yes, the del rey has the 10 dollar chica fee and cannot compare to places like the Dunn Inn, Sportsmans, ect...for quality.
the del rey is the belly of the beast, but it is sort of like living/staying in the middle of a crowded area with all the hustlers, scumbags either inside or right outside the doors...and I do mean right outside the doors.
You won't be able to step outside the place without being besieged by the crowds of dirtballs waiting to harass you...blood pressure offers, fake cuban cigars, rip off taxis, drugs pushers, pickpockets, beggers, outright stickup dudes...you'll think you're in some sort of hell.
while it is always nice to see the first time, the novelty wears off fast.
on the other hand, staying at one of the other hotels, offers you the chance for a respite from all the crap..with the option of diving back in for a visit whenever you want too.
now, lots of guys swear by the del rey, visit San Jose, stay there all the time, in fact sometimes never even leave the place....they do have an excellent tour/excursion desk.
but believe me, there are tons and tons of little darlings all over San Jose; you do not have to suffer the del rey 24/7 to meet them....not to mention the insane (by CR standards) prices they will quote you.
but hey, try staying there a few days, then check out some of the other hotels....i can't believe there are not vacant rooms at any of them...the Sportsman is often booked, but if you give them enough notice, i'm sure they can find something.
you'll want to visit places like SL or the Dunn anyway for a drink, sometimes rooms become available due to cancellations/early departures, etc...
it's not like you will not have a good time at the del rey, it is just after you stay somewhere else, you will think 'why did i stay at the del rey in the first place?'
go for it, then you can (probably will) be advising others the same.
i seem to recall there was one brother that stayed at both and actually preferred the del rey...he said the Sportsmans was too sedate or something....oh no, now i remember,,,the coronas were flat!
and then there are some that would not stay at any of them...they prefer cheaper, more modest accomindations....say 10 dollars a night at some of the Tico Hotels like the Nuevo Johnson.
and, if you ever read enough of this website, you know you always have the option of staying at the CardBoard Inn, Inc.
remember, there is no such thing as a plan in CR and being able to stick to it...
have fun! and welcome.
