www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm making my first trip to CR this spring with my dad. I monger, he doesn't. He is in his late 60's and loves to do the Eco stuff which is why he's going, not to mention he's picking up about 80% of the cost of the trip. So, the million dollor question to you all is this. Which hotel HDR, SL or Castillo would you pick?

I like the fact that the HDR has the girls right there and from the reports posted, the quantity/quality is second to none. I don't like having to pay for a room with a tica if I'm staying in a hotel near by. Not to happy about the beds and noise reported here. But I can live with it, might be a harder sell for dad.

According to the reports, the SL appears to slow down at midnight, great for dad's sleeping, bad for me! I like the no tica fee and being able to bring any girl(s) to my room. The SL appears to have the best rooms of the three places to stay. Have read great reports about the SL as well.

The Castillo would be similar to SL, but not as nice to stay.

Any comments and adive would be welcome to this CR newbie. I have been to TJ Mexico several times and I'm looking forward to CR.

Sportsmans for your Dad. He may not be into the nightlife as much as you so he would be comfortable and many gringos for him to talk to if you need to run out to the HDR for a snack. If you want quieter than that then the Clarion.

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Krazyken,

If you were going by yourself on your first trip, then I would tell you that Del Rey is, hands-down, the ONLY choice for a virgin trip. Being that your father neither mongers and requires requires more of a quieter environment to get a goodnight's sleep, then the Del Rey is definitely not a choice for you... don't even think about it.

I think in order to get good quality rooming, you should stick to Sportsmans (ask for rooms in the new wing), or the Clarion, or the Presidente. Here's the advantage of each:

Sportsmans: This is my personal favorite, so I'm a little biased... This place has an awesome laid back "Cheers" atmosphere where both you and your father will feel right at home. It's a much more toned-down verson of Del Rey, so you'll get the working girls coming in and out at all hours of the day for your entertainment, but the party ends at 12am and everyone gets some peace and quiet for the night. Great food, great ambiance, great staff... again, this is my top choice.

Clarion: This place is equivalent to any standard clarion or basic Hilton or Marriot in the states. Great Americanized rooms, room service, etc. The advantages to this place is that if you like to gamble, it has its own casino (my favorite one in San Jose) and restaurant. There's no traffic of working girls in and out of the hotel, but there are no chica-fees if you bring one from somewhere else. It's only a block from ZB, which is one of CRT's favorite watering holes (among other holes... ahem). Great place.

Presidente: This is a favorite among CRT'ers, and when considering your father, this is a big hotspot hotel for eco-tourists, so he'll find alot of people staying here with similar interests. For YOUR interests, you'll have the Del Rey only two blocks away. The Prez has its own casino as well, if that's your cup of tea. If you are particularly adventurous in your mongering, then you won't like the fact that the Prez only allows one visitor per guest, which is quite a bummer. Great food here at the News Cafe... easiest the prettiest of the three mentioned, but personally not my cup of tea. Between the eco tourists, the restrictions on chica limits up to the room, and the occasional hassle you will get by staff for the chica you have with you being dressed inappropriately (said to be pretty subjective by many, but I wouldn't know... never had an issue myself), I personally don't ever stay there anymore

Bottom line, my humble recommendation would depend on who you are aiming to please...

If you want your dad to have the best time, I think the Prez would be the best choice. The place is chock-full of eco's for your dad to interact with and ground-zero is only two blocks away for you (don't walk to and from after dark!). It really is a very pretty hotel and your dad will feel right at home with all the people you all will meet.

If you want to make sure YOU have the best time, then I would stay at the Sportsmans. Things are so mellow there, your dad may not even pick up on the fact that there are prostitutes looking for their next "cien" all over the place unless you tell him... it really is that cool of a place. This is a great place to just have a relaxed-good time, and the staff WILL help in arranging all of your dad's eco-tour adventures.

Have fun, buddy, there's nothing quite like the first time!!

Ruffnutz

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Took my K*ds to CR this past spring. We stayed at the Coribici Tryp, a little expensive great buffete breakfast, great gym. Excellent service quiet at night, best of all $2.00 cab ride down town.
Just a though if you you don't want father walking around zona roja.

Flacoduro

I like the Prez for the Eco-tour idea, and the HDR is two blocks away. I'd get a Jr. Suite with a Southern Veiw and Jacuzz. They have a great little bar and happy hours is always hopping @ the rail. As for the SL, its really has a laided back atmosphere. There is always a nice selection of Tica's right there that are very accommodating. It's also a nice place to just chill out and relax. If you do stay @ the SL make sure you book early and get a room in the new section.



Ig...

Ruffnutz and all,

Thanks for the information and your thoughts. I was leaning towards the SL and after reading the posts, that is where I'll book rooms. I do like the fact it is laid back and hastle free, and close to the action! I'm assuming we can book some of the half day and full day eco-trips, like the other hotels, while staying at the SL.

Dad asked me to look into fishing off the pacific coast. I've read about as many posts concerning Jaco and Quepos. Anyone have any thoughts about fishing there and a particular charter they like? Sounds like Quepos is dead for Ticas but great for fishing and Jaco is good for both.

Thanks again for your points of view!

Krazyken
Soon to be a VIP member!

Krazyken:

One suggestion - One comment:

The suggestion: if someone else is paying get rooms at someplace like Sleep Inn for comfort and a party room at the Hotel Del Rey.

The comment: I would be careful in writing off that sixtysomething. He may run across a 20-year-old who can rewind his clock and get him ticking better than any of you young guys. You don't know he may have a stash of the magic V.

Lee

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The Clarion is now where near a Hilton or Marriott in the states.
It is old and musty.

Clarion should be your last resort

I would get rooms at the sleep inn and get myself a room nearby to play in.

Ohio Bob has a great idea, if you sprang for the VIP card, you could get a room at the Castillo for a very good price. They hold the key for you at the front desk, all you have to do is pick up your key when you get there, party and then get cleaned up, drop off the key when you're done. And no chica fees. Darren and the staff there are top notch.

BND

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