www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'd avoid el Gran Via for a couple of reasons. I stayed there for 1 night in June, last minute thing, no other options. It was either that or the park with the TV's. If I had to do it all over again, I may choose the park. Nah, it wasn't that bad. It was hot as hell. The rooms are plain. I'm talking vanilla. No safes. Peculiar smell. Water pressure sucked. They close the front door after like 1am or so, and if you bringing a chica back, you have to wake up "security", the teenager who's sleeping on the couch by the front door, to let you in.

On the plus, side, it's close to the DR. And it's cheap (~$40/night). But remember, you get what you pay for.

-Orange

Orange wrote:



As in every case be it a chica, a hotel, a restaurant, etc, YMMV.

Before I moved here I stayed at the Gran Via many times and never had a room that was hot, had a smell, had no water pressure or did not have a room safe.

Yes they lock the lobby door at some point in the night, doesn't the SL also, but the desk clerk is awake and is about 25 feet away from the door and opens it for you and your guest (no fee) without a problem.

There is a mini-fridge in your room and super mercado next door to stock it with drinks and snacks. There is a restaurant/bar on the premises. The manager and most of the staff, other than the maids, speak English.

The rate is dependent on length of stay and is negotiable. The rate includes a full American breakfast. I have paid as little as $30.00 per night including all taxes as well as breakfast.

I have friends who stay there every time they are in CR and they have no complaints

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I have stayed at Nuevo Johnson.It is very secure and basic but none of the low end places have safes.I have also stayed at Hotel Doral which is quite decent for under $30 per night with good security.I noticed one of the hostels has lockers which could be a good thing.I also often stay at aprtments with no safe.Have't had anything come up missing yet but I use atm's and don't keep a lot of cash around.rbc100

Del,

First, the Don Carlos is a nice hotel, very clean, comfortable, decent breakfast, nice location (across the street from New Fantasy, 3 blocks from Zona Blue). However, the Don Carlos is NOT chica-friendly. This is only a problem (as with the hostel), if you plan to bring girls back to your room.

It's not widely publicized, but the Costa Rica Hotel Morazan rents rooms by the hour at a ridiculous $20.00/hour, plus taxes (total around $24.00). The Morazan is just a half a block or so from the Hotel Del Rey/Blue Marlin/Key largo area, and it might be a short-term option for you.

A better plan would be to stay at a chica-friendly hotel (Del Rey, Presidente, Gran Via, Europa, Clarion, Holiday Inn etc.). If costs concern you, the Morazan and Gran Via will both rent you a nice room for under $50.00/night; I think the Gran Via gets $40.00/night. Nice rooms, small hotel, grocery store right next door, right on Av. Central.

Hope this isn't too late to help you.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.