www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Ok, I need some help.

Since my favorite hotels are booked for SB weekend, I was looking into apartments. Another reason is to save a few bucks. I'll be in town for about 10 days.

I did some research and found Linda Vista, Sudamer, and Scotland apts.

All seem to be in shady neighborhoods. Is that accurate?

It seems many prefer Linda Vista. Are they clean? Is there maid service or is it "clean-up-your-own-shit" daily?

Safes? Wireless internet?

I'm very reluctant about renting a place without seeing it in person first. A buddy and I rented a whole house on my first trip without seeing it. BIG MISTAKE!!! (stained mattresses, dust on top of dirt buildup, bad AC, horrible smell, lo-speed to no-speed internet).

Any suggestions/recommendations?

Thanks.

Check your PM

Have no personal knowledge of any of the 3. Have amigos who have stayed in Scotland and Sudamer. They both are repeat customers in those places and are very satisfied. No problem safety wise in either during the day but a taxi at night mandatory. But that is San Jose anywhere.

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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

Vista Linda has in room safes and is cleaned twice per week. It is in a woking class local neigborhood. Don Gordo did get mugged there on a Sunday night but could have as easily been somwhere else as Sundays,rbc100

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

Orange, I'm also interested in renting an apt but share your concerns as well. Lista Linda was the one I'm going to check-out when I'm down next week.

Maybe a few of the Vets could help us out.....

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GO Winnipeg JETS!

There are several aparthotels what may also satisfy your needs. There are several near La Sabana. A search would probably find several of them.

Scotland and Sudamer are both places that draw a wide range of opinions. Some guys love them, I looked at them when I was moving here and did not like it at all. In LaSabana there are at least three or four Apartotels, I stayed at Hotel Colaye and it was nice but just as expensive as a mid range hotel in SJO.


BKTUNA

Orange,

I only have personal experience with the Sudamer.

Yes, the neighborhood is dodgy, especially at night. The apartments are located seven blocks south of the Presidente on c. 7 at av. 14. The apartments are indifferently clean and poorly lighted. WIFI works well. Carlos, last name Eduardo the owner is a gentleman in every sense of the word and is incredibly hellpful... I just wish that maid Irma would do her job better. Also, the unit I stayed in (#10) is immense...big living/dining room with pleather sofa, recliner and cable TV, a fair-sized kitchen with stove, coffeemaker, fridge and microwave, some cooking implements. I felt secure there at all times and never had problems. Also, the apartments are located a block or so from Pantera Rosa, which is at the corner of c. 9 and av. 16...so it's a short stroll for the very brave. Lots of transvestites (what's up with all the trannies? I encountered them like, EVERYWHERE around the Gulch this past trip).

For the money, Sudamer is a good value, but I'm certain one coud do better. Hotel Don Carlos now has an aparthotel next door to the INS building, and the apartments looked very nice.

If you'd like price/availability information about the Sudamer, write Carlos at the following address:

carlosedmena@yahoo.com

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

http://www.cyberrentals.com/Central-Ame ... 136262.htm

I was thinking about trying this, but I decided to wait until I have more experience.

OK I am getting ready to bail out of San Jose so I will give up a Secret or two. Another I am going to post in VIP it is too choice.

I have spent some months at Scotland Apartments, those that report it as a dive are correct most of the rooms are dungeons. The one I call mine and am lucky enough to be in now is the only one I would spend more than a few nights in. The neighborhood is great - Barrio Escalante has at least one security guy per corner 24/7 I walk to bars anytime. The old and I guess still high class section of San Jose, it is not infested with trannies like Amon. Twelve minute walk to DR down hill, a little longer going up. Sure don’t do it much late at night. $250/week or $850/month, less for the shi*holes across the street. Ten days is what you negotiate.

Orange I really don’t think this is you so I won’t say more.

In La Sabana, I looked at a couple and stayed at one - Aparthotel La Sabana and El Sesteo. Actually my Significant Other (what are we supposed to call them?) looked and said hands down El Sesteo and we spent a week there – very nice little apartments – pool and hot tub outdoor that I made full use of (ticas don’t like to get to wet outside), cool gardens like a museum and decent breakfast. Mac’s American Bar a short walk is great. Not likely I will need to stay again so I’m giving it to the World Wide Web – a keeper. http://www.sesteo.com/about.html.

This just might be you Orange, about a 15 minute walk to Oasis and 35 maybe to DR given for perspective – a little west of downtown. Sometimes depending on traffic it is just quicker to walk ( I walk fast).


All that said I found a GEM today in my ongoing hunt for the perfect digs. Barrio Aranjuez (did you know there was a Barrio named this? I don’t think so.) Sorry WWW the only clue I am going to give. OK one more clue a few blocks from Sportman’s.
Executive suites Brand New nobody has phucked in these beds. No Jacuzzi but very very nice $1,200 month and available by the week and another hotel option by day.


The rest in section VIP. IF I don’t get around to it Orange remind me before the time gets close if you haven’t figured out the clues.

It all depends on how much money you have to spend.

The apartotels in the La Sabana area are nice but expect to pay at least 1000 1200$ per month.

Scotland apts are way over priced and not very nice except for the new building. It is in a above avg barrio though. Good location.

Sudamer is in a really bad tranny barrio.

Vista Linda is a good value for the money. Not luxury but decent , with maid service, wireless internet and free coffee. Close to town but in a below avg barrio. Take the taxi after dark and no problems.

Orange,

I have a room booked at Clarion Jan31-Feb5, may go the apt route in Sabana West, let me know if you have an interest in taking my reservation.

Somewhere in Texas

Thanks, I also have a room booked at Amon but as soon as I find an apt, I will release it.