www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I discovered this place staying at the Johnson last weekend and looked at the rooms.They said the price was about $24 for a single with a $5 girl fee.It is quite nice with locked gate and desk attendant near the entrance 24 hrs.Rooms have cable TV, phone hot water and is very nicely furnished.It is by far the best thing I have seen in that price range.Located on Ave 4 and Calle 8.It is safe to walk to the gulch up til about 10PM and not to far if you keep your eyes open as always at night in San Jose. Phone 506-233-0665 or 506-233-5069.E-mail hdoral@rasca.co.cr

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

A lot of guys arent as seasoned as RBC100 and wont feel comfortable walking anywhere around that area after dark. They do...or at least did...have a nice Tico bar/restaurant on the 2nd floor though that was a secret quiet spot to take your chica. Pretty cheap...but thats what some guys are looking for. Definitely nothing fancy from what I could see at the Doral, some rooms only haveing twin beds...though someone could buy that place and give the Delrey a run with some renovation ...

They showed me 2 or 3 rooms some had twin beds and outhers had maybe a queen bed or for sure a double bed.It looked as it may had been recenty updated and was quite nice for the price.I was going to stay there my last night but wasn't worth the hassle to move as I had to leave the next morning at 5AM for the airport.I barely laid down to sleep before it was time to go to the airport.rbc100

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

RBC wrote:


That may be true but I think walking from there to the gulch after about 6 PM is inviting disaster.

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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

There are a lot of people and traffic on Ave 2 up until 9 or 10 which is only a block away.I walked in and out up until that time and never felt uncomfortable.As long as there are people up and down the street I don't worry too much.I have been mugged on the streets of San Jose so I always exercise caution.Of course as always when people have problems I had had too much to drink.Won't let that happen agian and you do need to be alert and it is only a 400 to 500col taxi ride to the gulch .It is actually much closer to many of the local places where I go.rbc100

Unfortunately there a a lot of reports of someone being mugged and the bystanders do absolutely nothing to help until the act is over, they then may express some sympathy with what happened but thats it.

People on the street or in the area does not equal safety in San Jose. I am glad it worked out OK for you but that area of San Jose is definitely well know to the locals as an area to avoid at night.

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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

Hey RBC,

As you know, I'm thinking of changing locales for part of my trip. Recognizing the danger level, I still would like to at least have a look at this place. the price is right, and I live in taxicabs while in San Jose anyway. Can you tell me what businesses are right nearby (on the same block, just around the corner, across the street)? I'm thinking bars, sodas, pulperias/mini-supers and other support businesses.

Also, how tough is it to get a taxi to/from the Doral at night? Thanks.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

El Ciego.I will be staying there this trip so will have a handle by the time you get there as to how it is but the rooms looked fine.The Desk is on the ground floor and you can see it from the front entrance.It says locked and the desk appears to have someone ther all hours of the day and night .It looked very secure.I fell sure they would call you a taxi on request.You might want to make a reservation for a standby as you can always cancel with no deposit required.I had trouble getting a email reply so just called.It is not a gringo hotel so not likely to be booked even for Labor day with just a little notice.I don't think there are any businesses around you would recognize but is it on Ave 4 between Calle 6 and 8.It is only about a block or two from Mercado Central.rbc100

Speaking as a crazy gringo who has walked back to the Gulch from the old Park Hotel Oil Show, I can tell you it is well worth taking a cab after dark. I kept alert and never got mugged, but why take the chance. That place is 2 blocks even further than the Park. Thats 11-12 blocks to the BM which is a 15 minute walk for me (or a 30-60 minute walk for GG or Zebra ) and well worth the $1-2 if just to save time and effort if not for security as well.

As for what is around there. RBC already pointed out the Mercado Central 2 blocks north, but if you decide to walk there, El C, be very careful crossing Avenida 2. There is also Centro Masaje, Le Grillon, Club Flamingo in the area. And if you go a little further 3 blocks south and 3 east you'll find Arcada's, Molino Rojo, Miss Caribe (yuck). There are also plenty of cheap sodas in that area including Soda Castro.

I would definitely suggest El Ciego take a cab but I am comfortable walking til about 8 at night.Of course I walk when some wouldn't.It is close to lots of places I frequent and close to Oais niegborhood which appeals to me.rbc100

Well then RBC mi amigo, we'll either walk or cab together!
See you in five days!

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

I think I found a link to their website http://www.hoteldoralcr.com/. At least its for a hotel of that name on A4 C6/8. That site lists their single room rate as $32/nt + taxes, but say off season rates are available. It also lists different contact info. Tel: (506) 233-9410 Fax: (506) 233-4827 Email:
reservas@hoteldoralcr.com or gerencia@hoteldoralcr.com. The site also offers $12/pp rates for groups of 25 or more so its possible it might occasionally get booked up by large groups. Here is what else they said: 42 standard rooms with hot water bathroom, phone, color TV with cable, ceiling fan, safety boxes, cafeteria (on the 6th floor), money change and drinks service.

Here is some other independent reviews: http://www.wguides.com/city/275/32_204867.cfm one thing they note is that its on a busy street and they recommend rooms towards the back as being quieter. And this other one by this guy that wants to keep this place a secret http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g309293-d300218-r2865066-Hotel_Doral-San_Jose_Province_of_San_Jose.html

I have looked at the rooms they are very adequate.They quoted me $27 including breakfast I think.Took a look at the web site.Thats the place.rbc100

Last night i sent an e-mail with specific questions regarding security, rates, and the breakfast menu to the hotel's information link from their website:

gerencia@hoteldoral.com

I received an informative reply this morning, less than 18 hours after sending the e-mail.

The breakfast is offered in four "options," depending upon your apetite of the moment; all breakfasts include coffee/tea, orange juice, toast with margarine and jam. The guest may then choose between tropical fruit and corn flakes, ham and eggs, ham and white tico cheese, or a "desayuno tipico," probably gallo pinto (rice and black beans).

The nightly rate was quoted at $36.42 + tax, but a $27.00/night rate is offered for stays of five nights or longer, prepaid in cash.

I think this may be a budget winner, despite its dodgey location. There are several little hotels in that neighborhood, including the old-fashioned "boarding houses" that used to be so common in the U.S., including the eight room Hotel Campesino on Av. C. between c. 2-4.

II'm eager to take a look at the Doral when I come to San Jose.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Just booked my first trip ever to Costa Rica for 5 days from 9/1 to 9/5. Could not find a room at the PREZ, SL, or Morazan due to such short notice. Got a room at Hotel Doral for $28/night which includes tax.

I am going solo and hopefully I will not regret it but I have very few options at this point in time. I do know Spanish fairly well but I am concerned about the safety in regards to the location of this hotel. Appears to be slightly off the beaten path. Will definetly take taxis at night.

I will report back on my experience on my stay here when I return.