www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I spent 6 nights at the Taormina on Memorial Day weekend at a cost of $990 w/taxes and $120 in chicas fees. On Labor Day I spent 6 nights at the Barcelo hotel in a much nicer room at a cost of $518/taxes with no chica fees even though I had to sign them in. I spent $140 on Uber fees. I set up most of "dates" on tinder and went to Taormina on 2 nights and had 2 chicas taken from there. My flight was delayed and the taxi drive to the Barcelo that we got caught in a terrible traffic jam. So by the time I checked into the room and went downstairs to the empty bar and had a drink with no one there I was having second thoughts but the next days turned everything around.

The Barcelo has a nice pool and rancho grill with good food. The breakfast buffet is really good. Great place to stay if you have a favorita.

When I stayed at Barcelo (last July) I just asked my dates to dress down and just walk straight to the elevator with me. I also told them not to make eye contact with the desk clerks (usually only one later in the evening that were busy talking to another guest) I never checked in a single one. When we made a hard left a the hotel entrance heading straight to the elevator.. I don't think that they even noticed us. I liked it there. Killer large pool and awesome breakfast buffet were an added bonus. Even 2 CR major bank ATM's in the lobby. What's not to like? No small fridge in the rooms.. but ice machines on every floor.

I did not realize that Barcelo was chica friendly.

I have only brought one in as I had reservations for two. Not sure if they are a stickler on that. Or if i can bring more in during my stay. If they are guest friendly and allow you to bring multiples that is great.

What I did last trip was do the short stay at Taormina, $50, then later brought one back to Barcelo as I wasnt sure they would allow them in.

At Taormina, I book each day separate as they were going to charge me for bringing more than one, but told them this was a separate reservation so they didnt charge me.

What is bad at the Taormina, everything. What is great at the Barcelo, everything.

The main question is if it is Chica friendly?? Basically, does the Hotel Staff care at all? I stay at the Hotel Jaco in Jaco and there is no problem there. This is an important question for whether we should switch from the Barrio Amon Hotels. I understand the Barcelo is about 4 miles from Barrion Amon. Is this correct?

I can only answer for my experience in the past. Barcelo is a high class hotel but I have never had a problem. In my opinion discretion is key. If you are 60 plus and bring in an 18 year old who is wearing a wide belt as a skirt you may have trouble. When I brought someone in we would usually go to the bar or the restaurant first and then later head for the room as if we owned the place. Never had a problem and that is with multiple visits. Always remember discretion is the key.