www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I did my search but only saw a 2005 review of this hotel which states that it is not chica friendly. Is it still the case?

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"QUID PRO QUO" in CR and the rest of the world!

A guy posted this Balmoral policy statement below re their "guests/visitors" on another board very recently but it wasn't dated so I have no idea if the Balmoral has gotten better or worse re: the $30, or if it is in fact from the Balmoral although they do mention the "El Patio" restaurant which is at the Balmoral. It couldn't hurt to call them, it ain't like they are going to be shocked.

I stayed there once so long ago it doesn't matter anymore for this thread, but it was no problem them. Kind of dumpy and dated, and the rooms same, like the Gran Hotel or the DR but worse, but great location. Now the exterior, lobby,and restaurant/bars are really beautiful since the remodel, no idea if or how well they remodeled the rooms.
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"Even though the outfit is an individual choice and it reflects a personal taste, the way a guest dresses generates an impact over the hotel's image. With the intention of keeping a sober and nice ambiance for all of our dear guests, in the public areas of the hotel, we have established a dress code with simple and specific parameters to follow.

Each person and each set of clothes are different, so the decision about proper or not will be on the front desk manager at the moment. This decision will be final and the management will reserve the right of admission in particular cases.

Guests.

We ask our guests to please follow these simple requests, while in our public areas and El Patio Restaurant:

1) Always wear shoes.

2) Avoid shirts without sleeves or revealing clothes. Women must avoid very short skirts or open front shirts.

3) Do not wear brilliant, transparent clothes or swimming suits.

4) Avoid clothes with racist or discriminating messages.

Visitors.

A visitor is a person which has been authorized for a guest to visit the guests' room for a short period of time. All visitors in order to access the hotel, must fully comply with the dress code and must be registered on the book of visitors of the hotel, in order to do this, the visitor needs a valid ID, it means, the passport or cedula in case of a local person. Under age can register only in their parents' companion with the valid documentation. No und***ge.

Visitors can (I think they meant cannot, don't you) access a room without their parents even with the guests' approval. For safety reasons, only one visitor.

At the time is allowed per room.

If a visitor wants to go into a room or even sleep overnight, there will be an extra charge of $30 plus tax per night and hotel policies must be compiled.

Against sexual exploitations.

At Balmoral Hotel, we believe that sexual exploitation of human beings, infringes the fundamental goals of Tourism so we have a commitment against sexual exploitation of K*ds and teenagers under the 7899 law.

The hotel will cancel any agreement with companies that somehow sponsor or promote sexual exploitation. Also, the hotel reserves the right to cancel reservations for passengers that with their inappropriate behavior, affect the service to other guests.

Thank you for your comprehension and cooperation. Management ".

They won't get any of my business.

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."

Depending on the Chica fee and how staff treats "guests" (indifference works for me, grudging acceptance or sneery or worse, definitely not)...I agree with them on anything "short eyes" or non consensual. The restaurant is (as I remember) a light-filled court and the patio bar/table a great spot to be with a companion or gaze on the passers-by ( no, not like the Presidente--a bit removed from the street and no hawkers). No clue on the hotel itself.

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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

I went in to check out the place in October, so I think I have some up to date intel...... just out walking and decided to stop in and look things over.

Its a nice hotel, in a great location. Unlike the Presidente, which is right across the street, the Balmoral never had a reputation as a "mongers" hotel, nor did it see our type of business, nor did it get much play on CRT (vs the Presidente, who changed their policies, terminated their CRT sponsor status, raised prices, instituted a stupid, arbitary "dress code" and just seemed to do everything possible to tell many loyal customers through their actions that they did not want their business - then had the gall to lie about what their true policies were. I stayed there many times and despite my previous statement, really liked the place).

That said, Balmoral was never in the same boat, although it could be argued that they should do a lot more to take advantage of their location. They have not and unless and until they do, based on my conversations a couple of months ago, things will seem to remain as they were*****

One interesting thing was they publish their rates, and the desk person told me they were having a sale - all rates were at a 50% discount to their "rack" rates - so you were looking at $40 - 65 per night after discount. The hotel also has a fair amount of interior rooms, which don't have a window that opens outside <I stayed there for whatever reason some years back>.

They also had a guest fee (I honestly don't remember.....maybe $25?????), and its not the place to stay if you plan on having a lot of company - it might - might - be ok if you planned to use MP's and do your BS there. (I stress might b/c I try not to give my business to those who tolerate me - I'm funny that way )


****One thing I've noticed in Costa Rica as opposed to the USA is some business (like a hotel, or an office building, whatever) go back many years, even generations, and decisions are sometimes made for reasons that would appear contrairy to making business sense - I'm sure the owners of the hotel know about their location, but its been what it is for the 15+ years I've been traveling to Costa Rica.

I stayed there a few years ago and they had totally remodeled the rooms with new beds, flat screen tv, and new bathrooms. It was very nice. Paid $25 chica fee with no problem. They have recently updated the common areas and added retail shops at ground level.

The free breakfast was excellent with many choices.

I still go on occasion to the upstairs restaurant (opens at 4pm). Food is solid, good drinks, and it's nice looking down on Avenida Central in the evenings.

This place is really under the radar and much better than some of the other options available.