www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm trying to find a cheaper alternative to the Del Rey. Which of these two hotels would you all recommend? Girl friendly? Joiner fees? WiFi? I believe they are in close proximity to one another.....is it safe to walk to the Del Rey from these hotels at 10-11pm at night? How much is cab fare approx? Any info much appreciated...Gracias!

You really need to find out if the Hemingway is chica friendly. I think I read a long time on one of these thread that the Hemingway is not chica friendly. There are ample posts on this site indicating that the Castillo is chica friendly.

According to the map, the Hemingway and Castillo are separated by only one building, i.e., 40 feet or so. If my memory serves me correctly, that building a restaurant that has just recently reopened. The Sportsmen’s Lodge is up the hill one block and then to the left 1/2 block. It is a happy hunting ground too.

The ride from HDR to SL costs about 1000 colones so it is the same for a ride from the HDR to Castillo. It is close enough to walk but you are strongly advised NOT to walk it during the night. As a newbie, you should take a cab even during the day. May I stress, NEVER walk it at night.

castillo i have stayed at and is okay and is definitely chica friendly, hemingway is chica tolerant from what i have read.. join our membership and save some money on your stay and get our famous map too....

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I know nothing, nothing!

Ottoparts, heed the advice of Cariden. Become a lifetime VIP and you will pay for the membership in discounts. Also, someplace in the VIP section is a very good map which will guide you on your adventures in Ticalandia.

Castillo is better by far. I used to love the Hemingway because it was my first hotel in CR and I liked some of the staff. But it's probably even more expensive than the Castillo and not as nice. I would stay if I couldn't get a room at Castillo and they made me a great deal. Also, get approval in advance for no chica fee. They will try to charge you.

Talking with CRTrs who have stayed at Hemmingway, the concensus is that the rooms are not as nice as Castillo. In general not as nice overall as Castillo. Suicide showers in bathrooms. Chica tolerant (can't remember the $ chica fee), no WiFi (although you may be able to connect to the Castillo's open network if you're lucky. Rates a littler less than Castillo, BUT, if you join CRT and pay with cash, the rates at Castillo are too close to quibble about!

If you are REALLY cash concious, the Hemmingway is a good alternative. If that is the case, you might consider Hostel Marruecos. A couple blocks from Hemmingway/CastilloIt's actually a hotel/MP with really cheap (<$30) rooms available.

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Women are like beers. I've never had one that I didn't like. Just some that I like more than others! --Western

I think the Hemingway does have WiFi, though, I couldn't swear to it. Does anyone know for sure?

Hemingway DOES have Wi-Fi, does have an onsight XP computer at no charge, and is chica tolerant as they do have a chica "fee". If you act right, you might be able to avoid the chica fee altogether but that's something that you're going to want to discuss at the time of booking with the manager, Josh. If you're low key and discrete, you're not going to have any problems. If you're loud and obtrusive, well, that's another matter. Hemingway is not the Del Rey and doesn't want to be, either. The facility does offer weekly discounts.

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

As a followup to Brother Western's mention of the Marruecos--it's real close to Harry's Bar Poas for good cheap eats--Harry's is a CRT sponsor and offers VIP dicounts. Talent occasionally to be found there too though not of the best quality. Try it.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

How much is it and where do I sign up?

When you bring up the CRT home page there is place marked "Join Now" at the top of the page. Yearly membership is $39.00. Lifetime was $99.00 but not sure if that is the current price.

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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

Ottoparts If you plan on returning here often and making your CR experience multi-year, buy the life time. I bought a 1 year membership and kick myself in the butt because I did. Do it right the first time, buy the lifetime.

I did what Diego did too. I bought the one year memberhship and then realized later that lifetime was the best deal.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

i'm in room 2 at the costillo with cr membership 34 bucks a night

As with most hotels in Latin America, bring ear plugs so you can get some sleep.