www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have been going to San Jose since the 90's for mongering and other things...

I have been to the Sportsman's Lodge about 8 times, never stayed there, just dropped in to see what was up in the evening time, between 6-10pm.

This recent trip I ate dinner there about 4 times between 6-9pm and so my review is based mostly on this most recent visit.

First of all I don't really "get" the appeal of the Sportsman's Lodge. It's a nice place, yes, but I think it could be a lot better in terms of a place to hang out and meet professional girls.

First of all, they always have the music too loud. When I look around the room I inevitably see guys between 50-70 years old. Do guys this age really want to hear LOUD music while they drink, talk and/or watch sports on tv's? I don't really think so. I find the loud music annoying unless girls are getting up and dancing with me, which I've yet to see there. If it's a dancing scene, then by all means turn the music up. If it's not then how about lowering it about 30%?

While I was there a guy kept coming in and doing a radio show from the bar. No problem with that. But his mic was over-modulated and the music was way too loud then too. (The loud music applies to all times I was in there, not just when the DJ was in there.)

The girls:
Most of them seem like girls who couldn't compete at the Del Rey. Some are pretty good looking and good enough, for sure. But to be honest I have never been motivated to ask one back to my room from there. Admittedly this time I did find 2 on my last day there that were worthy and I might have invited them for drinks had I not been more interested in eating at the time. But finding 2 or 3 girls over 4 - 6 hours of time there is not a resounding endorsement.

The food:
For the most part it's "just okay". They used to have really good pizza a few years ago but they no longer make pizza. I ordered an omelet one evening and it was $7 and I could not believe it when it came. It was very greasy, looked like it was made with 2 eggs not 3, and the potato pile that came with it was a little tiny silver dollar sized spec, all served on a huge plate that dwarfed the food which was already looking small to begin with. Potatoes and eggs are cheap so how about giving some quantity? But would I have wanted MORE of those greasy eggs? No.
The nachos were just okay, and nothing I had was what I would call good. Honestly the only reason we came there was to see what kind of "talent" was wandering around during dinner hour and something about the physical space of the place is appealing in spite of the above.

One night I ordered french fries. I waited about 20 minutes and finally asked the waitress, "Where are our french fries?" It was no big deal, I just figured maybe she'd forgotten to pick them up since I'd seen her over at the bar eating. She practically screamed in my face that she never took my order. I was taken aback and didn't say anything but then she was asking the other waitresses who took our order and I then pointed out that it was indeed her who had taken the order. I wasn't mad. A simple, "Sorry, I must have forgotten" or "I'll see what happened" would have sufficed. As it was we asked for our check and left.

I think the Sportsman's Club could be a lot better if they'd lower the volume on the music a bit, get a few more hot girls in there, and hire a better cook or two.

I know a lot of people like the place, and to each his own. I am just giving my honest review in the spirit of constructive criticism because I think the place could be fantastic with a few changes. As it is I am always just going there to "check it out" but never expecting much. I'd like to have it be a real alternative to the Del Rey but it just isn't imho.

I've been a fan of the Sportmen's Lodge ever since my first mongering trip. As you said, TEHO applies. I'm just surprised at a couple of your comments:

1) In years of visiting the SL I've never heard complaints about the music being too loud. Yes, they pump the volume when they have an event but on normal evenings? Maybe I'm going deaf and don't realize it

2) While SL food is pricey compared to most tico restaurants, one of the highlights of each trip is eating desayuno americano there at least once. At 3500 col it's expensive, but I've always enjoyed it and never found the portions too small - as a matter of fact I usually can't finish the potatoes. Maybe I like my eggs greasy.

3) The reason you don't "get" the SL's appeal might have something to do with your background, personal preferences and experiences at the venue. It's easy to realize why many gringo mongers flock to the SL - the atmosphere, the food, the camaraderie, the service. Not to mention there's chicas on the premises! Maybe not the hottest chicas in SJO (something the Del Rey cannot claim either), but there is one key point about the SL chicas - almost all are a hell of lot more easygoing and simpaticas than the HDR mercenaries. I'll take a easygoing 6 over a hard-core mercenery 8 any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

Look, we get it. You like the Del Rey. At least judging by your comments and the gratuitous Del Rey mentions. That's cool.

But to say the SL doesn't qualify as a "real alternative" to the Del Rey is, quite frankly, ludicrous. The SL doesn't try to be or need to be the Del Rey. They are two different types of venues.

One is a high-intensity meat market which caters to man's basest instincts while extracting your money in the most brutally efficient and impersonal manner possible, while the other is a place where a visitor can relax and not be hassled every 30 seconds, yet can still find a willing chica or two to satisfy carnal impulses if so inclined.

TEHO applies. Enjoy the Del Rey. And we'll keep enjoying SL.

mh

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mh

Have to agree with Miamiheller-- my last 5 trips I've stayed at SL, and think the place is great. I also like the music-food-ladies. Just a fun atmosphere. Miguel Blanco can certainly have his opinion-- but if you dislike the place so much-- why do you keep going back?? Keep SL just like it is.

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There's a prettier girl every day...

In my opinion the Sportsmens Lodge is the top hotel for mongers in San Jose. Do they have problems? Yes, of course, but they are handled quickly and efficiently by the staff. Bill is a great host. I will agree with the OP on the music being too loud. You shouldn't have to talk over the music in there.

I have never understood why these places crank their music so loud. For disclosure I was a DJ in high school and university so I like loud music.

The LDV in Cartagena is the worst offender. It's difficult enough trying to converse with a Chica when there is a language barrier without the music being at the level of a Who concert.

Devo

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The most dangerous adversaries are the ones that come with a smile instead of a sword

MH-Beautiful!!

"I'll take a easygoing 6 over a hard-core mercenery 8 any day of the week and twice on Sundays."

Fair enough. You don't "get" SL. That's cool because there is something for everyone in the gulch.

I do have to chuckle a bit with the loud music comments. The OP sounds like a man of advanced age

SL is what it is. I like the music. I don't mind the decibel level there and I don't think the chicas do either. The party stops around 11-11:30pm anyway. If you want to talk to a chica tell her to meet you outside or go in the back by the pool table or open window. Otherwise it's a sports bar! I was in Buffalo Wild Wings last week on a date. Guess what? It was loud as hell in there. Did I mind? No, because it's a sports bar. Libraries are quiet; Sports bars are loud.

Yes, the food is expensive at SL but so is everything else in CR. I found some decent places "up the hill" from SL that have decent priced food. I suggest checking that out for lunch or dinner to save a few colones.

As far as the girls are concerned, Bill and Co. don't exclude any girl unless they act up, cause problems or are und***ge. They cannot screen for what chica is hot and what chica is not. So as far as not finding the talent you're looking for at SL, that's a personal thing. You can't fault management for that...can you?

I long for the days when it was simple at the casas: You see a girl you liked, told her what you wanted to do to her, agreed on a price point and away the both of you went. Now we're all pissed off because the painting that hangs over the bed doesn't match the bedspread. Therefore, I'm not going to stay at XYZ place ever again...

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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?

I have stayed at SL only once for several nights and I too do not like to have to talk over the loud music. HOWEVER, in the 4 consecutive nights I spent at SL I did NOT find that a problem! Maybe I'm going deaf?

hj


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I think as in all places they go thru cycles and I think the sportsmen s is on the down cycle sad to say

having visiting eating and drinking at the bar there 3 separate occasions between January and February I have the say the service is just plain terrible.

we just had a bite this past Sunday and the waitresses were more involved with themselves and how they looked than actually taking care of customers. we were a party of 3 and 2 of the guys I was with was the first time there. they will not be returning unfortunetly.

Bill happened to also be there speaking and laughing with some heavy set guy with tattoos.. he looked like a cartoon character. but Bill was oblivious to what was going on in the bar I could not believe my eyes. Bill also looked somewhat exhausted.

I remember just a few short years ago and Bill would be around always touching his customers acknowledging them walking around the bar being the gracious host.

he should sell the place and cash out instead of holding out. just my opinion

it's a tough business model here in costa rica.

What a surprise, loud music and slow service in Costa Rica.

Gentlemen,

In response to comments from Don Juan De Marco. I was at the SL, as most days or everning on last Sunday. I did have a prolonged discussion with a large tattooed man who is the current owner of HLH. I apologize for the service issue you encountered with our staff. I will show your comments to both our Hotel & Bar managers so that they can be addressed properly.

I remember being a tad but not overly fatigued on Sunday, however I thought I had made the rounds greeting customers throughout the day as usual. If I did not greet your table I am sorry and regret not doing so. Pleae stop by again soon and say hello so I can address this personally with you and offer you a complimentary beverage of your choice.

Thank you for your comments.

Bill
Sportsmens Lodge

Ps. Not selling out anytime soon

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No "Sex tourism or travel" promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided any compensation for this hopefully entertaining contribution. Any posts regarding any event or hotel item are just my humble opinions only.

One Suggesion….

Miguel Blanco & Don Juan De Marco Why don’t you “two” Gentlemen become members so you can enjoy CRT VIP discounts in the future at SL or any one of the other discounts provided by other vendors participating on CRT?

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This post is provided purely for entertainment purposes and free of charge on the part of the author. No "Sex tourism or travel" promotion is expressed or implied. The author of this post was not provided any compensation for this hopefully entertaining contribution. Any posts regarding any event or hotel item are just my humble opinions only.

Hi, I used to be a member but frankly I don't see the value now. I looked at the discounts and decided not to re-join. I will keep an eye on it though as I have over the years and at such time as it becomes worth it to me personally, then I will re-join.

I would like to point out to True Sportsman that many here agreed with me about the music being too loud. I'm not saying don't have music, I'm just saying don't have it quite so loud. I love music and overall the music was okay as far as selection, and sure any bar needs music to provide a fun atmospherer; it's just about 20-30% too loud. Yes I am 55 yo but so are many of your guests.

As to the food no one addressed the fact of how small the omelet and potatoes were. I mean, really: $7 for the tiniest mound of potatoes and tiniest omelet drenched in grease I've ever seen. I would not have commented on it here were it not so outrageous. If only I'd taken a photo, I'm pretty sure 95% of viewers would agree!

The 2nd poster I believe it was, made a good point about how there is room for a more mellow place, an anti-Del Rey so to speak. I agree and I like the idea that the SL is a place where the girls are less aggressive, ideally more easy going and mellow, a slower more relaxed atmosphere. I just wish more of them were better looking and that there were a few more to choose from. But yes, that's MY taste and in fact this whole thing is based on my opinion which is the whole point of a forum, no?

So I acknowledge that YMMV and the SL may be just the right place for YOU. I encourage you to check it out and see. Then, if you agree with me, that the omelet is a rip off, food is overpriced, the music is too loud and the girls are less than hot, let your fellow CRTers know by posting here or in another thread as to how it could be better - or by contrast, if you LOVE it just the way it is, tell it; that's why we have a forum.

I think this thread served to provide some constructive criticism which any good business owner - while he may not LIKE hearing it - can make good use of.

My last few visits the service was better than ever, of course it probably helps when the bartenders and staff remember you.
The sound level debate has come up before, think the younger guys called the older guys lame (as usual) and nothing changes. Was in a courtyard room for a few nights and the party may wind down at 11 or 11:30 but some nights the music was on long past midnight. It actually bothered me more in the mornings, even though usually up early just wished they'd leave it off or turn a tv on until late morning instead of cranking it at 9AM while guests are recovering and trying to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee & breakfast or catch up on sleep. I also vote turn it down some because it makes it difficult to socialize and gets nerve-wracking after a while but this is the reasoning behind it- http://www.spring.org.uk/2008/09/why-lo ... reases.php
Problem is this info is doesn't address how many people decide to walk out the door and go elsewhere with their dollars BECAUSE the music's too loud in a bar. How many times have you been in a bar and wished the band would shut the hell up and go on break so you could have a conversation with friends or that pretty lady instead of having to scream in each others ear? Miguel Blanco has a point with the typical guests age, most of us over 25 don't go to bars (or SL) just to drink and stare at people with music blaring anymore, it's OK once in a while but most people over 30 prefer a more relaxing atmosphere where conversation can take place which encourages customers stay longer, maybe order food and spend more money. Why not turn it down a notch or alternate the volume every so often (like turn it down 20-25db for 20 minutes per hour) to encourage social interaction instead of discouraging it. Just my .02 no charge for the consultation Bill

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We'll have to agree to disagree. I don't know what you consider "small" or how much you usually eat, but for me 2 eggs, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links, a portion of potatoes, and an English muffin is plenty for breakfast.

I believe it was 3 posters that complained the music was too loud at SL - yourself and 2 others. 2 additional posters made comments about loud music, but not about SL in particular.

Like you, I'm a middle aged man and I don't consider SL's music levels to be particularly loud. And I've spent dozens of nights in the place, not 3-4.

I bet the issue isn't solely to do with the music VOLUME per se as much as it is with the music SELECTION. As evidenced by many CRT threads, many in our hobby do not like reggaeton, salsa and the other varieties of Latin music these places like to play.

Absolutely it is. And if you post your opinion in a public forum, you should expect people with different opinions to refute yours. That's the whole point of a forum, isn't it?

I feel your comments would have had a much better impact if you would have expressed it differently. Instead of demeaning the SL, you could have praised the HDR to the skies by explaining why you prefer the place.


Completely agree the purpose of this forum is to share factual information about our hobby. However, once we start expressing opinions, then everyone who has a differing one is free to express it too. That's why we have a forum, right?

mh

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mh