www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The Dunn Inn is most likely "done" (latest info says that Jack the new manager has QUIT)
The Hotel M is never even mentioned by anyone as an alternative for a room or hanging out at the bar
The Presidente seems to be having trouble selling rooms without the chicas showing off their wares
The Clarion,though in bankrupcy has BK trying to generate some income even though the money may just go to the lawyers
The King (hence the name Del Rey) has seen a dropoff in room revenue this year
The White House with some "clever" marketing tried the Bachelor Mansion approach which never got off the ground. The Casino closed.What can you expect when they have between Zero and 1 customer /night

............. and all this is with the "rainy season" approaching. The only turn around I can see is if Bill at the SL buys them ALL out and puts BK in charge.

Just goes to show what top-notch management can build...and what poor management can ruin.

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

I don't think the Del Rey is in trouble, dropoff or not.
I don't think the Prez in trouble either, they seem happy with the eco-tourist crowd.
The Dunn Inn did themselves in when they decided they didn't need us CRT "low-level high-maintenance" types anymore.
We got the CRT discount back at the Clarion with Boyd's help, ought to fill some rooms as long as the place still exists.
The Hotel M is a niche place to begin with, then their new cancellation policy probably drove some potential interest away.
Who here even stayed at the White House before the "Bachelor Mansion" marketing gimmick?

With the core CRT group of SL-Amistad-Castillo, and the "new" HLH, do we even need the rest? Though I'd love to see what Boyd could with the Prez!

Vegas Bob, nice summary!!

What's the word on Hotel Morazán? Are they still offering the Soprano Discount?

morazan wants and (my guess) the #1 pick for asians ...plus with china town coming soon it should keep them full .....on any given night the casino tables are full of asians and the slots have ticos and ticas at them...

Great news on the Done Inn. I hope it sells soon. I would hate for good employees to lose their jobs. Would make a great place for CRT VIP club and hotel.

Bottom line for me. It's just to dangerous to stay in the gulch anymore. I've made over 30 trips to CR over the past several years and always stayed in the gulch.....now I stay in Sabana or San Pedro.

Even the taxi drivers are scamming now. As the economy becomes worse in CR, and trust me...with the price of gasoline alone going through the roof, scammers will become more aggressive.

Has anyone stayed at Hotel M lately? I quit staying there after Scott left.

Bob, as you know I was in town this weekend( Bob bought us all a drink at the SL).Went to all the places to check them out. HLH Boyd showed us around an as always a great host and a nice selection of girls also.Walked over to Dunn Inn to see Karol but it was too early as she was coming in at 6. Saw the rooms very nice and the bar looked great. Asked about the rooms and he said they were all sold out for the weekend.Went back around 7 to see Karol and had dinner I have to say it was really good. I had the Seabass for $10 and my Amiga had Ahi Tuna for $16 and both were great. The place was packed.

i think this can be said of just about anywhere these days

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

All good points.

I don't know if I understand the decisions made by many hotels, but either it "works" for them or they pay the price.

I was just at the Presidente in Jan (short version - every Jan I go w/ a 3 other guys who have not "evolved" and love the place) - the Prez made a business decision, and seem none the worst for it; were "completly full" the days we were there - I have issues w/ them on many fronts (bet you can guess the main issue ) but for basically new beds and a flat screen TV, the per night went from $58 w/ CRT to over $90 during the week and $108 (I think) on weekends.

Don't hotels upgrade their rooms and redecorate from time to time w/out a tremendous increase in room rates - well, with the exception of the DelRey - last time that shit hole was redecorated, Johnson - not sure Andrew or LBJ - was president!- rates are not rack rates; I went in person back in Oct to book - but I don't see them going out of business anytime soon.

Regarding the "Bachelor Mansion" (what a dumb name - like out of the " mod, swinging 60's" - you almost expect Hugh Heffner to be on hand dressed in PJ's and smoking a pipe )

I've visited the place, but stayed for years at a hotel the next mountain over, at Pico Blanco (in San Antonio de Escazu). There was traffic in the mid '90's but nothing like today - so if you want to go downtown, or anywhere for that matter, its geographically undesirable - plus, I don't see the high roller crowd in San Jose - in Jaco, sure, w/ Los Suenos - but SJ - not so much.

If I'm on a solo trip, I stay at the Morizon, basically b/c I'm cheap and prefer to spend money elsewhere, but I do prefer that part of town, (and not b/c its a block from the DelRey!).
I would stay at the Sportsmans if it was located near the Morazon, as I think Bill has his act together and has built a great business; very professional - love his bar, too.

For 7000 colones a night, this broke bastard is confined to the Hotel Johnson these days. Doesn't really bother me though, comfortable enough..

It does not sound like the Dunn Inn is "Done" yet. The place may survive despite the CRT boycott.