designer88 wrote:
Harddrive43228 , Thanks for the solid info on Taormina. Given the larger numbers to pick from at Taormina, I'm guessing I will need to invite guest back to SL. What's the cost of taxi or uber service to get from Taormina to SL or do you walk guest back to SL. Also, any guidance on cost of taxi or uber to SJ airport from SL or Taormina. appreciate the help in my planned upcoming visit.
It's a pretty easy walk in the daytime down to the Taormina from the SL or the Castillo. I would not make the walk after dark unless in a group. You can run into some sketchy characters on the way.
Returning to the SL from the Taormina with company, regardless of the time you'll want to take a taxi or an Uber. No woman is going to want to walk up that hill, especially in heels.
An Uber if you can get one will run you less than 1K colones. A metered taxi will be a similar amount but they are difficult to get in the evening and even the metered ones will probably ask for 2K if they see you are a gringo. Personally I usually will just take one of the pirate taxis that sit outside of the Taormina most of the night. They are officially ripping you off at 2K colones but given that is only about $3.50 I don't have a problem with that.
In fact I just looked it up and the official exchange rate is $2.99. Some of them will ask for 3K but if you counter at 2K almost all will say OK.
The return to the airport you can either use an Uber, get a red metered taxi or use a private driver. The Sportsmens will arrange a driver or you can call Vanessa (see threads below). That cost is going to be about $30. An Uber or taxi will be less but the price will vary depending on time of day or traffic
Also the Castillo offers free transport back to the airport if you stay 4 or more nights.
As Boynton said above, if you can get a non-Courtyard room (noisy and small, right around the bar), stay at the Sportsmens for your first trip. The Modern Wing rooms are reasonably priced and decent. The Mansion wing rooms are awesome but a bit pricey.
You'll meet a lot of guys that can help you get your bearings. The nice thing about reserving a room at the SL is you can see specific room availability on their website. And the free breakfast is pretty good and they have a great happy hour.
Have a good trip.