www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Great site. I've been reading a lot of the TR's and would like to plan a trip. What would be the best time of year to visit? I've read the rainy season is from now until November. Anything else I should consider? I'm hoping to make this a 10-14 day visit. My main focus would be mongering and maybe a white water rafting trip. Perhaps any other touristy things once I discover more options.

Also, which hotel would be recommended for a newbie? From what I've been reading I've narrowed my choices to HDR, SL or HLH. I'm not a drinker, prefer a decent, clean, quiet room and I'll be purchasing a VIP membership with an extended hotel stay so my budget is open.

Thanks for any feedback!

I like the last week in October. Halloween parties and the end of the rainy season. The weather is not bad. The Chicas are ready to party down. That would be a great time to go to Costa Rica.

sounds to me if you want to relax and less noise, sportmens would be best. any time of the year but easter and christmas..just with sportmens book early as rooms go fast..I like the leon..sportmens will give you a discount, and no fee to bring girls to your room...I would also say if you are down that many days see jaco for a day or two also in rainy season if river is high they will close raft trips

Thanks for the tip about rafting. I would've been disappointed showing up with certain expectations.

After more reading I think the SL is the place for me. I didn't realize HDR had an extra fee for guests and I've read their beds and rooms are ok.

Sportsmans is great choice. Years ago I stayed at HDR my first 5 visits, now I wouldn't stay there but of course I still spend a lot of time in the place. Any month is good in CR--I like the rainy season as good as dry season. You'll have a great time.

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There's a prettier girl every day...

From what's written lately, The Dunn Inn is dead-quiet these days. A good choice to get away from noise? And as they are a Sponsor, discounts apply there. Just a thought...
As for adventuring, look up Prolijo's and others postings on TripAdvisor.com--after absorbing what's here, natch.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

The week of Semana Santa (easter) is always "off the hook" party time!

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as my father says "better to be lucky than good"

lol. don't mislead the newbies.

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

Sportsmen's is great, just make sure you do not book a courtyard room if you are seeking quiet. The courtyard is right next to the bar.

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Love, peace, sex, and dope. If you have lost all that, you lost all hope!

If you want to raft, April-June are bad months as the rivers are low and haven't had enough rain yet to get them full enough to raft versus float/paddle. October-November, the rivers may have too much water to be safely navigated. Also, different rivers can have different months that are better because ICE, the CR electric company, has dams on many of them and depending on their needs, rivers can flow differently. Best idea is decide what part of the country you want to visit then contact rafting providers directly to see when the best times of year are for their locations.

On hotels, the Mansion Wing at SL is the best for all around peace/quite/convenience. HLH is best for party atmosphere and of course the girls. La Amistad is another good option but the train can be disturbing in the mornings.

Holy Week and Christmas are probably the worst for girls but New Years makes a quick rebound. Super Bowl is also popular although guys seem to outnumber girls during that time. Halloween is the best party by far as Bill puts on a great show not to mention whatever shenanigans Boyd at HLH come up with. That is also the only time of year you can find 'Carmen' and a session with her is well...priceless. Another great time is anytime Mucho Gusto is in town...somehow all the more 'well endowed' ladies seem to come out of the woodwork.

Good luck deciding...I always found that can be part of the fun!

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...