www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I know this is late as I was just freed up to go Sept 4 for 4-5 nights. I know it's Labor Day weekend.

1. Assuming Cocal is full, any other recommendations for nearby girl friendly hotels from which a Cocal girl wouldn't mind walking, taking a taxi, etc. I don't mind paying up to $150 a night or so as long as it's close...$100 would be better.

2. If I arrive that Friday around 10-12 AM, is it best to go to Jaco right from the airport and what is the best way( I don't mind paying a reasonable amount.....no cheap bus etc.

3. I'm thinking Friday and Sat night in Jaco (seeing Cocal) and then the final three back at SL or Amistad.

Any ideas for how I might accomplish this that makes sense to the pros on the forum? Thanks again!,

If my idea of two nights in Jaco is too ambitious, let me know! I've been to CR before three times so know Gringo Gulche and can prob make do there but never been to Jaco or the Cocal. Would like to take a couple from there.

Mango Mar is next door, but make sure they are allowing girls in that weekend. Poseidon is a couple of blocks north...inexpensive and a great resturant. Morgan's Cove is on the south end of the beach but a nice place. Hotel 9 is even farther south...smaller and great service. Cancions del Mar is on the north end near the Copacabana which are both girl friendly with Cancions being an all-suite hotel while Copa is a swinger place. On the far north end is Croc's Casino and Resort which is now girl friendly.

<edited to reflect 10am> For sure, arriving that early you have a lot you can do in Jaco including a croc tour or even a zip line on the way into Jaco if your transport guy can do that for you. Lot of ways to get there that early as well including the regular bus, Interbus from one of the nearby hotels or private transport/taxi. Runs from $5-$100.

In my opinion, I think that is your best plan. You get the best two nights in Jaco and skip the slower ones with the daytime action and DR at night back in San Jose on Sun-Tue. If you book three nights at Amistad, I think they are still offering the ride from Jaco for free but might check with them on that. Jim at Zona2 has a new van guy so he might be able to cut you a deal on the transport and three nights as well. You can always use the bus or even Interbus for that transfer to save $ over private transport.

Hope that helps and if I can be of more assistants, just let me know here or by PM! Good luck and hope you have a great trip.

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The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

Do yourself a favor...book your transportation from SJO airport directly to Jaco...with PVT.

Are you arriving late at night? If that is the case, you might be better off staying your arrival night in San jose, enjoying the local gulch scene...then taking off to Jaco for Saturday and Sunday night...then the last two nights back at the gulch before heading home.

You can travel to Jaco via PVT private service, then return with Interbus...pick his brain on the way down to Jaco...well worth the price of admission, especially if you need extra help with lodging on a big USA holiday weekend. I've stayed at Canciones del Mar (owned by HDR, chicas allowed, right on the beach) and recommend it as an alternative to Cocal...there is nothing as convenient as staying at cocal though...next time!

Luck to you!

Thanks. I'm going to send him a PM. I will actually arrive 10AM-12noon, not evening.

Mango Mar was very chica friendly July 4th weekend. A little discretion seemed to go a long way. Girls had to leave their Cedula card at the office during the day (when someone was in the office) and with the parking lot guard at night. 2 min walk to CoCal bar.

http://hotelmangomar.com/en/

Hotel Zabamar is about a 2 min walk up the road on the north side of the road leaving the CoCal heading toward the main drag. Never stayed there but it seems pretty nice.

http://www.hotelzabamar.com/

Both should be within your price range!
Good Luck!!

Thank you so much for the valuable information. I was able to get a reservation booked for September 4 and September 5 at Cocal much to my surprise. I got a poolside room. Hope they are ok!! I will also be staying at SL Sept 6,7,8 if anyone wants to meet and party!

I usually don't list hotel Zabamar although it is as close to Cocal as Mango Mar. I keep getting different answers on their girls policy. Like Mango Mar, think they really want to keep it on the down low. Do know on very busy weekends, Mango Mar will restrict their guest policy so always good to verify with them the deal on any specific weekend and probably the same with Zabamar. But great information and links you provided....thanks!

_________________
The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

I was at MangoMar on a busy weekend and had no issues with bringing back guests. They just don't want you out by the pool partying with them. Lot's of families on the weekend. Really liked this place.