www.CostaRicaTicas.com

A friend and I are new to the scene and will be in CR Memorial Day week. We want to have a good, safe time and any useful links or advice would be appreciated.

Read, Read, Read.

Other than that, check the Roll Call section of the board. There will likely be many experienced members in town that week. PM some of them. Try to hook up with them for some help learning the ropes.

Enjoy.

Well, you've taken that important first step and joined us as a paid member. Consider hiring Brother Pops guide service--it's not a cost, it's an investment. And as Brother LiK said-read everything but don't try to memorize, just absorb> Best place to start is here:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16357

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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

Don't forget to make a copy of your passport and the entry stamp!
That alone was worth joining this forum for me.

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Yo-Eleven!!
Pura Vida!

Welcome aboard. If you are going to do any walking you are also going to want to print out the map. My first trip it was invaluable. So much so that I wore it out. LOL One tip I can give is this count the streets as you walk you won't find very many street signs so you have to count your streets so you know where to turn.

Have fun. Stay safe.

KenLee

...And you'll find this out soon enough anyway but watch where you are walking--they have serious potholes in these sidewalks plus some public urination. Not a place to admire the storefronts though the Chicas walking by can be distracting...

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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

Welcome aboard, Viggen67!

Critical to having a good trip is where you crash; as in sleep. This message board has several camps of avid supporters of CRT sponsering hotels and I'd say the top are La Amistad, Sportsman's Lodge, Dunn Inn, and Hotel Castillo. It depends on how much money you want to spend for a room and how long you're staying. All four of those places give a solid CRT discount, with Amistad and Castillo going full on for stays of 7 days and longer and payment in cash money (US Dollars).

Next....well...depends on what your own style is....like 'em in your room? Want 'em in a "massage parlor" which is really just code for whorehouse? Etc., etc., etc. Reading and searching the board is critical....you might want to make a post about how long you're staying, your budget, etc., and that'll give other guys an idea of where to chime in. Happy hunting and always remember to wrap that rascal....

PS: Here is a link to a list made by a self appointed super star. I don't know if he is a stupid star, but the list is decent: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=16357&hilit=List

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Also critical is how close you want the "action". At SL it's right outside your door 'til midnight, at La A and Castillo it's right down the street at SL, at Dunn Inn, it's an easy cab ride away but placid otherwise.
SL is the best place to find other CRT Brothers for advice, convo or to find a wingman. Hard to go wrong at any venue.

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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

I would suggest if u are going for the first time, STRONGLY stay at the Sportsmens Lodge. You and your friend will love it. Food is good as well as Girls. Try to stay in the New Rooms or get a Suite.
IF any question, you can PM,

so the sum total of your advice is stare at your feet and don't breathe?

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

It's the sum total of the advice I'm adding to the great advice already given, yes.

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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

Perhaps if you want to spend a lot of money on "penthouse" and TRY to join the "in crowd"....

Bluntly, the entry level, basic rooms at SL are in serious need of upgrades (Sorry, Bill....but you know it's true) relative to beds and industrial strength cleanings as well as air circulation.

If you want to "pretend" you're a high roller for a week or two, ok...pay them dollars for a "penthouse".....but that's an image thing...it ain't about customer service.....and that's what most who stay in the "penthouses" are doing...they are PRETENDING they are highroller types!!! hahahahahahahahahaha....it's so funny, at least to me.....

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

i thought the "in crowd" moved to Dunn Inn, ie NHHank, Dean, and others

Now THAT "in crowd" represents stand up guys.....good answer, Loco...

I'm going to be keeping on my eye on you given you seemingly have the ability to see the forest for the trees....

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I am at the Dunn Inn now. The standard room, with queen bed, flat-sceen TV, AC, electronic safe, mini-frig, and very nice bathroom is about $50 with the CRT discount and paying cash. I walk to the Sportsman everyday, and get a taxi back at night. Taxi is about $2.