www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hola gents,

Apologies ahead of time if I posted this in the wrong section or some of the questions were already answered.

I recently went to CR on a non-mongering trip (Arenal, Manuel Antonio, etc.), with only a days and a half in San Jose. I loved SJ so much, I decided to take a solo trip for two weeks!

I was looking at the AirBnB options, and they seem very tempting in terms of prices. The listing is a bit further, by Carlos Duran Hospital. It's in a neighborhood rather than the high-rises with security. The area seems pretty safe though, and there are bars on the front and back of the unit. Do you guys think this is a good option?

For more context, I prefer the MP's over picking up at HDR or SL. I'm terrible at haggling and my Spanish is even worse. but I like to keep my options opened though.

I practically lived at Monica's last time (anyone know if the plumbing is fixed now?) and having an expat running the place made it a lot easier to get my feet wet. I didn't have much luck at Relax, the place only had one girl when I went. She was HOT, but the service was pretty bad.

Also, I'd like to venture a little further west to Paseo Colon / Sabana Sur for the MP's (Oasis, Veronica's, Vilma). New Dreams has been popping up on Skokka a lot, but I haven't been able to find much in terms of reviews, but the pics have been tempting. Anyone have any experience with the MP's in the area?

Speaking of Skokka, how reliable are the listings? I'm assuming incalls are probably a no-go, but maybe the outcalls? Most of them have the face blurred out, but I'm assuming I could ask them to send a face shot when I contact them on WhatsApp right?

I really appreciate you guys reading this and taking the time. I'll post in Roll Calls once I finalize my plans; hopefully I'll see some of you out there!

.

_________________
"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist; that is all." - Wilde

WhiteDevil88 - thanks for heads up about the WhatApp situation, I have a feeling I'll end up in HDR and SL at some point either way.

As far as Arenal goes, I stayed at Arenal Lodge, which I don't really recommend, especially if you don't have a rental car. Just going from the gate (of the hotel) to the actual hotel takes about 8 minutes of uphill/downhill driving. Also it's the last hotel on the west side, so it's pretty far from everything. I'd say it would cost an extra $10-15 per round trip for a taxi. We didn't stay there, but my friends and I did check out Los Lagos for dinner and hot springs / pools one night, and it was great. It's on my short list for hotels the next time I go to Arenal. I didn't look into AirBnB's in the area, but the hotels in La Fortuna and surrounding areas seemed like good, cheaper options. I think the price / quality scales pretty fairly.
==========================================================
Edit: I forgot to ask, when are you in SJ? I'll be there 5/23 to 6/6.