San Jose General Reports

[Lorenzo]

To change the subject: Lorenzo is finally in Costa Rica. Not that I expect anyone to remember, but late last year I sought the advice of Costa Rica mongers about trip planning. I was then planning to visit all 7 Central American countries early in 2006 on a trip lasting about a month, and I asked experienced Central American what they thought about traveling through CA by bus. I got a lot of very helpful responses, for which I publicly thanked everyone, but the response was nearly unanimous: don't do it; fly if you can. So that is exactly what I did. I could not have gotten better advice. I contacted a consolidator that specializes in Latin America, Exito, told them where and when I wanted to go, and they put together a packet of tickets covering my entire itinerary for just over $1000 (exclusive of international airfare). I got an open jaw ticket from Delta, flying into Belize City on March 10 and flying out of Panama City April 9. Exito put together the rest. My route has been and will be, Belize City-Guatemala City-Flores-Guatemala City-San Salvador-San Pedro Sula-Tegucigalpa-Managua-San Jose-Panama City. Whew! Man, am I glad I didn't take the bus. The trip has been wearying and I have not had nearly enough time to do and see all I would have liked. My idea was not to have a trip centered solely on mongering, but I hoped to monger in every country if I could and to post reports. For those who are interested, I have posted reports on Belize City, Guatemala City, San Salvador, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and Managua. Now it's San Jose's turn. However, now that I am smack in the middle of the Mecca of Central American mongering, I suddenly feel humbled (and anyone who knows me will tell you that this is quite unusual). With all the abundance of material on the Costa Rica site, what can I possibly add that is new? Probably nothing, so if you are looking for something breathtakingly new, better move on to the next post. But if you don't mind reading one monger's impressions, read on. I think the main thing I might provide is encouragement for those who are thinking about mongering their way through Central America: it can be done.

I also asked for ideas about where to stay. From reading this forum, I had narrowed it down to the Del Rey and the Sportsmen's Lodge, and asked for advice. Again the advice was near unanimous: Sportsmen's over Del Rey. So I am now at the Sportsmen's Lodge, having checked in 2 days ago when I arrived from Managua. I'm not sorry I stayed here, butit isn't quite what I expected. It is first of all very obviously a mongering hotel. The guests are almost exclusively male. I would have dropped the 'exclusively' except that today I saw the first female guest, who was half of a couple in their 60's or older. Other than that, the guests are all American males between 40 and 70 (myself included). It is not a young monger's hotel; it's not that younger guys couldn't stay here, it just appears that they don't. It appears that a lot of these guys travel here in groups, because a lot of them seem to know each other. Yesterday I heard a bunch of guys from Atlanta getting there stories straight so they would all tell their wives the same thing. The main virtue of the Sportsmen's is that it is totally, unequivocally girl friendly. In fact, it seems to exist almost solely for that purpose. There is a bar/restaurant that has a small number of chicas hanging around, and word is that they must be pre-approved by the management before they can sit around the bar anjd lounge. The downside of Sportsmen's is that it is very noisy until midnight, when it suddenly quiets down. This is because a lot of the mongers get drunk and then get very loud. There is a lot of raucous talking, shouting, and guffawing from the bar that can be heard throughout the house. For this reason I don't think I would stay here again, but that's just me. I'm a loner and prefer quiet, but WTF, it's unabashedly girl friendly, and that's what's important.

When I arrived in San Jose I was totally spent from the trip and didn't know how much energy I would have left for mongering. I had had 9 encounters with 7 girls (two of them were repeat meetings, obviously), in addition to doing the usual tourist things like going to Ambergris Caye, Tikal, Antigua, and Leon. The day I checked in I met a young Nica morena named Carolina who had a beautiful face and kind of skinny body, just as she was leaving Sportsmen's. But there was something about her I liked that caused my exhaustion to lift. I told her that I was too tired to fuck but asked if she would provide a BBBJ. Besides, I hadn't taken a performance pill. She agreed and we went to my room. It was a total GFE: DFK, DATY, BBBJ, and I ended up briefly entering her anyway, but l let her finish me off by hand. Cost: US$40. I liked her so much that I invited her back the next day. She arrived at my room promptly at 2pm. I took a 25mg Cialis, having delayed taking it until I was sure she would show up. We then went to lunch while I waited for the pill to take effect, then went back to the room for another GFE. Two orgasms, $60. We had agreed on $50, but I liked her so much I gave her a tip. She let me take some nude pics, but I won't be able to post them until I get back to the states and upload them into my computer.

Today I made the obligatory visit to the Blue Marlin. It was much smaller than I expected, and even at 3pm it was jammed with chicas. The place turned me off, so I wandered through the casino and picked up a 37 year old Dominican chica named Juanita. We agreed on $50 for one hour and went back to Sportsmen's. Another GFE: DFK, BBBJ, DATY, CFS. She was even considerate enough to wash her pussy before we started. Now 37 might seem old to a lot of younger mongers, but it's just perfect for me; I'm a dirty old man who likes them with experience, and I wasn't disappointed. She was an excellent slow lover and stayed longer that the hour we had agreed on. I gave her $60, which included a $10 tip. I liked her so much that I may call her for a repeat session day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I'm going to the volcanoes and a nature park so there will probably be no mongering. I'm still undecided as to whether to go to clubs like Zona Blue and Kamur. I have cell phone numbers for both Carolina and Juanita, so if anyone is interested please PM me. And thanks again to all the guys whose sage advice made this trip in its present form possible.

Lorenzo

[Johnny Sax]

However, I'm still not quite sure you "get it". Kid Cisco does. ...
...
Also if something like the mere possibility that you might have to go up to your room to get a long sleeved shirt to loan to your girl to get her in would totally ruin your evening, then maybe you're not quite as easy going as you think you are. I really think that for the most part the guys that will object to this the most will be the guys who walk around the gulch like its their personal playground and think that the Prez's business should revolve around them to the exclusion of other guests.

I respectfully disagree with you. I never said anything about being offered the opportunity to go up to my room for a long sleeve shirt. IF they were to offer me that option, I would probably accept it and not be too upset. So you are wrong about me not being mellow enough for that. What I said was that if they did NOT offer me ANY option and I had to take my girl somewhere else , instead of being comfortable in my own paid for room, I'd be very pissed and would not stay there again, and would let them know that.

I don't think this policy just pisses off "ugly American" mongers who feel other guests don't matter. I think it bothers anyone like myself who feels we are doing nothing wrong and should not be "judged" in terms of whether or not our chosen girl is "acceptable". I think it pisses guys off who feel the hotel is, on the one hand, participating in a discount program for mongers and on the other hand saying "but you may not be able to bring your guest up to your room". And I think it pisses off people who just generally don't like discrimination based on some individual's sense of what is or is not "inappropriate". I'd rather they make a truly measurable and solid dress code and then STICK TO IT, as opposed to leaving it open for some manager's or doorman's sense of what is appropriate.

I don't like the idea that a guy in San Jose', where prostitution is legal, staying at a hotel that allows guests, is going to possibly face the hassle of being told he can't bring his (credentialed!) girl back to his room, just because she has some cleavage showing or a mini-skirt on. I find the notion ridiculous. TV and billboards show as much or more; certainly movies do; and it is difficult to believe that other guests care that much. I think this new policy is an over-reaction to just one or two incidents, and instead of just chalking it up to being "part of the business", they have gone overboard and created a policy that runs counter to a large segment of their clientele, a clientele who I think probably sustains them or at least helps them quite a bit in the off season.

I still think the perfect solution is to offer a long coat at the front door, and I applaud you for that suggestion, which I posted at the CRT board.

Meanwhile, as I stated, I will wait and see how they treat fellow mongers over the next few months. That will more than likely make up my mind for me. I don't want to risk staying there and getting turned away at this point. Yes, being told I can't bring my girl in to my room would [CodeWord140] me off, if it happened, and no, I won't risk it. I'd rather stay somewhere where I KNOW there will be no problem. If over the next few months I hear of only a couple minor incidents of girls being rejected, then I will reconsider staying there.

[Prolijo]

Rebel Man, what you just posted makes no sense to me. If they didn't need or want our business, it would a far simpler and profitable policy to just start charging a guest fee to discourage it or even refuse to allow unregistered quests altogether. As it still stands they charge no guest fee AT ALL unlike even the HDR, the quintessential monger hotel.

How many people really are offended if you bring back a sexily dressed girl at 10pm-2am? I could see it maybe if this policy were enforced during daylight hours before the kids are in bed. But at nightclub hours, how many guests there really care if you quietly walk in with a girl with some cleavage showing, in mini-skirt and high heels? Really,what is the problem? Are they renting to mongers or not?

I totally agree that any abuse by the doorman should be reported, and any problems should be politely addressed with the manager the next day. Digital photos would help, if you have them. Post them here or at CRT, if you get turned down for bringing a girl in. [good idea, as we'd then have a better idea what can and can't fly]

I think the one very easy solution to this problem would be for the Prez to have a little coat closet there by the front door, and anyone the doorman feels is dressed inappropriately should be issued a trenchcoat. They could even charge a couple mil for the rental, or a 5 mil DEPOSIT once the girl is done and brings it back, the deposit is returned. The doorman could get a tip; whatever. But the idea of them issuing a long coat to wear is an excellent one and would be a way that everyone could win, here. Then no one would be denied entry, no guests would be offended, and all would be right with the world once again. Really, it's so simple. Why wouldn't they just do this? Maybe they will.

Now at least we're discussing some possible reasonable compromises rather than just railing about "principles" or threatening to throw the baby out with the bath water. However, I'm still not quite sure you "get it". Kid Cisco does. Someone SHOULD suggest that they at least restrict enforcement of this policy to normal eco-tourist waking hours. However, if this were just a problem of some older guys quietly sneaking scantily clad young girls in long after the ecotourists had gone to bed, I'm sure the mgmt of the Prez would never have felt they had to institute this policy to preserve their other business (and risk losing ours) in the first place.

Also if something like the mere possibility that you might have to go up to your room to get a long sleeved shirt to loan to your girl to get her in would totally ruin your evening, then maybe you're not quite as easy going as you think you are. I really think that for the most part the guys that will object to this the most will be the guys who walk around the gulch like its their personal playground and think that the Prez's business should revolve around them to the exclusion of other guests. Those are probably the same guys who walk in drunk and obnoxious, (you know the ugly gringo types we have all seen ourselves). The Prez probably feel if they lose those guys and keep most of the more reasonable and polite guys, their policy will have been a real success and incidents that might offend other guests will have been drastically reduced.

[Rebel Man]

I think they need to just come out and say they dont need mongers there anymore. Don't beat around the bush, (thats exactly what they are doing) so we will know one way or the other. Allow girls back to the rooms are not allow them. This is all bulls**t. I think there afraid to tell us that because they know that they would lose business.

[Kid Cisco]

I been going to the Prez for a few years now, I stayed there 5 times last year, and I think they needed to clean up the some with the many church groups that stay there and the couples (older male and females) the last thing they need to see in the morning is some 50 ish and 60ish year old broken down ***** monger holding hands with a 20 year old girl with her ass cheeks hanging from her short shorts.

Around dinner time you have almost a waiting line of mongers waiting to sign in girls making a bee line up to the rooms (this is the same time most day tours are coming and returning back as well).

I will keep on staying there and I really hope LESS AND LESS mongers with bad attiudes will go somewhere else.

I look at it this way UNTIL I or anyone else wins the lotto (and buy their own hotel) we must go along with the rules of the hotel.

Kid Cisco

[Johnny Sax]

Johnny,
Round 2, re: the Presidente dress code. I don't think you can really speak for the position of "most of the guys" at CRT. It seems to me there was plenty of irritation about this new policy there as well, its just that very few people there OR here have made quite as big a deal about it as you. I realize you have stayed there, but have you even had the new policy directed at you and one of your guests yet or are you just anticpating problems?

I have not stayed there since this policy, and am not sure I will. I object to it, in PRINCIPLE, and as I stated somewhere, I don't think I even want to RISK going back to my room, in a good mood and ready to rock and roll, only to be told that I cannot enter with my chosen guest. It would, to be quite frank, p**s me off, and very likely ruin my night. I will wait and see how many other guys post here or at CRT about problems... If they don't plan to enforce it, then why did they create it and defend it? You and others seem to think maybe they are just planning to use it on only the "worst" offenders. I say that where a policy like this exists, it WILL be used, and will likely be used without good reason. That's just the nature of rules: where they are created, they are enforced, and too often, unfairly.

As you yourself acknowledged, it is the hotel's right to enforce a dress code of their choosing. Just because many CRT'ers, myself included, are willing to grudgingly go along or put up with the inconvenience, doesn't mean we're happy about it or think it is a well thought out plan. What it means is that we don't think there is probably all that much we can do about it at least in the short term. Did it occur to you that maybe this code was enacted as a result of complaints by non-mongers and that voicing one's complaints inappropriately (I realize you are not advocating that) as some others have, only supports the case of the non-mongers rather than our own. Besides, despite the fact this might make the Prez slightly less desirable as a place to stay for mongering, its other advantages still put it way ahead many of the alternatives, as yourself have found.

I think with me it's simply a matter of principle. I think it's a bull---t policy and a bull---t way to treat CRT members. Period.

I am very easy going and never cause a ruckus... UNLESS provoked. Now, we don't know what happened to cause all this. But I did read one account of a guy being told his girl could not enter. And all I can say is I totally feel the same way he did - that if there was no policy - at that point - and all of the sudden I was told I could not bring my girl to my room, I would be very angry, and yes, I'd probably have a few not so nice words for whoever told me that. Now that there IS a policy, if it happened to me, I would probably just say, "Okay, well, do you have an overcoat she could wear?" or something like that. But if they refused to help out or did not allow me to enter with her, I would say, "Okay, well you've just received the last of my business, here and at your restaurant." And that would be it until such time as they changed the policy.

Re: selective enforcement. You see that as unfair. Perhaps you are right but I am not so sure.
....
Regarding it being at the discretion of the manager on duty, you were the one to interpret it "they are leaving it open to hassle anyone they want, at any time" not them. They have listed specific categories of clothing that are subject to interpretation. If the guest or visitor is not wearing any of those items they aren't subject to any arbitrary inspection. So they can't really just hassle anyone they want.Granted most BM chicas will probably have some article of clothing on that will make them subject to that discretion, which is precisely why it is good that they at least allow room for discretion rather than automatically reject them outright. I would interpret that to mean that a little skin they might let go and that they really mean to target the most egregious violations. The post you reprinted claimedthe chica was dressed like every other chica in town, but I didn't see what she was wearing. All I'm saying is let's wait to see exactly how strictly they apply this discretion before we fly off the handle.

Well, it seems to me that they are playing a game here that leaves too much room for interpretation. I'd rather them say outright whatever it is they are objecting to. How short can a skirt be? How much cleavage can be shown? Sure, maybe they'll soften and only use this policy to keep out the girls who are dressed TOO "sluttily". But then again, they ARE working girls. What do they expect? "Okay, you can bring back your working girl, but she has to be dressed like an office girl." ... Huh? what is the point here?

... I suspect that if you act with reasonable decorum (ie don't stumble in drunk and loud) and the chica is not dressed too egregiously over the line, you'll probably pass muster or at least be able to convice the manager to let it slide if you speak civilly with him.

I HOPE you are right about that, and if you are, then all will be mostly well. But I am skeptical... It just seems to me the hotel doesn't quite know what they want or what they are doing. They are kinda sorta pandering to mongers, but at the same time trying to cater to couples and families. Can they have it both ways? How many people really are offended if you bring back a sexily dressed girl at 10pm-2am? I could see it maybe if this policy were enforced during daylight hours before the kids are in bed. But at nightclub hours, how many guests there really care if you quietly walk in with a girl with some cleavage showing, in mini-skirt and high heels? Really,what is the problem? Are they renting to mongers or not?

Finally, re: the issue of the doorman stopping you. The policy specifically states its up to the manager on duty. The possibility that some doorman using this as a way to extort a bribe or payoff from you has been raised at CRT and it is certainly a valid concern. All I can say is, if you think your chica is not dressed that bad and the doorman either tries to elicit a bribe from you or unfairly refuses her entry outright, to either ask to speak to the manager directly or at least get the doorman's name and time (maybe even snap a digital photo of the way the chica was dressed if you can) and report it the next day.

From what I understand many chicas at the BM are ALREADY adjusting to this by carrying light jackets or sweaters with them which they can throw over their shoulder if they get a date that wants to take them back to the Prez. What is next? Street guys selling cheap plastic jackets outside the Prez doors, the way they sell cheap umbrellas when it rains. If they can adjust so easily to the change why can't we? Perhaps rather than asking the Prez to rescind their new policy, or at least in addition to asking them to rescind it, we should ask at least if they're going to do this that they provide a cloakroom/closet near the door or space behind the front desk where we can leave a jacket or shirt before we head out to the BM so we have something right there if we wind up bringing someone back that they find unacceptable. Or maybe they could have loaner coverings the same way they have spare jackets and ties at restaurants that require those. You see, there is room for compromise here.

I totally agree that any abuse by the doorman should be reported, and any problems should be politely addressed with the manager the next day. Digital photos would help, if you have them. Post them here or at CRT, if you get turned down for bringing a girl in.

I think the one very easy solution to this problem would be for the Prez to have a little coat closet there by the front door, and anyone the doorman feels is dressed inappropriately should be issued a trenchcoat. They could even charge a couple mil for the rental, or a 5 mil DEPOSIT once the girl is done and brings it back, the deposit is returned. The doorman could get a tip; whatever. But the idea of them issuing a long coat to wear is an excellent one and would be a way that everyone could win, here. Then no one would be denied entry, no guests would be offended, and all would be right with the world once again. Really, it's so simple. Why wouldn't they just do this? Maybe they will.

As I said before, I doubt I will stay there again, at least not until I hear how much they enforce this policy. I did not care much for the Morazan and the Gran Via, and the Sportsman's Lodge is too expensive... I might try the Castillo or whatever it is... Any other suggestions? I don't wish to spend more than $55+tax and I like something relatively quiet and safe.

[Circle]

Chase,

I think the pension otoya is at the corner of Ave. 5 and Calle 1, but I will look it up later to be sure. I just bought the Lonely Planet, "Central America" book at Borders. So I'm guessing it was published in the last year or two (some things are already outdated).

As a side note, I went by the BM around 3pm yesterday, and I can say the estrogen vs. testosterone ratio was much better than at night. There were some very nice girls. One even had kind of a latin Cameron Diaz look, very sweet and innocent (which she definately was not).

However i´ve heard the locals pay like $10 in certain places. I guess there are massages parlors or something cheaper than even oasis? are those places all bad quality or what? I don´t really care, cause if it is worse quality than europa (maybe I went on a bad night? ) then I don´t want to waste my time.

At the moment I am in playa jaco, got here last night. So I will post my report for that, I suppose, in the "other areas" section. Anybody know why we can´t organize threads under the individual cities. It seems like it would be much easier to find essential info if every single post for a city wasn´t just lumped together? i´m sure there´s a reason for that, though. So if anybody is around and wants to have a beer, I got first round. I´ll stay in jaco until probably Monday. Spend Monday night in san jose, then go to peurto viejo for a couple days. So send me a pm.

[Prolijo]

Circle,
Oh to be 28 and on a 10 week latin american tour! I'm envious. You better post as I'm looking forward to reading all about it. One quick question for you so far. I have the LP 2002 edition for CR but saw no mention of the place you described. Exactly where was that?

Member#2666,
That was me! Just kidding. That didn't sound off subject at all. In fact it sounds to me like Delta needs to start enforcing a dress code of its own.

Johnny Sax,
First re: taxistas and going to either ZB or NF. Your advice about asking for the Don Carlos when going to NF is a good one. What others should know is that both the NF and ZB pay referral commissions to taxi drivers, as do most businesses in SJ. Far too often in situations like this, even where you knew about the place on your own and asked to be brought there, the taxistas will go in and claim to have directed you there in order to "earn" a commission, the cost of which will inevitably either be tacked on to your charges if you're not aware of what they should be without a markup or be passed on to everyone in the form of higher prices. Eros MP across from Bar Idem is one place that is notorious for this. Its been a problem at ZB too, which they've been trying to combat. These cabbies can become quite belligerant with management and if the manager refuses to pay the cabbie a commission, based on the fact that they know you've been there before or that you even tell them you knew to come there on your own, the cabbies can become quite indignant. Now they have a problem of vengeful cabbies erroneously telling passengers that ask to be taken to ZB that they are closed and trying to steer them to another MP such as NF that will pay the kickback. Don't believe this if it happens to you. First of all, its perfectly safe and better for your health to simply walk to either ZB or NF during their normal business hours. If you do take a cab, ask for a nearby landmark rather than the MP (such as Don Carlos) and then after the cabbie leaves walk the block or few extra feet to where you really want to go. And if you must ask for the place specifically, at least tell the driver adios when you get there and walk in on your own and make the manager know that the driver didn't steer you there if you somehow can't manage to shake him.

Johnny,
Round 2, re: the Presidente dress code. I don't think you can really speak for the position of "most of the guys" at CRT. It seems to me there was plenty of irritation about this new policy there as well, its just that very few people there OR here have made quite as big a deal about it as you. I realize you have stayed there, but have you even had the new policy directed at you and one of your guests yet or are you just anticpating problems?

As you yourself acknowledged, it is the hotel's right to enforce a dress code of their choosing. Just because many CRT'ers, myself included, are willing to grudgingly go along or put up with the inconvenience, doesn't mean we're happy about it or think it is a well thought out plan. What it means is that we don't think there is probably all that much we can do about it at least in the short term. Did it occur to you that maybe this code was enacted as a result of complaints by non-mongers and that voicing one's complaints inappropriately (I realize you are not advocating that) as some others have, only supports the case of the non-mongers rather than our own. Besides, despite the fact this might make the Prez slightly less desirable as a place to stay for mongering, its other advantages still put it way ahead many of the alternatives, as yourself have found.

Re: selective enforcement. You see that as unfair. Perhaps you are right but I am not so sure.

Regarding gringa guests, I doubt very many if any will be dressing as provocatively as many of the BM girls and I don't think many of the other guests would complain that much even if they did (unless it was some fat cow in hot pants, which I'm sure happens even less). The policy does state that it applies to BOTH guests and visitors and the inclusion of swimwear as one of the "discouraged" articles of clothing seems much more potentially directed at female guests than to chica visitors. In fact, complaining to management about inappropriately dressed gringas or insisting on fair and evenhanded treatment, might actually be the best way of getting this new policy reversed.

Regarding it being at the discretion of the manager on duty, you were the one to interpret it "they are leaving it open to hassle anyone they want, at any time" not them. They have listed specific categories of clothing that are subject to interpretation. If the guest or visitor is not wearing any of those items they aren't subject to any arbitrary inspection. So they can't really just hassle anyone they want. Granted most BM chicas will probably have some article of clothing on that will make them subject to that discretion, which is precisely why it is good that they at least allow room for discretion rather than automatically reject them outright. I would interpret that to mean that a little skin they might let go and that they really mean to target the most egregious violations. The post you reprinted claimedthe chica was dressed like every other chica in town, but I didn't see what she was wearing. All I'm saying is let's wait to see exactly how strictly they apply this discretion before we fly off the handle.

The other thing I noted about the post that you reprinted was that the poster admitted "exchanging words" and "getting upset" with some guy he referred to as "some prick". Just as we don't really know firsthand how that chica was dressed we don't really know how that monger handled it. I strongly suspect he was more than "mildly" upset and that the words exchanged were not "exactly" civil. Also while the day manager came to his room the next day, it was not about his trying to bring a provocatively dressed chica back to his room but how he dealt with it by getting upset, making a huge scene and probably disturbing or waking many of the other guests that were staying at that hotel with the huge ruckus he created. This lends credence to the Prez's claims that this policy was implemented largely as a result of increased incidents of "ugly american" mongers. Which brings me back to the issue of selective enforcement. I suspect that if you act with reasonable decorum (ie don't stumble in drunk and loud) and the chica is not dressed too egregiously over the line, you'll probably pass muster or at least be able to convice the manager to let it slide if you speak civilly with him.

Finally, re: the issue of the doorman stopping you. The policy specifically states its up to the manager on duty. The possibility that some doorman using this as a way to extort a bribe or payoff from you has been raised at CRT and it is certainly a valid concern. All I can say is, if you think your chica is not dressed that bad and the doorman either tries to elicit a bribe from you or unfairly refuses her entry outright, to either ask to speak to the manager directly or at least get the doorman's name and time (maybe even snap a digital photo of the way the chica was dressed if you can) and report it the next day.

From what I understand many chicas at the BM are ALREADY adjusting to this by carrying light jackets or sweaters with them which they can throw over their shoulder if they get a date that wants to take them back to the Prez. What is next? Street guys selling cheap plastic jackets outside the Prez doors, the way they sell cheap umbrellas when it rains. If they can adjust so easily to the change why can't we? Perhaps rather than asking the Prez to rescind their new policy, or at least in addition to asking them to rescind it, we should ask at least if they're going to do this that they provide a cloakroom/closet near the door or space behind the front desk where we can leave a jacket or shirt before we head out to the BM so we have something right there if we wind up bringing someone back that they find unacceptable. Or maybe they could have loaner coverings the same way they have spare jackets and ties at restaurants that require those. You see, there is room for compromise here.

[Circle]

First let me say thanks for the information guys. I finally did find oasis, which was not bad for the price. By the way, this is my first stop on a 10 week tour. Next i´m going to Cuba, then to Dominican Republic, Venezeula, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and finally Brazil. I´m hoping to surf, hike, see archeological sites, volanoes (etc), and find the most beautiful women in the world. I will be posting reports as best I can as I go, but some things will have to wait until I have more time later. So please, give me as much help as you guys can, and I in turn will give you up to date info. I have no real itinerary, but I am searching for fun, culture, and preferably semi pro action. I am 28 years old, in pretty good shape and fairly good looking. So any advice on where to find the most semi pro action for a guy like me, with limited spanish (i´m using Pimsleur 1) is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

So here is my report thus far. In oasis, I chose a girl named adriaana with large breasts and a nice medium dark complexion. She did BBBJ for 5000 extra. I also stopped by europa, but I get better looking girls than that for free at home in the US. So I went to ZB, but there wasn´t anything special there either.

The biggest surprise came to me in BM. I was nearly ready to give up on that place at first. There were lots a pretty girls, but only 10 or so I would pay for. I have kinda high standards. All the girls in the 7-9 range would hardly budge from $100. I expect a 9 for at least a couple hours to pay that much. So I was getting ready to go home alone when a very pretty girl named Nadia approached me. She seemed very interested in me and told me I was good looking, so I bought her a beer and we spoke a while. She agreed to go home with me, but when I asked how much, she said "relax, you can pay me something tomorrow"

We got to my hotel, which by the way is only $15-20 per night with private bath (pension otoya, 5 min walk to BM, which I found in the lonely planet book). Its clean but old and a little grungy. Some of you might be embarressed, but I don´t want these girls to think i´m rich, anyways. I highly recommend the hotel.

So we get home and she wants to take a shower, I join her. She drops to her knees in the shower for BBBJ. And then it was on. This girl was just like a girlfriend, except better in bed. The next morning we do it again, then just before breakfast she treats me to BBBJCIM. At this point i´m in love. So we go have breakfast, then go hang out at her friends house til the afternoon smoking weed and listening to music. Afterwhich she had to go to school for a few hours, so she asked if I could pay her something. I ask how much, she says she doesn´t know, just whatever I can. So I gave her $100.

That night we hook up and go to a club to take X and party, but I was too tired, so we went home early and just had sex again. She was upset when I told her I was leaving for the beach today. I´ll try to post pics soon when I get a chance.

[Member #2666]

on the plane back from san jose to atlanta there was a hairy guy wearing a baggy runners sleaveless shirt and some 20 year old speedo type runners shorts. real short and tight around his balls..disgusting

he was greasy as though he had just finished a run before getting on the plane.

i was thinking....if this fucker sits next to me i'm going to go postal

i felt bad for the poor bastard he sat next to.

a letter to delta is in order

[Johnny Sax]

As for the new dress code at the Presidente, I have the following to report:

I did write them an e-mail similar to the one I proposed below, and got an e-mail back from them the next day, which said about what I expected it to say, that is: b.s...

I checked it out over at the ************** forum, too, and most of the guys over there, it seems, feel it is perfectly okay for the Presidente to selectively discriminate against girls and guests, as they choose. I am surprised at this attitude, but I have a feeling the tune will change once a frew of them have it happen to THEM... While I feel it is the hotel's right to enforce a dress code, I do not feel good about supporting them in this, nor do I like that they are doing it.

One of the head honchos over at CRT had a meeting with the Prez mgmt. this week, and the outcome seems to me to be that nothing was accomplished, the policy remains, but while the Prez gave lip service to the hotel's continuing support of single men, their policy says otherwise, and nothing was changed in that regard.

Here is the stated policy, with my comments in [ ]

"DRESS CODE:
The Hotel instituted a dress code for our guests and visitors with the intent of maintaining a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere in the public areas of the hotel. While we understand that clothing is a personal matter, highly reflective of individual taste and style, inappropriate clothing can impact the level of decorum at the hotel. To this end, our dress code is intended as a guideline for guests and visitors.

Since every piece of clothing and its wearer are different, decisions on what is appropriate is left to the discretion of the manager on duty.

[or the doorman? And so the Manager on duty can discriminate as he/she chooses?]

While in the hotel’s public areas, guests are requested to:

-Wear shoes at all times
-Avoid low-cut or very revealing clothing

[how low? Again this is up to someone to arbitrarily decide, apparently. Random discrimination.]

-Avoid extremely short skirts or shorts

[you mean to say that gringas in short shorts will be told to cover up?]
-Keep midriffs covered [gringas in halter tops or bikini tops will be told?]

-Avoid mesh tops and swimming attire
-Avoid clothing with racist or discriminatory insignias or logos

This is the e-mail I got back from them, myself:
******
"Dear Mr. Sax:

Thank you for your interest.

The Hotel has indeed instituted a dress code for our guests and visitors with the intent of maintaining a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere in the public areas of the hotel. While we understand that clothing is a personal matter, highly reflective of individual taste and style, inappropriate clothing can impact the level of decorum at the hotel. To this end, our dress code is intended as a guideline for guests and visitors.

While in the hotel’s public areas, guests and visitors are requested to:

- Wear shoes at all times
- Avoid low-cut or very revealing clothing
- Avoid extremely short skirts or shorts
- Keep midriffs covered
- Avoid mesh tops and swimming attire
- Avoid clothing with racist or discriminatory insignias or logos

Mr. Sax, I agree with you that some pieces of clothing may technically fit in the description above, and yet be perfectly non offensive nor obscene. Since every piece of clothing and its wearer are different, decisions on what is appropriate is left to the discretion of the manager on duty.

[in other words, they are leaving it open to hassle anyone they want, at any time; selective discrimination]

If you have any other questions or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope to meet in you in person in Costa Rica soon.

At your service,

Daniel Mikowski H.
General Manager"
******

I did not reply. I doubt I will stay there again.

I don't like anyone discriminating against me or a guest I choose to invite to my room based on some stupid dress code that can be arbitrarily enforced and arbitrarily interpreted. I go to CR to relax and have a good time. This leaves too much of an opening for problems. The last thing I want is to be having a great time, bringing a hot chick back to my room, only to have some asshole doorman tell me my girl is not presentable nor admissable. That would really [CodeWord140] me off at that moment and I don't need that kind of shite.

But since I did not find the rooms at the Morazan nor the Gran Via adequate last month (problems with bathrooms in both hotels, among other problems), I don't know where to stay, now. The Sportsman's Lodge seems too pricey and too far from the action. The Del Rey is too noisy...

I still encourage anyone reading this who disagrees with the Presidente's policy, to write them via their web site e-mail form, at hotel-presidente dot com, and politely express your disagreement with this, and imply that you may not stay there if they continue this policy.

[Johnny Sax]

Hi everyone,

I need help. I just arrived in san jose. I have a list of MPs, but I can not find the addresses. Oasis, zona blue, new fantasy, etc. Where are these places? I have spent a lot of time reading the forum, but I can not find the map of downtown that everybody speaks of here. Is there a link to it somewhere? please help, as soon as possible.

Thanks

Most taxistas will know where New Fantasy and Zona Blue are, or better yet tell them you want to go to the Don Carlos hotel, then just get out and walk around the corner, that way you won't be charged more for the taxi.

[Prolijo]

Circle,
If you're referring to the map I created, you need to be a member of CRT www.**************.com in order to gain access to it. There is also a more basic but very serviceable map at Don Gordo's website www.dongordo.com

[Coquí]

Circle

Oasis - Calle 32 Avenida 1/3 (150m N of Pollo de Kentucky/Paseo Colon)(across from Machu Pichu)

NF - Avenida 9 between calle 7 & 9 tel 221-4916

ZB - Avenida 9 calle 3b SE corner

Good luck

[Circle]

Hi everyone,

I need help. I just arrived in san jose. I have a list of MPs, but I can not find the addresses. Oasis, zona blue, new fantasy, etc. Where are these places? I have spent a lot of time reading the forum, but I can not find the map of downtown that everybody speaks of here. Is there a link to it somewhere? please help, as soon as possible.

Thanks