www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Being this is my first trip to Costa Rica and a Latin country in general, I thought I'd share my experience with you all. I just got home yesterday from a 17 day trip in CR and had 2 stays at the SL - the begining and end of my trip.

I booked my first 2 days in CR at the SL. From the very beginning I felt very well taken care of. My flight came in the early morning, it was the red eye out of LAX. I think we landed around 6:40 am and it was at the SL about 8am. Ray told me it was no problem to get there early, that the room wouldn't be ready but I could stow my bags away and get breakfast and he'd have it ready asap. So I started off with a trip down to the news cafe (it was a holiday on 4/11 and a lot of places were closed so after a discussion among the staff, this was there suggestion for breakfast). Had the buffet breakfast and did a little people watching, explored a the del rey / presidente area and after getting a little to annoyed with all the damned beggars in the area, took a taxi back to the SL and my room was ready. They put me room Pura Vida. Its in the wing thats about $10 more than the standard room and I was very happy with the accomidations though it had 2 beds and being solo I only needed 1... even still the room was pretty pimp and was very happy with the room. I'd heard people mention there was no A/C but honestly guys it doesn't matter in San Jose. The weather is totally comfortable and they do have fans. Ray pointed out how to find New Fantasy and a little beyond is Zona Blue, both just short walks and a great way to start a day

I have to mention Hazel here, I think it was her first day when I arrived and dear lord she is simply incredibly beautiful. Bill I know you read the forum and if Hazel ever wants to get hooked up in California, send her my way please! Pretty Please! I'll name our first Ch*ld after you haha.

There's not a lot of details that I can write about other than having a really welcomed feeling and seeing also how the staff and owners really bend over backwards to help everyone out. They keep a good atmosphere at the hotel and bar. The food was more akin to home than anywhere else I ate at in my stay. I spent 2 weeks traveling the country, yes I was interested in the mongering aspect of going to CR, but anyone who doesn't take the time to see the beauty and adventure the country has to offer is really missing something special. I visted La Fortuna, MonteVerde, Montezuma, Mal Pais, Santa Theresa, and Quepos during the next 2 weeks.

For you guys looking for a really relaxing getaway, I'll share a particularly relaxing and awsome place... go to the City Montezuma and just across the beach and up the hill from where the bus drops you is a hotel called Hotel Cabana or something very similar to that... its right after a small river you cross and right after the bridge. So a room there is $25 per night and they have this hammock area and you can just chill and listen the the waves crash, drink beers. read or do whatever you want... It was the defintion of relaxation to me! There is also a really cool bar in Montezuma called Los Mangos which is a Salsa Bar and just filled with that Latin Charm.

Anyways... To get back on track, they were booked on my return day to San Jose when I departed on my adventure, but Bill put me on the list and said he'd email me if something opened up. He followed thru and I did get to stay my last day in the SL. I had the normal room and yes they are nice rooms. By far the SL was the nicest place I stayed at on my vacation and by far the warmest feeling to it also. The standard rooms are a bit noisier than the wing where Pura Vida is, there in the main room of the hotel and the windows face into the bar. The bar is closed by midnight, so it was no biggy. That being said, the standard rooms are still really nice and I think that Bill and Ray have achieved nothing short of an outstanding staff and excellence in service.

To summarize my opinion on the Sportsmens Lodge, I'd say its a nice place that has a touch of class, a touch of sports barness, and most of all a first class service that is so hard to find anywhere in the world.

Thank you Ray and thank you Bill for running such a wonderful business and taking care of your customers so well. I know I appreciated it.

Pura Vida!

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"you may pronounce us guilty, but history will smile... For she acquits us"

Is this new Hazel the Hazel from Faros or from the Piano Bar? Both are easy on the eyes. I'll be happy visit either one next time down.

I'm not sure. She works the front desk where you check in and out of, she's not a "working" girl.

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"you may pronounce us guilty, but history will smile... For she acquits us"

That's fine. I didn't expect either Hazel I know to be working our side of the bar. The one who worked at Faro's is tall and thin like a model and drop dead gorgeous. I'm convinced that she's a lot of why Faro's has a better rep than its food deserves. It's fine, but no better than many other places in town.

Veelee wrote:



Agree completely that Hazel is "drop dead gorgeous" and then some.

Not sure she was the reason for Faro's popularity. I only eat lunch there and did not see any appreciable increase or decrease in their lunch business after she moved from evening shift to lunch shift.

Also agree that the casada at Faro's not much different than any of a dozen or more places in the area, but the service is good and I think the atmosphere is a step up from most sodas.

Note to Admins: Hazel would make a great Tica of the Month, IMHO

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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

5263509,

Ah, the luxury of a 17-day trip! I'm really envious - already you've seen far more of the country than I have in two trips. It really is great to get out of San Jose if you have the time to do it.

But I wish you'd kept it a secret concerning my favorite room at SL - "Pura Vida." I stayed there two nights on my last trip, and absolutely loved it. It's great being back in the separate wing, and I didn't mind having the two beds - in fact, there's a lot you can do with that if you use your imagination. Fortunately, I already have it booked for the next two trips.

Just wondering - did Hazel replace Wanda up front, or is Wanda still there also? And how's my sweetheart Violeta doing?

Best,
GR