www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Well, since there now have been so many wonderful reviews of the Sportsmans Lodge, I thought we might hear from those who have recently stayed at both (or anyone else), about the pros and cons of each place, and their sense of which one is most conducive to our fun and games. I have only stayed at the Presidente, Gran Via, and the DR, and the Presidente wins hands down. For me, the major drawback is that I am a fan of threesomes, and it is not always posible to find one of the brothers handy to circumvent the one girl rule. Love the breafast, the rooms are more than fine, and the location is good.

I am thinking about staying at the Presidente near the end of the year, as a pal of mine want to rent out the Master Suite (two rooms= major party).

Look forward to hearing from those who know more than I (most of you).

Psychman

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

I have a related question. I love the Presidente, and was thinking of reserving the junior spa room ($90/night) with jacuzzi for my next trip in August. But I have heard from a few people that the Presidente is very noisy these days, as they're doing some construction. Does anyone know wether the noise will persist through August?

Racetrack

Thought I'd chime in as I have stayed in both within the last 4 weeks... First off SL is a very nice place. Great staff, Great and well run by the ownership and Bill & Ray really make you feel at home.

Simply stated more like the CRT clubhouse or as many have called it cheers. Linens and furnishings are classy antique style. Rooms are comfortable but personally I find them small. Although tempertaure is not a problem I am a AC person, simple but I can't breath without it. It should be the opposite but I live and die with my AC. The fans are more than adequate but the NO AC really did me in. Spent one night there and enjoyed myself but NO AC did me in.... Wireless INT was fine in my room and throughout the place.

Drawbacks... Off the beaten path and not condusive to walking at night or after dark for that matter. Food & Beverages higher than expected for SJO wasn't there during the girls dancing on the bar so it looks like its moving towards a great party place.

Moved to the Prez as stated for me the AC issue. Was one off the first in the new Spa Suites which are complete contrast to the SL... Had a corner room on the 6th floor with VERY modern furniture, an incredible glass enclosed, shower and Jacuzzi large enough for 2 / 3... Desk, King Bed, large living room, huge TV in the bedroom and I was told another large TV to be put in the living room but something to do with not having the furniture yet.

Wireless Int no problem, Of course the News Cafe and the attributes of the rail, and as always a very professional staff, that takes care of your every needs. Personally the new Spa Suites are as good as it gets in the gulch as far as I am concerned and have not to this point seen a better room for 1 person and a lady guest of their choice.

I think comparing them is tough because they are really stark contrasts. I certainly have nothing but good things to say about the SL, but for me, who has stayed in at least a dozen Hotels throughout the SJO area the new Spa Suites at the PREZ are worth every penny In my opinion.

Its all a matter of choice, but for me I remain a Loyal Presidente customer. PS they even changed the layout of the breakfast buffet and added a few things....

NOTE about the noise, I think most of the construction is winding down as it was not bad at all compared to about 2 months ago when it was nuts!

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Many of the rooms at the Presidente are always noisy. Some are quieter. Ordinary noise -- ignoring the constant construction -- include 6 AM pipers, other street noise, ice machines, elevators, drunks yelling all night in the hall, gunfire outside (rare but I've heard it), etc. You are right in the middle of a big city. I've stayed there for about 6 months total and the only thing positive I can say about it vis a vis noise is that you don't often hear dogs barking. Street noise isn't bad on the higher floors and the rooms at the end of the halls pointing South are much quieter. Barrio Amon and Barrio Otoya are much quieter overall.

I have stayed at both.It is true the SL is like cheers.Everybody knows your name.Bill is a super nice guy and a great host.The staff is top notch.And you are just a short walk from Zona and New fantasy.OK now the disadvantages.Not many cab drivers and girls know about the hotel.And you MUST take a cab at night.But it will only cost you around a thousand colones with tip.No AC.
On the Prez the rooms are nicer.You feel like your in a very nice US hotel.Free breakfast at the rail.And if you like to gamble your right there.All girls know the Prez.OK now the bad.A little loud in the hallways.Also the walk of shame.You have to fight off all the beggers.
I tell my friends it is like staying in a cozy Motel or staying in a very nice Hotel.IMHO both are great.Do like I do ,stay the first half of the week in one then change.Dale Ray

I'll be staying in one of the new Spa suites on Aug. 2-6 and can't wait. I even looking forward to hearing the clipotyclop of high heels walking down the tile hallways at all hours of the night. Makes me feel right at home

one note, is bill is adding 10 more rooms to the sl, and I think they will have ac. But if you see bill ask him about his new pride and joy, "the Penthouse". On another note, about the one girl rule, I think bill's policy is no more then a dozen girls in the room at a time. That is just so the other guys have some girls.

len

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The Wizard

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." - Robert A. Heinlein


Doesnt look like Costa Rica for a while. Got offer 2 years in Singapore. Now what is a good hotel in Thailand. (New Weekend home).

yea...Presidente vs Sportsmens is like comparing apples to oranges. Fortunately CRT has deals with both...so take your pick or try them both. You really have to make your own personal evaluation per your style. Personally I like the cheers style bar at Sportsmens and this is my neighborhood hangout (i Live here)...

Presidente or SL? I had the same dilema, so I split my time between the two on my virgin visit in April. And I MAY do the same on my next visit.

If doing so (but only if this is your first visit - not sure from reading Psychman's post), I'd start at the SL.

For a first timer, striking up conversations with fellow mongers is at the SL is a great way to get the "lay of the land." The SL deserves all the rave reviews they've gotten here.

But after a few days at the SL, and once I grew comfortable with getting around in SJ, I moved to a studio room at the Prez (great value at $40/day + tax - with AC). At the Prez, I felt more "anonymous" - which for me, is sometimes a good thing.

If forced to choose one or the other, I'd pick SL. But you won't go wrong either way.

Thankd for the feedback all. No, I have been down a couple of times before. This is just the kind of discussion I was hopeing for- might have to stay at both for variety, but I do like to get settled in. Do any of the suites at the SL have two bedrooms?

Psychman

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

No 2 BR suites at the SL yet. The presidential suite has a living room with a pull out bed but have to go through the Master for the Bathroom

Good thread guys! Really enjoyed all the posts. I'll be able to contribute more on the topic at the end of August. Have stayed at the Prez a number of times; have reservations in August for the first time at the Sportsmen's.

The noise issue at the Presidente has been there since my first stay over two years ago. The jackhammer would start promptly at 630am; except on Sunday. Thats the outside noise, and largely related to the continued improvements at the hotel. The halls and rooms are tiled. Little or no carpet, so interior noise is amplified. Drunks in the hall screaming at 3am are sometimes a problem... unless I'm one of them.

The new spa suites sound terrific, and I look forward to using them. My bet is the price goes up. Not much higher than the old junior suites right now.

Overall, the Prez is really a nice hotel and a good value. There is a lot of variance in the older rooms.