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My buds and I are coming to Jaco in Sept. and we're wondering if anyone's stayed there recently and what deals they were able to work out. Just setting my expectations for negotiating. Last time we got the poolside rooms for $60, but we're looking to upgrade.

Just a few mongers tryin' to save $$ for the novias!

I love the Cocal, but I'm reluctant to talk about it openly because it may become too popular! I was there in May and paid around $70, but can't remember for sure. I like the fact that it has security, although it's simple and cheap. The chicas have to check in with the guard, but there's no chica fee. The best thing about it is the restaurant for breakfast and lunch, practically on the beach. The bar by the pool is a great meeting place and it's always funny to see a couple of chicas for hire there early in the evenings. Also, I didn't make reservations, just showed up and they had rooms.

security .....really when I got robbed I will still say the guard was in on it ...the way they handle the girls coming to your room is a joke .... i say Phuck that hotel and Phuck jaco.... if you gave me 100 a day and a free room to go to jaco ....i would say no thanks , not wanting to waste one of my vacation days in that shit town....the girls are all over priced, the town is small and the temp. sucks you are a sweating mess just walking the street ....and worse of all ...the town cant stand our types there !!!!

Jaco is definitley changing. 6 years ago it was awsome aside form the temp. but you are on the beach. Rooms were cheap, the food was good, plenty of excursion type activity close by and the Beatle was an open air bargain. Girls could be found from 40-60 dollars easy. Over the last several years with the new construction, it seems more people have found this destination and like anything else, supply and demand kick in to have upped the price on everything. (rooms, Food, Chicas etc.) I was there for 2 days in June, I stay at Canciones del mar right on the Beach. Great hotel, rooms in the new construction are nicer than the old, all have full kitchens and a separate living room from the bedroom, great pool area, roof top bar resturant and jacuzzi and close walk to everything. There is a 10-15 chica fee (can't remember exactly) But it'still a cool place albeit YMMV. The Beatle Bar is now air/conditioned, they have a cover and most of the girls start at cien. I met a young tica who spent the night with me after dancing and gaming and I told her early I wouldn't be paying much to which she replied she didn't care. I gave her about 70.00 total, 60.00 and a propina (she was outstanding both at night and the next morning) However, for my tastes and partying, I would say Quepos is a better gig now. Pescadores has a few cuties but not near the numbers you get either in Jaco or San Jose. The night life is way better in Quepos and Manuel Antonio and although you still need to be careful, it's probably a little safer than Jaco. I used to spend a week in Jaco as a central surf spot but now spend my time a few days here and there in different places. Oh, one more thing about Cocal, My wingman and I walked in one night, he threw a 20.00 bill on the roulette table and said "00", they place a marker on top of his bill over the "00" as the wheel spun and when it stopped, there it was "00"! He goes nuts as it pays 36 to 1. WRONG!!! So sorry senor, it no count. You must have chips exchanged 1st. Then why take my money and place it on my number he asks. So sorry senor, we no pay you. They do not like paying out at all especially if it's a big hit.

One more thing, check the event calendar. Do not go to Jaco if any type of event is close by like a fishing tourney. The # of guys to girls is terrible and the prices go way up with no bargaining.

Thanks for the replies but the subject is Hotel Cocal, not why you hate Jaco.
If you do, don't go. Really. I'm just looking-for pointers on Cocal, or if their is an attractive alternative, I'm interested. Their are three in our party.

Cocal is a no frills, convenient hotel while in Jaco. I gave my 2 cents on an alternative being the Canciones del mar although there is a Chica Fee albeit minimal. You can off set that by buying food and utilizing your full kitchen at Canciones del mar. Roof top Jacuzzi and full free breakfast at Canciones are great too. Good luck!

Oh, and I don't hate Jaco, I go every year. Just an observation that it has changed over the years and not for the better.

I think we can all agree Costa Rica is rampant with crime. From what I've read, the Gulch is very dangerous as well and one should take care in either.

I'm almost amused how people hate on Jaco. Does an area of town where it's so dangerous, it's recommended to take a taxi, even if for one block for your safety, have one up on maybe a similar environment, except for the beach? I'll reserve judgment until I spend a night in San Jose.

BTW, both sound awesome to me. Pura Vida!!!

Jaco is no more dangerous than certain areas of San Jose at night or Quepos or Tamarindo etc. Use common sense, don't walk around in a drunken state and make yourself a target, if you're in a group stay together when walking at night, don't take more cash than you'll need, don't flash money or wear expensive jewlery and stay off the beach at night. You'll be fine and have a great time.

Gulch is a pit worse than any in CR. Couldn't even imagine this being my only vacation destination year in and out.

unintentional bump

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"Pura Vida"

Was there visiting some friends this past weekend. There were several decent looking girls out at the pool bar on Friday night and then some nice ones by the pool the next day. This spot can be hit or miss, but when they are there, this is a place to pop by and check.

I've stayed there a couple times, and next trip to Jaco I'd go back again. The rooms are good enough, clean and being pool side is nice. They charge extra for the new rooms which are out if front by the parking area. I can't see the logic in that. The food is good at b'fast and dinner too. The bar out by the pool is friendly.

Definitely better than the action at the Copa.. Mostly fuglies over there.