www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Ok, think I finally have broken down and decided to go, dec 19th -27th. I know the holiday will be quiet, I was in Lima last year over Christmas, I don't mind. I'm there to relax, and sample the local cuisine while I'm there as not to get too bored with my books.
I'm considering La Amistad, as they have a great discount going for their suites. and it seems to be a good location (being fairly near everything) and they have been very prompt in answering my inquiries and helpful so far.

Anyone have any comments,advice,etc to give a first timer?

Any comments etc on Amistad?

Anything is appreciated- thanks guys.

Your plan sounds good to me ..
do not get your hope to high and good things happen
You will be around long enough to get some chica contact info by the time X-mas hits
Lots of people go to the beach and Centro San Jose is quite, Ticos are in party mode

Not sure if the bull fights in zapote are going on?

I have been on Easter and it was quite... but I had a good time

I am in town till the 20th... I think I am am at the Amistad my last nigt in town
In one of the suites.. ask for the guy that did laundry in the fish pond

Have fun ... No plan is the best plan for Costa Rica


Dissclamer... My advice is often real bad

Capp,

I arrive on the 24th and will be staying at La Amistad--The comfy beds and discount were the motivating factors for me to stay here on this trip.

There are several posts about La Amistad-unfortunately it will just take some time to seach for them and read the posts. I found them quite helpful.

USA41

I've been going to CR for over 12 years now, sometimes as many as 8 times a year. I've stayed in a variety of different places from high end large chain hotels to apartments. For the past 2 years, whenever I am in San Jose, I stay exclusively at Amistad or Sportsmens.
Amistad is a home away from home, it's location is great as it's a 2 min walk downhill to SL and about a 7 min walk to the Del Rey. The beds are very comfortable, they treat you like family, laundry is comlimentary as are calls to the US, a full made to order breakfast is included and the resturant/bar has great food and is a quiet place to share a drink. My only suggestion would be that you request a room away from the railroad tracks side of the hotel. This place is convenient, safe and has a nice laid back atmosphere, close enough to the action but not in the action. Rudy, Carlos and Matt are all great guys and there to meet your needs. There are no chica fees but they ask that you be respectful of their other guests and use common sense as they do get some eco tourist types too. I have never had an issue and have even brought more than 1 chica at a time back to my room and never had a problem. You'll meet some great guys around the breakfast tables and hear some interesting stories and sometimes even meet up with a wingman.
Hope this helps, Enjoy your trip!

Pura Vida,

Jac

Sounds like a good plan to me - I do like Amistad but prefer SL. Amistad doesn't have chicas just hanging out, whereas SL does. I plan to walk to the central market daily, and I'd be glad to show you around - I'm at SL Dec 23 - 30.

7

+1 on La Amistad. I've stayed there 4 times now (5th time coming next month) and love the place. If you want to stay at a place where the working ladies are right outside your door, then the Sportsman's Lodge is a better choice. Personally, I usually go for trips in the 10-15 day range and I like some quiet times in the mornings and afternoons, without feeling like I am being hunted, lol. One good thing is the two places are literally 500 meters apart. Just walk outside LA, hang a right and go down to the end of the street and the SL is there just on your left, across the street. So you can party it up at the bar there, pick your girl and just walk back to your nice quiet room at LA.

If you do decide on the LA, you can walk down to the Del Rey or the Key largo (basically ground zero of the Gulch) in about 10 mins (all downhill - just ask Rudy or Carlos for directions) and a cab should only be about 700-1000 colones on the meter. Don't let some scam artists try and get 2,000 colones. If they have a meter, insist on them using it. If they don't have a meter, offer them a "rojo" (1K note) for the trip before you get in.

Also, there's a pharmacy near the LA. Just go out the front door, hang a left and walk up the street towards the big Hospital (about 500 meters East). You'll cross the train tracks just outside the hotel and when you get to the end of the street, you'll be facing the hospital, which is across the road. If you look to your left, there's a small pharmacy there. You can buy most anything without a prescription and they have viagra and cialis.

... and Nhhank, there was four koi the last time i looked in that pond. If one is missing, we'll send a search party out looking for your laundry!