www.CostaRicaTicas.com

13 of us are coming April 6-10 staying at the Prez. for 2 nights (nights 1 and 4) and hopefully Jaco for 2 nights (nights 2 and 3). I've read the posts about the Copacobana in Jaco, but was wondering if anyone had had any experience with the Best Western in Jaco? Are they chica friendly, etc? Thanks. Wile Coyote

Yo, FYI

I just returned from CR in November )10 day trip).

We went over to the Best Western in Jaco, and it is certainly pretty and deluxe there....but I heard from a couple of other Gringos at the Beatle Bar, that the Best Western is not very "chica friendly".

One guy said he was staying there, but the first night he brought a gal back to his room at B. Western.....they 'frowned' upon this, and then when he checked out the next day, he found out to his great dismay that they had added a $ 50.00 chica fee to his hotel bill, which he relucktantly had to pay....since it was on his credit card.

I don't know about you, but I don't need to stay in a place like that.

Here is where we stayed in Jaco Beach: Hotel Villa Crejole
(like Creole in French).
It is about 1 - 1/2 miles East of the downtown or the beach (turn at the
Mas y Menos corner). It has a security gate closed, but never locked at night; a tremendous swimming pool - large and inviting; very large and kitchen equiped rooms (most), looks up into the beautiful mountains, wonderfully lanscaped grounds with lots of flowers. a combo lounge/restaurant on site, they have about 10-12 very well appointed rooms, and is owned and operated by a very nice and hospitable couple from Belgium....they speak good English, Spanish, and their navite language French.

I stayed there 3 days & 2 nights in early November, 2004 (60 days ago) and the rooms were only $ 35.00 a night....that was 'low season' though....they might be like $ 50.00 now....but well worth it, as it is just a great place.
You will probably need a reservation this time of year....high season.

Also it is only 500 colons ( a buck) by taxi from anywhere downtown....including the Beatle Bar.
They do not charge a 'chica fee', but if you take a taxi out to this hotel at night, then it may be somewhat difficult to get taxi back for your 'chica' after, as there is no good way to 'call one' at that time of night.
Best to tell the taxi driver to return in an hours or so, and pickup your gal, so she can go back to town.

Thanks. Will look into that. Wile Coyote

You might also want to check at the Jaco Fiesta or Hotel Tangeri. Jaco Fiesta is on south end of town, many rooms--Tangeri is a block down from BB. No chica fees at either, both have pool, AC, restaurant/bar. The Tangeri has small villas available, but I don't know how many can stay in one. Bueno suerte

Villas Estrellamar
I have stayed here a few times and it is centrally located land side of main road about 3 blocks from the Beatle bar.

A veriety of room options, nice large pool, jaccuzzi , good restaurant &
not too $.

http://www.hotels.co.cr/estrellamar.html

_________________
Throughout the history of mankind there has never been one shred of evidence that supports that life is serious..........
Don't believe everything you think ............

I concur...if you cant get in the Copacabana...Estrellamar and Hotel Fiesta are good back ups. Stay away from the Best Western...it has been well documented on this board over the past year with NO real positive recommendations.

I have stayed at Villas Estrellamar twice, and Bruno and Delphine (the French owners/managers) have treated me well. I've actually never asked what their chica policy is; they close the front office around 7 p.m. and a tico sits in the parking lot to provide security.

Thanks to all. I've been able to book all 12 of us at the Copacabana in suites and regular rooms. Wile Coyote

As stated, they will add a 25 dollar per chica fee unless you check in with her and request a double. Otherwise its a nice property , only expensive to eat upstairs at their restaurant.

The Copa is niether chica friendly nor user friendly---you may be making a big mistake-your choice

Wilecoyote,

I do not know what is most important for you and your friends in the way of accomadations?
IE; Cost, location, amenities, casino, etc ????

I do know of more good choices depending on your likes..
Let me know and I will recommend a few more.
The Estrellamer restarant is good but not a standard type restaurant.
But they do have kitchens in some of the rooms. Nice to have a fridge.
Probably Nucknfuts

_________________
Throughout the history of mankind there has never been one shred of evidence that supports that life is serious..........
Don't believe everything you think ............

Thanks to all. Will consider the other options as well. Really appreciate the input from you guys as this is my first Jaco trip. Wile Coyote

I might be missing something, but I pass by Estrellamar everyday as it is close to my house in Jaco. Looks pretty much like cabinas that backpackers would stay in. Definitely looks super budget but maybe not. I'll have to check them out.

Thirdworld,
Yes it a bit basic. IE: not deluxe accomadations.
A nice large pool, kitchens and nice grounds. & good price. Centrally located.

Down side- No view of ocean, small TV, Older but clean- you could see a few bugs walking around , but they are friendly.
Only, Nucknfuts

_________________
Throughout the history of mankind there has never been one shred of evidence that supports that life is serious..........
Don't believe everything you think ............

Ok guys. I hear a lot of guys asking about Jaco. I think I'm going to get a monger friendly house soon here in Jaco. I plan to rent it our for good prices. Will let you guys know in the future.