www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Been to the Dominican Republic (mongering) several times... but will be going to CR for 1st time March 14-18. Found this board... immediately recognized its "helpful" nature... and sprung for VIP status. Good call.

I'm torn between staying at Sportsmen's Club and Presidente. Prices/Rates appear to be nearly identical (factoring in CRT/VIP discounts).

To help verterans in advising me (regarding lodging), I offer the following. I tend to prefer daytime fun. My Spanish is decent, but I'm not crazy about tough negotiating. 48 years old. Married. Somewhat budget consious. Travel with a wireless-equipped laptop. Moderate drinker. Early AM riser. I travel light.

Was thinking about 2 of my four nights at Sportsmen's... and the other two at Presidente. Anyone got an opinion on this? Any other lodging-related advice welcome.

And feel free to PM me for Dom Rep info if you (like me) are considering a fresh mongering destination.

Hi Mac,

On my first trip, I stayed at Amon Plaza for two nights and the Pres for three. I also spent an afternoon at Sportsmen's, and just on the basis of that exposure, am planning on five nights there in Feb.

Your idea to split time between the Pres and Sportsmens sounds good. They are totally different experiences. For proximity to the Blue Marlin, the Pres of course is better, as you can easily walk the block and a half if you prefer (though the walk itself has it's issues, as you might have gathered from other posts).

The deciding factor in my booking at Sportsmens this next trip, was that while you are still close enough to the gulch (you're actually closer to Zona Blue and New Fantasy here), you can escape that whole scene when you need to. For me, all the constant activity outside on Avenida Central got a little wearing at the Pres. Also, since you're not big on haggling with the chicas, you may not take as well to the Blue Marlin scene as to the MP's, where that isn't a factor.

You may want to consider Amon as well, though it's a bit more expensive. It's also out of the gulch, but near enough for good access. Nice enough hotel, though I don't know where they get this "5-Star" bit from (it's no Ritz Carlton). But definitely a more service-conscious attitude on the part of the staff than the Pres.

Welcome Macmasher,It sounds like you have a good plan the two hotels you mentioned should give you good variety for a different type place.I visited Dominican Republic once last year and Costa Rica so obviously I found Costa Rica more to my liking.San Jose offers many daytime options in price ranges for all budgets ranging from $40 plus on the high end to $7 or less on the lower end and good talent can be found at all kinds of places.The lower end places are just more hit or miss.I find Costa Rica to be better than the area of Dominican Republic in Puerto Plata and Sosua where I visited for daytime action.rbc100

_________________
In Search of Fine Kittens,
Please... Bring back the Muff

The "personality" of this board is amazing. But I suppose that if you're REALLY used to it, you might take it for granted. Don't.

I say this because on many boards, the typical response to my original "newbie" post (above) would have been "read the other posts" or "do a search."

Truth is - I DID post after having "done a search" and after "having read other posts" - and two hours later, I get two considerate responses and a couple of PMs - but none of the rude BS inflicted upon newbies at some other monger boards.

Hats off to you all. Hope to meet some of you on my first trip (3/14-18).

Mac,

When a new poster frames their inquiry in an intelligent and thoughtful manner (as you did), I don't think anyone on the board has a problem responding in kind.

Wouldn't mind hearing a bit more about the Dominican. I'll be especially interested to hear from you after your CR trip as to how it matches up.

Happy mongering,
GR