www.CostaRicaTicas.com

We stopped by for a tour the other day but Matt was out and they told us all rooms were booked so we'd have to come back another day. Biz must be good even during the remodel.

_________________

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

I stayed here this week. Construction work is being done between 9:00 and 6:00. Matt is doing an awesome job remodeling this hotel. It will have the look of a Miami art deco hotel. Staff is very friendly, breakfast is Tico typical and very good. This is a very good place to stay.

Who do I contact to get the CRT discount for female guest? I saw on here somewhere to not book my time throught the website?

Think you might have confused the Amistad and the Amon Plaza. Amon Plaza must be booked through the casino. I have booked a room through the Amistad website and gotten the discount.

The first question is a bit more puzzling. Are you attempting to book a room for a female non CRT member? If that is the case I do not think either hotel would give her the CRT discount.

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

Do I need a member number to book a room at the Amistad for the CRT discounts? I just joined and am picking up my card next week when I get there.

There are no member numbers on CRT cards. Just tell them you are a CRT member and show your card when you check in.

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

This hotel does not have a chica charge. They must only leave their ID when comming in with you. I really love this hotel.

Is the construction work / noise done? Anyone who stay there have any idea of what the non construction noise level is in this hotel from adjoining rooms / street etc?

Nope, not done at all. I was there from 9/27-9/30, the whole first floor has been gutted, the "office" has no walls, dust everywhere for much of the day, still some detail work going on the other two floors, the wired internet was gone, and plenty of noise, even on Saturday.

On the upside, the place should look great when all is done, but that won't be for quite a while.

Just wanted to add my experience of staying at Hotel La Amistad.
I was there 2 nights; 9/22 and 9/23 in room 304.
I received a 15% discount off the regular room rate (Not the 35% discount spoke of in the “Fall special”) and yes I showed my VIP card.
There was quite a bit of construction mess, no elevator and a loud
echo of footsteps while climbing the stairs.
The room itself was quite small and bare. However the bathroom with
a large shower stall big enough for two (or even four) was nice. The
noise from the hallway and the other rooms was quite noticeable.
And I want to add that the staff I had contact with that weekend were
very nice.
IMHO there are better places to stay in San Jose for the price or just a
little more money.

Has anyone else have trouble getting the CRT discounts? Joker97 and I are close to booking rooms for our trip but now we not so sure about La Amistad.

Joker,

No, I haven't had any trouble getting the discount at all, in fact with all the construction mess Matt has been very flexible with prices.

I'd also like to add my kudos to the staff at the Amistad. Super-friendly, very willing to be of help. They're dealing with a difficult and messy work environment, but all seemed to be in friendly good humor about it. Wendy, Gabi and Flori treated me like a little brother...funny, since all are younger than I. Alejandro the night guy is very intelligent and can be good company; don't let his brusque manner fool you. Rudi and Carlos at the front, along with "computer wiz" Marlene were able to get me what I needed when I needed it, including a small but significant 16.5% discount on top of the already generous 35% discount I received when I stayed in room 310 and paid cash.

I will say that depending on the room, noise is a bit of a problem. Even without the construction noise. Here's a funny thing: The closet in the actual penthouse has a window looking right down on the bed in 310! Thankfully, the occupant didn't seem inclined to push aside his clothes for the sake of a peek...I hope. He did comment one night that my chica and I got a little loud.

The Amistad is what it is, a hotel with almost a youth hostel feel. I really don't know (because I haven't yet stayed at the Castillo) if there is indeed a better option for its price range, particularly in barrio Amon. The Amistad is a block away from an excellent farmacia and two blocks from a hospital. It's located two blocks from the SL. Getting a taxi was never a problem, regardles of time of day.

I've gotten very, very nice rooms at the Amistad for relatively little money, the breakfast is good, the staff is first-rate,, the owner is a good guy and CRT sponsor/member.

I think that once the extensive remodeling has been completed that the Amistad may become my first choice for a hotel, particularly if the SL is booked. Which happens a lot.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

I spent last night at Hotel La Amistad. The construction is still on-going with top shelf craftsmanship invested in this place. I am comfortable with the $45 per night price (including CRT discount and taxes). Any higher than that, La Amistad probably will not be an option for me.

I stayed in Room 304. The floorspace is somewhat limited and with a twin and standard bed occupying the space, there is not much room to move around. The unit has a 15" TV set and a room phone with free local calls (including 84X and 30X cellular numbers). The bathroom is huge and immaculate...plenty of hot water. The staff is great...very helpful, courteous and accommodating. The front desk and security treated all 4 of my guests with respect...there is no chica fee. The two workstations provide the fastest Internet access I ever experienced in CR. Breakfast is good and plentiful...cereals, fruit, eggs, pancakes, sausage and arroz are included in the price of the room. IMHO, the best breakfast of any SJ hotel including the Presidente.
The renovation includes the relocation of the reception desk, and the addition of a small bar in its place. Definitely, a welcomed improvement.
La Amistad works for me as long as the price stays around $45.

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Blue Devil

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

Hey BD.....Thanks for the informative post, amigo............Zebra

Hey BD you had 4 guests in one night? To hell with the stinkin' hotel review, tell us about your 4 chicas!

_________________

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