www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I just left the Sportmen's Lodge today after just spending one night there. Everything was great except the wireless not working in my room. When I made reservations a couple of months ago, I asked for a room that would have good WiFi. They told me that all the room have good Wifi. Well, that is not true. When I arrived yesterday, they tried to tell me it was my computer. I went out into the lobby and it worked! But not in my room. This morning they called in their IT person, but he said that is just the way it is in that part of hte Lodge.

I run a business and I needed to be on the internet. The ones they have available would not be acceptable because of the software I have on my computer. So when this morning it became evident it would not work, I told them that I needed to check out. I called locally and found another hotel near by. When I checked out, there were two things (besides telling me that the internet works throughout the Lodge) that made me mad. First, they charged me about 20 cents (I know it is not much) for two local calls. They were the calls to find another place for goodness sake! It wasn't the money but the princple that bugged me! Secondly, I wanted a taxi to the other hotel. They had a driver (their van) who would take me. When I arrived at my destination (a 5 minute drive), he wanted $10.00.

Maybe my situation is the exception. But they need to work on customer service. THey need to be truthful to the customer about the internet. The lady at the desk admitted problems in that area. They need to think of the customer experience if they want customers back. I will have to think long and hard before I would decide to go back.

P.S. I did meet a beautful young lady last evening at the Lodge. She was just GREAT!

???????

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mh

I have software on my computer that I need to use. It would not be on a public computer.

Ah, I understand now. Thanks for explaining.

Why didn't you just set up shop in the public area with your laptop? That's what I do when I'm there.

Also, a couple of the SL rooms are (or were) wired for Ethernet. Were you offered one?

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mh

That´s why you ALWAYS get one of the red taxis with the meters..

They charged you 20 c for 2 calls, & 10.00 for a taxi & your complaining ?

You should have thanked then & given a tip.

The 20 cents is not the issue. The calls were to find another hotel! To pay $10 to go no more than 1 mile is robbery!!! They knew it at the desk when they told me they had someone who would take me. A local taxi would have cost me at the very most $2.00. It was like, since he was leaving, let us hit him for some more money!

Other than the food, which I don't like, the Sportsmans is a class place - and many guys on this board LOVE the place.

I have no doubt you had an issue w/ WIFI - but re the van, are you shure it was THEIRS, and the driver a Sportsmans employee....not trying to piss you off, but I wonder (too, you could have asked what the charge would be, or have done what I have on a few ocasions and just handed the driver what I thought - fairly - the ride was worth). They really are focused on service at that place (and if they could get another cook......)

Hey Bill - your phone is ringing - what's the deal?

I would have asked if it was NOT their van. On the side of the van it said "Sportmen's Lodge". I should have asked how much, etc. But I was trusting! I was not given the chance to just pay him what I thought was best, because he just said at the point of arrival, "$10.00"

Ouch. You're right, that wasn't cool.

mh

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mh

I love the SL
But not the van driver.
I stayed many times at Prez, always took Prez vans to dinner and had them wait.
They were always very appreciative of $30.
Took Van @SL for lunch and quick run in the mall. He told me $80
That is ridiculous.

Looks like the food is not the only thing needs some attention at the 'ol Sportsmans, because I doubt the guy driving owns the van - but who knows - Maybe Truesportsman can clear it up.

(not trying to be contentious; I have taken a car as well as a van from the Sportsmans to the Prez - when the place was worth staying - - no clue if it said "Sportsmans" on the side - charge was like $2)

And Rover; I like you and have stuck up for you and supported your positions in other forums, but Jesus..... keep repeating the mantra, "Cab, Cabs, Cabs" - and no need to have 'em wait b/c along with another commodity in San Jose, cabs are plentiful - and compared to the USA - cheap! -

$80 for a trip that should have been $6 - 10 - Round trip ! next time - ASK!

Did you make any comment to management or the front desk re the van driver?

Well for a guy that seems to have his pulse on what is going on in San Jose I think you have your facts abit mixed up

Fire the cook at SL ... you want the job ... or have a better cook in mind.. Yes the food is not top shelf but pretty good given the size of the kithen and the volume

I can mix and match from all things on the menu... and a few that are not to build the meal I want 9:00 am -10:30 pm

As far as the vans go Gato and his brother and the other 1 or 2 have been known to rape the gringo... the tico way... make the deal first even if you think all is cool

To the guy that got hosed I am sorry, but you payed 10 bucks for a 2dollar ride... and you payed it estupido gringo

The van drivers are self employed and get what they can get..Bill has enough BS to deal with

As to the internet problems... sure the front desk said yes.. the place has internet as long as ICE or another provider are not having problem... Did you ask about your software progam in advance....

Disclamer... I only give money to the Esportsmans and they are happy to take it

Hey my man Scuba1...I am answering.

Most people who I ask or want to tell me, say that our food is great??? To each his own, however we will strive to get better at everything we do ALL the time. Wireless can be spotty at times but not often...we have had some router setting issues in the past that I was assured are correct now. Have 30 guests at SL most days and rarely do we have a complaint at all..20 cents for local calls, ouch sorry. I will call ICE and see if they can give us a better rate.

I have sent a copy of the van driver complaint to the people who handle this for me. We will let them know "not to gouge" or bye.

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