www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hello,

Im interested in saving a bit of cash this upcoming trip so although Castillo is my usual spot to stay in Im thinking about either the La Amistad or Hotel Santo Tomas.

I guess my only dealbreaker might be this train that I've read about. So I have a few questions what is the schedule of this train? (any links for that) I know its starts up early but does it run before say 6AM eastern time? which is 2 hours ahead from Costa Rica time also is the penthouse room 310 worth it all in all? Im not afraid of the 44 stairs but if the rooms other rooms say the king w/ sauna (will be going in November and SJ is typically colder than the us state I live in is better bang for buck?

Train starts at around 5 am local time from the station several blocks away, but the ones going by the east side of the hotel may start a little later. You could search online for a train schedule for trains from Estacion Atlantico to Heredia.

Santo Tomas has some restrictions or at least a fee for visitors, unless that particular person is registered with you as a co-guest.

https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_t ... 967-939618

But your cheapest option is El Hotel Bajo el Puente. Always someone to help carry your luggage, never a chica fee.

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If you let the devil ride, he's gonna want to drive

I think you have to be on a very strict budget to make La Amistad worthwhile. Food and drinks at nice places are not at all cheap in the Gulch. You can easily spend more than the all inclusive rate that Castillo offers if you don't watch your spending very closely. Plus there is no restaurant at La Amistad. If you want to entertain a guest you need to take her somewhere else or order a food delivery. At night when you are half drunk and hungry that is not very convenient.

Iirc 310 was wasted space but 311 had a full kitchen that used to come in handy for meals. Requires doing a little shopping but definitely saves you some money. I used to get lucky and have a girl cook for me on occasion and that's a whole different kind of fun. I never counted on the place for food or drink. And if you need something late they have door dash guys on motorcycles.
As far as the train get a nice pair of earplugs and check it out. Imo the complaints used to be overdone but its possible the frequency had picked up since I stayed there last no se.
Fwiw the 310,11 and 12 rooms are on the side the train would be loudest. I just looked at it like a wake up for morning sex. Weird to hear the hotel has taken a turn. Is the bar still open? That was a nice little nook if you enjoy your privacy.

i love the amistad great staff very homey rooms on second floor my favorite
trains a bitch 5:30 every morning I won't lie