www.CostaRicaTicas.com

My guys are interested in a gringo-friendly, nice atmosphere casino with a few tables, lots of slot machines, friendly staff, area to relax, maybe food available, low price drinks. We've seen the Del Rey (quite busy, a bit small) and the Casino Colonial (actually liked that one, two floors, nice sports bar, no pressure).
Heard about the Amon Clarion and the Casino Aurola Holiday Inn, but never been to either and were wondering about those two.
But what do you boys recommend out there and are any without guest fees???

I have not stayed at the Clarion or Colonial but did gamble at both. I liked both casinos versus others. I can't comment on the Colonial's "guest fees" but at the Clarion, last I heard is if you book your room through Nixon, there are no guest fees. I don't know if this is still true.

_________________
El Gringo

There have been posts that there is a chica fee at the Clarion even if you book through the casino. There was also a post that Nixon was no longer at the casino.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Totally forget the Holiday Inn Aurola for Chicas--unless a $70 Chica fee sounds good. That hotel is a major collection and staging point for organized tours (Caravan, etc.) and they do not want any "Walk of Pride" (I ain't ashamed of nuttin').The Casino there is smaller and mostly Latins. Nice bar in there overlooking the city. Good restaurant, I've heard and a 2nd floor bar overlooking the Lobby. Alright place--but not for Mongers.

_________________
"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

Dasher, Number One there is NO BIG CASINO in Costa Rica. I've been to most of them. Your best bet is the Club Coloniel next to The Del Rey. It's a Casino/Restaurant period but really nice. It is tied in with The Sleep Inn which charges a $25.00 chica fee. Check out Royal Dutch, La Fiesta (tied in to The Pesidente Hotel) and Del Rey ect.. But you'll find there all small some fun and some old and dirty.

Thanks guys for the suggestions - I will check out each casino you mentioned. I have been to Colonial and it may be the largest with two floors and fairly friendly. Word does have it that the Clarion now charges guest fees and that Nixon is no longer there. I'm not sure if the Presidente charges guest fees, but I'm told the girls need to dress up to "standards." Don't know where the Royal Dutch is but I'll find it, and Holiday Inn's casino bar is definitely worth a look.
Interestingly, I received a PM suggesting I check out Horseshoe casino - sexy looking staff and, at times, topless dealers/ waitresses on the upper floor, I'm told - to spice up the game.
Thanks again - this topic not much covered - and I much appreciate any other fresh info. that you vets have to offer.

I have been to all of them .....morazan and royal dutch about the same ....H.Inn forget it ,stay as far away as you can ....casino sucks and hotel just as bad (for gringo's like us) I have fun in the royal dutch and you can win there ,,,as far as the horseshoe goes . the topless dealers are not topless they have a top on that shows most of their tits ....went up there and got cleaned for 100 and the girl wanted a tip ..... she had 20 or 21 on every hand ....the Horseshoe is close to a US casino but again you will find, if you win ....and leave it pisses them all off ......u wont find bj in all of them and you will get stuck playing rummy....try to learn all the rules before you play....if you must go to the DR and play 1000c a hand and get one of the tica girls to show you how to play....its easy but dont step into that game before watching.....its a hit and run game....

Thanks for the update. I did not know this.

_________________
El Gringo

A new update has it that a new lounge and gambling space especially for CRT guys (with independent girls) is now very much in the works. Accomodating up to 200 to 300 persons.
BK has said that this new Lounge will be located WITHIN DUNNS INN !!
I'll stop by and check on this when I get there - for more details.
May be open for CRT guys sometime this October. Likely to be a fun option.