www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Looking for feedback from someone who has stayed at Vista Linda Apartments. I have walked to if from the Gulch and if I recall, It took me around 25-30 Minutes. The reason I am curious is that the rates are around 500 USD per month for a one bedroom (furnished). My retirement plan is to make 3-4 trips a year and stay for around a month per trip. This way I would not have to pay for an apartment when I am not in the country. Mona Lisa used to have a monthly rate of around 800-900 but I am not sure if that is still in effect with the new owners. Any feedback would be appreciated.

It has been quite a few years ago but I stayed at Vista Linda for a number of trips as was pleased with the place. It was a nice clean basic studio apartment. rbc100

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In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff

Highly recommend vista linda apts. Short taxi to and from the gulch. Bus stop very close. They have some nice newer apts. Guest friendly, free coffee in the morning. Apts fully equiped.
They are running a green season special. 100$ off first month.

I might check out Vista Linda on my next trip, since the Castillo is still closed. I am debating between that and Sudamer Apartments. I have stayed at Sudamer before and my only complaint was that after rush hour, you might wait 30-40 mins on the street for a taxi to come by to pick you up. The solution for me was to walk two blocks south to the Hospital (Clinica Biblica) and get a taxi there immediately. The neighborhood (Sudamer's) is definitely a little dodgy, but I never felt unsafe (lots of Trannies, though). The other plus was that at the time there were 2 massage places within two blocks. From what I heard, one of them clothes.

Vista Linda looks nice, but it seems like it is 3 times the distance to the Del Ray compared to Sudamer, and it sounds like it is just as difficult to catch a taxi on the street. Whether I stay at Vista Linda or not, I plan on AT LEAST checking the place out in person during my next trip.

Decisions, Decisions.

Check it out on your next trip. I did not like LV as it looked a little too beat up and while not very far from centro, I did not like the location. The pics on the website are far from what is really there. You might want to check out Scotland Apts too. Good location and fair pricing.

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

Hello Whitecat, Why did u not like the location ? Is it just inconvenient to the gulch or did u see it as seedy? Am considering it for a month or two, others reported they liked it, I'll probably have to see for myself, inconvenient I can handle but not a thug neighborhood

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

This was my impression......when we drove up a dead end side street to get there, there was a K*D walking down the street with a matress on his back. The lot right across the street was a dump (literally). The entrance to the place has a small guard shack, high walls and barbed wire at the top. When I entered it seemed they had more than one project going on in the premises. I checked out 2 apts. Very worn and old. It all seemed unorganized. I will say that the price was right. I walk everywhere in SJO at night but I don't know if I would be comfortable walking there. It seems to be bordered by an industrial area, not residential.

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I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

The older apts are in the old front building, the newer best apts are in the back. They are a great deal at 500$ with no lease or dep. 100$ off first month special right now.
The calle blancos area is overall mostly middle class. Its not an industrial area, i think you are referring to the free tradezone nearby with all the call centers including amazon.com. There is a nice plaza with some rrestaurants and stores in this complex also. The call centers have improved the area as many of the workers want to live nearby.

Vista linda is located on a dead end street. Overlooking the freeway to limon. A trail leads to the freeway. Across the freeway is a nica shanty town. So there are some shady characters coming and going. Care must be taken after dark.call a taxi wait for it to arrive, then exit etc...
The people of calle blancos would like to build a wall to keep these people out but what can they do. Away from the dead end street the area is not bad.
The complex does have good security.
Its not for everyone and ymmv but for many expats over the years its has been a good fit.
Ask to see the newer apts in the back.