My boss (older screechy hardcore feminist gringa) said to me today, "I think you should go down to Costa Rica all the time! You are so relaxed and mellow." I smiled and told her I agreed wholeheartedly and would remind her of that comment when I wanted to schedule my next days off

What a great first trip! Checked into the Prez friday night, and stepped into the DR for the first time about 10:15. I thought my head might split open from the grin on my face. Although I would probably have had a good time on my own, all the info I found on this site really came through for me.
I'm writing up an extensive TR about my adventures, but I wanted to post a quick note about the advice I found most useful:
1) The Presidente - From the master suite to the regular rooms this is a nice clean classy place, friendly helpful staff, I could not have been more pleased. There was a glitch with the internet for a couple days but it was during a big upgrade expansion to the network in the hotel (wireless soon on all floors) so sort of understandable. With the VIP rates it is absolutely a great deal, my one week there more than payed for the VIP membership.
2) VIP card - between the presedente and ZB and Kamur the VIP more than payed for itself. I forgot to use it at Costa Del Sol, but the food was so good i was in a daze

4) Getting the exit tax stamp done at the Banco Credito at my leisure. Combined it with a trip to pay respects at the defunct park hotel and a wander thru Marcado Central made it a pleasurable way to avoid a terrible line (I saw it!).
3) Little gifts for the ladies - The $20 I spent in the states for a variety of gifts was well worth it. As many of us want to maintain a veneer of fantasy in the whole game, it seems a lot of the girls feel the same. We all know we are playing parts, so play your part well.
5) Hold onto your heart - I can see now how easy it could be to fall in love with one of these girls, hell I was halfway there this week myself. The best cure I found was getting naked with a new girl, helped me out every time

6) is the one I should have put more effort into: Habla Espanol at least a little. Just making the effort seemed to go a really long way. You can get by without it but that is just what you are doing, getting by.
There is lots of little bits of advice I found helpful beyond this, but these were the big ones I found most useful. Look for my TR coming soon in the VIP section =D