Hello Gents, I've been reading this forum for some weeks now deciding whether or not to make the trip
to CR. Firstly, let me say what an informative supportive and friendly forum this is - well done to the owner,
admin and contributors, it's because of this forum and real sense of community I'm going to pull the trigger and hit CR,
so thanks you to all.
Have been to Panama City a couple of times and Cali,Colombia, both places were good times. Well it's been a year since I've traveled south,
it's almost winter here (Ireland) and the days are short and cold.
I need to migrate south to the sun. I'm thinking of 4 or 5 nights in SJ at the SL, I've read a lot about the HDR and it sounds
no different to the Veneto or Habanos in Panama City (transaction focused) - The SL sounds more 'stable' - Did I say I was 40?, maybe that's why the SL
sounds more appealing. Thinking about a few nights in Jaco also, just for the beach environment and some sunshine to counteract
the SAD (Canadians will know what I'm on about) then back to SJ for a couple of nights... debating a skip down to Panama City also, but
they don't have a Southwest or Ryanair in CR so the flight prices are running at $500... ouch. (Is there a bus service?)
Anyways, I'm aiming for end of this month to arrive in CR. Just a few of questions - I know it's a pain in the ass to get asked
so many of the same questions by newbies, so your answers can be just one word if you have the time. Many Thanks.
HDR - Yes or No?
Go there, but look to stay at Sportsmans, Hotel Little Havana, Dunn Inn - I hate the place; the rooms, etcIf yes to HDR, how many nights recommended?
Zero - but if you just have to - 1 or 2 - then see my previous suggestion aboveSL - Best rooms to get some sleep.
Any room not in the entryway or off the barSL Bar closing time? ( I like my booze)
+/- Midnight - other options a short cab ride away if you are a late night kinda guyJaco - Worth it? Yes or No
Depends on you - its the closest beach town to San Jose, but the beach is "ehhh" and the town hot and dirty - plus its not cheap for food or lodging - try the Cocal to stay, or the place next to the Beatle Bar - Beatle hotel???Best place to stay in Jaco (chica friendly of course

)
Taxi from airport - What/Who to avoid.
Avoid the taxi and take the bus for under a buck - picks you up right in front of the airport - then you can take a cab to your hotel for about $3 all in - a taxi will cost you $20 - 30; or look into costa rica interbus - but the bus is the way to go assuming you arrive during daylight hours; plus its easy - the driver will tell you "Directo" to San Jose, then get a cab in front of the bus stationCR Colones, best place to buy. [color=#FF0000
]Only place to buy is at the airport bank; never the "Cambios" which are a rip off - go across the street from baggage/customs to the ticket lobby and the bank is there, right nect to the place to buy your exit visa - do that tooo; one less thing to worry about [/color]
VIP card - worth it? Y/N
But of course; its great; will save you moneyThanks again for a great site.