www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Good day to you all. I used the search and read all the reviews for Kaya's Hotel in Puerto Viejo. Seems like you all had some "fun" discussing the topic a while ago.

I'm looking for reviews from anyone that can provide a first hand experience about a more recent stay at Kaya's. I'd like to use the VIP discount but only if my stay there will be worth it.

I'm also thinking about staying at another place in PV called Los Almendros Cabinas. So I'd appreciate any information on Los Almendros Cabinas if anyone has some.

This will be my first trip to CR but I am a seasoned traveler of the caribbean islands. I'm staying in CR for a month. 2 weeks in SJ over christmas, then 1 week in PV over new years then 1 week in Quepos the week after new years. I'm going on business but would like to relax and have as much fun as I can during my off hours.

Looking forward to reading the wisdom of all you experienced CRT members.

Peace,
Explorador Negro

Can't help you with Kaya's although you were right about the pissing contest that went on between proponents and detractors of Kaya's.

Los Almendros Cabinas, as I recall is in town and is very similar to a typical motel. The place has A/C, hot water, cable TV and a laundry service. All in all a pretty decent place for about 50 per night.

Explorer,

I've stayed at Kayas Place 5 times since April 2005...my last stay was just this past September. The hotel is owned and operated by a young American couple, JT & Sarah. During the weekend I was there in September, it was JT's 33rd birthday...it was a non-stop party.

The accommodations at Kayas Place are rustic, yet comfortable. Most rooms will run about $30 - $50 per night during the high season. I highly recommend Kayas' Place...it has become my home away from home when I am in PV.

PV is an excellent location to spend a relaxing week. There is a lively night-life that centers around four beachfront bars: Johnny's Place, Bar Maritza, Sunset Bar and Stanford's. In addition to Playa Negra (about 30 meters away from Kayas' Place), there are 14 kilometers of gorgeous beaches between PV and Manzanillo. If you like to fish, you may want to hire a boat for the day in Manzanillo...it will run you about $100 - $200.

Opportunities for P4P are almost non-existent, though. You may luck out and meet a chica or European/North American girls who is looking to have some fun. On my last trip, I met a nica who spent two days with me. With meals, drinks and bus fare home, she ended up costing me about 20K Colones.

Since you have already done a search on Puerto Viejo, you probably have read most of what has been written. Enjoy yourself...I'm sure PV will be a fun New Year's experience.

_________________
Blue Devil

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

Muchisimas gracias to both of you gents for your timely reply and info.

I'm going to combine both of your suggestions and skip Almendros to stay at Kayas for New Years. I'm emailing JT right now. Hopefully, I'll have a great time but either way I'll let you know about it.

Peace.

Great - enjoy your stay - just remember to set that wristwatch alarm clock for your wake-up call...

Oh - and one more thing (very important!!) - under no circumstances should you attempt to be friendly to any gringa college student eco-tourists who might be staying there...

_________________
Check out http://weluvlatinas.com/ for the web's best info on the latin american monger lifestyle...

Aye dios mio.

Are you serious GR. Please tell me that was a joke. Use a smily face or something when you type that.

I hope that was a joke because from what I get from searching previous posts the p4p scene in PV is non-existent.

SO drunk eco-tourist college girls will be my only means of cashing in.

Do you know something I need to know GR?

First of all, yes - though there is plenty of party action in PV, PFP for all intents and purposes IS non-existent. So definitely a place where you WANT to bring your sand to the beach.

Regarding the eco-tourist college girls - unfortunately you missed the (now deleted) best part of the little "fun" we had discussing this topic on the board a while ago, but suffice to say, I wouldn't jump into that little snakepit again if it was the last option on earth. Gringas will be gringas - even in paradise.

_________________
Check out http://weluvlatinas.com/ for the web's best info on the latin american monger lifestyle...