www.CostaRicaTicas.com

First, I would like to thank all the posters on CRT. I have been researching for days and finally booked my trip. I’m recently single and this is my first trip. I am staying 6 nights solo with a few nights in SJO and a few in Jaco. Definitely looking to stay at the HDR once (as recommended) then once at the SL and the Le Amistad or Castillo.
Couple quick questions if you guys don’t mind.

1. What’s the best way to book the rooms? Expedia or through CRT discount? Do you call hotels or book online? Pay cash or CC?

2. Do you guys generally make the trip to Jaco? What’s the best way to get there? i.e. where are shuttles located?

3. I looked everywhere but saw no advice. How much luggage do you guys generally pack? Large backpack or do you guys usually have a duffel bag also? I have a REI 28L backpack now but can buy another duffel. (have to have space for all the room supplies for the ladies.

4. What is a decent dress code in SJO to look good for the ladies. Jean or pants, button down shirts or polos?

5. Do you use international minutes on cell phone or just wifi?

Thanks in advance!
OneDayCrT

Staying at all 4 hotels in the same trip sounds like a lot of work. HDR and SL have ladies onsite. Amistad and Castillo do not - but have all inclusive packages (meals included). All of them are tica friendly. Pick your poison.

You are not going to get CRT discount if you book on Expedia (at least I don't think so).

Dress code???? Don't look dirty. Dress up too much and you make yourself a mark.

Wifi is readily available almost everywhere. I have had success relying on that.

I agree on trying to stay at all the hotels is too much. They are all walking distance. Pick one, or maybe two, and visit the others to check out the ambiance and gauge which is the best fit for you for the next trip. I’m sure SL, Castillo, and La Amistad would show you a room if asked. Plenty of strong supporters of each, comes down to what fits your style.

Definitely book directly with Hotels. If they give a percent to Expedia or any other third party they will not give the CRT discount.

I generally spend a few days in Jaco each trip, but most stay only in SJ. Personal choice, I enjoy both.

Figuring in a trip to Jaco will definitely increase your costs. Private shuttle will run $80-$100 each way. The bus can be navigated for much cheaper (around $5) but be sure you are ready for that experience. There are some threads on taking the bus. Interbus is around $45 each way, I did it once. My opinion - not worth it.

Once in Jaco hotels are more expensive, be sure of their guest policy! and girls tend to start negotiations at a higher point than in SJ. For a six day trip I would probably stick to SJ, there will be plenty to keep you occupied. When I am in CR for less than a week, I typically skip the Jaco trip.

One advantage of trip to Jaco is it will get you out of the gulch and you can see some of CR’s beauty. If you stay six days in SJ, book a side trip somewhere that will get you out of the city for a least half a day to see some of the country. Given your luggage choice I would infer you would enjoy spending some time in the rainforest.

I agree on the dress code comment. Casual is fine. I wear jeans and a t-shirt, maybe a polo, never a button down. You don’t need to look good for the ladies, they don’t care. They do care about cleanliness!

Given the importance of presenting cleanliness, consider the volume of clean clothes you need to achieve that goal. 28 L is not a big pack, it could be a challenge depending on your packing skills. Most use a typical roller bag. You are navigating the airport to a taxi to a hotel. No need for extended carry.

Cell phone use depends on your needs and cell phone plan. All the hotels have decent wifi these days. Adequate for most everything. Communicating with the girls once you get some numbers is almost exclusively WhatsApp which is wifi I use some international minutes because I am typically on some work calls and I don’t disclose to my work contacts that I am in CR.

Book directly with the hotels to get the CRT discount. Pay the hotel with cash to get the lowest rate. If you use a credit card it will cost a lot more.
If you carry a few clothes you can have them washed at the hotels like Amsted and SL. Reasonable and done in a day.
Buses to Jaco run from 7/10 terminal and cost about $5 each way. For a first stay forget Jaco and enjoy San Jose. Plenty to do and see all day.
Loots of variety in the mongering too.
Look for people at SL/Amistad and Her bar to give you advice and tips.

_________________
Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Muchas gracias, señores! Thank you very much for your replies and great advice. Just received my CRT VIP Card and ready to put to use.

Great info thanks!