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Hello fellow board members. My first visit was in January 2016. I did one night at HDR, an 8-day adventure trip on the Caribbean side, and then three nights back at SJ, stayed at the SL. I did squeeze in a quick day trip to the Cocal during that visit. All in all, a good exposure and experience.

I'm in between gfs at the moment, so I'm considering my 2nd visit to CR during Thanksgiving week; Wednesday - Sunday. I'm weighing a return to SL or perhaps staying in Jaco.

If I stick with SJ and the SL, I know what to expect. I understand that they also have Thanksgiving dinner. For a quick 5-day, 4-night stay, certainly an affordable and solid option. My issue is that I may get bored during the day; I could obviously book one or two day trips.

If I opt for Jaco, I'm considering the Cocal or Copacabana. With this option, while I would spend more on transportation to/from Jaco, the beach is right there, as well as a pool at both hotels. However, it sounds like the ladies demand higher donations in Jaco vs SJ. When researching the Cocal vs Copacabana, I'm sort of leaning toward the Copacabana, but the idea and convenience of "one stop shopping" at Cocal is appealing.

I'd be flying solo.

Any thoughts or comments on one option over the other?

With just a four night stay I seriously doubt you would get bored in San Jose as there are many venues that you can enjoy. In Jaco, you really are more limited as far as options.

Reasons I would opt for San Jose vs. Jaco for a short trip.

(1) Many places to hang out and find company. Seriously, in four nights you wouldn't have to repeat a single venue if you didn't want to.

(2) Places to go in the daytime. All of the massage joints, the Sportsmens and the Del Rey are all active in the daytime. In Jaco you will be hard pressed to find daytime action unless you arrange for it beforehand.

(3) Hotels are less expensive in SJ.

(4) The Thanksgiving feast at the SL if you are a traditionalist.

(5) Less time and cost for travel.

(6) Less expensive cost for company.

(7) Very comfortable weather. Jaco is always hot as hell.

Reasons for Jaco.

(1) The Cocal. After 8pm it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Tons of cuties on display.

(2) The restaurants. Lot's of very good places to eat though most are quite pricey.

(3) Access to a pool and beach (albeit probably the worst beach in CR).

Either way, you'll have a great time. Enjoy

You can book some nice day trips out of Sportsmens. Personally, I like it higher up on the volcanoes or the Orosi Valley.

Personally I'd suggest the Castillo and the all-inclusive there. EDITED - the all inclusive adds $10 to the price of any room and includes all meals (order off the menu, plus desert and coffee) and local beer / well drinks, as well as 50% off call liquor), plus daily laundry - this is significant if you eat and drink there..

EDITED.

ETA: The SL will, of course, hold a Thanksgiving dinner and it's a great place.

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In exile in pu*sy prison

I am thinking of coming back around then

First day I would stay at the new Castillo or Amistad, lots of fellow CRT guys at both bars, you are a short walk to sportsmans, new fantacy, little Havana, zona, HDR. Theo's for dive bar atmosphere A good strip club in Alcasar

Few more blocks south relax, Idem had nice girls after 5:00pm hit HDR on the way back.

Next morning uber or short taxi ride to the nice mall/bus terminals 7-10 cheap $5 ride to jaco
Stay at basic hotel mango Marr right next to cocal or splurge at Americanised Crocs

I would return Sunday stay again at Castillo, HDR has been good Sunday for me or you could taxi $100 straight to the airport from Jaco.

Life is short, do it.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I'll keep you posted on my travel plans.

don't wait too long to decide, the hotels will fill up quickly for the places your have listed or been recommended. there will be plenty of gringos in town. if you stay in san jose, they have a black friday similar to the u.s., many chicas will be out shopping and a good way to check out the non pros, however traffic from the mall was crazy, plenty in downtown area stores if you don't want to venture out.
if you stay in jaco a day trip down to manuel antonio is easy, much nicer beach.

I think I am focusing in on Jaco and I've already booked by ticket on Southwest for Nov 22 - 26 (I know, worst travel days, but at least I am A-list Preferred with SW ).

I do realize that the girls will cost more, but I also like the idea of just chilling by the beach for the a few days. It fits my personality. Now, do I do Cocal or Copacabana? Rooms are similarly priced. I also realize the Copacabana caters more towards the swingers crowd. I've search the various posts and opinions on this board. Anyone have any recent experiences or new opinions to offer on one over the other?

Try the Mango Mar hotel. Right next to Cocal. I stayed there and enjoyed it.

anyone have a link for Castillo, trying to find it but seeing ones out of SJ. What all is included in the all inclusive package?

Castillo belongs to La Amstad Hotel.
On the CRT home page is the Hotel Castillo article, click on the read more and call or email Hotel La Amstad.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

thanks for the info, checking it out now

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No advice, tourist or travel promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided compensation (monetary or otherwise) for this potentially entertaining contribution