www.CostaRicaTicas.com

just got home from a quick weekend trip down. Against my better judgement I thought I'd try the Balmoral. Sure this hotels been reviewed many times but this is just my $ .02.
First off I paid around $90 a night paid in advance . Another person checking in at the same time without a reservation was giving a rate of $50.
First room I was given was next to tons of re-construction (they did give me a new room after I complained). But when I called to ask if I could be moved the lady on the phone was somewhat rude and put me on hold to never pick up again. When I got downstairs they were very nice, however.
I also was dissapointed to find out they have no free shuttle/service to and from the airport.
On top of that even the coffee in the room is a $1.50. Which seem to be this hotels underlying theme of we are going to give you nothing. Plus they have a $20 guest fee, which I believe used to be $15 and a few years back was $10.
I've eaten in the patio several times but most of those I've just been dissapointed with the high prices and low quality food. For example there is just no comparison to the quality of the burger at the News Cafe and the pre made frozen hamburger patties they use in the Patio. The morning buffet is comparable with most hotels in the $80-$100 price range.
Probably a minor complaint and one that doesnt' effect many others but the limited amount of english programming they have on TV is kind of annoying as well. Also the tub wouldn't drain but thats something I've gotten used to in SJ and can't be certain that its the hotels fault.
All and all that was my first and last time staying. Nothing about the hotel says to me its worth $90. This hotel in my most honest opinion is at best 1.5 stars. The nickel and diming makes the presidente a much better option if your looking to stay right here.

quick tidbits.. They do offer free wi-fi which is a bonus.. i saw flat panel TVs in the suites...one elevator was out of service.. the other elevator has a mind of its own and sometimes takes several trips up and back down before it will let you out... great amount of security... front desk will exchange dollars for colones but not colones for dollars... no computer set up for guest (or none that I saw)...

Is it safe to say you will never return and stay at this hotel again?

And with some many good reviews for La Amistad and SL and you had to end up at the Balmoral. Let me just said; WE 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!!!

No offense to anybody in particular but when are guys on this Board gonna get the message that these other places only tolerate us at best? The good Brothers here talk about these other hotels (SL, La A, El Castillo, the Clarion through Nixon the casino Mgr. and now Dunn Inn for a reason --they want us! Couldn't be simpler.

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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

lol....did you join CRT before or after your trip? WOW!!!

Just to clarify that I'm not a newb I am well over the 50 trips to SJ mark in the last decade, which I'm not sure if it makes it better or worse. I've just never stayed at the Balmoral and wanted to check it out given that it was a very short trip for me.
But your right I should have known better... I did know better. I paid for it ...literally .