www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I stayed at La Amistad and found the standard room nice, but a little older and not so quiet. I did like that they did my laundry and had a good breakfast.

I have a friend who stays at Hotel Presidente in their Junior suite and swears it is awesome. I was wondering how the Penthouse Suites at La Amistad compare to the Junior Suite at Hotel Presidente. I do realize the rooms at Hotel Presidente are a tad more. The location of Hotel Presidente is not as convenient to SL but more convenient to DR.

Anybody stayed at both or have seen both rooms?

TIA

Doesn't the Presidente have a chica fee? That would be a show stopper for me.

They have a dress code which used to be a hassle but hadn't heard much about it lately, no chica fee. I've stayed in both MM_007 and they are comparable, depends if you want to be closer to the HDR or the SL. The Pres. will probably cost more but one advantage is you can get a room with a nice view and possibly a balcony on the upper floors, back side.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Maybe there is one now? viewtopic.php?f=4&t=34495

I have stayed at a Grand Spa Suite at the Prez once (#801, with the balcony jacuzzi, $95, back when the rooms were cheaper and there was a CRT discount), they're like the regular junior suites but with a jacuzzi. Great rooms, have a separate living area and bedroom. The #200 and #201 "penthouse" rooms at the Amistad compare nicely with them (I got to look inside #202 on one trip), and are a lot cheaper. Amistad's penthouses #310 and #312 (different from each other) exceed that of the Prez's suites, while #311 is really an apartment, with a kitchen.

Since it's word on the calle from a taxista- kinda doubtful but an email to the hotel will clear it up. The suites at Pres. are very nice but if it weren't for the client rate discount I'd be at LA in a heartbeat.

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

this is great info. Thanks!!!!

What is a "client rate discount?"

The cleint rate discount replaced the old CRT discount which was phased out by the Prez a couple of years ago. They also call it a VIP rate. Basically you get about $30 per night discount on a room if your a member. To be a member you need to stay at the Prez 12 or more nights a year. In terms of the premium rooms you wont go wrong by selecting either place. They are both real nice. It's just a matter of preference.

I appreciate all the replies. I did like the people and the hospitality at La Amistad. Seeing that most are saying the rooms are about equal, I will stay there. Of course the other advantage is that La Amistad does offer a CRT discount.

The chica "dress code" is still in effect at the Prez. My gang stays at the Prez and in May 2010, a couple them had their "guests" refused entry due to not meeting the dress code. I got burned there my first night of my second trip to SJ (Nov. 2008) and I checked out the next day and have never gone back. I now stay at LA and previous to that at the Clarion (before the implementation of the $ 24 chica fee).

Prez is a great Hotel and where I would like to stay, but after investing time, energy and $$ into selecting my guest for the night, I'll be damned if I am going to get burned by someone at the front desk refusing entry to my guest to join me in "my" room. Phuck the Prez!!

Can I give you a "Hell Ya" on the your last paragraph, got burned about two years ago with their dress code. What really bothered me was the fact she was refused entry on a previous occasion, but now was on the list permanently.
Flaco

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Never paying cein

The difference to me is that Matt wants "our" business and the Prez tolerates us if we follow their rules.

Niceness of the rooms: advantage PUSH

Niceness of the staff: advantage LA by a mile!

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In honor of Jimmy V week, "Don't give up, don't ever give up!"

I have stayed at the Presidente three times per year for the last four years. In my pinion, the advantages are:

1. Very nice, quiet, but small rooms. They've been completely redecorated and soundproof windows were added.
2. Great service, but, as you can imagine, I know a lot of the staff.
3. Phenominal location with regard to shopping, eating, walking around and being right at ground zero.
4. Love the bar! Have met all kinds of great friends there, both mongers and non-mongers. Also, watching all the people go by is mezmorizing. It's a good place to meet up with your wingman or the afternooner you arranged for the day before.
5. Food is pretty good and it has a real restaurant.
6. You don't have to walk through two parks and semi-deserted streets to get there.
7. Before 10:00 pm you can walk to and from the Del Ray without much risk.

Disadvantages:

1. They rigourously check the chica; maybe that's good! Most of the chicas have been there and can comply with the dress code by throwing on a jacket or pants they, or someone else, has with them.
2. Price? I think it's $92 with the frequent user discount (9 times per year).

No, there is no chica fee, and no, I have no vested interest in the Presidente, just a happy camper.