www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I just posted a seperate review which 100% confirms the above. I checked out yesterday and there were no fees!

if you want can you pay in cash or do you HAVE to but up a cc

You can pay cash no problem. You will want to give a cc at check in for incidentals just like the US.

Paying in cash (US dolllars) is best. If you pay by CC or in colones, you get a horrible exchange rate.

i guess the better question would be do theymake you put up a cc for incidentals or is that just a a surefire way to make sure you dont get any charges

Wbt,

Yes, you will have to give them a CC for incidentals but you always have the option($ or cc) how you want to settle the bill upon checkout.

Yes and if you pay cash they destroy the charge slip right in front of you.

If you really want to get technical It actually ends up to be 88 dollars if you pay with credit card because of the crappy exchange rate 538. Clarion rapes you on the dollars to colones rate 538 and then your card hits you with 2% and 495 rate (more reasonable) so your forced to pay the spread plus the 2% fee from your card.)
The now have a good breakfast offered at the Dunn for clarion residents.
All this aside the hotel is still a good hotel just not that cheap anymore.
If you pay cash you can avoid the exchange rate nightmare

I might add that if you rely on internet it is sometimes very low reception, I can confirm no chica fee and also the take a left and use the stairs they haven't bothered me yet. I did have a problem trying to bring two chicas in and had to send one packing with a small propina for her trouble. Nixon is great to deal with and if it's in his power I think he would help with any problems.

I stayed at the Clarion for the first time this weekend, Friday night, then Sunday night. The staff was professional and courteous, no extra fees, got the CRT discount through Nixon. Free breakfast at a restaurant across the street which was fine. I prefer the Presidente but the Clarion is certainly an excellent option.