The Presidente can't have it both ways. Either they can accept single men and their "girlfriends" from places like the Del Rey, or they can go against us. I happen to have just signed up with Costa Rica Ticas MAINLY because I wanted to stay at the Presidente with the great discount they offer. Now I fear the membership will be far less valuable to me, as I can't imagine my wanting to stay at the Presidente if they have this policy in effect. I do NOT want some guy at the door making $2/hour deciding whether or not my girl is allowed in, nor do I want the desk or anyone else telling me I can't bring a girl back to my room with me.
Look, I could see them saying, "No vulgar clothing allowed", so as to weed out some chicks coming in with their asses showing or nipples peaking out above a tiny bra, something like that. But come on, there are women in mini-skirts ALL OVER San Jose during the DAY, let alone at night. And there is certainly nothing wrong with a sleeveless blouse or even some cleavage showing!
It appears to me that the Presidente is deciding they don't want mongers and working girls there. So if that is the case, maybe we should boycott both their hotel and their restaurant. Maybe then they'll reverse this ridiculous policy.
Our only power to address this grievance is through our decision to support them or not support them. I say we let them know that we will not be supporting them until such time as they make a more reasonable dress code policy. Again, I would not blame them for not wanting someone who was dressed outlandishly, such as I described above. But come on, a girl in a mini-skirt, high heels, and low cut dress or blouse is not offensive to anyone.
As was pointed out earlier, this is admittedly a clear practice of discrimination against working girls, and - in effect - us single men who want to bring them to our rooms.
I for one have written to The Presidente asking them to explain their policy and warning them that they will likely lose a lot of business both in their hotel and in the News Cafe' if this policy is kept.
Do they have the right to set a policy like this? Absolutely! And do we have the right - even responsibility - to let them know they will be losing our business because of it. Also: yes.
Here is their address:
E-mail:
info@hotel-presidente.com
I suggest a very polite and civil e-mail letting them know you may have to stop staying there if they continue this policy.
I hope Admin1 will use the power of this membership organization to convince the Presidente that this policy will hurt their business. I think if they get 20-30 e-mails from regular clients they may re-think this stupid policy. I believe it WILL hurt their business if we decide to boycott them, and I think that would be appropriate if they don't soften this policy.