www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Am new to CRT, planning my first CR excursion the second week of February. Haven't made reservations yet but based on what I've seen here, I hope to stay (while in San Jose) at either the
Amon, the Presidente, or the Del Rey.
Two questions por favor:
First, do all of these hotels have good solid safes in the rooms to leave things like wallets and cameras in while you're out on the town?
Second, other than being alert for pick-pockets, is there any reason a reasonably fit gringo man should be concerned walking the neighborhoods around these hotels alone during daylight hours or the early evening after sundown?
Muchas gracias in advance!

I walk all over during the day and have never had a problem.I have heard of people getting mugged in the day but don't think it is likely.You might be a little more cautious on Sundays as there are fewer people on the srteets and always stay alert to what is going on around you.On safes ,most of the nicer hotels have them. rbc100

Have been coming to San Jose since 1992 and have lived here for over a year, in all that time have had 3 incidents:

1. A guy tried to befriend me, had my watch strap almost completely open before I grabbed his wrist a twisted it until he ran off.

2. Had a girl jump up on me and jump up and down while rubbing against me, slammed her against a fence when I felt her hand in my pocket. Told her I would break her hand, she fled.

3. Guy tried to grab my cell phone near coca cola, It is very secure so he just kept on going without my phone.

Just stay alert, most are opportunist thief's and do not want a confrontation but if one does just give it up not worth a serious injury.

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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

Traveler,
I have only stayed at one of the hotels you listed,
which is the Presidente. The Presidente has a
key safe in the room, it is in the closet, kind of
small, but more than enough room for your
wallet, passport, camera, and any other small
items that you want to lock up. The safe is
very strong, so I have not had any concern
about someone breaking into it. As far as
walking around at night, I have never had
a problem, except for the "street people"
who want one or two of your 100 Colone coins.
From what I have read, it may be best for
you to take a cab at night if you stay
at the Amon, since you would have to go by
the park if walking, and the park is where
I have read that most of the problem could
happen late at night. Enjoy your trip,
just take the same safety steps you would take
in your home town, and I'm sure you will
have a great trip.
ShyOne

Traveler,

Yes, all three hotels you mentioned do have a fairly nice small in-room safe. If I remembered correctly, Delrey safe is a little bigger than the ones at the Amon and the Presidente. I have had no problem with theft at all three hotels..so far. As always used you common sense and keep you wits about you and lock all your valuables in the safe or in your luggage and secure it.



As in any big city, you should always be alert when walking around by yourself even though it is reasonably safe. I feel alot more comfortable walking around from Amon plaza hotel to the Presidente and to the Delrey than walking around in Copacabana area in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Although I feel safe walking around the Gulch area I still pay attention to my surroundings.

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Live today as it was your last day, for tomorrow may never come.

Hey Traveler,

San Jose CR is no worse crime wise than San Jose California is.

Like everyone says, just be aware of your Surroundings.

I find it helps if you act like you've been there before, and not a tourist or a target.

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" I have neither the time nor the inclination to expain myself "

I've stayed at both the Prez and the DR, and only had one incident at either. Since I usually stay longer and get a kitchen, I used to come down and stay a night or two at the DR and arrange a longer term place. That let me see the 24/7 party and still have a reasonable trip. I found a cooking knife sitting on top of my luggage out of its sheath one day returning to my room at the DR. They didn't steal anything, but they had been through my luggage.

I agree with RBC, DD et al, just stay alert and most likely you'll be okay. Most of them really ARE opportunistic thiefs. I may be a little more daring than others here. Fitness and sobriety may have something to do with it. I'm 6'2" 190lbs work-out and don't drink enough to ever get really drunk. I'll walk just about anywhere you'd want to go in SJ during the day. I try to stay even more alert in crowded areas like around the Central Market which is known for pickpockets.

Early evening restricts me only a little. For example, I've cut through Morazon Park in the early evening on many occassions with never a real problem, though I do stay more alert. The only semi-problem I ever had was one time I glanced back over my shoulder and saw a small group of guys get up off their stoop and start to follow me. I never walk too close to any such groups to begin with and they were probably still some 30-40 feet behind me. I turned around to look them in the eye and then continued on my way occasionally glancing back. They turned around once they knew I was on to them and returned to their stoop. Those types seem to hang out mostly on the southeast side of the Park closest to the DR.

The much ballyhooed TV's can be found on various corners not just around the park but on surrounding streets. I've walked by them after dark and they usually don't give me a second look. I'm not sure whether to be offended by their total lack of interest or relieved.

The rest of the Park is usually fairly empty in the early evening except for a few isolated strolling couples. There's a sort of folksy rule of thumb in CR which I've heard. If a Park is a "kissing park", meaning that you see couples hanging out or walking hand in hand, it is probably fairly safe for you to walk in too.

If you really want to know where I usually feel the most threatened when walking after dark in SJ, it is right outside the door of the BM. With all the beggars and street hustlers there as distractions, I'm always a little leery of someone trying to pickpocket me. When I'm out elsewhere it is much easier to maintain a safer distance. Of course as the evening gets later and the streets become totally deserted, its another story altogether. You never know who is lurking in the shadows. Be alert or better yet take a cab after midnight.

Street crime in SJ can be a problem and certainly has been getting worse in recent years, but, like Dino and Jag said, the same can be said of any large urban center anywhere in the world. Rio is much worse and, as Dino will tell you, even if you have a wingman watching your back you can get hit. I'm still really, really sorry about that, dude.

Muchas gracias to everybody who replied to my queries.
Very good info. I hope I can return the favor in some way down the road.

You can, simply by posting a trip report .
Most all the guy's like them and like your take as a newbe.

3 day's and I'm there, Nucknfuts

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