www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm new here, first post, heading down to CR with a friend of mine 8/2 both our first trip, looking for a place to stay downtown on our first night. Seems like the Holiday Inn is in the center of everything.... what's the downside of staying there? I see some talk of fees to take new friends to one's room etc... is the HI one of those places? Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks,
>In

$40 chica fee at last report.....a definite No No

Then the Hotel Presidente is a better choice... seems like I can book a room there on-line? There are going to be two of us guys we were going to split the cost of a double.... we need two beds where ever we end up at... our first night is Aug 2.

On another note is there a phone number or convenient way to book into the hotel Del Ray?

(I am assuming from your name you are from Ohio. Welcome fellow Ohioan.) There are many on this board who feel that first timers should stay at the Hotel Del Rey (HDR) to experience the atmosphere of SJ at ground zero. I cannot argue with that, however I prefer to maintain a place of refuge so that I can withdraw from the center of the action. There are many options, El Presidente is a favorite of many. Another favorite, and my choice, is the Sportsman's Lodge. If you speak Spanish (not necessary, but helpful), there are several smaller, less expensive choices within walking distance of the gulch. A search of this forum will give you much info on locations, rates, dress codes, chica fees and other useful things to make your informed decision. Good luck, have fun, and welcome to the board.

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Tyrus

http://www.delreyhotel.com/
http://www.sportsmenscr.com/

Do not walk away from the Holiday Inn. RUN RUN RUN as fast as you can. $40.00 chica fee and an anti monger attitude.

El Presidente and Sportsman Lodge good choices but both may be full only two weeks out.

HDR good choice and has been sending emails lately seeking business so may have rooms. $10.00 chica fee can add up and make it a pricey choice.

Castillio and Amistad both good choices especially for newbies as there will most likely be CRT guys staying at each of them and they are close to Sportsman so you can meet CRT guys at the SL bar.

Morazan right in the gulch.

No matter what hotel you use I would seriously rethink the double room. Two single work, in my opinion, much better.

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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

That's what I was looking for, Thank you!!.... I requested a room at the Del Rey... here's hoping we get it!!!

Okay.... I'm watching the webcam... I'm ready to leave right now!!

The Morazon is a good choice for backup. There's no chica fee and is only a very short walk away. You can probably get rooms there. Try the Jr. Suites on the 5th floor for $88 a night including tax. Big large room, good airconditioning. Small room s are $50 a night.

I really appreciate everyone's advice... my friend and I are leaving the wives behind and heading to CR to check it out for future retirement. I'm the hobbyist... so while he's checking out living down there... I plan on living it up!!

We'll probably be in JSO 2 or 3 nights during the week, I hope to make the best of it. I think after our Sat night at the DR we're going to head East for the night... then to the West. Do the smaller cites have friendly Ticas?

I still haven't lined up a Rental Car... everyone tells me to get a 4x4... any recommendations in that area would be appreciated too.
Again, Thank you!
>In

PS - Yes, I'm from Columbus now... originally from SE Ohio... so I just barely speak English let alone Spanish

Hey Capt, allow me to add to the welcoming chorus.

My strongest suggestion vis-a-vis hotel for a first timer: If your buddy is a non-monger, the Presidente is closest to American-level luxury while still being discreetly chica-friendly. They enforce a strict "one chica per room per visit" policy (no menage a trois) and enforce a dress code for the chicas (they can't look even remotely slutty). On the other hand, the Presidente offers WIFI, an excellent restaurant on premises, a nice little casino, a travel desk, in-room digital safes, 24 hour reception, 24 hour security and is a quick night-time cab ride or daytime walk to the Hotel del Rey. Taxis are plentiful and easy to get, and you can buy your exit tax at the travel desk near the reception area.

If you were both mongers, I'd suggest the Sportsmen's or other hotels mentioned here. The Morazan might also be an excellent choice, particularly if you will be spending a lot of time at the del Rey or Key Largo hunting chicas.

I strongly (underline) agree with Irish Drifter: Get two rooms. Since you and your traveling buddy have different goals, there's no need to cause the kind of friction that could happen if you want to bang somebody while your buddy is more interested in watching CNN, reading real estate brochures or sleeping. Get two rooms.

As far as companionship outside of San Jose, it's all over but harder to find in the beach towns. The exception is Playa Jaco, which features the Beatle Bar (a CRT V.I.P. sponsor). Flamingo Beach has Ambere's, and there are a few other spots where chicas can be found. However, it's not as easy as it is in el centro de San Jose, particularly if you don't speak Spanish and/or have "gringo mark" written all over you.

You've got a couple weeks. I strongly suggest that you read, read, read and then read some more. If you come up with questions to which you can't find answers, ask! We're happy to help.

Hint: The Newbie section is chock-full of excellent info. There are sections specific to Hotels, Restaurants, Massage Parlors/Bars/Nightclubs and other useful sections in the Forum. Wander around, browse articles that interest you. Join V.I.P. for the measly $39.00 and printo out the excellent map of Gringo Gultch and environs. And again, if you find yourself unable to get a question answered by research, feel free to ask. You can even PM me with any questions you need kept private.

Again, welcome. Oh, and a warning... Once you've tasted the good life in Costa Rica, your life will never be the same. You must be careful of this and try to keep it all in perspective. Not an easy thing.

Pura vida!

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

Two standard rooms have been secured for our first night in SJO at the Del Ray!!

The thought of my friend in my room watching CNN and looking at maps while I'm trying to take care of business was more then enough to right that terrible wrong... There are many wise men on this board...

I'm a seasoned business traveler but this is the first time I've been to another country other than Mexico and Canada. I'm a little nervous about the trip but certainly excited by the possibilities. If only half of what I hear and read is true then I'll be a happy man.

I think I'll really like the scene at the DR... I love the bar scene, chatting up people, laughing and flirting with beautiful girls... I do well here doing that so I think I'll have a ton of fun there.
Thanks,
>In

InOhioCap, don't be too worried about the trip. San Jose is what I like to call very "user friendly" for us gringos. English is spoken at the major hotels, and many of the girls at the Del Rey speak English too; some only a little bit but others know quite a bit. There is also a heavy American corporate chain presence; this is a cause of dismay for some, but it's nice knowing you're not too far away from a McDonald's or KFC or Pizza Hut for that time when you want a little bit of home. Of course, staying at the Del Rey means you never have to leave if you don't want too--there's 24-hour room service, both of food and girls, and ATMs as well.

InOhioCap wrote:


Somebody check with VB on what the over/under is on how long it takes his friend to take a guest up the elevator.

Yeah Sonordos... it's funny how "non-hobbyists" suddenly get curious, get courage...then get corralled.

Without V.B. first setting the odds, I'll bet the non-hobbyist friend goes for it within two hours of check-in.

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