Cons:
The first thing that comes to mind is the ridiculous wrist band they make you wear. That band yells out "I have money, rob me."; it attracts too much attention. You can't remove it too, lame. And believe me, there are a lot of bums/druggies in Jaco, especially late at night and they're unpredictable on what they would do. If you decide to take a Chica to your room, well you can't for the obvious reason. Staff are strict too.
The price is OVERpriced ($130 (3 people) per night breakfast only, and if you'd miss it, too bad. $260 (3 people) total package breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Consider the fact that the room was old, small, smelly, and the beds were terrible. I killed about three roaches in the bathroom. If you're tall, good luck taking a shower because the shower head sits too low.
Swimming pool closes at 7PM, or anytime if it rains with thunder/lightning. Flashback to the first day, it was raining with very little thunder and we got kicked out. No drinks or food allowed near it. The pool itself was like 3ft-4ft deep, boring. No jacuzzi either.
No elevator in the left building (right building is on remodeling but has elevators). So if you're handicapped and there is no vacancy on the first floor, you are out of luck.
The WORST gym you'd ever seen. I swear to you.
There was a porno film playing in the middle of the night (11pm-12am don't remember). There's an area with couches and TV right near the lobby. For you family men imagine passing by the TV with your Ch*ldren, they would be exposed to it.
Pool table was not free, ping pong was though.
I had to go use the bathroom the damn room key card didn't want to work, went down three floors (I stayed in 316 FYI), receptionist supposedly fixed it but it didn't work! Lame. I almost shitted my pants going down and back up the floors to get it fixed, eventually the problem was taken care of.
Maid kept bothering us to leave, and called the receptionist to tell us to go, even after telling her that we were ready to leave! but she kept insisting with a slight hint of desperation, very annoying.
Right after you've checked out, they want you gone. All the free privileges are terminated. I remember a long time ago I stood in Paradise Hotel, checked out and used the pool until I had to go. Very cool.
Pros:
The advantage to use beach benches.
Free internet (NOT WIFI), the two computers they offered were shit though.
Bar by the pool (they sell food and drinks, but expensive). Can't enter wet.
Free bicycle rent from morning to 5PM.
Easy access to the beach. However, that part of the beach has too many rocks, so you can't really enjoy the beach there. Unless you wear Crocs.
Security is good; you'd feel safe. Secure parking lot for your vehicle.
VERY good breakfast, but I'd rather save some money eating at a Soda (Costa Rican word for a diner) or going to a supermarket for typical things.
The bottom line is don't believe the name. If it wasn't for the title "Best Western" it wouldn't be as popular.
Now onto my frustration. There is a private gated neighborhood (I believe they're cabinas) right next to Beatles Bar (on the left side). They charge $67 per night and additional discount if you stay more. That is $67 for EVERYBODY and ANYBODY (Chicas, your pals, whatever), not per person. It's a big place comparing it to best western's room. Remember they're not hotel rooms, they're like homes. No wrist band! It has two rooms (one room has bunk beds), living room with comfy couches, A/C, cable TV, fridge, stove to cook, nice restroom, and a neat porch to drink or do whatever and hang out. The swimming pool and jacuzzi never closes and there are no rules. A gated fortress is safe enough for me (it only has one entrance). And it's right next to Beatles Bar! You could save money by buying your own drinks, take them to the cabina, grab your Chica from the BB immediately and drink at the cabina with much more privacy and the foreplay would be much more comfy. Next time for sure!
I hope I gave you travelers some insight. Sorry for this long rant!
. My cousin has the phone number I will post it up when he comes. The place looks modern. Walls are like yellowish-orange color with brown roofs.