www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am new to this board, but have been a Clubhombre member for years. I have made many trips to CR and have always stayed at Preidente in the past. I'm going to CR for March 3 to March 6 on the spur of the moment. Finished a business deal early. I couldn't get a room at Presidente and tried Sportsman Lodge who was also full. On the advice of the board I called Amon and asked for Nick at the casino. Nick told me that the Hotel was full and he couldn't help me. I than went to Clarion's web site and they booked me for an internet rate of $80.00 per night for a deluxe room with a King sized bed. Adminstrator beware I think Nick maybe trying to take advantage in one way of another. The $75.00 rate through him is not much of a bargain. BTW any mongers in CR from March 3 to March 6 I'd be happy to buy a beer.

I had the same experance, BUT the next day got an email from the hotel saying sorry the web site booking was in error - no rooms. I hope your room works out, but mine did not. I have stayed at the Amon many times and regret not being able to stay there this weekend.

By the way, Nixon and the casino folks do not own the hotel so I think they are somewhat at the mercy of the hotel with rooms.

And besides, for a difference of $5 or $10 who gives a crap. It's an EXCELLENT hotel with great rooms..great location..free internet access in your room....no problem bringing girls to your room and close to everything so whether it's $80 or $70 or $65 what's the big deal.

FOr the Record Nixon and the Owners of the Casino work very hard in aquiring qualtiy rooms for all our members. They do not scam you in any way and all of the expieiriences of our members see dozens of post have been positive.

I can not comment on the Internet rate only to tell you to make sure you have a room.

I MIGHT ALSO NOTE OUR PRICES INCLUDE ALL TAXES SO whatever rate you get from anywhere else ADD 16.39% and tell me how you make out..

Another side note even so with TMANS response, there have been no issues of our patrons not having a Room, so dont panic..

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Thank you for supporting CRT!

Another heads up...I talked with Nixon and other casino partners yesterday. The hotel seems to be playing games with the casino on room rates and canceling "discounted room" reservations for full rate late reservations. I have a feeling our casino rate there is endangered in the long term...and I wouldnt trust the hotel directly either. Word has it they are in tough financial straights...and will do anything possible to make the MOST during high season.

I know this hotel has been a great option to our board, but...just a word of caution. As with most of this country, always have a backup plan or reconfirm your reservation a day or 2 before arriving.

I have also now recieved confirmed reservations for this weekend via Orbitz, even though the casino rooms are sold out. We will see what happens on arrival.....but regardless, Nixon and his partners are great guys!

They have gone far out of there way to be helpful!

So for me, there is no differance in $10 or $20 to stay at a great place where I like the people. The Pres is great too. LOL it was also full!

I do not think anyone will regret staying either place, but drop Nixon a line...I am sure he will do what he can for you.

C-R-S

We arrived at the Amon Plaza last friday evening only to find that our 2 booked and reconfimed rooms "had been given to a group that decided to stay for an extra night". Ended up staying at the Holiday Inn. Nixon did appologise and when we returned from jaco this past tuesday did buy us dinner at the hotel restaurant.

I realize that every hotel has its own policies. I have stayed in hotels in many countries and never found one that allowed gusts to stay an additional night if it meant displacing a previously booked guest. Guess the Amon Plaza is different.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Maybe some of you guys who spend a lot of time in San Jose can comment on this. Maybe I'm just more aware by reading this board, but is this a much busier year in SJ than in the past? I don't remember hotels being so hard to book all the time.

The tourist situation in San Jose is reflective of Costa Rica in general. The tourism industry is booming this year. Combination of factors, CR is getting much more well know, the effects of 911 subside more each year, Liberia is getting more flight, more airlines are flying into SJO & there have been no new hotels in San Jose for a few years.

While I am sure there are more mongers than ever they still are a small part of the overall market.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I got to San Jose late on the 3rd due to Taca overbooking and kicking me off the flight with 25 other passengers. This sucked as I had to wait in the airport for 5 hours and take Continental for $200.00 more. Taca tried to balme us and forfeit our tickets. I fought with them and got a refund on the ticket at least. Amon Plaza went great and the casino apologized saying the hotel has been screwing them over lately.

Pura Vida

It might not do you any good now but Rule 240 covers things like oversold flights and delays. With a little diligence and perseverance you might get more than just a refund.

Each airline as their own version of Rule 240 and I couldn't find anything specific to TACA but here's a couple links to get you started.

Every CRT member should be aware of these.

http://www.mytravelrights.com/travellaw.cfm?ai=3
http://airtravel.about.com/cs/delays/a/rule240.htm