www.CostaRicaTicas.com

and both of those places also have a friendly guest policy?

The last time I stayed at Bestwestern, which was several years back, you could bring guests back. Think it was $10. I think they are one of the few Bestwesterns in the country that do still allow guests. As for Palacio, I don't know.

I can throw out two more options. They may require a bit more research. There is hotel Santo Thomas, how according to BKtuna is now guest friendly. and across the street is Pangea (sp) a hostel. I was there about two weeks ago and asked about the guest policy and they were very clear that the private rooms were for two people (about $32 with a double bed and private bath and very clean and nice for a hostel). There is a great pool area. I wanted to get some sun and a quick swim and considered getting one their dorm beds so I could have access to the pool. It can be had for as low as $12/day, but I got sidelined.
I have not stayed at either one.

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Play Safe

Basically, none of the "Big Four" CRT monger places--HDR, SL, HLH, La Amistad--have a pool (add the Dunn Inn and Freebird as well), so if you want one, you have to go off the usual path to other places. If you also want to have chicas on-site, well, you're going to have to decide which is more important to you.

Just spent 6 nights at the Cohiba Suite at the HLH. Large room with Sauna and Kitchen area and spring water. Also has an outside patio that you walk up to. I loved it! Will book again and it has mirrors and you always have Boyd to harass if you have any complaints. Highly reccommeded!

It has always worked well with my group to have one guy splurge on a room (HLH, HDR, and SL all have these rooms) and the rest of us get standard rooms. The big room is used for cards and some drinks and then everyone can have their own room for game time. Maybe let your wingman enjoy the large room to help his release back into the wild? Hope your trip goes well.

I dunno - I think most questions (those that are not completely stupid) do get answered - the OP in this particular thread asked a very broad question with no back up info - so.......

In general, you fare better on this board if you phrase a question that shows that you did a little bit of research, like "I noticed the rooms at the Sportsmans showed a living area and a bedroom - wondering if they have 2 bedroom suits or any other places you know of offer this?" (or words to that effect - its not rocket science - its better than in the past whereby every question seemed to be answered with "Do a search!"

The reason so few properties have pools is the climate really does not led itself to them - also pool or no, I'd stay on the street before I'd stay at the Best Western downtown - really scetchey area and lots of different stories concerning their guest policy