www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I read in a previous thread that DeKalb45 was having problems with the online reservations at Presidente. I too am experiencing such problems. I sent 2 e-mails over the last 2 days with no response. I wanted to reserve the Jr Suite. No response. I would call, but I am here in Korea at the moment and was hoping to reserve on line. I don't even know how to call Costa Rica from Korea. Does anyone know what's going on?

The last month or so,they have taken a few day's to reply.......

Try this email: hotpres@yahoo.com

I think their normal channel is temporarily fukked-up.

Thanks all for the replies. They did contact me, after 3 e-mails and a post to this forum (CRT.com rocks! Power to the VIP!). Apparently, they were still experiencing computer problems.
Unfortunately, they didn't have the room I wanted during the time I wanted. They sounded courteous enough, and offered me other rooms (though not for the whole duration of my stay; just a couple of days of it). I understand they are a popular hotel, and it may be a busy time of the year.
But I must note: as a consumer, when I am begging them to take my business, and I go away unsatisfied, it leaves me feeling like an ass. I don't think I will be considering them in the future, nor could I recommend them.

I had to learn the hard way also. If you even have a thought of going to CR, make the reservation immediately! You can cancel if you can't go.
I have my next 3 trips reserved and will think about the 4th soon. Even 6 months out, I can't get the rooms I request.
I got stuck in a $40 room for New Years. Guess what? I liked it!

_________________
Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

I had no reply to my email last week and called with results.
Third floor in old section and it was very noisy all night.

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

Ace:
I know that the Prez is supposed to be "the only place to stay" (at least the newer rooms are), but is it really so great that you'd still take one of their old beat up rooms in a noisy section of the hotel (besides, what part of the Prez isn't noisy?) over a better quality room at a different hotel. If you can't reserve one of their newer rooms, at some point doesn't it start to make sense to look elsewhere?

Scuba:
If this place has gotten so popular that even 6 months out (which puts it sometime during their rainy season) you still can't get the room you want, doesn't it make as much sense to try an easier to reserve place rather than having to plan so far ahead.

Guys,
I know the Prez has a lot going for it, but maybe we've elevated it on our popularity list to the point it has lost some of its luster. In other words, its very popularity with board members and the resulting shortage of availability, has become its one major shortcoming. Is it really so good that we are willing to have to plan 6 months in advance or be willing to accept their worst rooms rather than consider other alternatives. Its also been suggested elsewhere that as their business has boomed the attentiveness of their service has declined. Aren't there other suitable hotels out there that provide decent quality rooms at a reasonable price and are guest friendly?

i think in scuba's case he is looking for the most popular room's and he like many of us,will probaly never get to stay in them due to limited availibility and they seem to be alway's booked,i get almost the same room each time,now don't forget that in the next few month's they will be renovating the old section,so it will be hard to get on short notice any room there.....

Prolijo,
Can't argue with you as I have stayed at nicer hotels. None of them gave me the feeling though, when the taxi pulls in from the airport...... welcome home.
I really like staying there.

_________________
Why Chicas Come to CostaRica:

"Predators gather where prey abounds"

Prolijo,

I agree that other hotel options exist.
One overlooked option is the Europa which allows multiple chica guests.
I do like the breakfast at the Prez and could walk over and buy it if I wish as I did when I made the mistake of staying in the Royal Dutch Casino Hotel.

_________________
PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

I think we have begun to over rate it in the last year or so. Great staff; reasonable price, perfect location. BUT, constant construction noise, and the old rooms are really are sub standard. There just isn't much in the way of good alternatives. I look forward to seeing what comes of the Colonial's hotel project. Does anyone know if construction has begun on that project yet?

Colonial construction is well underway and supposed to open by next November. Wouldnt count on that though. And just being a new hotel doesnt mean they know how to run or service one. I wouldnt be too hasty to run away from the Presidente in that direction. While a few guys have issues every once in a while in most any Tico establishment, including our VIP sponsors, there really isnt much greener grass on the other side...especially right in the gulch. Some guys are finding suitable replacement accommodations at the Clarion Amon Plaza and Sportsmens Lodge. For overall service and features for the price, I dont think you'll find better than the Presidente in the gulch...even with occasional flaws and challenges. Just my 2 colones worth...

Although I have nothing negative to say about the Prez, I think it has become vastly overrated. You can't hardly beat the Rail for breakfast, but after that....nada especial IMHO, even with the CRT discount. For five years running, I still find myself staying for the first three days of my trip at ground zero-DR-(three days is all my liver and other main organ can handle) and then out to the beach for 2/3 weeks, with the last 2/3 days back at the BM(to drain any other body fluids that I might have left). This works for me, altho I will probably be interested in cheaper places if the $$ ever run out. It seems the more I go down there, the more I expect minor annoyances, ie. reservation mix ups, noise issues, inconsistant service, whatever......yet the main thing that I remind myself of is that I am experiencing these problemos in PARAfukinDISE--it don't get no better