www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I thought I would give a review of the Hotel La Gran Via. During my earlier trips, I had always stayed at the hotel Morazan, given it's proximity to "ground zero". This past weekend's trip was last second, and I had a hard time finding somewhere to stay given the late notice and the fact that it was superbowl weekend. So I called and got a room in the Hotel Gran Via for Friday & Sat. night. I don't have the exact address, but it's located one black west of the National Theater plaza, which puts you about 4-5 total walking blocks from the Del Rey.

I didn't get any great discounts or anything, it was $45 including tax and breakfast. The room that they originally gave me was facing the Avenida Central which sounded like it was gonna be pretty noisy. So I asked them if they had a room in the back, and they accomodated me. The room was #603, had a TV, desk, lock box, and one queen size bed. The bathroom is not big, but got the job done. The rooms do not have A/C, which was something I was worried about. It turned out to be a non-factor as the weather is very comfortable, and you can open some windows to let some of the air in if you need to.

The walk to and from the Del Rey is not bad at all, and is completely safe up until about 9 or 10 o'clock at night. I took a cab from the Del Rey the two times I brought a girl back to the room. And had the desk call a cab for them when they left.

The breakfast is not too bad....eggs, bacon, toast, coffe & orange juice. I chose to eat there despite the fact that there is nothing to look at like at the Pres....but I ate my free food, and then went and hung out at the Presidente bar w/ a cup of coffe and watched the morning traffic pass by.

No chick fees at the Gran Via, and the staff was very nice and accomodative.

I'll actually probably stay there again next time I go, given it's a pretty good price, and pretty much equal in quality to a normal room at the Morazan (and quieter).

Thanks JunFan,Great report.

For a long time now i've thought that if I could not get a room at the presidente or Marazon the Gran Via will be my third choice. Even though its only two blocks from the Presidente,I agree with you,probably wise to take a taxi back with a chica after 10pm.

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The reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.

I always stay at the Gran Via, the guys that work there are great and make sure that things are taken care of. The building is not that new and it's not a fancy place, no ac but don't need it in San Jose, but I like that it overlooks the pedestrian avenida and is close to everything. I always walk back late at night, the walk from the DR to the Presidente is where you'll have to scare off the beggar K*ds, past that it's all good. No chica fees, no attitude or strange looks, it works for me.

A quick search found no website (doubtless my impatience and ineptitude), however through 1costaricalin.com, came up witha tel #: 506-2222-7737

Looks to be a nice $50-a-night hotel. Can't speak on monger-friendliness.

jazzbocr the thread dumpster diver

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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

A problem that you encounter with "thread dumpster diving" is that the scene in Costa Rica can change overnight.

La Gran Via which was the first choice of many mongers for many years closed about two years ago. It was remodeled and reborn as El Maragato. While I understand they still allow "guests", although not with the same enthusiasm as the previous management, the price has increased substantially.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine