jose for their nightlife.
El Pueblo? Doesn't take off until at least 11:30 at night. Gets a very young (ie off limits) clientele that mostly cruises between the bars but I'm sure often manages to sneak in to places. Also gets a very high percentage of pro's, only it is not always obvious which ones those are. That means that chica you're so successfully chatting up may have more in mind with your get together than you initially thought. the other thing about El Pueblo is that it has fotten very rowdy late at night with gang activity fights and even shootings. I used to recommend the place for late night partying but I don't anymore. However, it is still good to go to in the early evening for dinner and a stroll.
For non-pro night spots you might also try Club Vertigo on Centro Colon for fancy disco action with a latino twist (some reggaeton but techno as well), El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte, Jazz Cafe in San Pedro and a bunch of more upscale night spots in Escazu which get a more affluent better educated tico and gringo audience (which may or may not be the best targets for an old-fart gringo to try and pick up) And of course if you've got game or sufficient patience any place can be turned into a pick-up spot even if its by an old gringo with broken spanish passing through town for a few nights, whether it be chatting up a secretary type on her lunch hour on Avenida Central or a shopgirl in some store, just ask the old master 2964.
Superman, Cap'n Crunch and Prolijo,
Thanks for all the info and advice. Sounds for sure like downtown is the way to go if I can. Not sure if I can put HRD or Sportsman's on an expense report and not raise too many eyebrows (they'll actually pay for a few extra nights, but I'd like to keep the details of my biz to myself). I'll see if I can find a chica friendly spot close in.
I'll check out the usual spots and report in on the non-pro action if I run into any interesting spots. Guess I'll find out if I have any juego - lol.
Thanks again. You guys rock!
Hello Gentlemen
I would appreciate a little help. I am coming to San Jose in Mid May. I stayed at the Del Rey last time and would like to try something different this time. Unfortunately, Sportsmen's Lodge is sold out. Can someone please recommend another girl friendly hotel that isn't a dump? Thank you.
Egg
Try morazan or royal dutch both girl friendly. Both about 40. 00 a night. Clean no frills rooms. Morazan 1 block from the delrey royal dutch 80 cents cab ride. I have had good luck with finding girls in both casinos. Don't eat at either one.
Paintergle
04-10-08, 21:38
Hello Gentlemen
I would appreciate a little help. I am coming to San Jose in Mid May. I stayed at the Del Rey last time and would like to try something different this time. Unfortunately, Sportsmen's Lodge is sold out. Can someone please recommend another girl friendly hotel that isn't a dump? Thank you.
EggTry the Morazan it is right behind the key largo I love it they are very friendly always remeber me and call you by name.
50 a night
EDITOR's NOTE: This report was orginally written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING and thus it was edited it to normal case lettering. In the future, please do not write reports in ALL CAPITAL LETTERING. Thanks!
======================================
Hi Paintergle,
I sincerely appreciate your contributions to the forum, but...
Would you please refrain from WRITING IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS!
It's difficult to read and it's time consuming to fix.
On behalf of myself and your fellow Forum Members: Thank You!
Jackson
I like the Balmoral, two blocks from DR (across from Presidente). I got it for $58 plus tax for my CR trip next month.
Try the Morazan it is right behind the key largo I love it they are very friendly always remeber me and call you by name.
50 a nightAnyone have contact info to make a reservation at Morazan? I tried their website, but it won't take my info on their "Contact us" page. Found a phone number for them on another hotel page, but could not get through.
Thx
Anyone have contact info to make a reservation at Morazan? I tried their website, but it won't take my info on their "Contact us" page. Found a phone number for them on another hotel page, but could not get through.
ThxYou can email them at info@costaricamorazan.com or call them at 011-506-222-4622. Calling them is best as their email response is spotty at best Basic or Standard room should be about $41 including tax. As you do not need the coupon anymore that is always in the Tico Times Newspaper.
Going to San Jose I would like to know if there is any activity close to the Radisson Europa Hotel and Conference Center in Calle Blancos.
Thanks for the 411. I'll try both e-mail and phone.
You can email them at info@costaricamorazan.com or call them at 011-506-222-4622. Calling them is best as their email response is spotty at best Basic or Standard room should be about $41 including tax. As you do not need the coupon anymore that is always in the Tico Times Newspaper.
Hi All,
Planning on heading down to SJ in May and wanted to ask if anyone has the name of the hotel that is next to the del ray as you go towards the park. I vaguely remember the name as being an american chain but cannot remember. Also anyone have any info on the Sportsman Lodge, I remember it was a good place also. Any info is appreciated.
DR Monger II
04-29-08, 18:17
Morazan or Sleep In?
Hi All,
Planning on heading down to SJ in May and wanted to ask if anyone has the name of the hotel that is next to the del ray as you go towards the park. I vaguely remember the name as being an american chain but cannot remember. Also anyone have any info on the Sportsman Lodge, I remember it was a good place also. Any info is appreciated.Kozak,
That would be the Sleep Inn it is a greenish kinda of color building on your right hand side. They charge a $25 chica fee so i you plan on bringing chicas back I would stay at the Sportsman's. As there is no chica fee, has a great bar with decent food, and chicas on site. Kinda like a mini mini Del Rey!
Sleep Inn. That was it. Well thanks for the info on the chica fee think I will try sportsman then. Also how far a walk is sportsman from del ray. I am a bit of a walker as it allows me to take in some sites and get some excercise.
Sleep Inn. That was it. Well thanks for the info on the chica fee think I will try sportsman then. Also how far a walk is sportsman from del ray. I am a bit of a walker as it allows me to take in some sites and get some excercise.Depending on how fast you walk Kozak about 7 or 8 minutes. Keep in mind that both New Fantasy and Zona Blue are just around the corner. Also within a 5- 6 minute walk. If you walk by Zona Blue across the street up the block about 50 foot or so is a really good Peruvian eatery with great food.
Does anyone know if the former Hotel Gran Via is still girl friendly? I believe the place may have a new name/ownership? Is there a girl fee? Would anyone recommend staying here now?
Thanks,
NB
Hammerin Hank
06-02-08, 01:53
Does anyone know if the former Hotel Gran Via is still girl friendly? I believe the place may have a new name/ownership? Is there a girl fee? Would anyone recommend staying here now?
Thanks,
NBThe first chica is free and the second is $25.95 plus tax! Rooms were $50 a night. New name is Hotel Marguita(sp) but the La Gran Via sign is still up.
Traveler04
06-07-08, 21:24
Anyone have any information on this Hotel. Chica friendly, close to anything etc. I am heading there at the end of June for 4 days. Thanks...
Anyone know a chica friendly hotel near the zona that has parking? Seems most downtown hotels don't have parking. I can get a hotel near the airport with parking but how willing are ticas to ride out to an airport hotel? I don't know maybe thats not an issue.
Anyone know a chica friendly hotel near the zona that has parking? Seems most downtown hotels don't have parking. I can get a hotel near the airport with parking but how willing are ticas to ride out to an airport hotel? I don't know maybe thats not an issue.You might won't to try the Clarion just drive in and park and go where you are going to go. Or Try the parking that is across the street from the Del Ray.
Another option is to use the private parking that is across the railroad tracks from Hotel La Amistad which is around the corner from the Sportsmans Lodge.
Some hotels downtown have parking lots. The clarion, holiday inn, del ray, presidente. To name a few. There are public lots all over also. One is right next to the new york bar.
You can use the del rey lot even if you are not staying there, not sure about the clarion but probably if you told them you were going into the colonial casino.
You might won't to try the Clarion just drive in and park and go where you are going to go. Or Try the parking that is across the street from the Del Ray.
Another option is to use the private parking that is across the railroad tracks from Hotel La Amistad which is around the corner from the Sportsmans Lodge.
thx, good info. Hotel Del ray emailed me, said the have parking. I wonder if its their parking?
Sleep Inn. That was it. Well thanks for the info on the chica fee think I will try sportsman then. Also how far a walk is sportsman from del ray. I am a bit of a walker as it allows me to take in some sites and get some excercise.1.843 feet from Sportsmen's to Del-Rey I used to live in the neighborhood. Dont walk by yourself after dark the trannys will come at you from all directions just trying to get close enough to get a hand in your pocket. Take a cab after dark and not a pirate cab.The owner of Sportsmens will make sure you get pointed in the right direction when ever or where ever you are going.
Smokers Rule
07-30-08, 20:58
I realize the full-service Marriott, though a nice place to stay, is not an ideal mongering location. That said, I was wondering if someone could confirm the following pieces of information I have gathered from the boards:
1) The full-service Marriott is chica-friendly, with no fee.
2) It is about $10-$15 in taxi fare from the action.
I think my gameplan will be to pull TLN's because it's so far away. Hopefully I will not have too much of a problem convincing chicas to go there with me.
Any input is much appreciated.
Pura vida
Smoker, to bring girls back to the Marriott you must be discreet, which means make sure she doesn't look like a cheap hooker. Also, the later at night the less hassle from front desk and other ee's. I've had a few who stayed overnight and enjoyed the pool the next day, but again, you need to be discreet.
Taxi pricing varies by driver. I've paid between 10 and 20 to the gulch. Ask the driver before leaving and hold him to that amount upon arrival.
Member #4258
08-02-08, 15:07
Screw that! When I stayed at the Holiday Inn back in Mar of 07 for ten days i never paid i chica fee. All I did was have her walk in and go right to the elevator not saying a word to anyone and go right to the room.
Never had a problem.
I suspect that the same technique would work for you.
JThat's true about going straight to the elevator. I've stayed at the Aurola 3 times and pretty much been through most scenarios.
-I've checked in with the chica which is no fee.
-Gone right to the elevator many times with no fee.
-Sometimes the chica has gone right to the reception with her ID and then I had to pay. I learned from that one. It used to cost me around 20 bucks.
-I've had them knock on the door after and ask me if I had a guest and said it's my fiance, do you have a problem with that?
-It's best if the chica looks fairly presentable and dressed more conservative. I brought back one that was wearing a low cut green dress very similar to the infamous J-Lo dress. I was doomed. Had to pay the fee.
-It's always best to register into any hotel as 2 adults.
Stay at the Presidente! No stress.
Hoser
Member #4258
08-02-08, 15:11
Smoker, to bring girls back to the Marriott you must be discreet, which means make sure she doesn't look like a cheap hooker. Also, the later at night the less hassle from front desk and other ee's. I've had a few who stayed overnight and enjoyed the pool the next day, but again, you need to be discreet.
Taxi pricing varies by driver. I've paid between 10 and 20 to the gulch. Ask the driver before leaving and hold him to that amount upon arrival.How long is the ride?
Thanks,
Hoser
Their website shows some photos, but it´s not indicated what are the standard / deluxe rooms. I am going to book there for sure, but for making the reservation I´ve to figure if a standard will do!
Are the standards in the new part as well? Or on 2nd floor?
Do they have roomsafes and 220V?
So please could anyone (Prolijo) who stayed there give me an advice, what are your recommendations - experiences?
Thanx Smily
I've nearly always stayed in one of the 5 deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor of the new section in the back. There are also another 5 deluxe rooms on the first floor of that section. And half of all the deluxe rooms supposedly have small kitchenettes, though none that I've ever stayed in. The rooms on the 2nd floor also have nice views of the mountains (Barva & Poas) if you don't mind leaving the curtains open. Unfortunately, the walkway to the other rooms passes right by in front of that window, so ask for the room on the end if that is an issue.
I believe the 2nd photo down on the right with the corner window might be from that end room so it might also have even better views than the other rooms (someone else who has stayed there please correct me if I'm wrong). If it is, I'll have to ask for that room next time. The 4 photos at the bottom of their photo gallery are all definitely of the new section as I'm pretty sure is the one on the top left. I'm also pretty sure the one on the top right is from the old building, though which room I couldn't say. It shows wood flooring and I believe all the new rooms have tile. That leaves the 2nd one down on the left, which I think might be of a standard room (because of the slightly smaller double bed and the door placement).
One time they had to move me to one of the rooms on the very top floor in the original (old) building, but I believe that was deluxe too. It was a little larger than the newer rooms out back though oddly shaped (with some sloping walls from the roof) and, like the new rooms, had a/c.
I believe most of the standard rooms, 12 in all, are on the 2nd floor of the old building. There may also be some on the first floor if you don't like taking stairs and I'm not sure where their "Ambassador Suite" fits in all of this (perhaps the other room on the top floor?). Again, I haven't stayed in any of the standard rooms (or even taken the time to check them out personally). I believe they're all a bit smaller than the deluxe rooms. I've particularly heard some complaints about some of the bathrooms being really tiny. The other perhaps significant difference is that the standard rooms only have fans (no a/c). Personally, that would not necessarily be a showstopper if I wanted to save a little money. SJ is normally cool enough, particularly at night, that a fan usually suffices to keep things comfortable.
Oh yeah, the deluxe rooms all have room safes (w/key deposit) that are big enough for your camera and other small items but not for a laptop. I'm not sure about the standard rooms but would assume they're similarly equipped. Electricity voltage is not a problem in SJ although occasionally you'll run into outlets that do not have a ground (3rd prong and slightly wider prong on one side). I'm not sure what they have at the Castillo or what you have to plug in, but my cellphone recharger plugged right into the wall in the new rooms with no problem at all. If by some small chance you run into a problem (and the front desk doesn't have an adaptor you can use), standard adaptors, like you sometimes use on your power tools back home, can easily be found at most stores for a buck or so. OTOH, while 220V is probably not going to be an issue, power surges might be another. If you have something as valuable as a laptop pc, you might want to invest in a small mini-travel surge protector.
Another point about a lot of the rooms up front is that they don't have windows so it can be pretty dim in those rooms. They are less expensive but like Prolijo, I like staying in the rooms in the back wing. I met a guy staying in the standard room and they had in room safes also.
I liked Castillo better than Sportsman's Lodge because it was a lot more quieter.
Thank you for your replies, which were quite helpful, especially for learning, that some rooms don't have windows.
Did you book a single without having to pay chicafees?
One more question (also asked directly at Castillo) does the 25% VIP-CRT discount also apply to the already 20% weekly discount?
Thanx again Smily
Hammerin Hank
09-21-08, 16:21
I've nearly always stayed in one of the 5 deluxe rooms on the 2nd floor of the new section in the back. There are also another 5 deluxe rooms on the first floor of that section. And half of all the deluxe rooms supposedly have small kitchenettes, though none that I've ever stayed in. The rooms on the 2nd floor also have nice views of the mountains (Barva & Poas) if you don't mind leaving the curtains open. Unfortunately, the walkway to the other rooms passes right by in front of that window, so ask for the room on the end if that is an issue.
I believe the 2nd photo down on the right with the corner window might be from that end room so it might also have even better views than the other rooms (someone else who has stayed there please correct me if I'm wrong). If it is, I'll have to ask for that room next time. The 4 photos at the bottom of their photo gallery are all definitely of the new section as I'm pretty sure is the one on the top left. I'm also pretty sure the one on the top right is from the old building, though which room I couldn't say. It shows wood flooring and I believe all the new rooms have tile. That leaves the 2nd one down on the left, which I think might be of a standard room (because of the slightly smaller double bed and the door placement).
One time they had to move me to one of the rooms on the very top floor in the original (old) building, but I believe that was deluxe too. It was a little larger than the newer rooms out back though oddly shaped (with some sloping walls from the roof) and, like the new rooms, had a/c.
I believe most of the standard rooms, 12 in all, are on the 2nd floor of the old building. There may also be some on the first floor if you don't like taking stairs and I'm not sure where their "Ambassador Suite" fits in all of this (perhaps the other room on the top floor?). Again, I haven't stayed in any of the standard rooms (or even taken the time to check them out personally). I believe they're all a bit smaller than the deluxe rooms. I've particularly heard some complaints about some of the bathrooms being really tiny. The other perhaps significant difference is that the standard rooms only have fans (no a/c). Personally, that would not necessarily be a showstopper if I wanted to save a little money. SJ is normally cool enough, particularly at night, that a fan usually suffices to keep things comfortable.
Oh yeah, the deluxe rooms all have room safes (w/key deposit) that are big enough for your camera and other small items but not for a laptop. I'm not sure about the standard rooms but would assume they're similarly equipped. Electricity voltage is not a problem in SJ although occasionally you'll run into outlets that do not have a ground (3rd prong and slightly wider prong on one side). I'm not sure what they have at the Castillo or what you have to plug in, but my cellphone recharger plugged right into the wall in the new rooms with no problem at all. If by some small chance you run into a problem (and the front desk doesn't have an adaptor you can use), standard adaptors, like you sometimes use on your power tools back home, can easily be found at most stores for a buck or so. OTOH, while 220V is probably not going to be an issue, power surges might be another. If you have something as valuable as a laptop pc, you might want to invest in a small mini-travel surge protector.I stayed in room 6 at the Castillo on July 3. I checked out the next morning cause the room had a very small bathroom, no A/C, two full size beds one of which the mattress was completely worn out. It had 1 ceiling fan in the middle of the room, no blinds on the window. The worst thing was the key safe was in the corner and I had to get down on all fours to access it. the hotel seemed quiet and rustic but my room sucked. I paid $56 with CRT discount. Also you could see through the floors into the room below. An older TV but it worked okay. I moved to the Morazon and paid $88 a night with tax for a junior suite on the 5th floor. It was great except the water was off for 24 hours. I went to Europa to take a shower. I love the location of the Morazon and there are plenty of resturants to eat at nearby. BTW, Prolijo I met you at the SL one evening during Shawn's birthday party. I don't remember if you went to Le Grillion with us or not(there were 12 of us in the van)
BTW, Prolijo I met you at the SL one evening during Shawn's birthday party. I don't remember if you went to Le Grillion with us or not(there were 12 of us in the van)See guys, I really do exist. I went to Le Grillon but not in a van. The van guy we talked to outside the HDR wanted some ridiculous amount so I went with 3 other guys in cab. I ended up becoming really sick later that night from something I ate earlier at Cafe Mundo making a real mess on the floor of my room back at the Castillo. I'm glad there were no cracks on the floor of my room or the guy below me would have had a real nasty surprise. Fortunately, there was still water at the point to clean it up since I didn't have the heart to leave that for the maid. (I'm sure you're all glad I shared that with all of you).
Anyway, I'm sorry you were so disappointed with the room you got at the Castillo. It sounds like you got a standard room although I'm not sure why it cost you so much even with the CRT discount. The green season rate for a regular room is $44/nt plus tax, IF you pay cash, with a further 10% CRT discount off of that. Otherwise, it is 15% more if you pay with a credit card. That's a pretty damn good discount for just the relatively slight inconvenience of having to bring down a little more cash to pay your bill. The only thing I can figure is the $56 rate you paid included the tax and you also used your credit card to pay the bill. Besides, you can't really compare that to a suite you paid twice as much for. Like I said, I've never stayed in the regular rooms and heard less than stellar reviews of them myself, but if they aren't up to your standard or you'd rather pay a bit more for something nicer, maybe you should give the Castillo another try with one of their deluxe rooms.
World Travel 69
10-12-08, 16:41
San Jose
Prices are cheaper if you use a CRT Card. Contact Bob at Sportmens Lodge or Eddie of Zona Blue about it.
Another discount club: http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/San_Jose_CR.htm
Some Hotels include the 16.39% hotel tax and some don't.
1. Sportsmens Lodge (CRT Discount), 200 metros oeste de la rampa del hospital Calderon Guardia y 25 sur, Calle 13 entre Av. 9 y Av. 11 casa 949 en barrio Otyoa. Rates: US$49-$100. No Chica fees. Tel: 1-800-291-2798, 506-2221-2533. http://www.sportsmenscr.com/
2. Hotel Castillo (CRT Discount), Avenida 9 and Calle 9. Rates: $49-89. Tel: 011 (506) 2221-5141, Fax: 011 (506) 2223-2357. E-Mail: info@hotelcastillo.biz http://www.hotelcastillo.biz/
3. Del Rey Hotel, 1st Ave. & Calle 9. Rates: $90+ Chica fee $10. Tel: 1-866-765-8037, (506) 2-257-7800 Fax: (506) 2-221-0096. http://www.delreyhotel.com/
4. Hotel Morazan, Avenida 7, next door to the Del Rey. It's a bit quieter then the Del Rey. Rates: $45 per night, $3 Chica Fee. http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/hotels/hots/crmorazan/home.htm
5. The Sleep Inn**, Ave 3, Calle 11 11 Frente Al Parque, behind the Del Rey. Rates: $85+. http://www.sleepinnsanjose.com/
6. Presidente Hotel***, no chica fee, but they have a dress code and only allow 1 chica at a time. Rates: $89-$155. Tel: 506 2222-3022, Fax: +506 2221-1205. info@hotel-presidente.com
http://www.hotel-presidente.com/main.cfm
7. Clarion Amon Plaza**** (CRT Discount), Avenida 11, Calle 3 Bis. Rates: $91-$250. Tel: (506) 2523-4600, Fax: (506) 2523-4614. Contact Nixon paradisorooms@hotmail.com to get the $70/night including tax casino rate and have the Clarion's usual $25 chica fees waived). info@clarionhotel.com http://www.hotelamonplaza.com/
8. Aurola Holiday Inn, 5th Ave. and Calle 5. Rates: $80+, Chica fee $25. Tel: 1 888 HOLIDAY (888 465 4329). http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/sjocr;jsessionid=5LSPO1XHSPZMMCTGWA1CJ0QKM0YBCIY4?_requestid=355106
9. Best Western***, Avenida 7 and Calle 6. Rates: US$54.50 - US$64.50. Tel: (506) 2255-4766. http://www.bestwesterncostarica.com/
10. Hotel Ambassador, Calles 26 & 28, Paseo Colón. Rates: $45-90. Tel: (506) 221-8155, 221-8205 Fax: (506) 255-3396. http://www.hotelambassador.co.cr/
11. Casa Vino (CRT Discount), Ave. 11 and Calle 5. Rates: $50-$190. Tel: 1-206-774-7900. http://www.casavinocr.com/
12. Inca Real (CRT Discount), Ave. 9 and Calle 3. Rates: $49-$89. http://www.hotelincareal.com/
13. Dunn Inn (CRT Discount), Ave. 11 and Calle 5. Rates: $62-$99. Tel: 866.858.8882, (506) 2222-3232. Email: dunninn@racsa.co.cr http://www.hoteldunninn.com/
14. Hotel La Amistad (CRT Discount), Calle 15 Avenida 11, Barrio Amon and Otoya. Rates: $65-$109. Toll-Free +1-866-468-8684, Tel: (+506) 2-258-0021, Fax (+506) 2-258-4900. http://www.hotelamistad.com/
15. Hotel Britannia***, 3rd Street, between 9th and 11th Avenues, Barrio Amón. Rates: $102+. Tel: (506) 2223-6667, Fax: (506) 2223-6411. Toll Free Number: 1-800-263-2618 (USA and Canada only). info@hbritannia.com http://www.hotelbritanniacostarica.com/
16. Hotel Balmoral***, Central Avenue, between 7th and 9th Sts. Rates: $75+. Tel: (506) 2222-5022, Fax: (506) 2221-1919, Toll Free: 1-800-691-4865. reservas@hotelbalmoral.travel http://www.balmoral.co.cr/
17. Hotel Freebird (CRT Discount), #239 Calle 11, 25 meters South of Avenida Segunda, or a block and a half north from the Tin Jo Restaurant on the left sidewalk. Rates: $35-$85. Tel: +506.22.21.1150, Fax: +506.22.21.1143. https://www.hotelfreebird.com/
18. Royal Dutch Hotel, Avenida 2 and Calle 4. Rates: $44-$50. http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/hotels/hots/hots-royaldu-3.htm
19. Hotel Doral, Avenida 4 and Calle 8. Rates: $32-$59, $5 chica fee. Tel: (506) 2233-0665, (506) 2233-9410, Fax: (506) 2233-4827. www.hoteldoralcr.com/ing/htm/home.htm
20. Gran Hotel Costa Rica***, Ave 2 Calle Central. Rates: $72+. Tel: + (506) -2221-4000.
21. Hotel Zona Blue (CRT Discount), Avenida 9, Calle 3B S.E. (Gringos). Rooms are $200 a night and time with a Chica, it is a lot cheaper than some other places. 20 Chicas. Prices: 12000c 30 min, 17000c hour for CRT members and 16000c 30 min., 24000c hour for non CRT members. It has a Cigar Bar. Tel: 257-8624. Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm. http://www.hotelzonablue.com/
22. Hostel Marruecos (CRT Discount), Calle 3 and Ave. 5-7, norte, across the street from Europa 2000. Senora Arias, propietaria. Rates: $15-35. Tel: 221-0468. hotelmarruecos@gmail.com www.hostelmarruecos.com
http://centralamerica.com/cr/maps/csan.htm
I am planning my first to CR in nov. Trying to book at morozan. How do you guys get the 45$ rate. Their link states $79. Any help appreciated. Can you one provide their actual website for booking.
http://www.1-costaricalink.com/hotels_san_jose_costa_rica/hotel_costa_rica_morazan_costa_rica.htm
Thanks
World Travel 69
10-18-08, 18:08
This link says $53.
http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/hotels/hots/crmorazan/rates.htm
I am planning my first to CR in nov. Trying to book at morozan. How do you guys get the 45$ rate. Their link states $79. Any help appreciated. Can you one provide their actual website for booking.
http://www.1-costaricalink.com/hotels_san_jose_costa_rica/hotel_costa_rica_morazan_costa_rica.htm
Thanks
Thanks. This link doesn't allow you to reserve and also not able to contact them via telephone. This link doesn't mention about the junior suites when compared to the other link.
This link says $53.
http://www.1costaricalink.com/eng/hotels/hots/crmorazan/rates.htm
Perhaps you missed it because I posted it right before I was drawn off-topic with a flood of posts but you should read what I wrote just a couple of days ago in the general thread regarding these websites: http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/showpost.php?p=801042&postcount=1466. I occasionally make an informative posts.
In a nutshell, that first link that caffrey used (1-costaricalink WITH a dash) is a notorious ripoff site. Another member went through them to book at the Del Rey and was quoted the outrageous amount of $160 for a standard room, which was what prompted my earlier post. Apparently their quoted rates on the Morazon are equally outrageous. What makes matters even worse, if you go through them you have to pay in advance and are given a voucher to use at the hotel (I guess in an attempt to keep their customers from finding out what the hotels really charge) and they don't always pay the hotel. As a result several travellers have reported showing up with the vouchers only to be told by the hotel desk clerk that they did not know anything about their reservation or the voucher. Stay away from this outfit at all costs.
The other link (1costaricalink WITHOUT a dash) which WT69 originally provided is a valid one. This outfit is entirely reputable but, as Caffrey found out, no longer takes reservations for this particular hotel. The page for the Morazon is an old part of that site that is no longer updated. If you look closely, you'll see that the date range for the rates are way back in 2006. BTW, the rates listed were the RACK rates at that time. If you knew to ask, at that time they had a $35/night "special" rate that was always running. Anyway, if you go to the hotel index page on that site, you'll also see that the Morazon is no longer even listed on it. And when you click on the link to make a reservation for the Morazon from that old page, you're taken to another page that provides the number that Caffrey tried to use. Look carefully at the number too. It is also an old number that hasn't been updated. Sometime in the past year they've added an extra digit to ALL Costa Rica numbers.
And while I'm on the subject of websites not to use for booking at the Morazon. Do not confuse this hotel with the Hotel Casa Morazon which is nearby and unlike the Morazon NOT chica friendly.
The correct and direct web address for the Morazon itself http://www.costaricamorazan.com/fl_yes.htm. They have a toll-free number 800-575-1253 or their new CR number is 011-506-2222-4622 (note the extra 2). That will get you to the hotel front desk itself and not some middle-man agent. Unfortunately, they're notorious for not always picking up their phone (or maybe it's because they're busy on another line and have never heard of voicemail or answering machines). Anyway, you MIGHT have to try calling them a few times. Alternatively, you can also try reserving by e-mail at info@costaricamorazan.com or by using the booking form on their website and hope they're more responsive that way. And if all else fails you could try e-mailing Jose the manager at troyano111@hotmail.com.
One final note as to rates, their website lists their rates as $50/nt for standard, $75/nt jr suite, $90/nt superior suite and $130/nt master suite which do NOT include the 16.39% tax. I believe the current special rate for the standard rooms has gone up to $45/nt (or ~$53 AFTER tax) but you have to know to ask for it. I don't know what if any special rates they have for their suites. That special should include breakfast and if you pay cash you might even be able to get them to waive the tax. Also try to get them to confirm no extra chica guest fees or charges for a room safe when you book, which they sometimes try to tack on if you don't know any better. Depending on what time of year you go, how full they are and how regular a customer you are, there can be a lot of play in what you can get them to knock off or they try to add on. This place has always been rather funny with their inconsistent pricing and reservation system, which is my biggest gripe about it. However, even at the full rate, while it is not the steal it used to be, it is still not too shabby and is substantially less than the HDR for equal quality or better rooms while only 50 yards further away.And whatever you do, do NOT ask for the Soprano Discount, DO NOT!!!
I hope this helps. Did I miss anything?
Prolijo, Haven't heard that one in awhile, it sure brings back laughable memories from the CRS board. You handled the recent heat wave well, amigo. Though I don't thing we ever met, I remember your sage advice from CRT where I posted under a different handle. As an original member of CRT and a member of CRS as well, I know the story and the truth is you were not responsible for the ruination of the forum. Trying to defend one's self on these forums is a lot like playing Wack-A-Mole. Let it go and rise above it.
Thanks a lot Prolijo. I appreciate your time in clarifying the correct link and the toll free number for newcomers. Are all the standard rooms renovated or should I ask any specific floor or a junior suite. I am planning to visit during the thanks giving week nov 23-30. Is that a busy time to find room reservations or should I book early.
Caff,
Thanksgiving (or any US holiday weekend) is a VERY busy time for mongers to visit CR. Book as early as you can (and hope it is not already too late). I believe all of the rooms at the Morazon have been fairly recently renovated (they've even reportedly fixed the quick elevator doors that had left bruises on my shoulders :)). When I stayed there I used to try and stay on the 3rd floor so I could use the stairs. A lot of guys prefer the higher floors which might have a little less street noise. The room 501 junior suite is one I've heard some guys recommend and it has a nice balcony.
BTW, you should visit the CRT site and see about joining some of your fellow gringos for their big Thanksgiving dinner at the Sportsman's Lodge (even if you're not staying there).
Max,
Thanks a whole lot! Its because of guys like you and Caff that I stick around here even though because of the stupid arguments I too often get into with a small handful of others I often wonder why I still bother. I know I should let it go and rise above it, but I'm not that noble or find that so easy to do when I've become so frequent a target for some guys.
Prolijo,
Thanks for your time and response. the 800 number you provided seems to belong to clarion hotel. do you happen to know the 800 number for Morazon.
Re: toll-free, I copied some bad info there. It kinda surprised me when I was typing that they now had a toll-free number. Apparentlly, they still don't. Have you tried the other number, e-mail (for either the hotel or Jose the manager) or website contact form. I should have given you more than enough to be able to make a reservation there.
BTW, for you and others, when it comes to calling ahead to CR from the US, to make pre-trip reservations and other inquiries (and when they don't have a US toll-free number as most of them don't), it really is worthwhile to purchase a prepaid calling card on the web. For example, www.pingo.com has a $10 card that will buy you nearly 3hours of calling at 6.2 cents/min. vs. about 3 minutes with my home Verizon account at $3.30/min. Pingo does have a $1 monthly maintenance charge that can eat up whatever minutes you have left over (some other cards don't) but it is hard to beat those rates and, if you go as frequently as some guys do, you usually have some minutes left over for calls for future trips. Your local phone provider's rates may a little better than Verizon, but I bet they're pretty sucky too. It is really easy to waste more than 3 minutes just on calls that don't go through all the way, follow-up confirmation calls, or trying to reach someone who speaks good enough English to understand you, etc. And with your left-over minutes you might also want to call a local driver to arrange for his services or call a tour outfit to ask questions directly rather than going back and forth in e-mails that might not get answered so quickly or call your "novia" to tell her you're coming down.
One last thing, though not strictly necessary, its also not a bad idea to have a spanish speaking friend nearby when you make the calls if you don't speak any spanish yourself, just in case you run into any language problems. The Morazon and most tourist-oriented businesses will nearly always have someone who speaks english even if its not the person who answers the phone, but some of the other places you might want to call might not. For example, I called a hotel near Rincon de la Veija for my last trip and ran into trouble finding someone who spoke decent English (it was a major hotel but caters more to Spanish speaking tourists from other countries like the Barcelo). Fortunately, on my earlier calls I understood enough spanish to get some answers to my questions, but it was not as easy as I would have liked. You don't realize how much your communications rely on the help of body language and gestures until you try to speak a foreign language over the phone. But, once again, I digress.
Anyway, what I have written should be MORE than enough information for you to make reservations at the Morazon.
Need your help again Prolijo with morozan. Couldn't get through over their direct phone. No response to both e-mails. I am leaning towards clarion amon. What are the constraints with clarion amon for non spanish speaker like me for a first visit. How far is the taxi ride from delrey/keylargo. Is it easy to get a taxi in the night time. Do chicas from KL or delrey would accompany to clarion. Is there any short time place near kl or delrey. Thx
World Travel 69
10-25-08, 23:24
Fax: (506) 2222-4722. Old Email: info@costaricamorazan.com
NEW: info@hotelcostaricamorazan.com
Need your help again Prolijo with morozan. Couldn't get through over their direct phone. No response to both e-mails. I am leaning towards clarion amon. What are the constraints with clarion amon for non spanish speaker like me for a first visit. How far is the taxi ride from delrey/keylargo. Is it easy to get a taxi in the night time. Do chicas from KL or delrey would accompany to clarion. Is there any short time place near kl or delrey. Thx
Need your help again Prolijo with morozan. Couldn't get through over their direct phone. No response to both e-mails. I am leaning towards clarion amon. What are the constraints with clarion amon for non spanish speaker like me for a first visit. How far is the taxi ride from delrey/keylargo. Is it easy to get a taxi in the night time. Do chicas from KL or delrey would accompany to clarion. Is there any short time place near kl or delrey. ThxBefore you give up entirely on the Morazon, you might want to try the new contact info WT just provided (although the new e-mail address doesn't make a lot of sense to me since their domain name is unchanged). Frankly, while a bit of an extreme, your problems contacting them is not that unusual. IMHO, this is a pretty decent hotel, with decent rooms, very fair prices and an excellent location within spitting distance of the HDR/BM/KL. They're biggest flaw, or Achilles Heel, is not related to their physical attributes as much as they are all management related - unreliable reservation system, communication problems, and inconsistent pricing. If you can somehow get past all of that, you should have an excellent stay once you check in.
If you're ready to give up on them and want to see if you have better luck at the Clarion Amon, you should start with the contact information contained in WT's listing post below (see #7). Be forewarned that if you don't go through the Choice Hotels/Clarion toll-free reservation system (which is reliable, efficient and very expensive) and try to book through the Casino instead you might run into as many problems getting a response as you have at the Morazon. This is Costa Rica and most business are not run with the sort of efficiency that we take for granted in the US. That said as bad as that is, I find it hard to believe, with all the contact information WT and I have provided you, you have not been able to get through or get any sort of reply at all from the Morazon.
A few final words on the Amon in answer to your questions. There are no constraints on non-spanish speaking first-time visitor to any hotel in SJ. These are tourism business and just about all of them have personnel that speak english, certainly all of them in your price class (the $10/nt Hotel Johnson is the only place I've stayed that didn't). How far is the cab ride to the BM? Its only about 5-6 blocks to the BM (a block less to the KL) so the cab ride is a matter of a minute or less. I've even walked that distance in the early evening, though I'd definitely recommend a nervous newbie like yourself to always take a cab after dark especially if you have a chica with you. You should have no problem at all finding chicas more than willing to accompany you back to that hotel (ie no need to resort to a s/t hotel like the Asia unless for some reason you can't handle the "walk of shame" at the Clarion). The chicas will probably hit you up for return cabfare at the end of your session (unless you want to accompany them back to the BM too). That always amuses me since I've just paid them $60+/- so you'd think they could manage the $1 fare. But what's a lousy buck. If they did a good job I make it part of their tip. If they were only so-so, I'll slip them a 1K note (worth <$2) which should more than cover the fare and make that their whole tip. If I felt they shortchanged me I tell them to take a hike and take it out of what I just paid them.
Thanks Prolijo,
Finally I got e-mail response from both morazon and clarion. I was quoted $47 (including tax) at morazon and $75 plus tax in clarion for standard room. Is the standard room in morazon recently renovated? And less noisy?
I noted in the forum all the prices are quoted in US $ including the tour operators. Does that mean I can't use the atm (which dispense only colons) for withdrawal. I prefer to use ATM even though there is a service fee tacked to it. I hesitate to carry too much cash. Thx
Caff,
Patience, boy, slow down and relax.
You might want to verify if they charge for bringing chicas back to your room (unregistered guest fees) and if so what those charges would be. I'd phrase that question as "please confirm that there are no extra charges for bringing 'visitors' back to the room" rather then inviting them to tack on some extra fees to the rates they already quoted. The casino rate at the Clarion should already have their usual very high chica charge waived but I also thought it was supposed to include the room tax which you say it didn't, so what do I know. The Morazon normally charges $3/ea for chicas but that rate is very inconsistent and some guys who are insistent have managed to get that waived.
For $75 (and normally over $100) obviously the rooms at the Clarion are going to be much nicer than the budget rooms at the Morazon. It is also in a much quieter neighborhood. I believe the Morazon was recently renovated but either way the rooms should be in fairly decent shape. As for quiet, that is on a fairly busy street. For greater quiet at any of these places and to get away from street (and possibly casino noise), try to get a room on a higher floor. And if you're a light sleeper and all else fails just bring some disposible earplugs along which you can pick up at any Walmart before you go for cheap (and probably in CR as well if you forget).
There are some ATM's that dispense dollars, but what does that have at all to do with paying your hotel bill. If you don't want to bring any more cold hard cash than you have to, then there is always your credit card. Besides, all the cash you bring will be going directly into a room safe right after you arrive anyway. Any service fees would probably be less for a direct purchase at a merchant hotel as opposed to a cash withdrawal at an ATM anyway. Some hotels provide discounts for paying in cash, but I don't think these two do. And while these places may list their prices in dollars, you can pay your bill anyway you want whether it is colones, dollars or plastic.
Hammerin Hank
10-29-08, 04:48
Just booked Morazon for Nov. 6,7,8. I got room 501 (Jr. Suite) for $88including tax. NIce big room with balcony. Angie(desk clerk) has promised that the elevators are working. Also she promised running water(last 4 of July Morazon was without water for 28 hrs)
Should I reserve a hotel room. I'm going from November 9th to novemeber 12. Its not to busy. So I don't think it would be a problem? I wanna stay some where near del ray. So I'm thinking about sportsman lodge or dunn inn could I just try to get a room once I'm there? Has anyone done this?
Thanks
World Travel 69
11-03-08, 20:49
Email or call them. I prefer the place. Or the Castillo around the corner.
Should I reserve a hotel room. I'm going from November 9th to novemeber 12. Its not to busy. So I don't think it would be a problem? I wanna stay some where near del ray. So I'm thinking about sportsman lodge or dunn inn could I just try to get a room once I'm there? Has anyone done this?
Thanks
Toadtamer2
11-04-08, 02:07
Assman, if you are familiar with CR, no problem. If you don't know your way around, book a room. SL just opened up their new mansion side, if you don't mind payin $100+ for a room.
Thanks Prolijo,
Finally I got e-mail response from both morazon and clarion. I was quoted $47 (including tax) at morazon and $75 plus tax in clarion for standard room. Is the standard room in morazon recently renovated? And less noisy?
I noted in the forum all the prices are quoted in US $ including the tour operators. Does that mean I can't use the atm (which dispense only colons) for withdrawal. I prefer to use ATM even though there is a service fee tacked to it. I hesitate to carry too much cash. ThxCaffrey,
The $47 rooms are small, with 1 or two beds, med or no window, basic furniture and tv. The safe is $3 extra. All have A/C. At $47 breakfast is included (go to the 2nd floor). It has been my place of choice for the $ but recently the walk from the DR is getting hairy. Beggars following within 6 inches of you most of the way. Once I really threaten them, they tend to leave me alone but I still feel vulnerable.
The Sportemens Lodge is booked. So I halve to find another hotel that is not to expensive. Has anyoner stayed at the hotel Inca real. Is this a good place to stay. Is there a chica fee?
Green_Thumb
11-18-08, 00:13
To the Costa vets,
I made my first trip to SJose back in August with a bachelor party and it definitely was the time of our lives. We drove from central Iowa and took a flight out of Chicago O'Hare. I believe it was $425 round trip and we stayed at the Del Rey as newbies.
I had planned to return alone and do some dental veneers but put that on hold when the economy shit the bed; as I am in sales and wasn't sure how my customers would react. Sales have slowed a tad but still making good money.
Anyhow, I was just doing some pricing last week and couldn't believe it when I saw a round trip out of O'Hare for only $284 all taxes incl. WOW! So of course I had to book it. Then, after doing some more research here I found that Del Rey was not the best option money wise. I was able to book 6 nights for late January at Morazan for $47, all tax included and no chica fees? ! ? . According to the e-mail. (Btw thanks Prolijo for the hotel contact info)
Holy shit, I feel like I'm getting a free trip. Just in hotel alone, as I average 2 chicas a night, I'm gonna save almost $470 by not staying at the DR. I can't freaking wait!
With that said, I am a little concerned though as I read a few comments made about the walk from Morazan to Del Rey getting a little more "hairy". Can anyone elaborate on that or does anyone have any recent experience they can share on the current situation? Believe me I don't sweat spending $3 on a taxi if it will save my life or personal well being, but if it's such a short walk will the cabs even be willing to take me? And what about the cabs that take me but dump me for getting robbed and assaulted? What should I be doing or looking for so I can avoid that at all costs? Any info or advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys,
GT
EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.
To the Costa vets,
I made my first trip to SJose back in August with a bachelor party and it definitely was the time of our lives. We drove from central Iowa and took a flight out of Chicago O'Hare. I believe it was $425 round trip and we stayed at the Del Rey as newbies.
I had planned to return alone and do some dental veneers but put that on hold when the economy shit the bed; as I am in sales and wasn't sure how my customers would react. Sales have slowed a tad but still making good money.
Anyhow, I was just doing some pricing last week and couldn't believe it when I saw a round trip out of O'Hare for only $284 all taxes incl. WOW! So of course I had to book it. Then, after doing some more research here I found that Del Rey was not the best option money wise. I was able to book 6 nights for late January at Morazan for $47, all tax included and no chica fees? ! ? . According to the e-mail. (Btw thanks Prolijo for the hotel contact info)
Holy shit, I feel like I'm getting a free trip. Just in hotel alone, as I average 2 chicas a night, I'm gonna save almost $470 by not staying at the DR. I can't freaking wait!
With that said, I am a little concerned though as I read a few comments made about the walk from Morazan to Del Rey getting a little more "hairy". Can anyone elaborate on that or does anyone have any recent experience they can share on the current situation? Believe me I don't sweat spending $3 on a taxi if it will save my life or personal well being, but if it's such a short walk will the cabs even be willing to take me? And what about the cabs that take me but dump me for getting robbed and assaulted? What should I be doing or looking for so I can avoid that at all costs? Any info or advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys,
GT
EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here (http://www.internationalsexguide.info/forum/announcement-reportsofdistinction.php?) for more information.
Green Thumb,
I have stayed at the Morazan probably twenty or so nights in my five years of going to Costa Rica. There have been nights where I have won 4 or 5 grand at the blackjack tables and had to do the walk. In all of those times I never had an issue. I just walk with a purpose and ignore anyone that tries to approach me. The walk is litearly 50 yds at most. there is always people on that street 24 hours a day. The walk to the Presidente is a little more risky. I didn't feel real confortable walking that late at night. By the way, i always take my watch off when I do the walk so I have nothing for them to go at. I like the Morazan because they don't charge for girls and it's a little quieter then the Del Rey... Just don't gamble in the casino there. It's very shady.
Walk with a purpose like mentioned in the previous post.
When I would leave the HDL and walk to the Morzazon, I'd always get a persistent kid begging for money or sometimes some other type. I start with a simple but polite "no" and have had to kick it up a notch if they persist. Believe it or not, but almost always the girl I'm with, who's done this walk many times before, can put these buggers in their place even better than I. Don't worry, if they don't understand no from you, they will from her.
Enjoy and send us a report with pics.
MCruddy
How far is the taxi ride from delrey/keylargo. Is it easy to get a taxi in the night time. Do chicas from KL or delrey would accompany to clarion. Is there any short time place near kl or delrey. Thx
Most taxi fares in the city are very inexpensive, safe and available at any time.
Superman06
12-13-08, 16:22
I just got back from my second trip to San Jose and stayed at the Hotel Diana. Whenever possible, I like to stay at reasonable and cheap lodgings. Diana Inn fit the bill for this trip. Rooms there are $35 a night (including tax) or $31.50 per night if staying a week. The hotel has six rooms, is very secure and clean and located at the corner of Parque Morazon. They do however have a $10 chica fee but that seems to be stanard in many Gringo Gultch hotels. DI is very convienent to all your favorite gultch activities. They also have a shared kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, plus laundry service and a decent wifi connection. Mario the owner and Max the night manager are good English speakers.
There are a few negatives. DI is a bit long in the tooth and is in need of some renovations. The shower is so so but works well enough. The walls are thin and don't muffle the sounds of fellow mongers activities. Security is excellent but can be a pain in the ass sometimes. You always have to ring to get in and ask to exit the building. But given crime in the neighborhood I guess it's what works best for their small operation. The street their on can get very noisy with traffic. Best to use foam ear plugs to deafen the sound when going to sleep.
The Nashville South bar is across the street from DI. It's a small Gringo/Tico neighborhood bar and a good place to hang out and meet fellow mongers and locals not to mention the occassional tranny stopping in for a drink. Some of the same girls you see at New York Bar hang out there also.
All in all a great place for the budget minded monger to reside at for a weeks stay.
I'm planning a trip to SJ in February. I was looking for some feedback on the Hotel Del Ray. I know its pricey, but want to stay someplace a bit upscale this time around. I usually stay at the Balmoral ($70 incl. tax) but want to upgrade. I had one stay at the Morazan, and never again. Is the HDR worth the money? I was also thinking about the Presidente, just because of the short walking distance.
MelowDownEasy
12-16-08, 00:54
I'm planning a trip to SJ in February. I was looking for some feedback on the Hotel Del Ray. I know its pricey, but want to stay someplace a bit upscale this time around. I usually stay at the Balmoral ($70 incl. tax) but want to upgrade. I had one stay at the Morazan, and never again. Is the HDR worth the money? I was also thinking about the Presidente, just because of the short walking distance.
I'm planning a first trip to CR.The hotel Del Ray website does not list the room prices. Anyone know ballpark prices for the rooms? Chica fee sounds like it could add up,but for the first time in CR I have to stay there. Will probably split my time with Sportsmans Lodge.
Superman06
12-16-08, 04:13
I was also thinking about the Presidente, just because of the short walking distance.
From what I have been reading on CRT The Presidente is becoming less friendly to mongerers. They have a dress code for "guests" you might bring back from the BM. Their trying to get more of the eco-tourist family trade and deserting the people who have supported the hotel over the years. You can't beat the convience of the HDR. Just curious...What was our issue with the Morazon? I'm considering it for my next trip. I realize it's no Presidente or HDH. I know some have had problems with their reservations not being honored.
From what I have been reading on CRT The Presidente is becoming less friendly to mongerers. They have a dress code for "guests" you might bring back from the BM. Their trying to get more of the eco-tourist family trade and deserting the people who have supported the hotel over the years. You can't beat the convience of the HDR. Just curious...What was our issue with the Morazon? I'm considering it for my next trip. I realize it's no Presidente or HDH. I know some have had problems with their reservations not being honored.
I thought it was a bit of a dump. So-so rooms, crappy shower, towels that were in tatters, etc. They may have made it better, oh and I forgot, you can never reach anyone to make a reservation. My amigos used to contact Ricardo (front desk manager) and get a room for $42, taxes and breakfast included. Now no one answers the damn phone.
I'm planning a first trip to CR.The hotel Del Ray website does not list the room prices. Anyone know ballpark prices for the rooms? Chica fee sounds like it could add up,but for the first time in CR I have to stay there. Will probably split my time with Sportsmans Lodge.Rooms in Del Ray are a shithole when compared to Sportsmens Lodge. PrIces are about the same ($90 or so). If you want to feel like a king stay in the Mansion Wing at Sportsmens which will be about $125 a night. Leopardo suite is very nice. I also stayed with a friend in the Oso Grande 2 bedroom suite and it was as nice as any place I've stayed. You can see pictures of the various rooms at Sportsmens on their website. There is a reason that Del Rey doesn't show pics of its rooms.
Also, Sportsmens is a much nice place to hang out with a nice laid back atmosphere and many fellow mongers to shoot the breeze with. In my view it also has the best looking ladies. No 10's but plenty of 7-9's.
I had breakfast at The Presidente and it looked nice. They have always screened out girls that are dressed too sexy and I heard that they don't allow any girls anymore. I would call them for clarification.
In any event book as early as possible as all are popular and have limited availability.
Nickster53
12-29-08, 17:07
I am going to CR for my first trip next week and planning on staying at HLH. I just got confirmation from Eduardo on the new 2009 rates. Here is what he quoted me:
"The next year we will have new room rates so if you are a CRTicas member you will pay $99.00+tax for the room but the girl will cost $45.00 per hour, now, if you want to pay only $25.00 for the girl you can take one of the suites and then pay $25.00 per girl. The regular session for a girl is $55.00. The rate for the suite is $195.00+tax one person and $250.00+tax for two people. The session with the girls is $25.00 per girl if you rent the suite."
I am going to opt for the $99 rate and see how it goes. If anyone is going to be in town on the 9th to the 12th, send me a PM.
N
I know there's been a lot of mention about the Hotel Del Rey, specifically about price. But I also hear its a convenience that everything is there at your fingertip, as it were :) It is more than I'm accostomed to paying, but I wanted to try it at least once.
That said, what is the quality of the rooms, service, etc. I'm booked in there next month. A few specific questions to those who have stayed there:
1. Do chicas have to be cleared at the front desk before going up to a room?
2. What do they charge, per chica?
3. Can you take up more than one chica?
4. Can you charge meals & drinks consumed inside the hotel to your room?
5. What rooms/floor are best for minimal noise?
Thanks for your responses in advance.
#1-yes, they check at the side elevator and take there ID.
#2-yes, there is a $10 fee per chica.
#3 yes, you can take a couple chicas at a time.
#4-you can order food, I have always paid when delivered.
#5- you want to be on at least the 4th floor.
Good luck and happy hunting
Dodger Bulldog
01-17-09, 23:47
"The next year we will have new room rates so if you are a CRTicas member you will pay $99.00+tax for the room but the girl will cost $45.00 per hour, now, if you want to pay only $25.00 for the girl you can take one of the suites and then pay $25.00 per girl. The regular session for a girl is $55.00. The rate for the suite is $195.00+tax one person and $250.00+tax for two people. The session with the girls is $25.00 per girl if you rent the suite."One would need to do five chicas a day just to break even, and six to come out ahead.
Any of you guys doing SIX chicas a day, EVERY day of your trip?
I certainly tip my hat to you if you do!
And, would you be limited to doing their chicas? Do they let you bring others in from the outside?
I thought this place was run by gringos, but I see it uses a crazy Latino pricing structure...
DB
Albert Punter
01-18-09, 05:57
Recently I stayed at Barcelo Palma Real for USD 47 per night, including buffet breakfast and wifi connection in the room.
Not bad for a more than decent hotel.
Just book thru their website, I believe this promotion is temporary.
I don't know about girl frendliness as I didn't hunt in San José.
However, one night I was woke-up by some loud moaning of a couple making sex next door.
As I am a naďve guy, I thought they were a legit couple.
Well, they obviously weren't and after the deed they started to fight and girl asked for help loud: "Auxilio". From their words I understood the girl wanted to leave after the pop while the guy wanted her to stay more time (always same shit).
I was about to go out of my room, when hotel staff came: "What is going on with this lady ?"
Girl was escorted downstairs crying.
AlLostInSpace13
01-20-09, 09:52
I tried hotel Diana. The hotel description is exactly as you've described. At $35/night, it's a bargain. The Nashville bar is a good meeting place too. One night after leaving the bar and walked the 30' back to the hotel I saw this petite chica. It was late so her price was $40. I proceeded to press the doorbell. Little did I know that the outside doorbell does not cause a bell to chime, but it flickers a light inside. Well, Mr. night-watch person was a sound sleeper and after knocking on the door, then progressed to banging on it then progressed onto kicking/shaking it. After about an hour, someone eventually opened the freaking door. By that time, the chica had already left.
You get what you paid for. But I think Mr. night-watch person had learned a lesson b/c the next night I only had to knock on the door 5 times and the door was opened!
I just got back from my second trip to San Jose and stayed at the Hotel Diana. Whenever possible, I like to stay at reasonable and cheap lodgings. Diana Inn fit the bill for this trip. Rooms there are $35 a night (including tax) or $31.50 per night if staying a week. The hotel has six rooms, is very secure and clean and located at the corner of Parque Morazon. They do however have a $10 chica fee but that seems to be stanard in many Gringo Gultch hotels. DI is very convienent to all your favorite gultch activities. They also have a shared kitchen with microwave and refrigerator, plus laundry service and a decent wifi connection. Mario the owner and Max the night manager are good English speakers.
There are a few negatives. DI is a bit long in the tooth and is in need of some renovations. The shower is so so but works well enough. The walls are thin and don't muffle the sounds of fellow mongers activities. Security is excellent but can be a pain in the ass sometimes. You always have to ring to get in and ask to exit the building. But given crime in the neighborhood I guess it's what works best for their small operation. The street their on can get very noisy with traffic. Best to use foam ear plugs to deafen the sound when going to sleep.
The Nashville South bar is across the street from DI. It's a small Gringo/Tico neighborhood bar and a good place to hang out and meet fellow mongers and locals not to mention the occassional tranny stopping in for a drink. Some of the same girls you see at New York Bar hang out there also.
All in all a great place for the budget minded monger to reside at for a weeks stay.
Superman06
01-23-09, 13:05
You get what you paid for. But I think Mr. night-watch person had learned a lesson b/c the next night I only had to knock on the door 5 times and the door was opened!
That really sucks. Getting in and out was the single thing I really disliked about stayiing there. One night I couldn't get in and walked back to the Nashville Bar and had them call DI and wake Max up. That worked but it was more trouble than it should have been.
I hope Jackson allows a link to another website that gives a lot info on HDR:
http://*******.com/cmuoxw
Superman06
01-24-09, 16:49
I hope Jackson allows a link to another website that gives a lot info on HDR:
http://*******.com/cmuoxw
Good find. They also have a bunch of other good articles about Costa Rica on that web site.
Will be in San Jose week after next for two nights. Can someone tell me if the Intercontinental or Courtyard by Marriott both GF?
Woodman
I have been to CR on 2 occasions. Each time better due to the great reports listed here. The first time I was there, I stayed at a futuristic looking hotel that was about a mile from HDR. It had full access to a 24 Hour type fitness club. I can't remember the name of that hotel but believe it was Barcelo- Palicio or something like that. The picture of the Barcelo on expedia doesn't look like the same hotel. Second time I booked the Clarion but when I arrived it was closed due to some health inspection violations so were rebooked to the Holiday Inn. Both hotels were nice in their own way but not chica friendly. Where is there a nice place, close to HDR, preferably with a fitness center that is chica friendly? Also what does HLH stand for? I'm a little out sync with the abbreviations.
Thanks
MelowDownEasy
03-11-09, 03:43
I have been to CR on 2 occasions. Each time better due to the great reports listed here. The first time I was there, I stayed at a futuristic looking hotel that was about a mile from HDR. It had full access to a 24 Hour type fitness club. I can't remember the name of that hotel but believe it was Barcelo- Palicio or something like that. The picture of the Barcelo on expedia doesn't look like the same hotel. Second time I booked the Clarion but when I arrived it was closed due to some health inspection violations so were rebooked to the Holiday Inn. Both hotels were nice in their own way but not chica friendly. Where is there a nice place, close to HDR, preferably with a fitness center that is chica friendly? Also what does HLH stand for? I'm a little out sync with the abbreviations.
Thanks
www.hotellittlehavana.com The old "Zona Blue"
The people that stay at Hotel Freebird. What did you think of the place, and would you stay there again? I'm thinking of staying there, but there's not that much info on this hotel.
Thanks
You'll be happy with your stay.
Dennis the owner is a great guy, all the rooms have nice new furniture and beds. One has to compromise by having the shared bathroom on the main floor and no breakfast (both of which were fine with me as I've never liked paying for what other places offer as breakfast anyways).
Clean, safe and inexpensive.
Member #4258
03-21-09, 20:44
Does anyone know if the Crowne Plaza is chica friendly?
Thanks,
Hoser
Stayed at the suite2 in Hotel Freebird. Nice place for the price. A little bit noisy tho. 2 blocks away from the Del Rey. Very nice owners who even took me for a tour of the hot spots. If you're new, they'll be happy to answers all your questions.
Recommended.
Will be in San Jose week after next for two nights. Can someone tell me if the Intercontinental or Courtyard by Marriott both GF?
WoodmanI had no problems bringing a chica back. It was 4pm in the afternoon and we simply went straight up the elevators. No questions asked No chica fee either. Be discreet and there should be no problems.
MCruddy
Pussyluver
03-31-09, 01:57
hey guys,
thought i had the two rooms for my partner and i booked at the presidente. just got an e-mail confirmation saying we had the rooms but at $130 us a night plus they have no large beds. we are in rooms with 2 twins. this will not work as my travel partner is a big man and will not fit in a twin, much less fit in a twin with a lady.
any suggestions for an upscale place on short notice. i am looking for a chica friendly place with good a/c, upscale, (no dumps) that is chica friendly. the sportsman is booked. a speedy response is appreciated since i leave in less than 16 days.
thanks
Garotalover
04-01-09, 20:39
Try the Hotel Amistad
www.hotelamistad.com
Very chica friendly and a centavos throw from Sportsmans.
Try the Hotel Amistad
www.hotelamistad.com
Very chica friendly and a centavos throw from Sportsmans.http://www.hotelvesuvio.com/
Chica frinedly, resturant and bar. It is in between Amastad and sportsman.
Alos has an 800-571-2933. Everyone on the 800 number and the hotel speak perfect English. It is a great place to stay.
Seven Spot
05-11-09, 23:06
(oops I originally posted this in general questions. My bad)
I have the opportunity to go to Costa Rica in July. Unfortunately it is a business trip. But I might be able to add a day or two on either side of the trip for a little fun. I just need to eventually meet up with some people at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Jose or back at the airport.
I am traveling with some gear that I need to keep secure. So if I have an extra day or two on either end, is there a place that I can stay that is reasonably secure and close to where I can have a little fun?
I am not opposed to a package deal or paying for a little help. (I have seen some mention of mentors so I will follow that lead but still need help on hotel)
Thanks.
P.S. Have posted my experiences in Germany last Fall, so I have been contributing a bit.
(oops I originally posted this in general questions. My bad)
I have the opportunity to go to Costa Rica in July. Unfortunately it is a business trip. But I might be able to add a day or two on either side of the trip for a little fun. I just need to eventually meet up with some people at the Buena Vista Hotel in San Jose or back at the airport.
I am traveling with some gear that I need to keep secure. So if I have an extra day or two on either end, is there a place that I can stay that is reasonably secure and close to where I can have a little fun?
I am not opposed to a package deal or paying for a little help. (I have seen some mention of mentors so I will follow that lead but still need help on hotel)
Thanks.
P.S. Have posted my experiences in Germany last Fall, so I have been contributing a bit.
Hotel Presidente has become, more the last year or so, very focused on the family and eco tourists. So, it is fairly safe to stay for business purposes. Besidies some dress quote foolishness (can't choose a woman that looks too over the top), it is still freindly enough for chicas...The sleep in is a straight place, with a 20buck charge for chicas- not a big deal if you are only goining to be partaking a few times....both are right at ground zero for mongering
Mr Jetsetter
05-18-09, 08:23
I'd avoid the Presidente altogether if you plan on bringing chicas back to your room. Have heard too many stories recently about their BS dress code being both subjectively and strictly applied, about their staff being rude to both the chicas AND their gringo guests. They flat out don't want the business of us mongers. I say, "screw 'em!"
I'd try the Amistad or the Sportsmens Lodge (likely booked but worth a try).
Seven Spot
05-18-09, 22:51
I'd avoid the Presidente altogether if you plan on bringing chicas back to your room. Have heard too many stories recently about their BS dress code being both subjectively and strictly applied, about their staff being rude to both the chicas AND their gringo guests. They flat out don't want the business of us mongers. I say, "screw 'em!"
I'd try the Amistad or the Sportsmens Lodge (likely booked but worth a try).Thanks for the advice.
My biggest concern is being able to lock up my gear so it is safe.
I am typing now from the Amistad. Just arrived so I cant confirm the chica friendliness yet. Got the 119$ penthouse, with sauna and jacuzzi. It is not an Hilton in terms of luxury, but the suite is very big modern clean and cosy. First time in CR so not sure what 119$ can get you elsewhere, I can certainly reccomend this one.
I was walking around one day and stopped by Don Carlos. I just asked the guy (at the desk) could he show me around. I went back and snapped a few pictures of some rooms that were open.
I asked him, "are you guys okay if I want to have a guest over"? He responded, "we don't allow local girls". That was enough for me because they wouldn't suit my purposes at all. If you're mainly a massage bar person, this could be up your alley. Not recommending, just sharing info.
I didn't stay at la sabana, but I did stop in. Did the ole, can you show me around. It was very nice. Couldn't get any pictures. I will admit its a bit father away from gulch action. If you get a rental (like I did for a few days) its not a Problem.
Can someone advise if the Crowne Plaza Corobici is girl-friendly? It can currently be booked at a great rate, or even better using Priority Club points. Thank you.
Seven Spot
06-09-09, 22:19
If I tell a local that I am staying at the Amistad will they put two and two together? Would like to stay there on either end of a business trip but don't want to tip the local.
Hi is Courtyard still chica friendly and can u walk to Delray from hotel??
thanks
I was staying at the sleep inn. They made me pay $40 to take a chica to my room. I finally found a place hotel vesuvio. It is next to the sportsman lodge. I paid $35, had the room for 12 hours. The rooms were clean and nice.
Most of all the staff spoke perfect english. In fact for all night the room is $45 what a bargin. Beats the hell out of staying at sleeping $129 plus $40 chica fee every time I take a girl.
This place is $2 cab ride from the del ray and from sportsman I always walk 30 metters.
Anyway I hope this helps. Infact they have a toll free number 800-571-2933. I just booked a room today for 3 nights in August.
Is the Presidente girl friendly?
Yes, Presidente is still girl friendly. You can only bring one to the room and there is a dress code (in other words, they can't look like a w****). Unfortunately, Presidente no longer seems to want to be a monger hotel, and they no longer offer a CRT discount. I'm sure that they will soon start discouraging the hobby by charging some aort of chica fee.
Hi is Courtyard still chica friendly and can u walk to Delray from hotel??
thanksDon't know about chica friendly, but about 15km distance between courtyard and DelRey.
http://www.hotelvesuvio.com/
Chica frinedly, resturant and bar. It is in between Amastad and sportsman.
Alos has an 800-571-2933. Everyone on the 800 number and the hotel speak perfect English. It is a great place to stay.
It should be said that hotel Vesuvio is a budget motel with pretty much nothing in the room besides the bed. Very basic, the wireless internet requires a subscription with the local provider and the internet in the lobby pretty much did not work for the 3 days I stayed there. They charge you to use the safe, the breakfast that is included is a joke, or rather it is a banana.
The place is OK, clean and they speak English and no problem to bring a girl there, but expect only the basics. Personally I would much prefer Hotel Amistadt or the Sportsmen's lodge which I discovered on this trip. There is not a large price difference.
I am typing now from the Amistad. Just arrived so I cant confirm the chica friendliness yet. Got the 119$ penthouse, with sauna and jacuzzi. It is not an Hilton in terms of luxury, but the suite is very big modern clean and cosy. First time in CR so not sure what 119$ can get you elsewhere, I can certainly reccomend this one.Hi MarcoMan,
I'm thinking of staying at the penthouse at La Amistad when I stopover in SJO in October. Can you confirm that it was chica friendly? Location is very close to Sportsman Lodge right?
Many thanks, Bigstud
Hi MarcoMan,
I'm thinking of staying at the penthouse at La Amistad when I stopover in SJO in October. Can you confirm that it was chica friendly? Location is very close to Sportsman Lodge right?
Many thanks, BigstudYes, the La Amistad is chica friendly. I have heard that this is only good for one chica. I cannot verify this because I have not tried to bring in more than one.
Dick Hertz
09-14-09, 03:32
Is the Sportsmens logde near the Del Ray. Also do the sportmens have a chica fee like HDR. This will be my first trip to Costa Rica and i would like to see both places. It sound like the chica will take between 40 and 50 dollars or 25k to 35k colon but if i am wrong please let me know. Alot of people are over paying and i do not want to be one of them.
Mr Jetsetter
09-14-09, 11:49
Dick
I strongly suggest you take advantage of the "search this thread" function to learn more about the Sportsmens Lodge (simply enter "Sportsmens Lodge").
The SL is only a five-minute walk or short cab ride to the HDR. There is no chica fee. Chica prices vary, as the ladies, all independents, are free to set their own prices.
I'm planning a trip with my wingman in November and wanted to have a hotel room with 2 bedrooms so we don't have to rent 2 seperate rooms. I've researched and believe Sportsman Lodge and La Amistad both have suites/rooms with 2 bedrooms. I'm going to call both hotels and ask about them, but wanted to ask if any members had any info or more input. Right now I'm leaning toward Sportsman Lodge just with what I've read here and seen on their website. Any help would be great. Thanks!!
Cloude
I was in the Royal Dutch Hotel today and checked on a room for my buddy who will be here in a few days.
Personally I stay in a Tico hotel downtown which is very cheap, and does not have any air conditioning. .....although today they gave me a electric fan.....which made all the difference. Now my room is pretty cool.
My buddy, Larry has to have the AC or he can not sleep well.
Anyway.....
The Royal Dutch Hotel is fairly nice, centrally located on 2nd Ave. - very near the Parke Central. Their advertised rates at the hotel are:
Regular single room = $ 54.00.....but I got to talking with the desk clerk and he said they would do $ 40.00 for that room (with AC of course) for cash.
Top room price is $ 89.00 for a king size suite, but they will also give a good corresponding discount for cash on that room too.
This hotel is about 6 blocks from the Hotel Presidente or Balmoral Hotel, and then another 3 blocks up to the Del Rey Hotel......so about 9 to 10 blocks from the center of the Gulch. (( Only about $ 1.50 to $ 2.00 by taxi to the Del Rey ))
I am going to recommend this hotel for my friend when he arrives.....but I will still be at the Tico hotel.- a block and a half away...which is more in line with my limited budget.
Once I am here....I like to stay a while.....opting not to " blow my whole wad " the first 4 or 5 days.
BTW....
My friend is coming down to have some major dental work done here in San Jose.
And I had some dental work done here about two years ago, and am very pleased with it......and the price was certainly very reasonable....about 75 to 80 % less than what it would have cost me in the USA.
If anyone wants to have dental workd done here by a very competant US trained dentist (doctor)....then give me a holler and I will tell you about the dentist I chose, who he is, where he is, and such, and an idea of his prices.....which again are far better than can be had anywhere is the US.
I was in the Royal Dutch Hotel today and checked on a room for my buddy who will be here in a few days.
Personally I stay in a Tico hotel downtown which is very cheap, and does not have any air conditioning. .....although today they gave me a electric fan.....which made all the difference. Now my room is pretty cool.
My buddy, Larry has to have the AC or he can not sleep well.
Anyway.....
The Royal Dutch Hotel is fairly nice, centrally located on 2nd Ave. - very near the Parke Central. Their advertised rates at the hotel are:
Regular single room = $ 54.00.....but I got to talking with the desk clerk and he said they would do $ 40.00 for that room (with AC of course) for cash.
Top room price is $ 89.00 for a king size suite, but they will also give a good corresponding discount for cash on that room too.
This hotel is about 6 blocks from the Hotel Presidente or Balmoral Hotel, and then another 3 blocks up to the Del Rey Hotel......so about 9 to 10 blocks from the center of the Gulch. (( Only about $ 1.50 to $ 2.00 by taxi to the Del Rey ))
I am going to recommend this hotel for my friend when he arrives.....but I will still be at the Tico hotel.- a block and a half away...which is more in line with my limited budget.
Once I am here....I like to stay a while.....opting not to " blow my whole wad " the first 4 or 5 days.
BTW....
My friend is coming down to have some major dental work done here in San Jose.
And I had some dental work done here about two years ago, and am very pleased with it......and the price was certainly very reasonable....about 75 to 80 % less than what it would have cost me in the USA.
If anyone wants to have dental workd done here by a very competant US trained dentist (doctor)....then give me a holler and I will tell you about the dentist I chose, who he is, where he is, and such, and an idea of his prices.....which again are far better than can be had anywhere is the US.
Update on the Hotel Royal Dutch
My buddy from Ohio has arrived here Tues. night in San Jose. I tried to get a room for him set up at the Royal Dutch Hotel, and thought things were all set up for him on Monday. But when I next checked on the room, the desk clerk at the hotel....a very nice young gal by the name of Sandy told me that there would be no rooms available for my friend as the hotel would be full all week.
Then I came back into the hotel yesterday evening and spoke with Miguel, the night manager, he was able to find a room for my friend....even though the desk clerk gal had said they were going to be full.
So....if you want to stay here, then check first with Miguel at night, and he will probably be able to find you accomadations at the hotel.
My friend who had come here to have dental work done, met with my dentist here, but decided after the consoltation that he wants to check around with some other dentists for a second opinion, before jumping in and having the first dentist do his work.
My buddy and I are going to leave San Jose tomorrow and take the Interbus....a small mini van vehicle with AC, over to Jaco Beach for a couple of days to check out the real estate over that way (for him).
More later, Steve
I had the occasion to visit the La Amastad Hotel this last week while in San Jose. I had gone there to check it out for a future visit.
I was impressed with the hotel which is located about 1 block from the Sportsmans Lodge Hotel in the Barrio Amon district of San Jose. It is perhaps about 7-8 blocks North of the Del Rey Hotel and the center of the Gulch.
The hotel has a nice layout with a bar and a indoor restaurant right next to the lobby. You can view the chef cooking in the kitchen as it is open, and I must say that some of the dishes coming out of the kitchen looked very good....especially the seafood platter that I saw. The menu is fairly complete, and the prices are fairly moderate.....not cheap, but then again not overly high priced either.
They have a free continental breakfast for guests every morning.
Rooms where comfortable looking with air conditioning, nice bath, and comfy looking bed, color TV and such. Room rates run from around $ 50.00 an up depending on how fancy you want.
Overall this looked like a good alternative place to stay if one could not get into the usually booked Sportsman Lodge, or if one wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of staying at the Del Rey Hotel.
I would recommend this hotel......and oh yes,,,,,it is very chica friendly with no extra chica charges.
Steve
Try this beautiful 3 bedroom penthouse suite 1 block from Little Havana, 3 blocks from New Fantasy, 5 from SL and Amistad. Comes with personal maid and full American breakfast. It is brand new, check it out and ask for special deal for free cell phone use while staying there. www.Executive-Properties.us
Chica friendly with internet axcess in the room?
I tried to find out of DelRey has internet - do they?
Or is there other comfartable hotels close to the action you can recomend?
Chica friendly with internet axcess in the room?
I tried to find out of DelRey has internet - do they?
Or is there other comfartable hotels close to the action you can recomend?Yes, the DelRey has internet access, but chica fee of $10. I like La Amistad which has good internet access (either wired or wireless), no chica fee and free breakfast. There aren't chicas hanging out like at the DelRey or Sportsmans Lodge, but La Amistad is real close to the the SL or HDR, so you just take her back to the LA. Also, the rooms at LA are alot nicer than the DelRey.
Yes, the Del Rey does have internet. You have to go to the desk every day and they will give you a long alphanumeric code for your laptop, Iphone, etc. It expires after 24 hours. Also, they have two terminals in the lobby which have been updated and are reasonably quick. The ones they had last year were absurdly slow. Guys often got up and left in frustration.
Had a great time at the Del Rey/Key Largo two weeks ago. I found that it is very, very important to be specific and precise about what you want when you take a Tica. Otherwise, they will default into mechanical sex and slap a condom on you before you know what hit you. Don't be shy about asking for what you want. They've done it before. There were a lot of Ticas and Gringos around but I heard and saw that the Gringos are now very judicious in regard to their selections and driving hard bargains. Good for them.
Also had the good fortune to meet a very knowledgeable punter named "Alex" at the Del Rey. Alex is not his real name. I want to protect his privacy. He lives in SJ and really knows the scene down there and was very willing to share his vast array of knowledge with me. I learned a lot and want to thank Alex again. If your read this Alex, please PM me with your email so we can meet up again next time I am in SJ.
Paddy from Prague
Rey Alvear
12-10-09, 22:56
Been to SJ fifteen times; a friend who could F*** Up a wet dream is planning this trip. He has us booked into the Best Western Downtown in San Jose.
Is it Chica Friendly?
Is it close to the Del Rey?
Is my buddy a dip shit?
I know there is a report in there somewhere answering these questions, But I could not find it. Gracias.
CultureShock
01-16-10, 10:10
None of the Best Western chain hotels in Costa Rica are chica friendly.
Your best bet would be a place in Barrio Amon like Sportsmens Lodge, Castillo or Dunn Inn. The Freebird is a private hotel that alot of people seem to like lately.
None of the Best Western chain hotels in Costa Rica are chica friendly.
Your best bet would be a place in Barrio Amon like Sportsmens Lodge, Castillo or Dunn Inn. The Freebird is a private hotel that alot of people seem to like lately.I digress a bit but I need to catch an early flight ( be at the International airport for 8:30 a.m.)
Are these hotels far from the airport ? How do you get to the airport ? Cab or Shuttle bus?
I digress a bit but I need to catch an early flight ( be at the International airport for 8:30 a.m.)
Are these hotels far from the airport ? How do you get to the airport ? Cab or Shuttle bus?
The hotels that Victorn told you about are not close to the airport. They are near downtown San Jose - mostly in what is called Barro Amon ( a secton of San Jose that is around the Zoo)- all of these hotels are about 13-14 miles distant from the international airport.
If you need to stay close to the airport to make an early flight you should look at the hotels near the airport - like the Hampton Inn with a Denny's Restaurant & a casino next door. That hotel is within a couple of miles of the airport - so if you had a taxi pick you up at your desired time you could be at the airport in about 5 or 6 minutes.......as opposed to staying at a hotel near downtown - where it would take you at least 35 - 45 minutes to the airport by taxi depending upon the volume of traffic at that time of the morning.
Stay near town while you are visiting San Jose - but if you feel that you need to be close to the airport on your final night - then get into one of the hotels out near the airport. You can do a search on Google to find several of them.
I always stay at hotels in town - and even if I have a 6:30- or 7 AM flight I arrange to have a taxi pick me up at my hotel at say 5 AM - which allows for the longer trip to the airport.
If you are new to San Jose - then forget about trying to get a shuttle bus - just stick with the taxi coming and going to and from the airport - they should run you about $ 20.00 - which should be reasonable for almost any Gringo visiting CR.
$ 20.00 would be too much for the locals - but then they are local - so they take buses for the cheap price - as they know exactly where they are going.
...
The hotels that Victorn told you about are not close to the airport. They are near downtown San Jose. Mostly in what is called Barro Amon (a secton of San Jose that is around the Zoo)- all of these hotels are about 13-14 miles distant from the international airport.
If you need to stay close to the airport to make an early flight you should look at the hotels near the airport. Like the Hampton Inn with a Denny's Restaurant & a casino next door. That hotel is within a couple of miles of the airport. So if you had a taxi pick you up at your desired time you could be at the airport in about 5 or 6 minutes. As opposed to staying at a hotel near downtown. Where it would take you at least 35. 45 minutes to the airport by taxi depending upon the volume of traffic at that time of the morning.
Stay near town while you are visiting San Jose. But if you feel that you need to be close to the airport on your final night. Then get into one of the hotels out near the airport. You can do a search on Google to find several of them.
I always stay at hotels in town. And even if I have a 6:30- or 7 AM flight I arrange to have a taxi pick me up at my hotel at say 5 AM. Which allows for the longer trip to the airport.
If you are new to San Jose. Then forget about trying to get a shuttle bus. Just stick with the taxi coming and going to and from the airport. They should run you about $ 20. 00. Which should be reasonable for almost any Gringo visiting CR.
$ 20. 00 would be too much for the locals. But then they are local. So they take buses for the cheap price. As they know exactly where they are going.
.Thank You, Stevewx, for the piece of advice!
San Jose appears to be an EXPENSIVE city; I was expecting a Tourist Shuttle Bus doing the round of the good hotels in San Jose that would charge HALF the price of a taxi (Grayline type of service).
As much as I like the action at the Del Rey or similar hotels, I prefer to be close to the airport.
By the way, does the taxi service downtown to the airport COST AS MUCH AS the fare from a hotel close to the airport like the Hampton?
Thank You, Stevewx, for the piece of advice!
San Jose appears to be an EXPENSIVE city; I was expecting a Tourist Shuttle Bus doing the round of the good hotels in San Jose that would charge HALF the price of a taxi (Grayline type of service).
As much as I like the action at the Del Rey or similar hotels, I prefer to be close to the airport.
By the way, does the taxi service downtown to the airport COST AS MUCH AS the fare from a hotel close to the airport like the Hampton?
The fare for a taxi from the downtown to airport will run you around $ 20.00.
But to take a taxi from say the Hampton Inn - which is only about a mile or so from the airport should only cost you about $ 2.50 to 3.00.
You can get a shuttle bus from the airport to downtown or vise a versa - but the scheduling of it is a little difficult as you mainly need a reservation for that bus - the reservation usually is made thru the front desk of your hotel.
The shuttle bus would be a little cheaper than taking a taxi - but since you are only going to do this once or twice - it is just more convenient to grab a taxi when you are ready instead of having to go to the hotel desk ( and this would usually be the day before you wanted to travel - so they had time to schedule you and pick you up) and make a reservation for pickup by the shuttle.
The shuttle buses - and there is Greyline as wel as Interbus are more for trips to the beach or other outlaying towns to and from San Jose.
Most of the locals would take the bus between airport and downtown because of the cheap price....they simply for the most part do not have the money that we would have available to us. While most gringos or other travelers would opt for a taxi - as we would have lots more money than almost all the locals.
So it is simply a matter of convenience and budget.
Like the difference between doing most of your grocery shopping at one of the large supermarkets in San Jose and then doing the same shopping at say the Mercado Central - the central market.
Gringos and wealthy people will shop at the supermarket where they will pay more than double the price than the locals will have to pay at the central market or at one of the local outdoor vegetable markets.
Superman06
01-31-10, 21:24
...Also had the good fortune to meet a very knowledgeable punter named "Alex" at the Del Rey. Alex is not his real name. I want to protect his privacy. He lives in SJ and really knows the scene down there and was very willing to share his vast array of knowledge with me. I learned a lot and want to thank Alex again. If your read this Alex, please PM me with your email so we can meet up again next time I am in SJ.
Paddy from Prague
There is a brotherhood of mongers in CR. There are several expats there that are generous with information on the scene there. Thanks to CRT no monger needs to feel alone in a strange country. I'm glad you had a good time.
Recently stayed at the Dunn Inn, can't say enough good things about the place. Location is fine, service is good, clean and the food is pretty damn good. Not the cheapest in SJ, but a great value no less. Friendly place.
I stayed at the Hotel Del Rey in December 2008.
I had booked online about a month ahead of time. I emailed and told them my flight would be arriving about 10PM, and asked whether a late check in would be a problem, and they said it was fine.
I arrived at the hotel at about 11:30 or 12 and the guy at the desk told me they had given my room away and that they would send me somewhere down the street. Really not something you want to hear on your arrival in a foreign country at midnight.
The next day when I checked in again the lady at the desk asked whether I wasn't supposed to be there the day before, and I told her I came to the hotel and they told me they didn't have any rooms. She seemed surprised by this.
A few days later I was eating breakfast across the street and a guy came up to me and asked if I was [my name] and I told him yes and he told me he was the hotel manager and very genuinely apologized about what had happened and told me the meal I was having would be on the house. I really don't know how he knew who I was or how he knew I was across the street eating breakfast at that time.
So although the first night was really unpleasant, and I was planning to go online and really trash the hotel, I was very impressed by the manager apologizing and smoothing things over.
Mr Jetsetter
02-04-10, 07:26
Recently stayed at the Dunn Inn, can't say enough good things about the place. Location is fine, service is good, clean and the food is pretty damn good. Not the cheapest in SJ, but a great value no less. Friendly place.
Lots of construction going on there right now, as they are putting up a new casino right next door. I was there for three days last weekend but checked out early because of this. If you are sensitive to this kind of noise, you might want to stay away for a while. Rooms closer to the front of the hotel might be somewhat quieter. This place has some good things going for it, and I will give it another chance when ALL work is completed.
JazzPlayer
02-04-10, 15:26
I stayed at the Hotel Del Rey in December 2008.
I had booked online about a month ahead of time. I emailed and told them my flight would be arriving about 10PM, and asked whether a late check in would be a problem, and they said it was fine.
I arrived at the hotel at about 11:30 or 12 and the guy at the desk told me they had given my room away and that they would send me somewhere down the street. Really not something you want to hear on your arrival in a foreign country at midnight.
The next day when I checked in again the lady at the desk asked whether I wasn't supposed to be there the day before, and I told her I came to the hotel and they told me they didn't have any rooms. She seemed surprised by this.
A few days later I was eating breakfast across the street and a guy came up to me and asked if I was [my name] and I told him yes and he told me he was the hotel manager and very genuinely apologized about what had happened and told me the meal I was having would be on the house. I really don't know how he knew who I was or how he knew I was across the street eating breakfast at that time.
So although the first night was really unpleasant, and I was planning to go online and really trash the hotel, I was very impressed by the manager apologizing and smoothing things over.
This is one reason I almost always, pay the extra money, endure the sort of "run-down" rooms compared to other nearby hotels. Manuel, Edgar and HDL always do right by me. And you don't have to cab back and forth to ground zero.
What hotel down the street did they send you to? The Morazon?
Chau,
Jazz/
This is one reason I almost always, pay the extra money, endure the sort of "run-down" rooms compared to other nearby hotels. Manuel, Edgar and HDL always do right by me. And you don't have to cab back and forth to ground zero.
What hotel down the street did they send you to? The Morazon?
Can't remember now, but morazon might be correct
Let's not be too effusive with the praise, they did fuck me over pretty bad the first night
But if it was an isolated incident then I'm willing to forgive
I stayed at the Hotel Del Rey in December 2008.
I had booked online about a month ahead of time. I emailed and told them my flight would be arriving about 10PM, and asked whether a late check in would be a problem, and they said it was fine.
So although the first night was really unpleasant, and I was planning to go online and really trash the hotel, I was very impressed by the manager apologizing and smoothing things over.
That happened to me when I used a travel site to book at the Balmoral Hotel. I arrived late due to weather and they didn't have any rooms. They sent me down the street to a nice old hotel, but not chica friendly. I was pissed until I went back the next day and they upgraded me to a bigger room. I don't think room space is a problem nowadays with travel being down and all.
Lots of construction going on there right now, as they are putting up a new casino right next door. I was there for three days last weekend but checked out early because of this. If you are sensitive to this kind of noise, you might want to stay away for a while. Rooms closer to the front of the hotel might be somewhat quieter. This place has some good things going for it, and I will give it another chance when ALL work is completed.
They told me about the construction, but as I was there during a Fri-Sun stay it was probably big time tempered. Also, I had the very front room which was really convenient.
Always Randy
02-10-10, 10:04
Been to SJ fifteen times; a friend who could F*** Up a wet dream is planning this trip. He has us booked into the Best Western Downtown in San Jose.
Is it Chica Friendly?
Is it close to the Del Rey?
Is my buddy a dip shit?
I know there is a report in there somewhere answering these questions, But I could not find it. Gracias.The Best Western Irazu is not chica friendly at all and even has a huge banner to say so. They also explicitly print their policy on their check in documents that decries:
"To Promote prostitution is illegal in Costa Rica. We are struggling against all forms of sexual exploitation. We do not allow prostitution related activities in our facilities. We reserve the right to admission. "
It is also a very old hotel and very far from the Del Rey. Taxi fare ranges from 2 to 3000 colones.
Bosschicago
02-27-10, 20:53
Looking for a fair-priced hotel with air-con, room safe, hot water, & clean. Hoping to find something near the Del Rey so I can bring girls back from there. Looking for a place that charges nothing for bringing the chica back or small amount.
A $50 per night place would be great. Is this completely unrealistic?
Also hoping to find brown-skinned girls from Nicaragua and Domincan Republic under 24 years of age. Is Del Rey my best bet for good looking girls matching this description?
I've RTFF. The forum threads don't seem to give good answers to these questions.
Thanks for any help or advice in advance.
Newbee here looking to stay in the downtown area any help would be helpfull, will have an laptop and camera so looking for an place where I could leave stuff in the room with no worry.
Can someone tell me if I would have a hard time finding lodging for $35 and under in el centro ?
Also would I be able to just book a few nights somewhere online and find these places when I arrive (mid april) ?
I know spanish and have stayed in local hotels for years. Non gringo but reliable hotels are fine.
Thanks
Can someone tell me if I would have a hard time finding lodging for $35 and under in el centro ?
Also would I be able to just book a few nights somewhere online and find these places when I arrive (mid april) ?
I know spanish and have stayed in local hotels for years. Non gringo but reliable hotels are fine.
Thanks
Again, I have stayed at and recommend the Nuevo Johnson Hotel, 8 th St. and 2 nd Ave. Stones throw from the Macado Central - central market.
Fairly clean Tico hotel, with private room, double bed, color TV, maid service, elevator, hot water shower, and perfectly safe and secure. About $ 12.00 a night - for cash. USD or Colones- either for payment. They speak some English. Manager Johan is fluent in English---he works only days.
Looking for a fair-priced hotel with air-con, room safe, hot water, & clean. Hoping to find something near the Del Rey so I can bring girls back from there. Looking for a place that charges nothing for bringing the chica back or small amount.
A $50 per night place would be great. Is this completely unrealistic?
Also hoping to find brown-skinned girls from Nicaragua and Domincan Republic under 24 years of age. Is Del Rey my best bet for good looking girls matching this description?
I've RTFF. The forum threads don't seem to give good answers to these questions.
Thanks for any help or advice in advance.
There are many many girls from Nicaragua in Del Ray. They tend to be more gf. I have taken and kept some girls for couple of nights and even took them on volcano tours. Compared to Columbian girls Nicaraguan girls are more nicer although in the looks department maybe lacking little.
If I want dominican girls I would go to Sosua where they are cheaper.
Juan Carter
03-04-10, 08:08
Can someone tell me if I would have a hard time finding lodging for $35 and under in el centro ? Thanks
Two years ago I stayed at the Park Hotel for under $20, not the old notorious Park Hotel but the new one. Do not confuse it with the high end Parque del Lago.
Hotel Park
Rooms:16 Location: C. 2 y 4 Ave. 4
Phone:221 4944
From the SW corner of Parque Central walk west about 75 ft along the pedestrian street Avenida 4. It is on the right and a bit obscure, easy to miss, with a restaurant in the front. It was simple but clean, friendly, hot water..no A/C but they brought a fan to my room. TV, I recall but I don't think it had the Venus channel. It even had a bar/lounge but with nothing happening. I think it had only reopened a few months before...the paint was fresh.
Be sure to see the parrot flight at dawn and dusk in Parque Central, I saw both. This isn't for everybody. There is a rowdy bar at the SW corner of the park and late nights even I was a bit spooked walking past. I did walk to and from the hotel to the Gulch area at all hours but must caution those not so fleet of foot.
Juan Carter
03-04-10, 08:20
Again, I have stayed at and recommend the Nuevo Johnson Hotel, 8 th St. and 2 nd Ave. Stones throw from the Macado Central - central market. Fairly clean Tico hotel, with private room, double bed, color TV, maid service, elevator, hot water shower, and perfectly safe and secure. About $ 12.00 a night - for cash. USD or Colones- either for payment. They speak some English. Manager Johan is fluent in English---he works only days.
I stayed there four years ago. I don't remember an elevator but clearly recall steep stairs. Not at all bad for the price. The manager warned me not to walk to the North as it was dangerous...... little did he know the 747 was my next destination.
I stayed there four years ago. I don't remember an elevator but clearly recall steep stairs. Not at all bad for the price. The manager warned me not to walk to the North as it was dangerous...... little did he know the 747 was my next destination.
The Nuevo Johnson Hotel is not half bad in my opinion- especially for the low price of around $ 12.00 a night....I have stayed there many times....never any problems.
There are stores on the street level....so the hotel starts up on the 2nd floor, and you have to walk up the first flight of stairs to get to the 2nd floor...but then you use the elevator to go to floor with your specific room.
And yes.........it does have a self operating elevator.
Bosschicago
03-05-10, 06:56
Thanks, Sammon.
All helpful advice and much appreciated.
Thanks again for the information.
I was just curious to know if anybody stays in the outer areas like amon la sabanata etc ? It seems like there could be some really nice apartments in a jungle/garden type setting. I like having someplace nice to go back to.
Otherwise I am good to go.
What is with these hotels all wanting credit card info to make a reservation ?
None of them have made clear what their cancellation policies are.
Looking for a fair-priced hotel with air-con, room safe, hot water, & clean. Hoping to find something near the Del Rey so I can bring girls back from there. Looking for a place that charges nothing for bringing the chica back or small amount.
A $50 per night place would be great. Is this completely unrealistic?
Also hoping to find brown-skinned girls from Nicaragua and Domincan Republic under 24 years of age. Is Del Rey my best bet for good looking girls matching this description?
I've RTFF. The forum threads don't seem to give good answers to these questions.
Thanks for any help or advice in advance.Your best bet would be Morazan Hotel. 1/2 block from HDR. I have stayed there before when in a pinch. Probably 3 yrs since I stayed there. Was around $50. Have a casino. I would recommend if you want to stay around $50. If not, Clarion or Sportsmans.
Be careful and have a blast!
I would recommend if you want to stay around $50. If not, Clarion or Sportsmans.
Had booked Clarion (stayed there many times) thru Nixon for Casino Rate, meaning no guest fee. Got an e-mail today that they want to charge $25 guest fee per guest. What a shame. Had to cancel it. Watch out. Does anyone know if Presidante is still ok for guest fee?
Member #2964
03-13-10, 00:51
Try the Hotel La Amistad. New rooms and great meals. Penthouse can be had for app $110.00 a night and the ajoining bedroom for $50.00 more. Check out there web site; hotelamistad.com, Hotel #506-2258-0021, Fax 506-2258-4900
Make sure you get the rooms in the back of the Hotel as it abuts the Heridia train tracks. walking distance to Cafe Mundo, Sportsmans, Chubbs, Del Ray, Bar New York, New Fantasy, HLH, Morazon Park & Hotel...etc.
Try the Hotel La Amistad. New rooms and great meals. Penthouse can be had for app $110.00 a night and the ajoining bedroom for $50.00 more. Check out there web site; hotelamistad.com, Hotel #506-2258-0021, Fax 506-2258-4900
Make sure you get the rooms in the back of the Hotel as it abuts the Heridia train tracks. walking distance to Cafe Mundo, Sportsmans, Chubbs, Del Ray, Bar New York, New Fantasy, HLH, Morazon Park & Hotel...etc.I second this recommendation! Stayed there last October in a penthouse suite, very spacious and even includes a sauna. Completely girl friendly and has a great restaurant, which my companion from Sportsman and I dined in before going back to the penthouse for round 2!
Enjoy,
Bigstud
Tombstone Man
04-14-10, 03:18
Will be at DUNN INN for the next 5 nights.
Dan The Man69
04-30-10, 09:23
I was in the Royal Dutch Hotel today and checked on a room for my buddy who will be here in a few days.
Personally I stay in a Tico hotel downtown which is very cheap, and does not have any air conditioning. .....although today they gave me a electric fan.....which made all the difference. Now my room is pretty cool.
My buddy, Larry has to have the AC or he can not sleep well.
Anyway.....
The Royal Dutch Hotel is fairly nice, centrally located on 2nd Ave. - very near the Parke Central. Their advertised rates at the hotel are:
Regular single room = $ 54.00.....but I got to talking with the desk clerk and he said they would do $ 40.00 for that room (with AC of course) for cash.
Top room price is $ 89.00 for a king size suite, but they will also give a good corresponding discount for cash on that room too.
This hotel is about 6 blocks from the Hotel Presidente or Balmoral Hotel, and then another 3 blocks up to the Del Rey Hotel......so about 9 to 10 blocks from the center of the Gulch. (( Only about $ 1.50 to $ 2.00 by taxi to the Del Rey ))
I am going to recommend this hotel for my friend when he arrives.....but I will still be at the Tico hotel.- a block and a half away...which is more in line with my limited budget.
Once I am here....I like to stay a while.....opting not to " blow my whole wad " the first 4 or 5 days.
BTW....
My friend is coming down to have some major dental work done here in San Jose.
And I had some dental work done here about two years ago, and am very pleased with it......and the price was certainly very reasonable....about 75 to 80 % less than what it would have cost me in the USA.
If anyone wants to have dental workd done here by a very competant US trained dentist (doctor)....then give me a holler and I will tell you about the dentist I chose, who he is, where he is, and such, and an idea of his prices.....which again are far better than can be had anywhere is the US.One of the things I plan to check on was dental work. I will be in SJO 26 May. 30 May. Have not made any reservations yet, as I am still reading the forums to find the best bang for my buck. Stayed at the Morazan last time, but they have doubled the price since November on their reservation site. Bummer. Any information on dental rates for an implant and hotel near HDR would be nice. Also hoping to meet up with fellow mongers since I am solo this time. Lost my wingman due to his better half finding his passport after the last trip!
one of the things i plan to check on was dental work. i will be in sjo 26 may. 30 may. have not made any reservations yet, as i am still reading the forums to find the best bang for my buck. stayed at the morazan last time, but they have doubled the price since november on their reservation site. bummer. any information on dental rates for an implant and hotel near hdr would be nice. also hoping to meet up with fellow mongers since i am solo this time. lost my wingman due to his better half finding his passport after the last trip!
dan,
i have been lots to central america.....cr, panama, and nicaragua.
i had dental work done in san jose cr by dr sergio chen.....he is local tico...his father was the orginal dr chen and was a chinese married to a tica.
dr chen is a pretty good dentist. he is very reasonable, has his own dental lab on the second floor or his clinic, speaks perfect english, and is a very, very nice man. he just about bows and scrapes everytime he sees you....which i thought a little unusual, until you get to know him. he is dripping with sincerety.......and very happy if he can help you with your dental needs.
i wholeheartly recommend him for your dental work. he has a website...local san jose cr...with contact information.
he will get you in, do your work, and get you out in a day or two...giving you favored treatment even over his local patients....if seems.
check it out. i have already given you my hotel recommendations......earlier.
steve
Dan The Man69
05-01-10, 02:44
dan,
i have been lots to central america. cr, panama, and nicaragua.
i had dental work done in san jose cr by dr sergio chen. he is local tico. his father was the orginal dr chen and was a chinese married to a tica.
dr chen is a pretty good dentist. he is very reasonable, has his own dental lab on the second floor or his clinic, speaks perfect english, and is a very, very nice man. he just about bows and scrapes everytime he sees you. which i thought a little unusual, until you get to know him. he is dripping with sincerety. and very happy if he can help you with your dental needs.
i wholeheartly recommend him for your dental work. he has a website. local san jose cr. with contact information.
he will get you in, do your work, and get you out in a day or two. giving you favored treatment even over his local patients. if seems.
check it out. i have already given you my hotel recommendations. earlier.
stevethanks steve,
i will check him out. thanks also for the other hotel recommendations. don't quite feel as confused as i did when making these plans. i's all good! hope to find my way around and maybe even find a few expat who i can get some ideas on where to stay when i retire next feb and move down for good.
dan
Thanks Steve,
I will check him out. Thanks also for the other hotel recommendations. Don't quite feel as confused as I did when making these plans. I's all good! Hope to find my way around and maybe even find a few expat who I can get some ideas on where to stay when I retire next Feb and move down for good.
Dan
Dan,
Hope you have a great trip to CR. Later when you make your move - I can also hook you up with a couple of buddies from the US who have been living in CR for several years....they should be able to guide you in the right direction.
Dan The Man69
05-02-10, 03:10
Dan,
Hope you have a great trip to CR. Later when you make your move - I can also hook you up with a couple of buddies from the US who have been living in CR for several years....they should be able to guide you in the right direction.Thanks! Look fwd to it. Can use all the help I can get.
Dan
Arrive in SJO this Wednesday for a few days, my first trip to CR. Will definitely be going to HDR although not quite sure where I will be staying yet. Would love to hook with any fellow mongers while I'm there.
Stayed at the Dunn Inn as this trip was not all about mongering. One of my friends that I was traveling with is overly finicky about the hotels he stays in. He as to be surrounded by aesthetically pleasing décor above everything else and is never satisfied with the beds. We needed a chica friendly place reasonably priced, close to the action with a nice décor. The hotel charges $6 (3,000 CRC) per chica brought in. The breakfast they serve is nothing special and if you want something cooked it is extra. I always got the feeling that I was being over charged as the prices were always quoted in dollars and when I asked the equivalent amount in colones the amount they quoted was not the same as when I did the conversion even at the rate they told me they used. When paying at the hotel I recommend paying in dollars and exchange money some where else. The address of the hotel is Avienda 11 and Calle 5 Barrio Amon. Half of the taxi drivers know it by name. A quarter will know the intersection the rest do not have a clue. Even the dispatcher does not know of the Hotel. If you choose to stay here and it is your first time here or you traveling in a group (made your reservation together) pay for the hotel shuttle bus as it cost $20, for three people it comes to 6.66 or $5.00 for 4 people. Less expensive than taxi. You can also reference the Clarion as it one block away on Avienda 11. The front desk clerks Kattia and Amanda are the best. They assisted me in arranging the city tour, recommending good restaurants and a hotel in Jaco. They were very accommodating with all of our needs in the hotel as my friend had to change rooms because of lack of A/C. The hotel is comfortable, service is good but it is a bit out of the way for the hobby and a bit pricey. I will not stay here again, I prefer the Maragato.
The Maragato is on the walking blvd, next door to a super market and directly across from the Grand Hotel. The rooms are bigger, the breakfast is better (cooked to order), no chica fees (Sep 2008) and is less exp about $55 per night dbl. The décor is not as nice but I am here for chicas not the sights.
My company put me in the Hotel Villa Tournon. Is it chica friendly?
If not, is it better to stick to MPs or to bite the bullet and rent a place just to do the deed? I don't have tons of cash and wish to preserve as much as possible for the ladies and their college tuition funds. Can anyone recommend a love shack that lets by the hour? Rest assured guys, I won't be the first timer who spends over $60 for an hour.
Also, is anal generally available? Do chicas generally permit photos?
Thanks a lot. Cheers.
Brent J 66
08-19-10, 04:26
I am a senior member in Baltimore, but have never ventured outside the US. Have an opportunity to be in SJ for a few days. I have spent hours rtff, feel well informed and confused a bit as well. Can't quite figure the layout for good action with chicas.
In short want a hotel near the action, fairly safe, chica friendly and very accessible to the SW(can find them in walking distance) will take a cab from the airport. I am assuming the DR is a bit pricy as it seems most are staying near there. I am also assuming that it is in the center of the action as every one seems to want to be as close to there as possible. Hook a brother up. Give me the SJ for dummies!
Mr Jetsetter
08-20-10, 19:36
I am a senior member in Baltimore, but have never ventured outside the US. Have an opportunity to be in SJ for a few days. I have spent hours rtff, feel well informed and confused a bit as well. Can't quite figure the layout for good action with chicas.
In short want a hotel near the action, fairly safe, chica friendly and very accessible to the SW(can find them in walking distance) will take a cab from the airport. I am assuming the DR is a bit pricy as it seems most are staying near there. I am also assuming that it is in the center of the action as every one seems to want to be as close to there as possible. Hook a brother up. Give me the SJ for dummies!
I'd consider Dunn Inn, Hotel Castillo, Hotel Amistad and the Sportsmens Lodge. They are all safe, chica friendly and within walking distance of the major mongering venues. Utilize the "Search this Thread" function to learn more.
My strong advice: do not seek out SWs in San Jose -- a very ugly, potentially dangerous and unhealthy scene, with lots of lady boys.
Seven Spot
08-21-10, 01:09
I have had a great experience at La Amistad.
www.hotelamistad.com
Close to Sportsman's Lodge and New Fantasy, girl friendly and good service. When I was there they would do your laundry too.
I am a senior member in Baltimore, but have never ventured outside the US. Have an opportunity to be in SJ for a few days. I have spent hours rtff, feel well informed and confused a bit as well. Can't quite figure the layout for good action with chicas.
In short want a hotel near the action, fairly safe, chica friendly and very accessible to the SW(can find them in walking distance) will take a cab from the airport. I am assuming the DR is a bit pricy as it seems most are staying near there. I am also assuming that it is in the center of the action as every one seems to want to be as close to there as possible. Hook a brother up. Give me the SJ for dummies!
Brent J 66
08-21-10, 19:43
I'd consider Dunn Inn, Hotel Castillo, Hotel Amistad and the Sportsmens Lodge. They are all safe, chica friendly and within walking distance of the major mongering venues. Utilize the "Search this Thread" function to learn more.
My strong advice: do not seek out SWs in San Jose -- a very ugly, potentially dangerous and unhealthy scene, with lots of lady boys.Mr Jettsetter & Seven Spot,
Thanks so much for the wisdom! I will stay in one of those hotels. Now I was wondering about not picking up a SW. Back home, that is what I do. So what does that mean exactly, picking them up in the bars perhaps? If I search for "major mongering venues", I will find good places to pick them up?
Also lets say I stay in one of those hotels, walk to a good venue to bring the chica back. Is it relatively safe walking at night. Or only do a cab at night?
Thanks!
Mr Jetsetter
08-22-10, 08:37
Mr Jettsetter & Seven Spot,
Thanks so much for the wisdom! I will stay in one of those hotels. Now I was wondering about not picking up a SW. Back home, that is what I do. So what does that mean exactly, picking them up in the bars perhaps? If I search for "major mongering venues", I will find good places to pick them up?
Also lets say I stay in one of those hotels, walk to a good venue to bring the chica back. Is it relatively safe walking at night. Or only do a cab at night?
Thanks!The Del Rey/Blue Marlin bar, Key Largo (right next door) and the Sportsmens Lodge bar area are all great pickup spots. There are also a number of good MPs within walking distance as well. I recommend checking out Hotel Little Havana and Bar Idem, which both have a bar, and Relax. Remember, there are also dozens of other viable options. Start using the "Search this thread" tool to gather additional info.
While I often walk around at night, taking a cab is always a good idea. Once again, not at all a good SW scene.
Fast Eddie 48
08-30-10, 23:18
It is been a 5 yr since I was in San Jose last, is the Radisson Europa hotel still have the best casino and poker room in town, I hope mongering is better now than before.
Fast Eddie 48
Will be arriving Sept 24th, dont know how long will be staying in CR, probably till the 27th if I cant arrange a business trip for managua on the 25th.
Planning to stay at the best western paradises inn & spa $40 a night, close to were I need to be friday night.
Is this place girl friendly? Im also considering
www.hotelamistad.com
www.doncarloshotel.com
read about the amistad, but a friend recommended doncarlos. Any insight?
Member #2964
09-09-10, 22:24
Stay any of the other two places. AVOID BEST WESTERN
Resortweek
09-15-10, 01:05
I would be grateful for suggestions to a traveller who wants to avoid the "pick up" scene and is not price sensitive. My last vacation to CR included an overnight at the CrownPlaza, followed by a few days at Los Suenos Marriott (Jaco) and then a Marriott near the airport in SJ, and no Chicas. Are there reliable escort services in which you can arrange for someone to visit an upscale hotel rather than going to a bar? I read warnings here that arrangements in advance for extended or overnight visits are risky. I am visiting the weekend of Oct 8th and will post a report even if I strike out. All advice welcome.
GaimtMan,
I have corresponded with you before when I visited Panama City. We were to meet and you were going to show me the city in and around PTY...but my schedule did not allow the time....anyway.....I am an old hand around San Jose....and can tell you about a couple of places that you can stay and will enjoy yourself.....
First off I would recommend the Hotel Castillo...it runs about $ 45-50.00 and is very nice, very chica friendly, convienent, all that.....also the La Amastad is also very good...about the same price level...maybe just a little more ritzy than the older Castillo, next my choice would be Sportsmans Lodge...but you will perhaps need reservations to get in there as it is very busy.
Hope you have a great trip to San Jose.......
stevewxly from Missouri (USA)
Will be arriving Sept 24th, dont know how long will be staying in CR, probably till the 27th if I cant arrange a business trip for managua on the 25th.
Planning to stay at the best western paradises inn & spa $40 a night, close to were I need to be friday night.
Is this place girl friendly? Im also considering
www.hotelamistad.com
www.doncarloshotel.com
read about the amistad, but a friend recommended doncarlos. Any insight?
YellowPaul
09-18-10, 20:49
Can anyone recommend a chica friendly resort with a decent swimming pool?
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