www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have just returned from my first trip. Personally, if it were not for The Sportsmen’s Lodge it would be my last. I’d rather vacation in Baghdad than stay at some of the alternatives I had a chance to visit.

To get an idea what the SL is like think of a Central American version of Cheers, a place “where everybody knows your name”. Then add a great "bed and breakfast" atmosphere, and top off with anywhere from six to twenty-six accommodating female patrons eager, but not desperate for, your companionship.

Unlike what I experienced elsewhere, not one of the women at the SL ever begged me to engage her services. Not one of them grabbed my gonads unless invited to do so. And I was not tackled even once by any of them.

It has been mentioned by other members that the SL attracts a higher class of woman. This is absolutely true but it also no accident.
Bill and Johanna have created an atmosphere that tends to attract the kind of warm, friendly, and accommodating women many of us are seeking on a vacation of this kind.

Costa Rica, like the US, is a free country. Any woman of legal age can hang out pretty much anywhere she wants. As Bill will tell you they are all independent contractors. He and Johanna can’t keep any girl out, but those who are dishonest, aggressive, or generally unpleasant quickly get the idea that the welcome mat is not intended for them.

When I say, “everybody knows your name” it is absolutely true.
I arrived on a Sunday afternoon. All of the NFL games were on the multiple televisions in the bar and lobby. Heidi, and Marjorie are both immediately calling me Jim, and Bill has phoned a woman I had previously expressed an interest in to see if she would come over and join me.

Ray, the Manager is also your personal concierge. He’ll arrange everything from tours of the rain forest to low cost car rentals, and make sure you have everything you need. Beyond that he is an all around great guy.

The SL has another wonderful asset, though she is not officially an employee. Karen is a freelance masseuse of the legitimate variety who will give you the best massage, pedicure and manicure you have ever had. If your life experience does not include a pedicure get her to give you one. My feet haven’t looked or felt this good since I was six years old.

Beyond that, Karen knows EVERYTHING that is going on. She speaks perfect English and if she likes you she will not only protect your ass but might even introduce you to special ladies she knows will make you happy. Whether you speak no Spanish, or are fluent, you will find Karen an invaluable friend to have.

Previous reports have mentioned the lack of air conditioning. I know Bill is adding more rooms and upgrading others. Presumably air conditioning is coming soon. Being from Vermont I found no problems with the temperature. All of the rooms have ceiling fans and most of the time I had mine off.

In my opinion the lack of air conditioning is more than made up for with the free wireless internet and the free use of the four or five computers in the bar and lobby.

I realize that this report sounds a bit like I am shilling, but be assured that is not the case. By nature I am difficult to please and ornery when irritated. If there were a single thing I could find wrong it would be included.

That’s why on any future trip to Costa Rica I’ll be staying at The Sportsman’s Lodge or else I won’t be in Costa Rica at all.

Great review. I concur with everything you said, especially the part about Ray and Karen. Ray is the greatest. This trip he set me up with the wonderful 4-in-1 full-day (and I mean full day) excursion to a volcano, waterfalls, etc. It was a fascinating day and well worth the price.

I had two massages by Karen. The first one, the day after I arrived, resolved the problem I had with an aching back. The second one I had was after a week of fun and I really, really needed it. I also had a pedicure which I've never done before but it was well worth it. For a few days after the pedicure, I felt like I was walking on air.

Both Karen and Ray are truly wonderful people.

Like you, my visits to Costa Rica will always feature the SL as my base, simply because the SL feels like home; albeit a fully-stocked bar, sports channels, beautiful women ... Geez, I'm homesick already.

Now about the part "where everybody knows your name ... " All that time I was down there I thought they were calling my name not yours.

Well, actually, after a couple of days they were calling me "Shit-head", but that is neither unusual or impolite.

Something tells me we have more in common that an admiration for the SL.

Do the words "Hong Kong", "Magic", or "Evergreen" have a certain ring for you?

Why, Hong Kong rings a bell

Wouldn't be anywhere near Waterbury would it?

Feel free to PM!

Waterbury ? Hell, that's not far from my old stompin' ground!

How 'bout the "White Parrot" bar in Waterbury? Ring any bells ??

_________________
You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Has anyone stayed in their standard regular room "Paz"? I'm just wondering if it's too small and if to upgrade. The two Standard large available are back by the bar and probably pretty noisy. Anyway thought I'd ask

Are they really noisy? I have one reserved for late October. I am usually not able to fall asleep with a lot of noise, so I am wondering if I need to change also.

thanks.

-Orange

The rooms around the lobby and bar area are a little noisy in the morning around 9-10 am and if you are one to take naps in the afternoon or early evening, then the rooms are not for you. The bar closes at 12 am and you would be able to get sleep then.

Orange, you will up much later than that. I could not sleep past 9:30 am and my room, Amor, was towards the Public rest rooms.

Sleep is underated anyway.

_________________
GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

Oh, I know. The first trip, in 9 days, I slept about 30 hours maybe. The last few days were difficult.

I probably won't hear the noise outside my room since I'll be doing my best to make sure the noise that the chicas inside my room make is louder. I just hope that I don't disturb the bar patrons.

On a serious note, to all who are going for the first time especially, get lots of sleep prior to the trip since you won't be sleeping much. There's an opportunity cost of getting sleep in CR. Yeah, the opportunity to nail another chica. I will actually follow my own advice this time and be plenty rested for the upcoming trip.

-Orange

I worded that poorly. I'm requesting info wondering if the ones closest to the bar are noisy. Those are the only two available currently for when I'm there. They have others and yours might not be one of those closest to the bar. I want to make sure I'm not spreading bad info.

The bar typically closes at midnight, now I don't know about you but sleep in CR is overated. I had Bueno Vida? corner room, one room down from the bar, didn't ever notice any noise. This hotel is the coolest hotel ever, GREAT service and just alot of fun to be had just hanging around the hotel.
Muhahaha

well when i was there i knew a guy who stayed in one of those rooms and he complained about noise, but then someone else told me that what you do is turn the fans on hi and sleep like a baby with no noise problems. now i don't know if that was after 2 sesions at zb and a pick up from the office as they call it. hope it helps!

I am about to post my own First Trip Report. I wish I had read the sage advice about sleep from Orange before going. In addition to lost opportunity costs it will reveal other consequences of sleep deprivation.

And on the subject at hand. I had the pleasure of being up front. Spent two nights in each suite. Before the bar closes they are a little noisy. So it stands to reason the ones closest to the bar would be more so. But I thought the happy sounds added to the "atmosphere", and it is over at midnight.[color=orange]

was in the sportsman for a week over labor day and the door next to the bar u cant get any closer and had no problem....who the hell is going to bed before midnight anyway....