www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I've done four CR trips so far (July '05, Dec. '05, early May '06, July 20-23 '06) and have stayed at the Del Rey each time, and will continue to do so. Sure, the Prez is a nicer hotel and the SL seems like a paradie to many here, but the DR is nice enough for me. I love being centrally located, the room service, and especially not having to walk or take a taxi to my room at night. Oh yeah, and no dress code to worry about. The noise has never been bothersome to me, even for the one trip when I was on the 2nd floor above the casino. And it's always nice to say "Del Rey" when tour guides ask where you are staying; once one even replied "pura vida!".

Yeah, it gets some negative pub on this board, but hey, I like the place!

But you have to admit, my Jr Suite at the Prez was about twice the size of yours, at about the same price. Your in-room refrigerator was nice.

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"Ah, if only I had brought a cigar with me! This would have established my identity." - Charles Dickens

True, the Prez Jr. Suite sure was real spiffy, but that doesn't really matter to me. I'm the kind who's happy with Super 8s. Besides, I wouldn't have been able to take up both Carol and Yani at the prez.

Oh, that fridge is the minibar. I've never once asked for the key.

I would have. That's the difference between us.

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"Ah, if only I had brought a cigar with me! This would have established my identity." - Charles Dickens

HikerTom:


I am with you on this one. I've been traveling to Costa Rica for nine years and in that time I have only stated at three other hotels and each of those times I regretted not being at the Del Rey.

Lee

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PS: DO NOT SEND MONEY!

I actually like the HDR myself. But, I DO like to sleep when it is necessary. The noise level, if not from the casino then from the car alarms is just too freakin' much. All night long you hear the car alarms in the parking lot in front of the Del Mar Restaurant. Either you get really hammered and pass out or buy some industrial strength ear plugs.

I mean, how can you beat the fact that you can walk downstairs anytime day or night and find action? Room service 24 hours a day. The Colonial is next door. Responsive staff and the ultimate in security.

dapanz1

I actually sleep pretty well at the DR. During my recent trip July 20-23, I spent several hours with my favorita and her sister one day, then afterward went looking for Cyrano who was due to be there, but not finding him I went to my room around 7:30 to take a short nap but wound up sleeping til 1:30 am, when I woke up and decided to go to bed for real. I had a king deluxe 2nd floor street-side room. I haven't done any late-hours action yet, but it is nice knowing that it's readily available.

Ah yes, the security is awesome, makes it feel like you're in an armored bubble. Except for maybe going to the KL, I'm inside the DR for the night, and don't worry about what's happening outside.

Room service breakfast was real handy during the recent trip since I was able to eat and watch the weekend rounds of the British Open in my room.

Tom

I book a room in the DR before I book my flight. No room no go.
One trip walked in the door to check in. 4 days later walk out and catch a cab to the airport. At that time the KL was dead and the restaurant was in the hotel.

I have no complaints about HDR.If noise bothers you-ask for a room not by the street and turn the a/c on.HDR staff is always there to help out their guests too.Believe-I know.Had a few too many at the Monkey Bar a few times.PLUS-THE CONVENIENCE!!!!!

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We're gonna come around 12 with some Costa Rican girls- just dying- to meet you

Love the Del Rey! Never had a problem sleeping because I don't go to bed until I'm so tired I can't stay awake. Cant ever remember just laying in the bed trying to fall asleep like I do in many places in the states. This is the way a vacation should be. I usually sleep 4 to 5 hours a night no matter where I stay in SJ.

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"With foxes, we must play the fox." ~ Thomas Fuller

Earplugs:

They're called earplugs ( they turn loud noises into a distant rumble ) and will turn a second-story sleep forbidding room in-to your personal comfort zone only two flights of stairs away from heaven. I suggest you purchased some.

Lee

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PS: DO NOT SEND MONEY!

Lee-We are not complaining about it.We are saying we LOVE the DR!

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We're gonna come around 12 with some Costa Rican girls- just dying- to meet you

Yeah, I'm not complaining about either, since it doesn't bother me. Not even during the May trip when I was in a 2nd floor regular king room seemingly right above the casino (I think they all are, actually ). Never thought to ask for another floor, and it really wasn't that bad. After a few minutes the noise, muted to begin with, drifts to the background and acts kind of like white noise.