San Jose - Hotel Recommendations

[World Travel 69]

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.reser...an_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/ho...razan/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/...questid=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/ho...-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

[Prolijo]

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.

[Hammerin Hank]

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)

[Smily59]

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

[Horntoad]

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.

[Prolijo]

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.

[Smily59]

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

[Member #4258]

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

[Member #4258]

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

That'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

[Max Mojo]

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.

[Smokers Rule]

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

[Putaman]

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.

[Junky11]

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?

[Rzoll77]

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.

[J Europe]

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.