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 Post subject: Sportsmens Lodge review
PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:31 pm 
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I realize this place is beloved by most, but here's an honest assessment from my recent stay at the legendary Sportsmens Lodge. Flamers, drop a Viagra and light up, here goes...


Strengths:

1.   Great selection of girls. But really not much different than anywhere else
2.  Beautiful and competent bartenders
3.  Abundance of fellow mongers with which to connect


Weaknesses:

1.   The rooms. Or at least the cheap rooms. This doesn't exactly qualify as news or a surprise, but DO NOT underestimate the noise if you stay in the courtyard.   You can almost reach out from the doorway of these rooms to collect your drink at the bar now that they've remodeled what once was the lounge.   Some might see this as a plus but there is a sense your bedroom is almost public in these rooms  

2.   The rooms.  The shower drain in my room backed up and with it came a nice clump of shaved hair.  Seems the reinvestment on this property is nil.

2.  The food.  Overpriced and disappointing every time I ate here.

This place is a step up from the Del Rey for newbie manger experience but I'm going to give the Hotel Little Havana or Freebird a try next time.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:48 pm 
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Freebird is traffic LOUD and you can hear conversations and whatever in the next room. The two rooms in the back share a bathroom. Good price if you are on a tight budget, owner is really cool, good guy, no hassles, but I value quiet. The only really quiet place I have found in the gulch and is where I stay now despite the high chica fee is Sleep Inn, but only 3rd floor facing Delrey/Colonial, Quiet. Very modern, nice place.
I would imagine Holiday INN up high would be the same but their chica fee is nuts.


Last edited by DGD on Tue Jun 12, 2012 2:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 1:59 pm 
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Time moves on, things change. SL was a favorite of mine shortly after it opened its doors in 2004. I'm not sure I would recognize it now.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:53 pm 
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Location: CANADA Eh!
To ring in my 2 cents...I stayed once at the SL on my virgin trip.
Too 'busy' for my liking. Hotel Castillo is my home....

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:07 pm 
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No flame from me Oblique. I stayed at the SL for my week long stay. Although I can understand the inconvenience you suffered you must realize that you could get better but then you would pay more. I think the SL appeals to the type of guy whose there to have a good time in a central place. It's not far from the action in either direction. For new guys like me, that's important.

Strength:
1. Great selection of girls. But really not much different than anywhere else
-Then why stay anywhere else?
2. Beautiful and competent bartenders
-Truth. No issue there my friend.
3. Abundance of fellow mongers with which to connect
-Another truism. No issue.

Weakness:
1. The rooms. Or at least the cheap rooms. This doesn't exactly qualify as news or a surprise, but DO NOT underestimate the noise if you stay in the courtyard. You can almost reach out from the doorway of these rooms to collect your drink at the bar now that they've remodeled what once was the lounge. Some might see this as a plus but there is a sense your bedroom is almost public in these rooms.
-Contained in your critique is the answer to your concern. These are the cheap(er) rooms for a reason. What can realistically be done for such rooms other than to discount them with the expectation that it's going to be loud? It would take a remodel of the building to quiet down the volume when the place is hopp'in. Even if that was done, I could only imagine the volume going down a decibel or two at the most. It's a club/brothel/bar/restaurant all rolled into one.

2. The rooms. The shower drain in my room backed up and with it came a nice clump of shaved hair. Seems the reinvestment on this property is nil.
-I don't think that's fair. That's a housekeeping concern and I'm sure it was resolved to your satisfaction. Incidents like the one you describe happen all over the world in hotels both great and small; from the Four Seasons to the Motel6. Some chica cut her hair. I agree it wasn't a good thing to do but...c'mon....it's Costa Rica. Many chica's don't have hot water in their own homes for goodness sake. It is and I hate to say this but...it's a 3rd(2nd) world country. Some chica who doesn't have the facilities or hot water in her home is likely to ask some gringo if she can take care of her hygiene. You have to keep this in mind. You are on vacation, while they are at work. Meanwhile, the rents due and their hijo needs diapers. As far as re-investment on the property is concerned, I don't get into that. The SL isn't my business nor do I want it to be. I know I have a choice. If I don't like the property or something is amiss, I have the right to take my money elsewhere.

2. The food. Overpriced and disappointing every time I ate here.
-Then why did you continue to eat there? Not trying to be an ass, just say'in. The food is a matter of opinion. I thought it was rather pedestrian myself. I didn't think it was bad though. Did you try the chicken burrito? :D Good stuff, there. In any case, you could have eaten at HLH or several other joints in the gulch with nary a concern. Look, the food in CR is not all that exciting in general. I don't know what you expected but this country is not known for it's fine dining and cuisine. It's a blue collar country with people just trying to get food on the table. They don't concern themselves with the best way to prepare fois gras. As far as SL is concerned, the food is standard bar fare mostly. I don't think Bill and the management are trying to please everyone, just most people. SL clients are guys who eat basically a bunch of junk(guy) food. Chicas don't really eat unless gringo's pay for them. They're not there to enjoy the food but to get paid. SL gives 'em what they want too.

As far as the price of food. That to me seemed to be pretty standard everywhere in SJO. You wanna save on food? Go to the Auto Mercado(?) or Mas X Menos and get yourself a loaf of bread and some lunch meat. Buy some soda, gatorade and/or water and some chips and maybe a couple of hostess pies. If your room has a fridge stock it with your own food and drink. You'll save $$ and not have to be concerned with overpaying at the SL or anywhere else


I'm not sticking up for SL, believe me. It may seem like that but everyone is different and has different ideas on what makes for a great vacation. I'm sorry you had a rough time, hopefully the ladies made up for it :mrgreen: . There's a reason why they say, Pura Vida. The next time you're down and you stay at HLH just know that there is going to be some problem not to your liking there too. No place is perfect. I choose to be happy and just let SJO come to me. Take care.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:53 pm 
Masters Degree in Mongering!

Joined: Sun Dec 28, 2003 2:12 pm
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Jett wrote:

2. The food. Overpriced and disappointing every time I ate here.
-Then why did you continue to eat there? Not trying to be an ass, just say'in. The food is a matter of opinion. I thought it was rather pedestrian myself. I didn't think it was bad though. Did you try the chicken burrito? :D Good stuff, there. In any case, you could have eaten at HLH or several other joints in the gulch with nary a concern. Look, the food in CR is not all that exciting in general. I don't know what you expected but this country is not known for it's fine dining and cuisine. It's a blue collar country with people just trying to get food on the table. They don't concern themselves with the best way to prepare fois gras. As far as SL is concerned, the food is standard bar fare mostly. I don't think Bill and the management are trying to please everyone, just most people. SL clients are guys who eat basically a bunch of junk(guy) food. Chicas don't really eat unless gringo's pay for them. They're not there to enjoy the food but to get paid. SL gives 'em what they want too.

As far as the price of food. That to me seemed to be pretty standard everywhere in SJO. You wanna save on food? Go to the Auto Mercado(?) or Mas X Menos and get yourself a loaf of bread and some lunch meat. Buy some soda, gatorade and/or water and some chips and maybe a couple of hostess pies. If your room has a fridge stock it with your own food and drink. You'll save $$ and not have to be concerned with overpaying at the SL or anywhere else


I'm not sticking up for SL, believe me. It may seem like that but everyone is different and has different ideas on what makes for a great vacation. I'm sorry you had a rough time, hopefully the ladies made up for it :mrgreen: . There's a reason why they say, Pura Vida. The next time you're down and you stay at HLH just know that there is going to be some problem not to your liking there too. No place is perfect. I choose to be happy and just let SJO come to me. Take care.



+1

I have to defend the rooms and food at SL. The food's not great, but it's a sports-bar/whorehouse...what's really expected. That said it's some of the better food I've had in a country full of mediocre spiceless food. The rooms in the back are excellent (more expensive for a reason). And when I check out, my combined room/bar bill is always much smaller than expected.

That said, I'm not an SL apologist either. I've stayed there the last three trips I've made and have few complaints but have an itch to try out HLH. I'm going in with an open mind but expect to find the following:

The rooms will be as nice as or nicer than the SL rooms I've stayed in.
It'll be easier and more satisfying pulling chicas from HLH than SL (not to mention cheaper).
The food will not be as good as SL.
Except happy hour the drinks will be more expensive.

Go and have fun. Try something new and you might be surprised. I have to echo, why would you continue to eat at a place that isn't up to your standard?


Last edited by Bigdan1173 on Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:18 pm 
PHD From Del Rey University!
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Posts: 1131
Location: Costa Rica
Oblique1 wrote:
I realize this place is beloved by most, but here's an honest assessment from my recent stay at the legendary Sportsmens Lodge. Flamers, drop a Viagra and light up, here goes...


Strengths:

1.   Great selection of girls. But really not much different than anywhere else
2.  Beautiful and competent bartenders
3.  Abundance of fellow mongers with which to connect


Weaknesses:

1.   The rooms. Or at least the cheap rooms. This doesn't exactly qualify as news or a surprise, but DO NOT underestimate the noise if you stay in the courtyard.   You can almost reach out from the doorway of these rooms to collect your drink at the bar now that they've remodeled what once was the lounge.   Some might see this as a plus but there is a sense your bedroom is almost public in these rooms  

2.   The rooms.  The shower drain in my room backed up and with it came a nice clump of shaved hair.  Seems the reinvestment on this property is nil.

2.  The food.  Overpriced and disappointing every time I ate here.

This place is a step up from the Del Rey for newbie manger experience but I'm going to give the Hotel Little Havana or Freebird a try next time.


Not even a Member??? Sorry We always try to have 100% happiness..... How about buying a CRT VIP card so we know who you are...if you are?

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:40 pm 
PHD From Del Rey University!
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Location: Costa Rica
Gentlemen,

This is the results of our last three months of survey`s of our customers as they were checking out of Sportsmens Lodge. Anyone can review these surveys by request of our management at our reception desk. We strive for ALL "5`s" We will keep taking customer surveys as they REALLY let us know how we can improve our Hotel.



Please grade on the following level of satisfaction 1 – 5

1. Very Bad 2. Bad 3.Normal
4. Good 5. Excellent

1. Friendliness of the Front desk staff
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.96 5___

2. Reservation, check in and checkout process
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.85 5___

3. Attentiveness of the bartenders
1___ 2___ 3___ 4. 60 5___

4. Value and quality of the drinks
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.59 5___

5. Quickness of the bartenders
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.42 5___

6. Tv´s, Music, ambience and activities in the bar
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.74 5___


7. Cleanliness of the room
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.51 5___


8. Cleanliness of the public areas
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.62 5___

9. Food quality and value
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.50 5___

10. Maintenance of the rooms.
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.42 5___

11. Maintenance staff were available and quick
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.70 5___

12. Security staff courteous and attentive
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.65 5___

13. Quality and cleanliness of the Sportsmens Lodge minivan
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.17 5___

14. Overall grade of your stay at Sportsmens Lodge
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.70 5___


15. Comments____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks,

Bill

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No "Sex tourism or travel" promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided any compensation for this hopefully entertaining contribution. Any posts regarding any event or hotel item are just my humble opinions only.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:21 pm 
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My two cents:

1. The rooms are ok, the premium rooms are overpriced to some extent but not a total deal breaker for me;

2. The food is average to mediocre period! The food at Petsmart, which I purchase for my cats, is a step above half the crap they serve at the SL. The food service is also slow. The free breakfast is also mediocre when compared to other places I have stayed in the past, this would include the Presidente, Clarion and La Amistad; (No offense Bill but you can't be serious about striving for a "5" when it comes to your food. Pet food is not a "5")

3. The bartenders are nice and fairly efficient and dont rip you off like the ones at the Del Rey;

4. A pretty good place to hang out and watch sports ect.. with friends;

5. A good location only a short ride to Del Rey at night, not a bad walk to HLH or Del Rey in the daytime;

6. The place is clean and in my opinion well maintained;

7. The girls are ok but clearly two steps below the quality in terms of looks than the Del Rey and certainly no better than what you would find at the HLH,

8. Bill is a big plus he is a nice guy and a great host;

Overall an ok venue not my first choice but would stay there again.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:30 pm 
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15. Comments: Had the Mets first no hitter in team's 51 year history, 8020 games, already on the TV as I was introducing myself to Bill. Yeah 5!


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 9:55 pm 
PHD From Del Rey University!
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Location: Costa Rica
Loco Mike wrote:
My two cents:

1. The rooms are ok, the premium rooms are overpriced to some extent but not a total deal breaker for me;

2. The food is average to mediocre period! The food at Petsmart, which I purchase for my cats, is a step above half the crap they serve at the SL. The food service is also slow. The free breakfast is also mediocre when compared to other places I have stayed in the past, this would include the Presidente, Clarion and La Amistad; (No offense Bill but you can't be serious about striving for a "5" when it comes to your food. Pet food is not a "5")

3. The bartenders are nice and fairly efficient and dont rip you off like the ones at the Del Rey;

4. A pretty good place to hang out and watch sports ect.. with friends;

5. A good location only a short ride to Del Rey at night, not a bad walk to HLH or Del Rey in the daytime;

6. The place is clean and in my opinion well maintained;

7. The girls are ok but clearly two steps below the quality in terms of looks than the Del Rey and certainly no better than what you would find at the HLH,

8. Bill is a big plus he is a nice guy and a great host;

Overall an ok venue not my first choice but would stay there again.



Survey results......

9. Food quality and value
1___ 2___ 3___ 4.50 5___

Love you too Mike....

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:29 pm 
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I would say I feel the food there is great. I have always felt I got good value for my money. The chicken burrito is one of my favorite things to eat in San Jose. Always had a good time there, but can't comment on anything else being I have never stayed there.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:39 pm 
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I found pubic hairs in my bed, cigarette butts in the kitchen, empty bottles everywhere, skunk smell that pervaded everything, used condoms in the trash, power tools, safe had been pillaged, goat was MIA, dishes left in the living room, a blender, some chica asleep in my bed, guy passed out on the couch, stiletto heels 3 pair, viagra tabs, no upper decker though, all in all a well maintained facility, just don't give the keys to your Amigos to party in your room.
I would maybe stay there again. :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:
Regards, 911 Driver

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:55 pm 
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there is really fairly little in the way of outstanding cuisine to be found in san jose but calling sl food cat food is over the top imo. its basic bar food for the most part. it might not be five star but i can't remember ever leaving a plate anything but empty.
for me i have just eaten it so many times i look for something different now but the quality has never been an issue. the kitchen is clean and i have never heard of anyone getting sick from it. how bad can you screw up a chicken enchilada or ceaser salad?

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 10:55 pm 
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wait until El Ciego shows up and his deplorable presence casts a pall over this venerable lodge!

Floaters, Fat Girls....nothing is too low for the dude.




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