Just got back from almost a week at Amistad. As I mentioned in previous posts, I really am a big fan of the Presidente even with all its rules.
Well, The Amistad was my home away from home. The rooms were very large. Mine was an apartment. They seem to have many different styles of rooms with different budgets. The owner Matt is super cool and really accomodating. They'll wash your clothes for you even offered to go grocery shopping. I declined as I always love the Mas o Menos adventure. The place does not have that stuffy corporate feel.
When I first checked in, I wasn't too sure. I though it might be too far from the action. However, the walk is not bad and the best part is that the taxistas near there always use the meter and are nice. So it is not the usual Gulch Ripoff. 500 colones to "The Office" when from the Pres they wanted 1000 which is right around the corner. One taxista even came back and waited 20 minutes to take me to the airport for standard charge. And on my last day, I walked around the area a bit more and actually found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of my trip. Many tico restaurants, a hospital within eyesight and the Nacional Parque around the corner.
The room was the most quiet as any I have stayed in downtown. Yes, there is a train but you only hear 3 whistles which I usually slept right through. The train itself didn't make much noise. Nothing is as noisy as Avenida Central especially with that lottery guy always yelling starting at 6:00 am every morning. I papercliped the curtains together to not let any light in the room which helped me sleep later. I can never sleep in SJ and I slept the best during this stay.
Free wifi, let me tell you, this hotel and any hotel that offers free wifi....they just get it. I abhor any hotel that charges for wifi. Also, I left for breakfast with my safe open(accident). Came back the maid had already been there and nothing touched and cash was easily visible. OK, one of my main requirements is knowing and feeling comfortable my stuff will be there. I never had a problem leaving my laptop, camera, and ipod out.
Oh, and one of the best parts for me, just having breakfast with a bunch of the other guests who were just a bunch of cool guys sharing war stories. And often inviting me on the day's adventures. Great camaraderie. It's was great meeting you fellow brothers staying there. Very interesting group of guys.
The Amistad was an awesome choice for me and grew on me the longer I stayed. I didn't want to leave
HOPE TO BE BACK SOON!
PURA VIDA!
How was the apartment room? Last February I stayed in one, room 106 I think, for a total of six days. Back then it hadn't been remodeled yet, and from what Matt has said about them now, they sound very nice.
