www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I know some of you don't care much for going to Jaco, however, if you had to pick, which of the following Hotels would you choose and why?

Claritas or Estrellamar? The cost is about the same. I'd like to go to the Copa, but my wingman is watching his budget a little closer than I am.

Also, is it worth renting a car from SJO for a couple days in Jaco?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx

I saw an ad for a 4x4 rental car for $52.
Round trip from SJ to Jaco is $200 for 2 people.
I'd get the rental.

Thanx. Where did you see the ad? We were thinking of using the express bus, but I would rather rent if it is affordable enough.

Here:
http://www.hoteldunninn.com/car_rental.php
Although it seems I was off by $4, lol
It's $56/day

Man, unless you grew up driving in Hong Kong or Tijuana, I would strongly advise against renting a car. Every drive is a series of near-misses. Motorcycles constantly split lanes. There are right-of-way rules that you will not understand, traffic lanes and all other traffic signs/signals are considered advisory. Cars running red lights or driving the wrong way on one-way streets is standard. Then there is the parking... There are also no street number signs (okay...very few) and I seriously doubt that you could find Jaco with a map.

Car rentals are notorious ripoffs. Any ding in the rental will be charged to you unless you specifically point it out before you rent the car. Insurance?

You can get a driver RT to Jaco for $120 or thereabouts for a whole van full of people and the driver provides cold beer and a lunch stop on the way. No reason to rent a car.

_________________
"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

I have rented cars for 3 years for the trip to Jaco. Thrifty is about $36/day but the insurance is the killer. $18/day for basic coverage and $36/day for full coverage. Just be sure to inspect the vehicle and point out all scratches and dents. If you need a driver, Gustavo (gustavovegapena@hotmail.com) Vega (charges $100 +/- each way. He has a new van that is very comfortable. Great English and great guy.......You may check out the Poseidon Hotel in Jaco. Cost is about $115 per room that is very clean with mini and super hotwater. Chica friendly but $25 charge. Restaurant is one of the best in town. Good luck.

I would never pay a 25 dollar chica fee in Jaco. There are too many other choices.

I did an ATV tour with 3 guys Monday who stayed at Estrellamar last week and they all had good reviews on it. Nice grounds. They had a 2 bedroom Villa. Short walk to the beach and Beatle Bar. No chica fee.
http://www.estrellamar.com

Cabs in Jaco are dirt cheap. If your not going to venture out from Jaco no need to rent a car. New fines for traffic tickets are outrageous. And you definitely dont want to get caught DUI. Costa Rica has finally decided to crack down with stiff penalties, and Jail time for DUIs. Alot of police pressence in Jaco these days. Which seems to be helping.

I have rented a car a driven out to Jaco several times. The road is much improved over the last couple of years. There's some long overdue construction causing some traffic jams on that route.

Estrellamar sounds good.
Are the prices per Villa, or per person?
Are there any Chica fees?

On second thought nevermind.
I just saw pics of the rooms, and I am not impressed.
Are there better villas in Jaco? I don't mind paying more for something descent.

Just spent 12 days at Clarita's and it was great.
room is $80 a nite, clean, hot water, cold air, ref,safe, and clean.
rooms have 1 full and 1 half beds, great food, cold cheap beer, and on the beach.tica friendly w/ no charge.
take a taxi anywhere for $1.50 to 2.00, trans 80 bucks from airport to hotel for 2 people.

Driving from SJ to Jaco is a hell of an experience. One I hope to never do again. I've done it a few and it doesn't get easier. If you stop anywhere along the way, lock...lock....lock your car. A rental is a moving ATM and often robbed. I always carry my backpack in the soda with me and sit facing my car. No numbers on the HWY render a map worthless.

PURA VIDA!

_________________
Livin' & Lovin' in Key Largo....oh....And the one in The Keys, too!

Thanx Cohiba,

With all the feeback given, I think we are gonna stick to the Express Bus to Jaco or hire a Shuttle.

Zerko

I've never rented a car in CR. I just think it's a ridiculous idea. I have heard that they place a hold on your credit card for like $1000. If anyone has any experience with that I'd like to hear about it. As for hotels, I've always love the Copacabana. Might try Kokal next time.

dapanz1

Wow. After reading all this excellant advice, I am going to have to turn in my CR drivers license, stop renting a car for $130 per week( $300 cash deposit, insurance and AAA included), stop enjoying the many open air sodas and realize that I am safest with some overpriced car service where some total stranger has my life in his hands. That said; it is dangerous when traversing the calles and pistas of Costa Rica. It matters not if you are driving or riding. As with so many other issues on this board, the timid speak with authority.

_________________
My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming...." MAN....WHAT A RIDE!!!!"