www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm a little surprized at the lack of hotels like Nuevo Johnson in the $10 - $15 dollar range. I mean, the $45+ that seems to be becoming the norm at so many of the usual monger hang outs is a lot of money in CR. I find it hard to beleive that more locals cant make a run for it operating a joint like N. Johnson. Or maybe ther are lots more places like N.J. but we just havn't found 'em ? I know there are plenty of guys that would like to spend a lot less on lodging and more on Ticas....

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Hit me, Chief, I got the moves!

Nope ...thats LESS on lodging and LESS on Ticas...

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Why settle for just one woman when you can enjoy them all?

The prices to operate a small hotel that is decent enough to stay in warrant the $40 a night price tag. I have run numbers for several clients on hotel deals in San Jose and that is about the floor. I think even purchasing one of the fleabags like the Nueva Johnson would cost enough to have to raise the rates.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

I certainly understand the desire to spend less money on both rooms and Ticas. After carefully reviewing cheaper options I went with the Vista Linda Apts. I think $150 for seven nights is very reasonable. Being that their technically apartments there is no lodging tax. It is out of the gultch but close enough for a cheap cab ride. Plus it has longer term gringo residents staying there, whom I'm sure will impart the knowledge a rookie needs on his virgin trip. I will report my experience with them when I get back and if was worth it as a cheaper alternative.

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"Guess what?! I've got a fever, and the only prescription... is more cowbell!"
Christopher Walken

Looking in the 2008/9 edition of the Tico Times' Exploring Costa Rica (picked it up in town), there's quite a bunch of places listed in the $10-30 range. Many are hostels, of course. Some that say "hotel" include the Caribbean, Casa Ridgway, Gran Hotel Centroamericano and Nuevo Hotel Centro. They don't list the NJ though.