www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I've been reading all I can on these boards and have found much of my information but have a few questions remaining. Three friends and I are planning a trip in February to CR. We are all well behaved good guys in our late thirties and we want to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately none of us speak Spanish. Here's the questions I have. After much reading we want to stay at the Sportsman's lodge, probably two people to a room and have one room for sleeping and one room for "inappropriate relations" as Bill would say. Should we call the lodge for reservations or do it online? I've heard they will provide a car from the airport. Is that complimentary or a price per person? Can you plan a morning of deep-sea fishing once you get there or is it better to tell them in advance? I heard you want to make copies of your passport. Do you do that in advance of the trip or do you want to make a copy of their stamp once you get there? Can you walk from the lodge to the Blue Marlin and Zona Blue or is it a taxi trip each time? Maybe walking in the daytime and taxis in the evening? Do taxis charge per person or as a group? Thanks for answers in advance. Looks like the slogan they told us in basic training would apply: "Stay Alert, Stay Alive".

Already thought of another question. I'm planning on becoming a VIP member for the nude photos and discounts at Zona Blue and Sportman's Lodge. Is that membership good for one year or does it expire at the end of this year? If I put the rooms in my name, do we get the rooms at the lodge at the discounted rate or do we all have to be members? I don't think a couple of the guy's have computers so they don't want to join.

Taxis are per trip and not per person. You can walk most places during the day. make a copy before you go.

_________________
Hanging in Laurelas with the Paisas

Its good for one complete year.

_________________
Hanging in Laurelas with the Paisas

Should we call the lodge for reservations or do it online? Call, e-mail, reserve on-line, anyway you want it, but you might want to call to get accurate answers to some your more specific questions.

I've heard they will provide a car from the airport. Is that complimentary or a price per person? You may be talking about a complimentary shuttle van that some hotels offer, but I haven't heard of that at the sportsmens. A shared cab from the airport will cost you guys $12 for the group

Can you plan a morning of deep-sea fishing once you get there or is it better to tell them in advance? You can usually book any tour you want once you get there but if you plan to get in late and go on some tour early the next day you might want to at least book that one before you go.

I heard you want to make copies of your passport. Do you do that in advance of the trip or do you want to make a copy of their stamp once you get there? You can make a copy of the photo/ID page ahead of time but you will also need a copy of the page with the dated entry stamp on it

Can you walk from the lodge to the Blue Marlin and Zona Blue or is it a taxi trip each time? Maybe walking in the daytime and taxis in the evening? You can walk between the HDR/BM and the Sportsmen's day or night though some guys find it a little iffy late at night. A cab for all of you will cost less than a buck, and you don't want to tire your chica out walking BACK to the room, preferring to save her energy for the main event. If you're at all drunk, its raining you have a companion or you're just feeling lazy its probably well worth just taking the cab for a buck.

Is that membership good for one year or does it expire at the end of this year? The membership is good for one FULL year

If I put the rooms in my name, do we get the rooms at the lodge at the discounted rate or do we all have to be members? Not sure there. IF you're paying and they're reimbursing you I'd imagine you'd be able to get the discount for the group particularly since you are sharing the room. Keep in mind however there are other discounts which you're friends may not be able to get without a card such as the discount at Zona Blue.

Do taxis charge per person or as a group? Taxis charge for the group

JS,
Welcome to the bored (I mean... board). I'm at work, what can I say.

First, my advice, each guy should get his own room, or at least his own bedroom, if you're getting a suite. Much less complications this way. SL takes reservations online now, but I just email them and booked that way. Either way, VIP discount applies. They do have a van that can pick you up. I never used them but I think it's tip only, I could be wrong though. Besides I hate having to look for somebody, I just grab the first cab, pay my $12 and go.

I don't go fishing (I mean the real kind) so I wouldn't know for sure but I think that it's like any other tour or activity, you can book it the day before or whatever after you get there, unless you want to do it the day you arrive.

The people at the SL desk will photocopy (and laminate) your passport for you for a small fee (~500 col). You should not do it at home because youy should have the immigration stamp to show when you entered the country. I have never been asked to show my "papers" but if there's a raid or some cop wants to phuck with you, you will need it. Unlikely, but better safe than sorry.

Zona Blue is walking distance from SL, about 3 blocks away. DR/BM is further, taxis are like 2 bucks. Taxis you pick up from a hotel will try to rip you off but just do what my man "dcdweller" does, throw him 1000 col ($2) and leave, which is still a lot but less than than the 1500 or 2000 he'll ask for. The meter from DR to SL is like 600 col, I think, so he's still getting more. Taxis charge per trip, not per person. Taxis will slowly bleed you dry, if you let them. Ask them to use the meter. This way you pay the proper fare, not $4 like some will charge for a few blocks. It seems like nothing but over 5 days (4-5 taxis per day), it adds up. In the day, there should be no problem walking the city. I ALWAYS try to be with somebody, rarely alone outside (and inside ). Afterall, you are in another country where you don't speak the language very well, so I just use your head (try to use the big head more ). At night, we use taxis unless it's a block or two away. They're relatively cheap if you don't let them rip you off and why take a chance.

I did my contribution to CRT for the day, time to go home in 3 minutes. I really earned my salary today.

Enjoy.

When in Feb are you guys coming down? Big superbowl weekend in CR already planned. Already 3 parties planned that I know of (at SL and ZB). I'm in 2/2-2/6, staying at SL.

Hey Bro,

Do yourself a favor and buy the CRT membership... I don't work for the site but I'll guarantee you the fee will save you the $$ in a day or two.

If you plan on going to the Zona Blue, getting a room at the SL, you'll save the $$ two or three times over.

Also, just being a committed member will help you get the experience of a lifetime if this is your first visit to the CR.

To Hell with Spanish, I speak it fluent and it only gets me in trouble. Most locals know enough to help you get to where you need to get.

Like my good Bro Orange said, "At night, we use taxis unless it's a block or two away. They're relatively cheap if you don't let them rip you off, and why take a chance?" The SL is slightly off the main scene, but the walk down there... past Parke Morazan (park of She/he's) can be crazy. Last trip some older guy from Wisconsin got totally robbed, watch, gold bracelet, cash, etc. He was by himself and a bit unknowledgeable, however, crap can occur if you're not 100% with it. If you're with a group of ex-military bros, you'll be ok, however, the group of chicas can steal your pockets clean within seconds, especially if you're not all with it. My buddy Tux can attest to this as I grabbed the wrist of one of them trying to pick his pocket.

No worries, don't want to ward anyone away from having a good time, just be cognoscenti of your environment and use good judgment. You're in a foreign country, it's not Mexico, don't get too wasted and you'll be fine.

Damn, I wish I were there now...

BD

JS

I had Jimmy the SL van driver pick me up. $20 and that was with a side trip to a great cigar factory. If there are 3 of you give him $10 each …It’s well worth the honest info he will give you, and if you need future transportation he will make sure that you get an honest ride from the SL.

The best part about being picked up by Jimmy on my first trip was that he was right up front in the window with a SL sign with my name on it. The scene outside the door at customs is crazy and it was nice to have someone there to get you out of it on your first trip.

One suggestion on rooms, ask about the side wing at the SL.
I believe it has 3 smaller low cost rooms that share 2 baths and a nice common/living room. Well worth the extra few $’s to have seperate rooms.

Listen to the advice above, spend the few bucks and get VIP membership(s). The stories and info in the VIP board are priceless reading to get you ready for a rookie tour, and you will recoup the $’s in discounts.

Mendo

_________________
"It takes a lot of good beer to make a great wine"

Thirty bucks seems kinda high for a ride from the airport even with a personal driver. I'd think $5 a piece or $15 total would keep him happy especially if the hotel picks up his gas (I don't know if it does). As I said a cab is only $12.

Mendo's suggestion about the rooms with shared baths is an interesting one. Like the others I agree that you'll probably be happier with your own rooms. You could share one double room and alternate use on the more private one, but I've never been a big fan of making someone elses soiled sheets my playground and its ggoing to be a logistics hassle anyway. OTOH, I understand if trying to save a few bucks whereever you can might be a factor too. The wing I believe Mendo is referring to is the Clubhouse wing. It has 2 regular standard rooms with a shared bath for $49 before VIP discount and taxes (the Alegria and Fiesta). I'm no big fan of shared baths normally, either but that should be no big deal for a couple of buddies. Also in that wing is the large Pura Vida for $69 and the deluxe Amistad for $79. If you can book those together, you'd have practically that whole wing to yourselves. I'm not sure if any of the suites have seperate bedrooms. I know the Penthouse has a master bedroom, a loft and roll-out in the living room, but that will set you back $250 (again before discount and tax) and you guys will have to fight over who gets the kingsized bed and who gets the rollout.

If the Clubhouse wing is still too pricey for you or you all can't all get rooms there, I'd suggest you consider booking elsewhere before sharing a room. The Pres is also $49/nt for a standard room WITH private bath and is closer to the HDR/BM for whatever that is worth. The Sportsmen's is nicer place but on the Prez's behalf it is a little cheaper and its safer to walk the longer distance to NF and ZB when you'd be going there during the day than it is to walk back (or have to take a cab) from the Gulch to the Sportsmen's after dark. Basically it mostly comes down to your budget and availability. Don't sweat it so much if you can't swing one place or the other.

Yes, Projito is right; in retrospect $30 is too high if you’re watching a budget. The SL quoted rate is $16, I paid extra for the “cigar tour”…

Another good idea is to search RBC100’s posts. With all due respect, he is with out a doubt, IMHO, the best resource on this board for great value options!

Also…print out Projito’s map…AAA would be proud of his work!

Mendo

_________________
"It takes a lot of good beer to make a great wine"

That should be your signature line. Very funny.

The SL rooms aren't really designed for sharing -- even the suites. Also, having "inappropriate relations" sequentially rather than simultaneously will take a lot of time away from your vacation together.

Either get individual rooms at the SL or consider a hotel suite at the Presidente or a multi-room apartment.

Good Luck!

_________________
SlickWings


Seems like I spend half my life drinking, gambling, and mongering. The other half... I waste.

It looks like you allready have answers to most of your ?. I agree with Orange though on everybody having there own room. Bill has some areas that have a sitting room with TV and stuff and then the beds in their own rooms. Jaco is about two hours away for fishing. With the cost of gas and a good boat I hear that can run you 1000.00 dollars. The Chicas will want to go to. Good to have you on board.

Thanks everyone for all your help. The four of us hope to be there in Mid-February. Two of us for a week and the other two guys for five days.