San Jose General Reports

[ChrisUcla]

Anyone down there on Friday the 10th? I'm there for a night and will hang out in the HDR earlier in the evening. Never having met anyone in my life that does this sort of thing, I'm curious to meet someone else who does.

[Johnny Sax]

This is indeed sad news but not shocking news. The sale of the DR was bound to happen sooner or later. This reminds me of the same situation in Rio de Janeiro regarding club Help. Brazil closed help to make way for a fucking museum that til this day, never fucking happened.

Key Largo is a joke. Yes the girls will still go there but it won't be the same as the infamous DR. I have been going to the DR for the past decade and have many many many beautiful memories there. I met my best wingman ever right there in the DR, and we still travel the world together mongering til this day.

DR will never be a family oriented hotel. Especially with all the hookers right across the street at Key Largo.

Thanks for letting us know.

C5.

Well, before you began going to the Del Rey, when I began coming here to Costa Rica, the Key Largo was THE place, the ONLY Place (aside from massage parlors and strip clubs) to pick up working girls! It was just like the Del Rey back then, in that there were tons of girls and it was busy and they didn't play super loud annoying music, and it was GREAT!

So there is hope. If only they'll manage it different, allow people to talk instead of blasting music, it could be just like the DR like it used to be years ago.

You are right about one thing: The DR will never be a family hotel. At least not for long. They might try but if they do they're stupid.

Keep it the same, just remodel it; maybe put some carpet in the halls and sound proofing in the ceilings and walls etc.

I'm optimistic that it will work out fine, either soon, or later. If they try to change it they will fail and it will somehow return to what it was.

[Johnny Sax]

First off "Diaro" is not a reputable source of news so the "newspaper report" is questionable.

What I have heard is that the Del Rey will be remodeled after the Super Bowl and that some of the girls will be allowed at Key Largo but not all.

Even this makes no sense to me. Why, if you are operating a bar, would you want to limit the number of drinking customers?

And even if the girls are not drinking, the men who are there to SEE them ARE drinking!

I have high hopes and would almost bet money that Key Largo will indeed take up the slack and the same girls will go there as went to the Del Rey UNLESS they have been previously banned from KL.

My only worry is not that the girls will go away but that Key Largo will continue to BLAST that horrible music in the entrance room to the point of making your ears bleed, and those horrible bands will continue to play live. If that is the case, honestly, I may retire from mongering in Gringo Gulch and stick to the SL, Zona and etc.

That would be disappointing but do-able. The SL will be picking up a LOT of customers I think if the KL is the new place for the girls, because I'm sure a lot of older gringos like me can't take that super loud music. Earlier this year when I was in the KL it gave me a f'in headache within 5 minutes! I will be asking them to turn it down but doubt they'll care about my request.

Yes I could wear ear plugs but that would just make it all the harder to talk to the girls, now, wouldn't it?

Anyway, I'll be there next week and will report back. I will ask around to all the girls and bartenders and door men and hotel clerks and etc to see what I hear.

I really find it hard to believe that the Del Rey would permanently close their doors to the working girls! I just can't see that being economically viable. More like economic suicide!

[Johnny Sax]

That's what I'll want when I get there. Was thinking along the lines of "T ofreces servicias como una novia?" or is that too direct? Or just try to talk them up downstairs, and if they aren't mercenary-acting, does that suggest GFE as a possibility?

I would think that most of them. But probably not all. Know what "trato tipo novia" means. If they don't seem to understand the term, tell them you want "bay-so's cone leng-wa" (besos con lengua) or kisses with tongue, ah-bra-so's (abrasos) hugs, etcetera. And that they don't hurry or "sin prisa" (seen pree-sa).

But I seldom ask for it though I will probably ask if they kiss.

Considering where their mouths have been though, I won't ask for kisses unless I know they just arrived to work and I'll be the first of the night!

[NastyBoy]

From what I have read and heard, there was never any mention that the HDR was "closing".

From another board. It's not closing. It's been sold. Adios chicas. Still. There are other ways and other places. Don't think the industry will disappear as it is legal there.

Happy Hunting!!

[Nixonbd]

Called reservations at the Del Rey to book my January trip and the girl emphatically stated that the Del Rey is NOT closing. She said that they are aware of these rumors and that's all they are - just rumors and that they are tired of them. She said that there will be systematic remodeling going on but that's it. She seemed rather annoyed by the whole situation. She also said the newspaper article is false.


Worst case scenario is that the girls would very probably move on to Key Largo, Sportsmans, Taormina, etc.

Paddy from Prague.

From what I have read and heard, there was never any mention that the HDR was "closing".

[Tom Katt]

This Thursday, the imminent sale and remodeling of the Del Rey Hotel in San Jos was confirmed on an unofficial basis, which will give way to a new establishment aimed at family, tourism and business, without the well-known sex workers who have given such fame to the site for years.

According to sources close to the hotel, which can not be revealed, but full credibility, the property will undergo a total renovation, in the coming days and after the famous Halloween parties.

"The sale is still in that, what is completely certain is that it will be remodeled to move the girls (sex-servants) to Key Largo. Before the start of the remodeling, the famous Halloween parties that are traditionally held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be held. Where many people come from outside and the hotel is full, "said the source.

MUNICIPALITY.

Asked about it, Johnny Araya, mayor of San Jos, said he knows nothing about the sale or remodeling of this well-known property in the capital. "I still do not know anything, nor do I have knowledge," he said.

DIARIO EXTRA investigated that to date, no permits have been processed or documentation submitted for any remodeling of the property. We will continue informing.

That is not a legitimate newspaper. It is like the gossip papers by the Newsstands in the states. The only legitimate paper in CR is la Nación.

[Tom Katt]

I will be staying at Sportsmens Lounge. I heard it's a good idea to bring USD to pay the bill in cash. What about the girls, and in SJ in General? It it easier to pay in dollars, or could I gain a little something on the informal exchange rate of 500 colones / dollar? And while I'm asking questions, I have one of the all time dumbest questions, but I'm going to ask it anyways- I have a passport, there's nothing else I need to do, right? Just fly on down there with my passport? I don't need any visa?

Thanks.

Best exchange rate is with a credit or debit card. 500 to the dollar is a scam. A dollar is normally worth 570 +-colones.

[ChrisUcla]

Called reservations at the Del Rey to book my January trip and the girl emphatically stated that the Del Rey is NOT closing. She said that they are aware of these rumors and that's all they are - just rumors and that they are tired of them. She said that there will be systematic remodeling going on but that's it. She seemed rather annoyed by the whole situation. She also said the newspaper article is false.


Worst case scenario is that the girls would very probably move on to Key Largo, Sportsmans, Taormina, etc.

Paddy from Prague.

I will be down there in 10 days, so will report to all what I can find out from asking around as well. I am certainly not well connected to anyone there, but will write a note on what I can find from conversations in both English and Spanish.

My best experience in decades was from there so am also hoping for rumors to be false. Cheers!

[Paddy]

Called reservations at the Del Rey to book my January trip and the girl emphatically stated that the Del Rey is NOT closing. She said that they are aware of these rumors and that's all they are - just rumors and that they are tired of them. She said that there will be systematic remodeling going on but that's it. She seemed rather annoyed by the whole situation. She also said the newspaper article is false.


Worst case scenario is that the girls would very probably move on to Key Largo, Sportsmans, Taormina, etc.

Paddy from Prague.

[Chris561]

This Thursday, the imminent sale and remodeling of the Del Rey Hotel in San Jos was confirmed on an unofficial basis, which will give way to a new establishment aimed at family, tourism and business, without the well-known sex workers who have given such fame to the site for years.

According to sources close to the hotel, which can not be revealed, but full credibility, the property will undergo a total renovation, in the coming days and after the famous Halloween parties.

"The sale is still in that, what is completely certain is that it will be remodeled to move the girls (sex-servants) to Key Largo. Before the start of the remodeling, the famous Halloween parties that are traditionally held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be held. Where many people come from outside and the hotel is full, "said the source.

MUNICIPALITY.

Asked about it, Johnny Araya, mayor of San Jos, said he knows nothing about the sale or remodeling of this well-known property in the capital. "I still do not know anything, nor do I have knowledge," he said.

DIARIO EXTRA investigated that to date, no permits have been processed or documentation submitted for any remodeling of the property. We will continue informing.

This is indeed sad news but not shocking news. The sale of the DR was bound to happen sooner or later. This reminds me of the same situation in Rio de Janeiro regarding club Help. Brazil closed help to make way for a fucking museum that til this day, never fucking happened.

Key Largo is a joke. Yes the girls will still go there but it won't be the same as the infamous DR. I have been going to the DR for the past decade and have many many many beautiful memories there. I met my best wingman ever right there in the DR, and we still travel the world together mongering til this day.

DR will never be a family oriented hotel. Especially with all the hookers right across the street at Key Largo.

Thanks for letting us know.

C5.

[Nixonbd]

This Thursday, the imminent sale and remodeling of the Del Rey Hotel in San José was confirmed on an unofficial basis, which will give way to a new establishment aimed at family, tourism and business, without the well-known sex workers who have given such fame to the site for years.

According to sources close to the hotel, which can not be revealed, but full credibility, the property will undergo a total renovation, in the coming days and after the famous Halloween parties.

"The sale is still in that, what is completely certain is that it will be remodeled to move the girls (sex-servants) to Key Largo. Before the start of the remodeling, the famous Halloween parties that are traditionally held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be held. Where many people come from outside and the hotel is full, "said the source.

MUNICIPALITY.

Asked about it, Johnny Araya, mayor of San José, said he knows nothing about the sale or remodeling of this well-known property in the capital. "I still do not know anything, nor do I have knowledge," he said.

DIARIO EXTRA investigated that to date, no permits have been processed or documentation submitted for any remodeling of the property. We will continue informing.

[Creideiki]

That's what I'll want when I get there. Was thinking along the lines of "¿Tú ofreces servicias como una novia?" or is that too direct? Or just try to talk them up downstairs, and if they aren't mercenary-acting, does that suggest GFE as a possibility?

First of all you naysayers who say there is no more GFE and no more big crowds of girls have apparently gone on bad nights. Both still exist and not that rare at all.

Maybe the GFE is a little harder to get than it used to be but you can still get it.

[Chris561]

First of all you naysayers who say there is no more GFE and no more big crowds of girls have apparently gone on bad nights. Both still exist and not that rare at all.

Maybe the GFE is a little harder to get than it used to be but you can still get it.

As to crowds last time I went (last July or so) the place was PACKED like sardines. And I've heard reports of the same thing since then, in the past several months.

I absolutely cannot believe the HDR will close or kick out the girls. They are business men, not stupid idiots. Why would they kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?

Money:
DO NOT bring $100 or $50 bills, people are afraid of them, there have been many counterfeits. Maybe it's better than it used to be but use $20s or even $10s to avoid problems.

Get a Capitol One 360 account in the USA. No ATM charges and good exchange rates without exchange fees. I closed my Chase account quickly and use CapOne which is awesome. No need to bring much money to CR just use your Cap One debit card in most any machine in Costa Rica. Occasionally an old machine won't accept the new Chip cards but not hard to find ones that will like at Scotia Bank or BCR. I live here and use Cap One exclusively so I never pay an ATM fee nor ridiculous exchange fees.

In regards to HDR, it is indeed a money making machine. Why kill it? I hope it stays exactly the way it is right now. However, if any of you guy's remember the situation in Rio in regards to Club HELP, it can definitely happen.

C5.

[Mr Jetsetter]

I've frequently exchanged $100 bills for colones at the Colonial Casino with zero issues over the years, including this one.