www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi All,

I just want to say that this board has been very informative and helpful, and that all your posts are very greatly appreciated!

This will be my first visit to CR, but am feeling well prepared as if I had been there before. I know that once I get off the plane I will have to make adjustments, and once I get to the gulch it will be a whole new learning experience no matter how prepared that I feel.

I am still trying to navigate through all the messages and determine where I should stay. I have dwindled it down to the following places:
DR
SL
Amistad
DI

I am planning to make my reservation this weekend. I think I am leaning towards the SL or Amistad. I believe they don't have the guest charges, and think that a short walk or taxi would be better than the guest fee at the DL. I think it would be cool to just zip upstairs, but I hear that the quality of rooms are better at these other places.

Based on distance, what do think would be better between the SL, Amistad, and DI?

I have sent a message to Pops for a tour, but not sure if Christmas time would make it difficult for it to happen. Another has offered that he will be town during this time so I think things should be fine during this time.

I am looking forward to playing some Texas Holdem when there as well, and a side trip to Rio Celeste as well. I decided to not head to the beach and spend more time in SJO--women, practicing Spanish, Rio Celeste (maybe a zipline tour), and poker are the top priorities while in town.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Rio Celeste, or would it be best to do an overnighter? Just trying to determine how I should make my reservation.

Let me see--here are some of the main points that I have remembered since finding this board and signing up for VIP:
-Take Taxis at night
-wallet in front pocket or money belt
-Keep what you don't need in the room safe
-Be the chooser and not the choosee
-Be willing to negotiate with the ladies, start at $60, but don't pay cien
-be willing to check out the scene at various places
-don't be afraid to say NO
-use the ATM for the best conversion rate--dont go to the currency exchange places at the airport--go up the stairs
-don't dress flashy, leave the jewelry, fancy watch, etc...forget the shorts and don't look like the tourist...
-make a copy of your passport and the stamp page with you, keep the passpoer in the room safe
-hang out at the SL for happyhour to meet other brothers of this board

Thanks again for al the information!!!

USA

USA41: I would recommend, for your first trip, to stay at SL. I would also recommend HLH as well.
CH

SPORTSMENS LODGE if its available is always my first choice.

HLH when the Sportsmens is full.

Agree w/ the previous posters re hotels - (by DL do you mean Hotel Del Rey - which hotel are you refering to as "DI" - just curious)

You have picked up on a number of important points and concepts; agree 100% that a Pops tour is a great idea -

While at the airport do change money at the BANK upstairs and buy your exit visa at the same time - you can't miss it; right before the bank. then those 2 functions are done and 2 less things to worry about - some disagree but even though I've found the exit visa line only once "out the door" when I was leaving, but it seems I alway have more time arriving vs leaving - same w/ changing money - I really don't want to depend on hotel or casino's rate and supply, even if its close to the published rate.

(Example - if you change $300 @ a 5% "discount" thats $15 - 2 lunches, most of the cost of a dinner - all for going to the airport bank vs a hotel to change money - and banks in San Jose seem to take a long time as a rule for everything, plus I don't want to carry a lot of money from the bank to my room).

Glad you are getting the concept of "going w/ the flow" in CR and not over planning. - its hardly a place that lends itself to "Prussian Efficiency"

Finally - sometimes, its OK to pay cien, as long as you don't make it a habit - you see the "one" and you have tried all your best negociating skills and there is no movement - well if you just gotta, do it - but in general, in this economy, with very very few exceptions, if she will not budge a little she might not want to be with you - it happens. The 9's and 10's are seldom the best in la cama - again, as a general rule.

I believe the Hotel DI is the Dunn Inn, a fine place to stay, my personal differences with management to the contrary.

_________________
"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

Check to see if SL has any rooms left. They book up well in advance. There may be rooms but in the courtyard or clubhouse, not in modern or masion wings.

Unfortunately Pops won't be doing tours or answering emails for a while: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=39345

mh

_________________
mh

Ok, thanks Jazz - DL he means the DelRey?

This is the 3rd time I've posted this, and I don't mind b/c a tour w/ someone who has a clue ramps up a newbi's knowledge a lot, but Bilko is also available for tours - just PM him

Hi Everyone,

I meant the Del Rey. Thanks for the continued advice.

USA

Also, you may want to carry your own rubber with you if you are thinking about touring around MPs. Some places only carry very small condom. I think some places even charge you for one too.

_________________
Yo-Eleven!!
Pura Vida!

Hello All,

I ended up making my reservation at La Amistad for a total of 6 days; 3 days, will visit Rio Celeste for a day, then return for 3 more days.

After much consideration I decided on La Amistad because of the 25% discount and the Penthouse sounds to be pretty nice. I figure I can still hang out at the SL and meet others.

I spoke with Bilko and have arranged a tour with him-thanks Bilko! I wish the best for POPS as well!

Thanks for all your comments,

USA41