Netgems wrote:
OK,
If I didn't love HDR, here would be my choices in order of desirability:
SL.:
Small smattering of chicas compared with HDR but most of the time there's good finds, usually small but good options later afternoon and evening, also great quiet rooms in a safe quiet neighborhood with NF and numerous good tico restaurants nearby. Great dependable bar food, best atmosphere for get togethers with friends. Negative : Newbies, don't let them trick you with upfront rooms, they're loud, forget sleeping and everyone sees your movements, you'll hear street noise at night.
Scores or Zona :
Quick access to this usually well stocked with numerous proven performers group, nice rooms, I understand their bar food is ok to good. Access to great cigars. Negative : Neighborhood thuggish and long walk to get to main activity areas.
La Amistad ;
I have no idea why guys come here and INTENTIONALLY choose hotels with no chicas immediately available
, but nonetheless they do
, for this group of oddballs and eccentrics
, this is the choice. Great safe neighborhood like SL, very nice rooms, superb food, classy atmosphere and great massage girl.
Mona Lisa : I haven't seen the inside of this place but its in a dog neighborhood, no chicas and hearing stories on CRT from more than a few members of all kinds of problems ranging from bathrooms not working to theft's, even from the safes, followed up with dubious bs excuses from the staff crosses it off my consideration list.
Morazon. Depressing dump, when I'm on vaca I spend a little more not to be in a thug haven, and evening walks between the HDR and Morazon, although 1 measly block can get you thug hassle, and, you know, it's just plain low class. Nonetheless, for those frugal members who are often seen picking up 1/2 cigarettes from the street, it is rightfully so the cheapest option...
Presidente :
The most beautiful rooms, fabulous beds and giant great showers, a full apt suite is also available, if you want elegance, this is THE PLACE. They used to lie to you and tell you if hos didn't dress like hos they would allow them in but they didn't. Now they just don't let any in, they want to be a family hotel and mongers need not apply.
Net, I know one thing we disagree is about hotels
-
The price - and ambiance, at least the room décor at the HDR - is about the same as the Morazon - last decorated during the Carter administration! I mean its not like either would be mistaken for a Ritz Carlton
Nothing matches the nonsense and the folks who hang out in front of the HDR the one block walk from the HDR to the Marazon is not even in the same league.
While I agree with your sentiments about the Presidente (that was my hotel in San Jose for years) I would not include them because of their totally restrictive policy about guests (which they lied about for well over a year) - unless you are traveling with your wife and/or family, this place should not be on any list whatsoever (guys don't read well and don't want anyone thinking this place is an option if you intend on company) B/c I liked the place so much in the past, will admit b/c they lied about their policy on guests for a long time - well over a year - the mention of the place is like waiving a red flag in front of a bull - to me
Like I think you, I prefer the area around the HDR/Morazon, simply b/c I think places like the Sportsmans and La Amistad are geographically undesirable - to me - they have plenty of guests that don't feel that way.
Frankly, I would probably recommend a first time visitor stay at the Sportsmans for a variety of reasons, ie, meeting girls, meeting a possible wingman, talking with experienced guys, etc.
PS I saw for years a shoeshine guy who hung around the HDR and the Presidente - he was - I think - a Tico who always wore a light colored suit - I'd give him a little money b/c you could not convince him that sneakers could not be polished
Plus I like the fact that he was "working" and not just panhandling - I don't think I've seen him the last few trips.
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