www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi, I'm new here. After asking about this on a few other boards I have some ideas but need a few more answers.

I will be making my first trip to Costa Rica in March. I'm hearing the best place for a first timer like me is at the Hotel Del Ray. I've heard about the $10 "chica charge" but as a first timer that doesn't bother me, I want to be real close to the action and everyone says the Blue Marlin is one of the best places.

What I want to know is how is the hotel for someone not looking for a "sex vacation"? There is a possibility that some others may be coming with me and they certainly wouldn't be interested in this sort of thing. Is everyone at the Hotel del ray there as a monger or are there "normal" tourists as well? If not then is there a hotel that is close to this location that would fit what I'm looking for?

Another thing, what about money? I frequently go to Tijuana and everyone takes American dollars for everything. I'm not expecting this in CR so where is a place close to The hotel del ray where I can make currency conversions?

Any and all replies and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Um…I don’t think a lot of “normal” tourists go the Del Rey Lycaon. If your companjeros certainly…wouldn’t be interested, they probably wouldn’t be comfortable there.

If you take a brief gander at the hotel section here you will find many choices. About all of the rest are pretty respectable. If you want to sneak away your instincts and hormones will guide you

Don’t worry about the money – the colones just sorta happen. You can make conversions AT the Del Rey, with ATM card or whatever, it is a casino.

Good Trip!

Colonial Casino next door to Del Rey pays bank exchange rates somewhat better than most hotels if you need to change cash.rbc100

Lycaon.
First of all welcome to the board.

If they do come with you DO NOT stay at the Del Rey, The Presidente is a good choice as it is monger friendly but also tourist friendly and is well located for both.

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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

RBC – how much difference is there with exchange? I think I miss out on this. I usually just change at the front desk at Presidente and know I am being lame and could do better.

Lycaon – sorry I forgot my Duty – Bienvenidos a CRT . Thanks Ding Dong. Lycaon Sir, maybe you need your Own room at the Del Rey (note spelling of the hotel amigo). If you frequent TJ I think you will know you have found paradise once you have been here.

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks a bunch.

This post is only for fun....so here goes. I advise that you have the non - mongers check in to the Del Rey also. Then for cocktail hour Papachulo and Gamlingman can take bets on how long they stay non mongers. Pura Vida

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My life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming...." MAN....WHAT A RIDE!!!!"