www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Just got back from almost a week at Amistad. As I mentioned in previous posts, I really am a big fan of the Presidente even with all its rules.

Well, The Amistad was my home away from home. The rooms were very large. Mine was an apartment. They seem to have many different styles of rooms with different budgets. The owner Matt is super cool and really accomodating. They'll wash your clothes for you even offered to go grocery shopping. I declined as I always love the Mas o Menos adventure. The place does not have that stuffy corporate feel.

When I first checked in, I wasn't too sure. I though it might be too far from the action. However, the walk is not bad and the best part is that the taxistas near there always use the meter and are nice. So it is not the usual Gulch Ripoff. 500 colones to "The Office" when from the Pres they wanted 1000 which is right around the corner. One taxista even came back and waited 20 minutes to take me to the airport for standard charge. And on my last day, I walked around the area a bit more and actually found it to be one of the most rewarding parts of my trip. Many tico restaurants, a hospital within eyesight and the Nacional Parque around the corner.

The room was the most quiet as any I have stayed in downtown. Yes, there is a train but you only hear 3 whistles which I usually slept right through. The train itself didn't make much noise. Nothing is as noisy as Avenida Central especially with that lottery guy always yelling starting at 6:00 am every morning. I papercliped the curtains together to not let any light in the room which helped me sleep later. I can never sleep in SJ and I slept the best during this stay.

Free wifi, let me tell you, this hotel and any hotel that offers free wifi....they just get it. I abhor any hotel that charges for wifi. Also, I left for breakfast with my safe open(accident). Came back the maid had already been there and nothing touched and cash was easily visible. OK, one of my main requirements is knowing and feeling comfortable my stuff will be there. I never had a problem leaving my laptop, camera, and ipod out.

Oh, and one of the best parts for me, just having breakfast with a bunch of the other guests who were just a bunch of cool guys sharing war stories. And often inviting me on the day's adventures. Great camaraderie. It's was great meeting you fellow brothers staying there. Very interesting group of guys.

The Amistad was an awesome choice for me and grew on me the longer I stayed. I didn't want to leave HOPE TO BE BACK SOON!

PURA VIDA!

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Livin' & Lovin' in Key Largo....oh....And the one in The Keys, too!

I totally agreed with your assessment! Matt, the owner, and the staffs are the friendliest people on the earth! Ask Matt to make breakfast for you at 2AM and he will do it if he is buzzed.

The hotel is brand new and the room is well furnished. The price is right and the breakfast is to die for!!!! I was advertising the hotel for him for the 10 days I stayed there. I bought everyone I met to the hotel and everyone loves the suite and I highly recommended. You get a suana, a jacuzzi, and a nice 42" plasma TV.

CC, I knew it would turn out well for you! I see you found out some of the things I, um, forgot to mention. How was the apartment room? Last February I stayed in one, room 106 I think, for a total of six days. Back then it hadn't been remodeled yet, and from what Matt has said about them now, they sound very nice.

I love to do a few laps around Parque Nacional for a quick walk. That whole area is nice, one block on the corner across from the hospital there is a small food-mall, home of Pizza Akropolis, one of my favorite dining spots---had dinner there several times after a long day at HLH.

CC - I told you so!

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Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

Yeah guys sold me....and Thanks!

I'll be sure to check out that pizza place next time. I took a walk in the park and a mother saw me to a double take of her 20-something daughter and smiled at me as to "give permission." I just snickered and kept walking.

PURA VIDA!

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Livin' & Lovin' in Key Largo....oh....And the one in The Keys, too!

I third that motion.Matt is definately a class act. Amistad is definately a home away from home for me.And also many others. He showed us his new bar that looks even nicer than the bars at higher end clubs in Vegas.
Hopefully he will get it open soon and remember to keep some bacardi in stock for me. Looking forward to my next trip to CR and Amistad (hopefully April).

The big things, the little things--all done right. I enjoyed that little bench to the right of the entrance, enjoying a cigar and just watching the normal Tico world passing by. But yes that Plasma TV is awe-inspiring esp. if you bring an S-video cable to hook up your laptop. DVD/Internet TV player par excellence (Tip of the hat to Brother Steven1 for this tip).

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Excellent recap! Was there a chica fee and can you bring back multiples?

Michael Styles

Oh No & Yes.

Mikey, they do not allow cameras though

You'd love it for your photography. Some rooms have jacuzzis and saunas. Some sauna shots with sweat trickling down would be great.

PURA VIDA!

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Livin' & Lovin' in Key Largo....oh....And the one in The Keys, too!

I didn't see anyone mention the memory foam mattresses or the jacuzzis,, is the bar open as of yet?

Thanks for the info! A few of my comrades are considering staying there for our next trip. I generally like the DR or the Clarion, but I may give the Amistad a try!

M. Styles!

This place sounds great. Anyone know if they've got those stupid Hotel Presidente rules or guest fees?

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tribeca2

Nope. No chica fee, no dress code, well at least not naked. Allows multiple chicas. And the best part is that the management welcomes’ us with open arms.

_________________
Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

how is the hotel bar ? what else is in the immediate vicinity ?

The hotel bar is real nice....... but it's not open yet. From what I understand, they're still waiting on liquor licenses and some other paperwork to go through. But I got a feeling that when it does finally open up, it's going to be a great place for a nice, relaxing drink with your chica du juor, before taking care of business up stairs in the room. I, for one, am looking forward to the opening of the bar.

MG

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