www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I stayed here this week, and here is what I've noted, good and bad:

1) The room prices have recently gone up again. I'm assuming this is beng driven by costs and not demand, since that doesn't seem to be increasing. No other obvious changes that I'm aware of. I think the rate is a little too high, and that we are in effect pying a "convenience charge" for girls being on site. I heard several rumblings to this effect over the week, and people mentioned looking at other options. There seems to be a lot of positive buzz for the Mona Lisa in this respect.

2) Bill is still the gracious host he has always been. Best in town, I think
3) The bar service had steadily improved over the years, and I think is the best it has ever been right now.
4) The food is unchanged, and I know there are limitations because of the kitchen, but there needs to be some better varieties of food, and quite honestly the meal prices are too high for what you're getting.
5) Wifi connectivity seems to be such a silly issue to have in this day and age, and for this kind of business. Simply put, not all rooms connect, or have a steady wireless signal. Again, a few guys complaining about this over the course of the week, as they didn't want to have to come down to the bar to use their comp.
6) housekeeping staff was great. They earned a nice tip from me this week. Nice girls too.
7) modern wing rooms are starting to look a little beaten up. They might need to be freshened up a bit. Carpet burns, lopsided closet doors, beds a little beaten up..

All in all, I think Sportsmens is still the best place in town to stay, but it has some warts, and these warts are starting to make some people look around a little. Availability at Sportsmens is n issue at times, so people by necessity have to patronize the competition. No need to give people a reason to permanently switch.

last month saw the funniest thing in front of SL......a mattress truck dropping off a few new beds. Thought it was ironic.

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as my father says "better to be lucky than good"

I'm guessing the average mattress lifespan is just a bit shorter than usual at the SL.

I love the SL but I have to agree the food there has become pretty bad and totally overpriced. The cheeseburger is probably one of the worst I have had in my life.

Thank you Gentlemen. I will pass this along to staff.

Bill

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No "Sex tourism or travel" promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided any compensation for this hopefully entertaining contribution. Any posts regarding any event or hotel item are just my humble opinions only.

Leadbonanza,

With all due respect and INMO this is a photo snap not science. Menu suggestions are welcome...

I would be glad to show comparable sales from one month or one year to another. Personally.....
1st quarter 2012 to 1st quarter 2013.
This statement is just not accurate based on sales sir!

Look forward to discussing this with you when you have the opportunity. If I am wrong I will buy you a cheeseburger

Really D.n lets talk about this or send me a PM. Our food sales have never been better. If I can work this with you you know I will do it.

Thank you,

Bill

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No "Sex tourism or travel" promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided any compensation for this hopefully entertaining contribution. Any posts regarding any event or hotel item are just my humble opinions only.

When I retire here in CR in 3 years I'll offer my services as chef, I grew up in a gourmet Italian restaurant and most people will look at other Italian restaurants as Dago McDonald's after dining on my fare. Also have experience in making Costa Rica shoe leather steaks tasty, takes 2 to 3 days of marinading.

My fee will be room and board (not in the front !) and 3 chicas of my choosing a week...I'll buy my own viagra...

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

A couple of suggestions on the cheeseburger. The cheese is processed cheese food which comes in the plastic wrap and it isn't even melted on the burger. A real slice of cheese melted on the burger would help a great deal. The other problem is the bun. I would suggest going with a kaiser roll.

You really don't know the difference between a burger with those Kraft slices and that with some cheddar cheese? Also, you haven't seen any decent rolls in Costa Rica? You need to get out more!

Mattress in my room during last stay at the Lodge was excellent!

I have eaten at the Sportman's many times. I have always found the food suitable. I have never sent anything back that i could not eat. The pricing is comparable to other establishments. Sometimes we forget why we visit the place. Yes it is nice to have a great meal. But I myself like what other things are on the menu. I think they do a good job. I have been to other places in Costa Rica where the food sucked and the women didn't. lol Get the point. I know Bill will always try to improve his food and does want us mongers to be happy and make our stay the most pleasurable. Sometimes the quality and availability of a good food product is very hard to obtain in CR. They have to make do.

Right by Sportsmen's is J.R.'s house of ribs, great American BBQ, walk north a couple blocks towards the hospital and there's a great couple Tico sodas, HDR has fabulous all you can eat breakfasts, a bit pricey though. I also eat at the little tico soda close to HLH and the little mall right south of HDR has a couple great Tico sodas, their lunches are great and reasonable. HDR restaurant serves great chicken sandwiches, not super expensive...

CR fried chicken places with of course the exception of KFC are almost always good and cheap. If you're not afraid to spend some big bucks, the restaurant on top of the Holiday Inn is worth going to at least once on a clear day or night, the view is fabulous. I always travel out of the gulch and check out Paseo Colon, many little sodas there worth exploring and MP's there will often have findable gems not too jaded yet for bargain basement prices, Oasis and 360 are usually worth checking out.

I always liked Sportsmen's lunches, especially the fries, it's no gourmet place but no worse than any other bar food place, I guess it's all about personal taste.

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

I like the place but the food is just average. I usually eat elsewhere. Many other places to go if you're not lazy. Surprised Bill takes no action here.

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

I've always liked the food at SL, my biggest beef has always been with the lack of service there. Just this past weekend, I ordered some chicken fingers, waited for 25 minutes before asking the waitress if it was almost ready. Turned out she "forgot" to order it. I guess it's understandable...it was a Friday afternoon with less than 10 guys in the bar. Paid for my beer & left without eating.

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I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelled of elderberries. Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!

Should change thread title to "This Week In Sportsmens" LOL.

Yeah I'm back down this wknd. after one year unable. Should have been there last Oct. by AA hosed me. Could have went late Jan. this yr. but opted for Cali, CO instead. Enjoyed Cali and would go again if not for $700 airfare.