www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I know that sportsmans always has a "house" taxi there, but can you pre-arrange for an airport pickup from them as well? What do they charge for it?

It might be easier to arrange through them, but if not then I will call my regular taxista to pick me up.

Better off just making a private deal with one of the drivers hanging out in front of the SL...You will get a better (if you are a negotiator) price

Unless you have their cell phone numbers it would be difficult to arrange what he is looking for, Airport Pickup.

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

Here's a couple of the regular SL drivers, and their info:

Jimmy Diaz
(506) 263-0137
(506) 380-8132
email: jimmylara2@hotmail.com

Juan Carlos
(506) 358-3194
email: juancvega63@hotmail.com

They're both good guys. Either call them direct, or email them with your flight arrival info.

Good luck,
MG

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

$20

Are we truly squabbling over $4???

IF you want a deal, arrive, get out of the airport, and talk to any cabbie looking to give rides. I'm POSITIVE you can get one to take you for $16...

If you TRULY want to go on the cheap, you can always bus, or use the shuttle that has been posted numerous times. Bus is CHEAP, shuttle is still cheap. Neither is convenient...

I for one want to get out of the airport as fast as possible, so I want someone who has a car right there, not in the lot... usually get a cab for $16, and go straight... It's worth $10 for me not to screw around, and to get phuking sooner...

Thanks for the info.

As for taking the cabs from the airport,yes, that's easy to do, but the problem is that most of the taxi drivers have never even heard of Sportsmans (at least the last time I was there) never mind knowing where it is, and getting fresh off the place I don't want to have to guide the damn drivers nor do I want to have to put up with their trying to either get me to go to clubs or have to explain to them why I don't need a local guide for the next few days. It annoys the shit out of me.

I either want someone to take me straight where I'm going with no chit chat or I want someone I know.

Just tell the taxi driver:
Sportsmens Lodge
se encuentra a 200 metros oeste de la rampa del hospital Calderon Guardia y 25 sur, calle 13 entre Av.9 y Av.11 casa 949 en barrio Otyoa, San Jose

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

Damn MG, if you have to give them all that information, they should pay you...

All you SHOULD have to give them, AFTER you've negotiated $16, is:
calle 13 entre Av.9 y Av.11 casa 949 en barrio Otoya

The average San Jose cab driver would have no clue how to get to the SL using those directions. They operate using landmarks much more than street and avenue directions.

Adding this information:

se encuentra a 200 metros oeste de la rampa del hospital Calderon Guardia y 25 sur

will give them the landmark they need.

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

alright, now that we've got that settled how do we stop them from trying to sell you on goods or services on the way in?

Just as an aside, because this will be the first time I stay at Sportsmans, and I forgot to ask before, do the rooms in the new wing have a safe?

Just say "NO"!


Yes

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

Not sure anything really got settled after reading this in Inside Costa Rica.



Sounds like it may be hard to find a taxi driver to negotiate with and you either will have to have made previous arrangements with a driver or take an orange cab. Will have to see how this plays out as sometimes the crack down lasts only a few days and then it is business as usual..

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

Shadowman,

I have had problems with taxi drivers finding Sportmens even if I tell them "se encuentra a 200 metros oeste de la rampa del hospital Calderon Guardia y 25 sur, calle 13 entre Av.9 y Av.11 casa 949 en barrio Otyoa, San Jose." This is true whether I am catching a cab at the Airport or in the gulch. Last time, I printed out the map available on the Sportmens web page prior to the flight and gave it to the taxi driver at the airport: http://www.sportsmenscr.com/map.html

As you can see, it is detailed and should assist any taxi driver. Once you arrive at SL, grab a few business cards which have maps printed on the back. They will guide even the most inept taxista to the proper location. Plus, on your first visit, it is easy to become disoriented, and the map provides some context if you get lost.


Ciaociao