San Jose - Hotel Recommendations

[Markinno]

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.

[Nixonbd]

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.

[Superman06]

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.

[MelowDownEasy]

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.

[Nixonbd]

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.

[Superman06]

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.

[Fla Fun]

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.

[MCruddy]

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

[Lancer520]

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 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.

[Green_Thumb]

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 for more information.

[Assman666]

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?

[Mrmrmr]

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

Caffrey,

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.

[Toadtamer2]

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.

[World Travel 69]

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

[Assman666]

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