www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Well after lurking a bit... I've finally decided to join (VIP membership shortly) and have begun planning my first trip to CR. I'll be heading down on September 7th - 12th and I'm so totally stoked for my adventure. I am perhaps a bit apprehensive as I will be traveling solo, but I'm sure all will work out fine.

I did want to extend a great thanks to all the posters and information on this forum. It's truly a spectacular resource and I'll continue to use it for research up until I leave.

So a quick question... And my apologies in advance if it's already been covered. It seems like (for me) the best options seems to be SL or HLH for my trip. Would it make more sense to stay at one place for my entire trip or perhaps a few days at each? Being my first time in CR (surely it won't be my last) what do you all think makes the most sense from a "home base" and lodging perspective?

Again, thanks to all for taking the time to answer my question.

Mikey

Well its a huge assumption to think both SL and HLH would have free dates for you to hop back and fourth.. Particularly around Labor Day...


Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Fair enough and thanks for the response... Perhaps I should inquire now and just go with whichever may be available or a totally different option. I didn't really even consider it being the weekend after labor day though perhaps I should have.

mikey-

both SL and HLH are chica friendly and chica central, avoid HDR if possible due to chica fees, there are several other chica friendly hotels (no chica fees), but don't have an onsite supply. i'd start by finding what's available then make a reservation quick. it will all work out well as long as you avoid chica un-friendly hotels (such as holiday inn, sleep inn and presidente)

buena suerte

ps. check out orange's thread 'costa rica for dummies' if you haven't already done so

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When I was born, I was given a choice - a big pecker or a good memory.... I don't remember what I chose.

being a newbie SL or HLH should be ur only choice and just stay at 1 no need to hop back and forth since they are like 2 mins from each other. going solo is no big deal being as soon as u hit the bar and start talking all the fellas will be happy to help ya and im sure you will find people to roll with down there. my last 4 trips have been solo and as soon as i arrive i meet up with like minded guys around my age to roll around town with

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You do costa rica your way and I'll do it my way

Welcome to CRT...

...I just back from my first trip so I am also a newbie. I also went solo and had no issues doing so. Post something in Roll Calls and see who else may be there at the same time. SL was my choice based on a friend's recommendation. But I chose to spend my time in between the HLH (during the day) and the SL (at night). I was playing it pretty safe but have no regrets about that since I am going back and knew I would. Don't worry about going solo, you won't be for long. I met a bunch of guys hanging out at SL/HLH and usually just asked if they were CRT members, the majority were/are.

Have a great time.

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I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds

Though I'm no particular fan of either, please also check out Hotel La Amistad or the Dunn Inn. Reason? They may have openings later than The Boss Two. Or try the lesser-rung-on-the-ladder Hotel Castillo. Desperation play: Hotel Hemingway. About moving your gear mid-trip: Don't bother--stay in one place and scout the others for your next trip. The only time this advice is bogus is if you have to stay at a lesser room at one place 'til better digs open up at another.
About the Pink Palace--I may get some grief from some here but the consensus is that the place is better left to the [insert ethnographic slur HERE] from [insert geographic slur HERE]. OK, so 1 night for the experience--on some future trip. This time, hang with the Brothers.

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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

Well I'm totally blown away by the responses and really appreciate you guys providing some responses taking the time to respond to a new member.

I actually sent SL an email and they do have some rooms available (standard large/courtyard, standard deluxe/modern wing, and a Jr Suite in the courtyard). What is the overall consensus on the rooms they still have available?

Some other suggestions I've received via pm is for the Castillo, Hemingway and of course the HLH. I'm going to send off some messages and see what's available.

I'm actually in agreement with staying at one place. As was already mentioned, it's only the first trip of hopefully many... and plenty of time to try out some different digs on a return visit.

I do like the idea of having a chica friendly bar on the premises as it appears as though it'll make for a little less running around overall... though I'm sure likely I'll end up running around anyways.

Thanks again everyone!

Mikey

Welcome to the club, it's a whole new world out there for you to explore. Let it come to you, safely and cautiously and you will discover the pleasures that one could only imagine.

I like the courtyard rooms at SL (Buena Vida and Tranquiladad )are nice large rooms--- but very noisy. If you want quiet you need one of the other wings. The only standard room I like is Fiesta. The quieter rooms will cost you a little more but worth it if you need the peace.My second choice for hotel rooms is Dunn Inn. While you are in CR walk around during the day and check out places like La Amistad and HLH for future visits, everyones got an opinion on favorite Hotels.

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There's a prettier girl every day...

and if you really want a good experience the dell rey
all rooms redone $55+tax ground zero,walking distance to both hlh and sl.$11 chica fee
Whatever you decide check everything out DR,SL,HLH,idem,New fantasy etc.
Then form your own conclusions and go from there-solo is not a bad thing

I agree with DaveJohson. I stayed in the Buena Vida on my trip and the door basically opens to the bar area. The noise was an issue for me in the morning as they start setting up the breakfast buffet a little early if you are trying to sleep in or sleep it off. If that stuff doesn't bother you, have at it otherwise make sure you request a room away from the bar.

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I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds

Be careful with the courtyard rooms. The doors to these are about 5 feet from the full bar. Exit room, take 2 steps and you have a barstool.

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

I'm sure I'll try to scope out as many spots as possible. I do find that having an onsite spot to relax, eat, drink and be merry as totally appealing. It sounds like the courtyard rooms might be a bit too in the action though.

I'm already pumped for this adventure... officially off work and my flight is booked! Once I get the room part covered, all will be well and good to go. So in general, do most rooms have mini-fridges? Perhaps, a little stock for the room via a local supermarket and/or the duty free sounds great as well.

It seems like it's going to be a long 3 months until I leave. I guess that gives me some time to work on my spanglish with rosetta stone.

Mikey

The rooms at SL have stocked mini fridges, but yes-- there are several markets in the area for beer, snacks, water etc. I'm sure you will very happy with SL. Have fun.

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There's a prettier girl every day...