www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Doing some research for my first trip to CR in January and working on deciding what hotel to use. Everything that I have read about Sportsmen's sounds great, except that they do not have a swimming pool. Can someone either point me towards a reasonable hotel - well located, well appointed, well priced - or clue me in as to what you guys do during your 'down' time in T*******? Certainly you are not moving from one tica to the nexdt 7x24 - or are you? Thanks,

Don't know of swimming pool but heard Amon Plaza has very nice jacuzzi and a chica friendly policy.

FGB,
There are many things to do during the "down" times, becuause like you said, most of us can't go from chica to chica all day long. Some of the favorite non-chica activities include the various day tours available (your hotel front desk should have tons of brochures), the ATV riding in the mountains (very cool-now CRT sponsor), but the Canopy tour (zip lines) is my fave.

I hope that I can take a day tour during SB weekend since I haven't yet, but with so many things planned already, chances are that the only tour I'll be taking is the Sexy Bitches Tour #3 (TM).

I used it and it was great. I even got some great pictures.

_________________
Hanging in Laurelas with the Paisas

Ohhhhh ......I got plans fer you, big boy!!!!!! BTW....ya ever see the movie "Deliverance" ?!?!?!?!?

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Hey FunGuy,

A swimming pool was one of the things I looked for when I booked my first trip to SJ. When I asked the front desk at the DelRey where the hotel's swimming pool was, they thought I was insane. Although, I have never seen a hotel swimming pool anywhere in SJ. I am told that there are two hotels that have one. (Please don't ask me which ones). Some of the conventional wisdom I have heard or read indicates that the reason for the scarcity of hotel swimming pools in SJ is because:

1. The weather in and around SJ is "spring-like" year-round, there is no need for a swimming pool.
2. There is not enough buildable space in most hotels for a swimming pool.
3. Frequent earthquakes and subsequent damage make swimming pools an unpractical investment.

You will find that many of the hotels do have jacuzzis or hot tubs. Some are in the top-of-the-line suites while others are available in common spa areas (like at the Presidente and Amon Plaza). I enjoyed the Presidente's spa facilties (which includes a jacuzzi, steam room and sauna on the 6th floor) when I stayed there.

If you like aquatic action, I suggest you take one of these day tours:

Day cruise to Tortuga Island (abt $89)- Depart Puntarenas in the AM on the cruise vessel "Calypso" to Tortuga Island just off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Spend the day on the beach, snorkeling or exploring the island. Tour includes an outdoor feast.

Day trip to Manuel Antonio Park (I have not been on this one), but the itinerary includes ample time to enjoy one of the best beaches in CR.

Day trip to Arenal/Tabacon Hot Springs (abt $79)- A 13-hour tour that includes an afternoon to enjoy the natural, volcanic heated pools at the foot of Mount Arenal (I love this place). After spending 3-4 hours in the pools, the Lodge provides a wonderful feast in the early evening.

So, the bottom line is: do not let the presence of a hotel swimming pool dictate your decision where to stay...because there aren't many pools to be found in SJ. I still think SL is a good first choice!

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Blue Devil wrote:





The Holiday Inn has an indoor pool (chica fee applies). The Best Western has a pool(no chica fee but need to take a cab at night). There may be others and there are chica friendly apartotels in Sabana Norte and Sabana Sur which are short cab rides to the gulch.

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

Hotel Europa tiene una piscina.

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

If you want an Olympic sized swimming pool to hang at there is one at the Health Club adjacent to the Hotel Ty Corboci. Even though this pool is for lap swimming, people layout around it when the sun is out. There's a day charge of $ 6 to get in the place but they also have all kinds of workout equipment and a gigantic steam sauna and jacuzzi. Only drawback is they don't suppy towels there. I usually work out there either before or after visting one of the MP's that are within walking distance.

I am going to go with the flow and forget about a swimming pool on this trip. Not a serious swimmer, more of just a comfortable place to hang out, read a book - and maybe enjoy a bit of eye candy! oh well, i'll save the pool for the hard rock hotel in vegas!