www.CostaRicaTicas.com

+1.

This is huge and bears repeating. I was not sure if I should remove the stuff in the fridge because the stuff in there is cold and I didn't want to "spoil" the product. However, upon second consideration those remaining fridge items take up a lot of space that you could fill up with your own stash of drinks/snacks. Of course, you want to hide the dry snack goods in a drawer as well.

Also, think about some things that may be of value to a Chica. Things like toothpaste(yes, even toothpaste), scents, lotions and shower caps. I brought a few shower caps with me on my last trip so that I could shower with the girls and they not be worried about wetting their long, gorgeous, black hair . After engaging with one such Chica she asked me if she could have one of the caps? No problem, Chica! These women would go so much farther with us if they simply asked rather than steal or simply assume that what's yours is theirs.

Finally, for all of the SL modern wing rooms that get consistent mention, there are several that don't. Why is that? I'm staying in the Mirador room just up from the stairs. I took a glance last time and loved the large window looking out to the street and the zoo trees. Oh well, I come for me and my happiness, the Chicas can take care of themselves .

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Yo, I'm off on a Jett/relaxed to the monger set/
Got the chica pro-flo headed out the doe/
Got cien dollar bills-n-bags for my Del Rey shags/
Scoping out Tica heels wit the flaca feels/
No novia para me cause its extra fee, not "free"/
Gonna get a Pura Vida meeta not a gringa skeeza/
Dis is how it goes wit hoes in Santa Joe's/
No need for the true player/just a true payer
Ya dig?

Probably because everything you say and do in Mirador can be heard clearly in Vista del Sol next door.

mh

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mh

You could ask the front desk and have the items remove from the mini- fridge then you have more room for your own items.

cheers,
Attila

The taxi fare from the airport to SL has now crept up to $30.
You can save some money by using the shuttle bus. They accept payment via paypal and should cost about $13. They will wait for you outside the arrivals terminal holding up a card with your name.
http://www.shuttlebus.co.cr.
Also as far as possible try to arrive in CR during the day time.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

Good price but only includes 1 carry on and one checked in luggage, aditional $10 for extra bag.

I sent a quick email request to the SL about removing the mini fridge items so I can stock it up myself. I will say that the SL is quick and extremely responsive and already confirmed/noted my account so that the items are removed.

I think that's excellent advice and hopefully I can appropriately stock it up with some delectable beers.... Speaking of which, being kind of a beer snob, do any of the local shops/supermarkets carry 6 packs of "imports/microbrews" or anything like that? I would totally settle for any decent Stout, Porter, Wheat or Lagers. Is it possible to get something like Guiness, Sam Adams or the like?

I'm guessing (from reading on here) I'm likely to enjoy Bavaria Dark from the sounds of it. Is this a beer they sell/stock at the SL bar? Any other beers of note?

I also like the idea of little "chica" gifts... Hopefully TSA doesn't think I'm out of my mind... Not that i really care anyways. Im guessing lube (under 3oz) needs to be pulled out and put in a plastic ziplock with the rest of my toiletry items? I expect to keep the super jumbo value pack of condoms in my carry on bag I guess. lol

Thanks again Gentlemen!

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First trip September 7th - 12th

Also, looking into the shuttle/interbus... Can I schedule it for pickup for a bit after my arrival time? I think the last time I looked, it asked for arrival flight information and I'd like to have time to get a SIM, change some dollars and also hit the duty free before leaving the airport.

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First trip September 7th - 12th

They are of course aware of your immigration/customs/luggage time, 30 minutes? But, for a "new" Sim card if not many people ahead of you, 20 minutes (bring an unlocked phone, preferably 3g)--but that can be your hang up if some dope like me last time has some stupid problem they can't figure out and only 1 person working. There's a Kolbi (cell service/Sim provider ) outlet with usually two people working on the same level as your arrival gate, and then there's another with usually 2 people working located where you exit customs. Ifr the first one is busy, take your chance on #2; Duty free 10 minutes; money change 5 minutes if no line or change it downtown, not that huge of a diff. Time for luggage to hit the carousel varies, never have waited long anyway. Alot depends on how many flights are arriving the same time re: immigration. So you're cutting it close but alot depends on this co's policy and also maybe they are waiting on other people getting in a few minutes or so after you. Try communicating with them in advance, and get their local #, after you get your Sim, you can call, or do the pirate taxi thing mentioned in other posts, same price, alot faster, to me the only way to go. If you have a bunch of people on the shuttle going to nearer hotels, you can figure that out.

Not only will you find Bavaria Dark at SL, you will also find a selection of draft beers (maybe bottles as well) from Costa Rica Craft Brewing http://www.beer.cr

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I was put on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind that I will never die.

Well that totally brightens my day... an oatmeal stout and everything. Thanks for the link!

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First trip September 7th - 12th

This is good news. Been a long time if ever since this beer co. was mentioned so not only is there an artisanal/craft beer, there are brewery tours in Cartago for your downtime. Also gotta be some nifty T-shirt merch, given those sweeet logos for beers.
Also Harry's Bar Poas (a CRT Sponsor) has Tona from Nicaragua--a reasonable beer. He's across the street from Hotel Santo Tomas, and there's a good restaurant and MP on his same side.

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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

For sure and it's also pretty nifty that the URL is beer.cr

I'll have to see if I can get over to Harry's as well.

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First trip September 7th - 12th

So I’m now down to exactly 3 weeks (21 days but who's counting). I have a pretty busy and somewhat intense work schedule over the next few weeks… hopefully enough to make time really fly a bit.

I’m in my final supply gathering state now and believe I’m pretty much ready to go.

One additional question… I realize that everything has gone “non-smoking” and I’ve read the existing threads on the topic and did not seem to find the definitive answer. Does anyone know if smoking is still allowed in your room at the SL? I have no issue smoking outside (guess no choice) in common areas but would to at least like to be able to smoke in my room. I suppose I can also just send them an email, but figured I’d ask here first.

Thanks again guys!

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First trip September 7th - 12th

concur with MH about "Sweet spot - ask if Amante, Del Mar, El Rey or Las Palmas in the modern wing are available." those are the cream of the crop for Modern wing rooms. To stock up on grub and beer take cab to mas n menos, the grocery store on Central Ave two blocks from the del rey. There is also a little bodega two blocks from HLH.

For a ride you can PM puravidatransport, he is a CRT brother (american living in CR) who charges $30 bucks I believe and will be waiting for you at the airport. On your drive in Steve will drive the loop and show you where DR, HLH, casinos etc... in relation to SL. He can even stop at the grocery store, go in with you etc...so you can stock up on supplies. Hell, he will even hang with you and drink a beer when he drops you off, introduce you to the fellas, and walk/show you around. Steve is a GREAT guy. This IMO is a overall better value than the shuttle or a cab as you can stop and get supplies out of the way on your way into town and hit the ground running (why waste time, right?)

have a great time, ride all the rides, take pictures and post a trip report and tell us all how much fun you had.

Also go to the front desk at SL when you arrrive and have them photo copy your passport and the visa page to carry around and leave your passport in the safe (girls do a nice job trimming and guling the two sides together I always tip them a couple thousand colones.

I am a smoker and I just go outside with everyone else....this can work to your advantage...I have picked up chicas out front of SL who were out smoking too.

last but not least, read the shit out of the newbies section especially oranges post which is the best guide IMO.

dude I started out just like you lurking then decided to pull the trigger...been there 8 times since Nov 09 now and have met tons of great people.

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as my father says "better to be lucky than good"

I certainly appreciate the reply... I've spent a ton of time on here reading all the threads and found this page to be an amazing resource. I haven't really participated all that much to this point... Mostly because I haven't taken my first trip yet. I certainly hope to be able to "chime in" and provide some insight at some point in the future. I'll certainly do a trip report as well and possibly with some photo's as well.

I have no issue going outside to smoke... I already do so at home. I was just thinking it'd be nice to be able to smoke in the room for those late evening times where it's kind of a drag having to get dressed and go out for a smoke.

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First trip September 7th - 12th