San Salvador

[World Travel 69]

Thanks, I moved it on the Map.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?h...145088506&z=14

Hey fellas,

You may remember that, earlier this year, I wrote a trip report detailing my visits to Zou Spa Bar, Mansion 316, and Kiss Fresh in San Salvador.

Out of curiosity, I visited Twitter recently to see if Zou Spa Bar had acquired any new talent. While doing that, Twitter recommended that I follow a place called Kimberly Spa in San Salvador. Their Twitter feed is as follows:

https://twitter.com/kimberlyysusne1?lang=en

You can reach their website through a link posted on their Twitter feed.

Since both their Twitter feed and website indicate that they've been online since mid-2016, it's my guess that they're a relative newcomer to the pay-for-play scene in San Salvador. Using the map provided on their Twitter feed, they're located in the vicinity of the huge Metrocentro mall. And unlike Zou Spa Bar, Mansion 316, and Kiss Fresh, they appear to be open on Sundays. Their prices for services appear to be cheaper, too. To anyone visiting San Salvador in the future, it might be worth checking out.

[Quagmire1974]

Hey fellas,

You may remember that, earlier this year, I wrote a trip report detailing my visits to Zou Spa Bar, Mansion 316, and Kiss Fresh in San Salvador.

Out of curiosity, I visited Twitter recently to see if Zou Spa Bar had acquired any new talent. While doing that, Twitter recommended that I follow a place called Kimberly Spa in San Salvador. Their Twitter feed is as follows:

https://twitter.com/kimberlyysusne1?lang=en

You can reach their website through a link posted on their Twitter feed.

Since both their Twitter feed and website indicate that they've been online since mid-2016, it's my guess that they're a relative newcomer to the pay-for-play scene in San Salvador. Using the map provided on their Twitter feed, they're located in the vicinity of the huge Metrocentro mall. And unlike Zou Spa Bar, Mansion 316, and Kiss Fresh, they appear to be open on Sundays. Their prices for services appear to be cheaper, too. To anyone visiting San Salvador in the future, it might be worth checking out.

[Socker]

Ok, I appreciate your angle on the subject. My point is stay out of the gang areas. I have never once seen gang violence rear its ugly head in the nicer areas of town. They have wheels but, they do not travel to Zona Rosa, San Benito etc to commit their crimes. They battle it out with other gang members in the barrios for nickels. They extort the local bus drivers in the bad areas. My suggestion don't ride a bus and don't go the gang areas. Simple really. Every now and then I see a few gang members at Karios, etc. Most speak English because they lived in LOS Angeles until they were deported. Even they are nice too me, look out for me with no expectation of a payback and, tell me where not to go etc. I always feel safe in the clubs. I imagine you live in the States like I do. I'm certain you are aware of everything that is going on here. Between the mass shootings at concerts and clubs. To the shootings at schools etc. Do you feel unsafe here? Would you still go to a concert or a club. (My opinion is yes you do / would). Because what I am describing is far worse than anything that goes on in El Salvador. I wonder if tourists of foreign countries feel unsafe coming to the US..

We both love Latin America and ES is where you want to focus your time. I would rather be in Mexico or Colombia and maybe explore more Latin countries but it's so good in Colombia it's hard to spend time else where. Tijuana is my snack in between meals. ES is great because it's only 5 hours away w / awesome beaches, quality chicas, food, sights etc. But like I said, everyone I talk to in SS has multiple horror stories or they state they never go out at night because of crime. If you drive through the nice barrios each house looks like it's battle ready w / massive amounts razor wire lining the boundaries of the house. Every house has this. I have no issues w / the police but they do play it safe in SS during the night. I have seen them on Fridays and Saturday nights w / sobriety check points but never during the weekdays. My guide says they're afraid. I believe him. For us tourist to go out sporadically is one thing. The police don't like the odds of being out every night. Most night drivers in SS treat red lights like stop signs as they do not want to be sitting ducks for the motorcycle bandits. I've seen it, I done it, I've been told by more than one why it's done.

In the states it's a whole different story as people do not worry about going out day or night nor do I hear any horror stories from them. Yes, the states are going through some ugly stages and I personally think it's related to the new nanny state that is getting more and more repressive. If cigarettes were still cheap half these mass shootings would never have occurred is my opinion. The country is going through the irritable nicotine deprivation phase IMO. The country has gone too far left and there is a lot of rage here.

In ES everybody has a robbery story. A kiss fresh chica I took to the beach told me she has been violently robbed 3 times, one or more times this was in her small town 4 hours north of SS. In one of those robberies she was in her mother's car when it was blocked by another car who's occupants then ordered her and her mother out and robbed their phones and money etc. Another chica I took to the beach was desperate to leave the country. Out of the blue she asked me what Mississippi was like? I said it wasn't so great to my knowledge and then asked her why she wanted to know. She said, I have a sister there. It is horrible here I want to go there but it cost so much and it's very dangerous to trust the coyotes. These tales broke my heart.

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy ES forever and that the people there get some peace of mind through law and order. Something most people in other countries take for granted, they don't in ES. Despite this I love the country and people and I'm not afraid to have fun there. As you say one has to be real dumb or unlucky to have a problem. They could use more tourist there as well. I hope things change for ES. I hear Nicaragua does not have these issues and is much safer for all.

[Mfins]

It is the San Salvador reality that there be armed guards at the hardware store, the restaurants, the banks (not so uncommon in all Latin America), the hotels. One gets used to that, but for me no sense of security once inside.

My purpose in stating these facts is that these establishments either pay a security guard or the gangs, they have to pay one or the other. This means there's a better than average risk of robbery w / out one or the other. The businesses pay the guard or the gangs for protection. If they don't you might be seeing someone other than the waiter coming to your table. Ain't rocket science.

If you've read my reports and I'm sure you have (w / no comment or appreciation) I am a lover of ES but the truth is very evident. It and the other nearby countries are in a hot zone of gang violence and government corruption. Violence the type most people are not aware is possible. It happens to the locals, not so much w / tourist but they can and do have problems in central america.

Everyone knows there are bad barrios everywhere. And everyone should also know there isn't much for violent criminals to take there. That's where the wheels come in. The guy I responded to was walking long distances at night and unless you're bruce lee it ain't a good idea. That's all I'm saying.

You are the pro on ES but I remember you having a big issue a couple of years ago w / the locals. No one is looking for fancy drinks in ES. They are mostly conventional tourist w / a few daring mongers mixed in. I'd always get "you're crazy for going there" from my buddies. After my last couple of trips I decided they're right.

After talking extensively to the chicas I spent the day with. After talking to locals at la Alameda hotel, my guide, and looking at the expressions on the local's faces I decided this is not a good place live it up. I will still go back but I don't know when. The women are worth the effort along w / the beauty of the country and all the diversity it has to offer. But I've decided to play it safe. After all, there are other monger destinations.

I thought I would warn the guy about walking the streets at night. That was my message.

Ok, I appreciate your angle on the subject. My point is stay out of the gang areas. I have never once seen gang violence rear its ugly head in the nicer areas of town. They have wheels but, they do not travel to Zona Rosa, San Benito etc to commit their crimes. They battle it out with other gang members in the barrios for nickels. They extort the local bus drivers in the bad areas. My suggestion don't ride a bus and don't go the gang areas. Simple really. Every now and then I see a few gang members at Karios, etc. Most speak English because they lived in LOS Angeles until they were deported. Even they are nice too me, look out for me with no expectation of a payback and, tell me where not to go etc. I always feel safe in the clubs. I imagine you live in the States like I do. I'm certain you are aware of everything that is going on here. Between the mass shootings at concerts and clubs. To the shootings at schools etc. Do you feel unsafe here? Would you still go to a concert or a club. (My opinion is yes you do / would). Because what I am describing is far worse than anything that goes on in El Salvador. I wonder if tourists of foreign countries feel unsafe coming to the US.

You are right I had an issue one time a few years ago. However it had nothing to do with violence, or a crime. It had to do with drama between a friend down there, a girl and, a manager of a club who I also thought of as a friend. Looking back on it now it was very silly. To address government corruption, I can say with 100% certainty the police and military in El Salvador is very much on the up and up. They are fair and everything I have witnessed and heard they will not take a bribe. Unlike Mexico for example.

What I am saying is the reputation El Salvador has is so overblown. However, I am somewhat grateful of this mistaken reputation because it keeps the mass of tourists away, prices down, and the locals appreciative and friendly to the few visitors they do see. Anyway, all of this being said I respect your feedback, opinion and if these are your thoughts I appreciate them.

[Socker]

For a first timer it is shocking to see security guards standing outside of a Wendy's, Pharmacies, and gas stations with Rifles, Shotguns and machetes. Its also shocking to be patted down before entering certain restaurants, clubs ect. However, once inside it gives you a sense of safety. Those things are meant as a visual deterrent and they work. It always amazes me when tourists say El Salvador is so dangerous. Certainly it has a huge gang problem but, as a tourist would you ever go into Soyopongo or Apopa (the gang areas) in the middle of the night and walk around. Never, unless you are crazy. I am not sure where you are from but, I am sure your city has bad areas and you wouldn't be caught dead walking around that area in the middle of the night. The same is true with San Salvador. They have good areas and bad. I have been going to El Salvador for almost 20 years now. I have never once felt threatened or unsafe. Quite the contrary. Most people I run into make me feel safe and welcome. I know you have been there on more than one occasion but, some people watch the news and think the whole country is at war and as soon as you step off the plane you will be shot or kidnapped. That is not the case. There is a gang war for sure and the gangs do kill each other but, a crime against a tourist or foreigner is extremely extremely rare. Do you know that Chicago has a higher murder rate per capita than El Salvador? Does that mean the whole city of Chicago is dangerous?.

It is the San Salvador reality that there be armed guards at the hardware store, the restaurants, the banks (not so uncommon in all Latin America), the hotels. One gets used to that, but for me no sense of security once inside.

My purpose in stating these facts is that these establishments either pay a security guard or the gangs, they have to pay one or the other. This means there's a better than average risk of robbery w / out one or the other. The businesses pay the guard or the gangs for protection. If they don't you might be seeing someone other than the waiter coming to your table. Ain't rocket science.

If you've read my reports and I'm sure you have (w / no comment or appreciation) I am a lover of ES but the truth is very evident. It and the other nearby countries are in a hot zone of gang violence and government corruption. Violence the type most people are not aware is possible. It happens to the locals, not so much w / tourist but they can and do have problems in central america.

Everyone knows there are bad barrios everywhere. And everyone should also know there isn't much for violent criminals to take there. That's where the wheels come in. The guy I responded to was walking long distances at night and unless you're bruce lee it ain't a good idea. That's all I'm saying.

You are the pro on ES but I remember you having a big issue a couple of years ago w / the locals. No one is looking for fancy drinks in ES. They are mostly conventional tourist w / a few daring mongers mixed in. I'd always get "you're crazy for going there" from my buddies. After my last couple of trips I decided they're right.

After talking extensively to the chicas I spent the day with. After talking to locals at la Alameda hotel, my guide, and looking at the expressions on the local's faces I decided this is not a good place live it up. I will still go back but I don't know when. The women are worth the effort along w / the beauty of the country and all the diversity it has to offer. But I've decided to play it safe. After all, there are other monger destinations.

I thought I would warn the guy about walking the streets at night. That was my message.

[Mfins]

But one thing to remember, the bad guys have cars and motorcycles. If they see you on a dark street and they're all dark. You might change your mind after your life is forever changed. In my earlier post I did not exaggerate. Count how many police are on the San Salvador streets at night.

As for being welcome by the locals that was never in question. It's the gangs and lone wolfs that are the problem and they come out at night. And they do have wheels. In Colombia the restaurant greeters don't strap shotguns on their backs like they do in SS. Maybe we're not talking about the same San Salvador.

For a first timer it is shocking to see security guards standing outside of a Wendy's, Pharmacies, and gas stations with Rifles, Shotguns and machetes. Its also shocking to be patted down before entering certain restaurants, clubs ect. However, once inside it gives you a sense of safety. Those things are meant as a visual deterrent and they work. It always amazes me when tourists say El Salvador is so dangerous. Certainly it has a huge gang problem but, as a tourist would you ever go into Soyopongo or Apopa (the gang areas) in the middle of the night and walk around. Never, unless you are crazy. I am not sure where you are from but, I am sure your city has bad areas and you wouldn't be caught dead walking around that area in the middle of the night. The same is true with San Salvador. They have good areas and bad. I have been going to El Salvador for almost 20 years now. I have never once felt threatened or unsafe. Quite the contrary. Most people I run into make me feel safe and welcome. I know you have been there on more than one occasion but, some people watch the news and think the whole country is at war and as soon as you step off the plane you will be shot or kidnapped. That is not the case. There is a gang war for sure and the gangs do kill each other but, a crime against a tourist or foreigner is extremely extremely rare. Do you know that Chicago has a higher murder rate per capita than El Salvador? Does that mean the whole city of Chicago is dangerous?

El Salvador is a third world country. There aren't any mega resorts, pools where you get umbrella drinks, swanky restaurants, etc. If you want that I advise going to Jamaica, Cancun or the Bahamas. Because El Salvador does not have those things the people are incredibly friendly, there isn't the constant hassle of someone trying to sell you something at a straw market, a big gringo tax, or everyone asking for tips. However, along with that comes more run down buildings, less police presence, and overall a third world feel. Too some people that makes them feel uneasy, unsafe or out of there element and, I completely understand but, those sites do not make things dangerous. Anyway, just use basic common sense, stay out of areas you know you shouldn't go to just like you would at home, don't make a spectacle of yourself, don't go looking for trouble and, you will be perfectly fine.

[Socker]

I've been there twice, and I felt quite safe there. Now, I was always told about not go here, or there, and I didn't. But I felt safe WALKING to the casas in the day and night. Now I will admit at night I will walk quickly. I think I only seen one gringo in a mall, and some in the airport, and that is it. I wouldn't attempt to take a bus, but that is because I don't want to bother learning the system and waiting. I took a taxi a few times and I thought maybe one of them was a little high, but I'm not sure. As far as felling welcome, the casas were glad to have me. A few times the locals in the casas wanted to shake my hand, welcome me, etc. I've had locals make sure I was doing OK with finding a lady also. The locals were super friendly people. They all seem to have some relatives in the US and they seem to like Americans to me. I never had a problem. On my second trip I was walking all over with my stabilized camera setup and making YouTube videos on the streets and malls. I know I should do that everywhere, but for the most part it is easy to figure out where to not be doing things like that. I don't agree with someone saying a gringo is not welcome. They sure like the GRINGO US Dollar. On my way to the airport the second time the owner of my Airbnb got his sister to take me to the airport for cheaper than usual. She asked me if I ever tried papusas. I said nope. I don't even know what that is. She then made sure we stopped at a place that has lots of papusa shops. And she bought me some papusas and coffee. So, I honestly feel like the typical, non-gangster El Salvadorians are very friendly. I'm sure a lot of the El Salvadorians in the casas that can afford to buy bottles of liquor and have a table of girls might not be your average El Salvadorian men. But, they were also friendly. Nobody should say a gringo is not welcome in El Salvador! A gringo can walk around San Salvador like a unicorn.

But one thing to remember, the bad guys have cars and motorcycles. If they see you on a dark street and they're all dark. You might change your mind after your life is forever changed. In my earlier post I did not exaggerate. Count how many police are on the San Salvador streets at night.

As for being welcome by the locals that was never in question. It's the gangs and lone wolfs that are the problem and they come out at night. And they do have wheels. In Colombia the restaurant greeters don't strap shotguns on their backs like they do in SS. Maybe we're not talking about the same San Salvador.

[Gagoo]

Yes I am a gringo and I very rarely see another white person. In fact after going there for 20 years now I can count probably less than 10 American and European tourists I have met.

There are some at the beaches who come to surf however I do not go there.

The thing I love most about El Salvador is that it is not corrupted by tourists and tourist prices. The people are very friendly and welcoming because they are not jaded.

I've been there twice, and I felt quite safe there. Now, I was always told about not go here, or there, and I didn't. But I felt safe WALKING to the casas in the day and night. Now I will admit at night I will walk quickly. I think I only seen one gringo in a mall, and some in the airport, and that is it. I wouldn't attempt to take a bus, but that is because I don't want to bother learning the system and waiting. I took a taxi a few times and I thought maybe one of them was a little high, but I'm not sure. As far as felling welcome, the casas were glad to have me. A few times the locals in the casas wanted to shake my hand, welcome me, etc. I've had locals make sure I was doing OK with finding a lady also. The locals were super friendly people. They all seem to have some relatives in the US and they seem to like Americans to me. I never had a problem. On my second trip I was walking all over with my stabilized camera setup and making YouTube videos on the streets and malls. I know I should do that everywhere, but for the most part it is easy to figure out where to not be doing things like that. I don't agree with someone saying a gringo is not welcome. They sure like the GRINGO US Dollar. On my way to the airport the second time the owner of my Airbnb got his sister to take me to the airport for cheaper than usual. She asked me if I ever tried papusas. I said nope. I don't even know what that is. She then made sure we stopped at a place that has lots of papusa shops. And she bought me some papusas and coffee. So, I honestly feel like the typical, non-gangster El Salvadorians are very friendly. I'm sure a lot of the El Salvadorians in the casas that can afford to buy bottles of liquor and have a table of girls might not be your average El Salvadorian men. But, they were also friendly. Nobody should say a gringo is not welcome in El Salvador! A gringo can walk around San Salvador like a unicorn.

[Saigon Sammy]

I had some time to visit KF. Everyone knows where it is. Went in, sat down and asked for the line up. There were quite a few people there at the time. It was busy but the girls didn't seem to be too busy. I saw a girl that caught my eye. Mean looking ***** named Katy. She had light brown / blondish hair. She was cute and almost looked Russian, but was cold the whole time I was with her. I kinda liked it. Anyways, get her back to the room and she undressed, very perky tits, very light areola. I think she was 19 or 20 and she must have not been totally Salvadoran. I am almost positive her mother got with a gringo and had a half gringa baby. She was hot, but I don't know if I would do her again.

[Frankfurt]

Socker,

Thanks and likewise.

If you go to Casa Roja, avoid a girl, I think her name is Emily. See last photo in my report with her hand fixing her hair. She has a tight little body but worst service and she will talk you to death. She even tried that technique which I am sure we all have experienced before when in missionary the girl uses her knees to prevent you from reaching the entire depth of her canal -yeah, so my solution was to flip her and get her on all fours and grab her thighs from front so she couldn't lean forward. Geez, the things we have to do to get our money's worth!

I have actually experienced the black sand beaches in Cape Verde and more recently in Guanacaste (CR). Perhaps next time will experience it in El Salvador!

Attaching couple photos from Volcano hike (Santa Ana), photo of Izalco Volcano and highway on way to airport.

Cheers.

Your tr was great, I was just surprised about the hotel but they could make it better no doubt. I just love the scenery there and the apartment size rooms, plus it's very casual and family owned.

I also understand your pov regarding drivers. Like you I want / need to practice the espaola but it's near impossible to stick to only Spanish if you have a bilingual driver. Kudos to you for going the route you did.

I would say you missed a great beach experience there esp if you take a rental there. The seafood is incredible and the beach and ocean are a "one of a kind" experience. On one of my first trips I thought the black sand was from pollution but it's not, it's volcanic back sand. Maybe in a thousand years (providing no further volcanic activity) they will be white sand beaches. Black is my favorite color so I learned to love their beaches. Buy a beer, park all day for free LOL.


Okay, good luck on your future travels.

[Socker]

Hey Socker,

All valid points.

1. I can chalk up my hesitation to bring in Chica at Nova with grandma at guard at front desk to my inhibition rather than to hotel chica policy. But as you said, it didn't stop me from having fun outside the hotel.

2. As for the rooms you had recommended, I did ask on check in and they were occupied. Actually the entire time I was there, there was an all day conference going on with a group visiting from Washington DC and some local NGOs and hotel occupancy rate was high.

3. No it wasn't Roberto that stood me up. I didn't contact him for two reason, one he didn't seem to have whatsapp and secondly as I was preparing for my trip, I wanted to learn / practice some Spanish and not having an English speaking driver helped me a lot by forcing me to try to speak Spanish. After all these years of doing 'this' I still find it adventurous and rewarding finding my own fish. Yes it may not be the best or biggest fish in the pond but still thrilling nevertheless the process of finally getting to it. And these places weren't really 'obscure' per se, it is just that they aren't widely discussed on this forum..

Your tr was great, I was just surprised about the hotel but they could make it better no doubt. I just love the scenery there and the apartment size rooms, plus it's very casual and family owned.

I also understand your pov regarding drivers. Like you I want / need to practice the española but it's near impossible to stick to only Spanish if you have a bilingual driver. Kudos to you for going the route you did.

I would say you missed a great beach experience there esp if you take a rental there. The seafood is incredible and the beach and ocean are a "one of a kind" experience. On one of my first trips I thought the black sand was from pollution but it's not, it's volcanic back sand. Maybe in a thousand years (providing no further volcanic activity) they will be white sand beaches. Black is my favorite color so I learned to love their beaches. Buy a beer, park all day for free LOL.

Okay, good luck on your future travels.

[Frankfurt]

Hey Socker,

All valid points.

1. I can chalk up my hesitation to bring in Chica at Nova with grandma at guard at front desk to my inhibition rather than to hotel chica policy. But as you said, it didn't stop me from having fun outside the hotel.

2. As for the rooms you had recommended, I did ask on check in and they were occupied. Actually the entire time I was there, there was an all day conference going on with a group visiting from Washington DC and some local NGOs and hotel occupancy rate was high.

3. No it wasn't Roberto that stood me up. I didn't contact him for two reason, one he didn't seem to have whatsapp and secondly as I was preparing for my trip, I wanted to learn / practice some Spanish and not having an English speaking driver helped me a lot by forcing me to try to speak Spanish. After all these years of doing 'this' I still find it adventurous and rewarding finding my own fish. Yes it may not be the best or biggest fish in the pond but still thrilling nevertheless the process of finally getting to it. And these places weren't really 'obscure' per se, it is just that they aren't widely discussed on this forum.

4. Speaking of which, you will like Casa Roja as they have a big room upstairs with stage, lights and dancing girls. I really liked the vibe at that place. No other place that I visited had such a setup. If I am not mistaken Zou has a similar set up but I didn't first hand experience it.

5. Also for anyone seriously interested in understanding the situation in El Salvador, I highly recommend elfaro.net and book Mano Dura by Sonja Wolf. I was reading the website nightly and read the book prior to my trip.

6. Would I return to the scene of crime? Yes, would love to but other places are waiting to be explored. If I visit a neighboring country then will make a point of spending couple of nights again in SS.

Cheers.

Also, I know most on this board go to Casas, MP's, and Kiss Fresh but, try some of the clubs at night.

Club Blue just opened again and has some excellent talent.

Insomnia, although a bit overpriced is coming up.

And of course Emporium and Kairos are looking good.

With a little charisma you can have an amazing all night experience for next to nothing.

[Mfins]

Agreed the pool area is nice. Has a jungle type feel.

Also, I know most on this board go to Casas, MP's, and Kiss Fresh but, try some of the clubs at night.

Club Blue just opened again and has some excellent talent.

Insomnia, although a bit overpriced is coming up.

And of course Emporium and Kairos are looking good.

With a little charisma you can have an amazing all night experience for next to nothing.

[Mfins]

Thanks for the hotel suggestion, I hope your right as it's always great to find different bases of operation.

One thing about novo is they are on airbnb, and if you talk to them on the phone and negotiate, the price can com down.

I don't think you can find a prettier setting than the pool area at novo, but it's always good to explore other options.

Cheers.

Agreed the pool area is nice. Has a jungle type feel.

[Socker]

I'll chime in. The hotel is decent as described above. The landscaping and little bar by the pool make the hotel. Other than that you are going to have your typical issues with any three star hotel. Lights not working, so-so wifi, Ac issues, on and off staff etc. But, its a good place.

Out of all my trips to El Sal I have only stayed there twice. Each time was because there was a convention in town most hotels were booked and / or the prices of other comparable hotels were very high. If you do some searching you can probably find a different hotel, more central to action, with better amenities and at a cheaper price. Just to name one, try Hotel and Casino Siesta. Ask for a room facing the pool. Chica Friendly great food, etc. I can see why someone going for the first time may find the Nova a little off the beaten path.

I'm not knocking the Nova but, for the money you may find better options.

Thanks for the hotel suggestion, I hope your right as it's always great to find different bases of operation.

One thing about novo is they are on airbnb, and if you talk to them on the phone and negotiate, the price can com down.

I don't think you can find a prettier setting than the pool area at novo, but it's always good to explore other options.

Cheers.