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Hi eveyone,

This is my first post on this forum. I'm planning my first trip to CR in July. The action is San Jose sounds like what I'm looking for, however, I'd love to stay on a beach in Costa Rica. Does anyone have any recommendations where I can find a hotel on the beach and working girls at decent prices? Or should I stay in San Jose for a little bit, then transfer to another, like Jaco?

Thanks,

-J

The beaches in CR during July? Bring plenty of sunscreen. You said it yourself, SJO sounds like more of what you are looking for. This is how I would play it if I were you. Plan on spending the first night or 2 in SJO so you know what you would be missing on the beach. If you really like it and change your mind about the beach, you can still usually cancel your beach reservation with 24 hour notice with no penalty (assuming you bother with a reservation at all at that time of the year). Personally, I recommend no matter how much you like SJO to get out and see at least part of the rest of the country regardless of the local working girl situation. CR has lots to offer beyond the sex scene, though there are plenty of mongers who go down for nothing else (and even some who never make it out of the Del Rey). It doesn't have to be beaches, either. One of my favorite destinations is Tabacon, which would also be a lot cooler than the coast during the summer months. It doesn't have to have local working girls either as you might be able to arrange a travel companion in San Jose when you get there. If you want to keep your options open by looking for local talent at one of the beaches, I would suggest Jaco (closest to SJ, most nightlife, only so-so beaches) or Quepos/Manuel Antonio (about twice as far from SJ, not quite as good nightlife but still some available and nice tropical beaches) or last one of the Guanacaste beaches (furthest from SJ, spotty nightlife, beautiful and less rainy beaches). After you get to the beach you can decide whether to extend your stay or head back to SJ, but either way you will have experienced a little more diversity on your trip. Finally, If you change your plans and decide to head back to SJ early, you shouldn't have any problem getting another room at that time of the year.

One final thought, though it might be heresy on this board. If you just like beaches and sex and don't care about the other stuff, I would recommend Rio instead. SJ is where the action is and is in the mountains. The beaches are 2-4 hours away and unless you BYOB has much less action. Rio, on the other hand, is right on peobably the most beautiful urban beach in the world and has a hopping nightlife all in the same location. Don't get me wrong, in many ways I prefer the tremendous variety of natural beauty all within a few hours of San Jose and for less than $250 out of Miami, CR makes for a perfect quick inexpensive getaway. But if you don't care about volcanoes, rainforests, whitewater rivers or less crowded tropical beaches, what is a few more hours of flight time and airfare especially if you can amortize it over 7 days or more.

Goirish – welcome!

The beaches – la playas – in Costa Rica are my favorite places. While there is always the possibility of finding companions in many of coastal villages, it can be hit or miss. I have not been to Jaco, but the literature (the board archives, which you can search) suggests that Playa Jaco is one of the beaches where you assuredly can find nursing staff, social workers, ect. It is one of the most visited beaches (why I don’t go there) because it is one of the closest to SJO, and near to beautiful Manual Antonio Park, among other places south on that coast. A very common practice is to hang out in San Jose and meet and invite a nice lady to accompany you. Remember, negotiate sternly on the rate, there will be many incidental expenses (meals, travel, new swimsuits, yada yada).

Personally, I head for the ocean on the far west Pacific coast – the Guanacaste and Nicoya provinces. Keep in mind my preference is not the norm here. Depending on how much time and resource you have for vacation and travel, it is an incredibly beautiful coast. Hot, dry, sun and hot! I have been out there a couple of times, and speak a little espanish. I’m going again in March. I have never brought a date, and have never gone totally without. Then again, I am perfectly content to spend some of the days by myself and enjoy las playas, and swim butt nakid in the surf of the ocean. Some great beaches out there are Flamingo, Tamarindo, Samara, Montezuma, Tambor. It is hard to go wrong on hotels, go by price and it will pretty much tell you the comfort level. On weekends especially, there are always parties, and available ladies are usually around. I like this adventure. But it is probably not for everyone…

You definitely have to stay in San Jose for a bit, it is one of those must do things. Hang out at the Blue Marlin and Key Largo. You will think you are in some kinda weird Disneyland, created especially for gringos hombres. July is good; decent weather out on the coast, rain a couple hours a day and maybe a few mosquitos, bring some deet and sunscreen. Then, regardless if or not you bring a date, don’t neglect the rest of the country. It is indescribably beautiful, true paradise.

CR Monger: It is starting to sound like I am the one that needs to go to Rio, since I like the beach AND the coveted clam so much…

Que le via bien, goirish,
novice

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies. Rio is another place I want to visit, but July is winter over there, correct? Regardless, I'll take your advice and enjoy Costa Rica for what it is. I'll start off in San Jose, and maybe do a hiking trip and I love white water rafting. I can hang out at the beach on a Hawaii trip. Who knows, everyone sounds so addicted to CR, maybe I just took my last Hawaii trip

I'll be in CR from July 9th to the 18th. How hot does it get? Do you recommend staying at the Hotel Presidente? Do I need to rent a car?

Appreciate the advice!

Goirish

goirish,
July IS winter down there but it is warm in Rio year-round. In fact, their summers, which correspond to our winter months, can be downright brutal. July would be an excellent time to go. However, since you seem like a guy that is interested in experiencing the full range of what a country has to offer, CR may be your better bet.

I haven't been to Hawaii, but would like to visit. I hear it is very expensive and for us East-coasters quite a long trip. So, for us at least, CR offers a more affordable tropical vacation. I would be interested to hear how it compares for someone coming from the NW. Of course, on the "mongering" front there couldn't possibly be any comparison. Then again the Philipines and the far east monger destinations are a slightly more attractive option for you as well.

As I said, I don't know about Hawaii, but I do know that CR has set aside more of its land to national parks than any other country. I guarantee you will love the rafting trip. The rainy summer months may actually be the best time to do the rafting. If you like active vacations, as I do, there are many other fun things that you can participate in. Most can be done as day trips out of SJ and thus should not have to interfere with your night-time mongering activities. Some of the things I have tried in CR include canopy tours, mountain biking, surfing, kayaking and hiking. There is also some of the best fishing in the world, snorkling and diving, windsurfing, golf...just to name a few more. Brazil also has many of these, but it is a big country and all of them are not as easily available from Rio itself.

As to some of your other questions....It's not so much the heat as it is the humidity. San Jose, being elevated in the central valley, is relatively seasonable year-round. Day-time highs get to perhaps the mid-80's and average rainfall is about 8" for the month. You just never know how you might get it. It could be overcast and drizzle all day or it could be sunny gradually getting more and more humid until the skies just open up and the rains pour for an hour or so after which it actually becomes much more comfortable. The rainiest months in San Jose are actually September and October. The coast in general gets much hotter and wetter during the summer. The most rain is actually on the Atlantic coast and Guanacaste is actually the driest part of the country. But Guanacaste is also easily the hottest with temperatures pushing or exceeding 100 during the summer months. Then again coming from the NW, you should be used to excessive rain.

The Presidente is an excellent choice that is favored by many members of the board. Be sure to try to hook up with some of them while you are there as most would be more than happy to provide "on-the-spot" intel. The BM is a good place to meet, although the Rail at the News Cafe at the Presidente is also a good place to meet and shoot the shit as well. Use the roll-call section and calender to coordinate in advance or buy some CRT apparel before you go.

Lastly, you do NOT NEED to rent a car. Personally, I actually like to rent a car when I go but I am in the minority here. Here are some of the pros and cons. Driving in developing countries can be difficult for us gringos. The other motorists can be crazy. The roads can be rough. Gas and car rental cost can be expensive. And it is one more added security risk. On the other hand, costs are reduced if you split it 3 ways and it can be a great way to explore and experience the country at will. Still, I think a first-time visitor would be well advised to get their own sense of the driving conditions down there before committing to renting a car. There ARE other alternatives. For getting around SJ itself, a rental car is definitely the worst option - just take a cab. If you plan to go on day trips out of San Jose, such as the raft trip, transportation is provided with the tours. Finally, if you plan to go further afield, such as the beach, public buses, tourist buses or vans, hiring a personal driver or even flying are all viable alternatives.

Thanks CR Monger! Your info is really helpful. I have one more quick question. When I head down to CR, I will be going with a friend of mine. Normally, we stay in the same room on trips to save dinero. However, from what I read, it seems like a lot of the girls sleep over. Do you suggest we get different rooms, or would the master suite at the Presidente be the way to go?

Goirish

I definitely recommend separate rooms, you and your dates will want the privacy, and reserve ahead. I hear the master suite is awesome but we've had no luck getting it recently, it stays pretty booked this time of year.

Pacoloco

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

goirish was talking about going in July and presumably securing the master suite should not be a problem then. Another possibility, which might save you hotel costs is to stay at the Morazon. It is about $10 less for a standard room at $39. The main negatives vs. the Presidente is that it doesn't include the free breakfast buffet (I usually just go to one of the local sodas and grab a Tico breakfast for $1-2) and they try to stick you with chica fees, which are never charged at the Presidente. This last issue can usually be negotiated around or may not be that important to you if you are only bringing back 1-2 girls per day.

On a related subject, does anyone know what the Casa Conde is charging these days? When they first opened, they were offering great rates of something like $70 for their 2 bedroom apartments (which are much nicer than anything I have seen in the Gulch). I'm not sure that this would be the best place for a couple of first-timers as it is a 5-10 minute cab ride from the Gulch and they would be better off going for "total immersion" and staying IN the Gulch. But if their rates haven't changed it is a good deal for a couple of vets who want to cut costs without giving up privacy (and do not mind having to take a cab or even prefer to get out of the Gulch)

With the CRT discount they offer Casa Conde looks to be still a great deal. Pool, jacuzzis available, etc...

https://costaricaticas.com/phpbb2/vi ... .php?t=629

We looked at this place but weren't sure about being able to bring multiple chicas back daily so decided to stay at the Pres.

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Thanks Guys,

Casa Conde looks really nice. Does anyone know if the Junior Suite is a 2 bdrm? How much is a 5 minute cab ride to the Gulch? And it seems like there is some debate whether or not they charge you to bring girls back. By the way, is that what some hotels do there? I take it the Presidente doesn't.

So, I'm still debating between Case Conde and Presidente. Does Presidente have a pool or jacuzzi outdoors? The CRT discount at the Casa Conde sounds really great, especially split two ways?

Thanks,

Goirish.

The JR. Suite is a one bedroom apartment with kingsized bed and jacuzzi tub. Not what you are looking for, though very nice.

I don't remember the exact cabfare, but as to most places in San Jose, it is not very much (no more than a coupe of bucks).

This is not the most chica friendly hotel. There is no fee per se, but the girl has to sign in as an additional guest for the night (ie your 2 bedroom suite has 4 registered guests instead of 2). If you like to bring back a dozen girls throughout the day, stay somewhere else. Most hotels in San Jose charge what they call a guest charge for bringing "non-registered guests" back to your room (they take the girl's cedula or ID but she doesn't officially sign in). This fee could range from a few bucks to 20 or more. The Presidente takes the ID but charges nothing, though officially they only allow 1 chica at a time (that can be gotten around). The Morazon officially charges $3/chica (that can also be gotten around). The Del Rey charges $12-15 each and every time (how much is it now guys?) And there is no getting around that.

The Casa Conde has a jacuzzi in the jr. and master suites. It also has a public jacuzzi and swimming pool for its guests. The Presidente has a public jacuzzi but no pool on its top floor. Others may disagree, but personally I would be very wary about going in a common jacuzzi at a monger hotel like the Presidente.

All that said, I will repeat that I am not sure the Casa Conde is the best place for a couple of newbies trying to get the full monger experience for the very first time. I suggest you make a reservation at the Presidente and, if you want, go check out the Casa Conde once you are there. You are more likely to meet fellow mongers at the Presidente, which is important for your first trip. You can pop in and out to visit the BM and other nearby places more easily. And if you turn out to be real studs you can pick up one girl and bring her back to your room and then bring a different one back an hour later. You will have a better idea of what your preferences and needs are once you start experiencing it and can always switch hotels after a night or 2, particularly during the rainy season. Just my humble opinion.

good advice CRmonger,
Goirish, as someone that just got back from his 1st trip, I don't know much but I think it depends on how much action you're looking for. Personally I recommend staying right in the middle of it, Del Rey, Presidente or Morazan. But if you want to relax and have a pool and maybe just 1 girl at night, the Casa conde looks like a great deal. I liked the Pres. and highly recommend it and already have rooms booked there for our 2nd trip.
In fact, If you get that Master suite let us know and we'll come join the party!

Pacoloco

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Common Jacuzzi -

CRM, I got in that water and shit if the little novice didn't Grow a good 3 or 4 inches!

I think I did drop a shot glass in there though. I would feel around a little bit before you sit down goirish...

And about common waters,
I was up late and sitting by the little pool at a hotel in Tamarindo, and the guy came out and put in the chlorine. He tossed around at least enough to shock a couple of olympic size swimming pools -

Now I remember why I like the ocean better..

Thanks to everyone who has been helping me out. Based on browsing around this forum, and hearing what different people have to say, I'm propsing the following for my trip, and I would like you opinion. I will arrive on July 10th, staying in CR for 8 nights. I want to stay Sat and Sun night in San Jose. Monger, ya know.

Then, I want to go to Jacabon for a couple days. Then, I want to go to Quepos for a couple days. Finally, back in San Jose for Friday and Saturyday night. What do you guys think?

I want to white water raft. Should I do this from SJ, Quepos, or Jabacon? Do you thinking I'm trying to do too much? If not, where should I go first Quepos, or Jabacon. Can I get drivers to take me from SJ to Tabacon, then Tabacon to Quepos? Do you think I should plan the drivers through the Presidente? I think I want to stay at the Tabacon Resort, and I'm undecided about Quepos.

Thanks for your input,

Goirish.

Man, goirish, you sure ask a damn lot of questions!! They're good questions though. I always plan to try and do too much myself and I don't see anything wrong with that. I think the important thing to keep in mind when traveling in Latin America is that they don't operate on the same conception of time as you do and as with most trips things will not always run on a tight schedule. Stay flexible, TRY and fit in as much as you can but if you can't, don't sweat. If you are like the rest of us, you will probably end up wanting to come back and whatever you miss on the first trip you can always try to get in on follow-up trips.

With those general comments in mind, I would say that, while those other locations can be done as overnight trips (there is even a LONG one day tour package to Tabacon), it is best to allow at least two nights at each place if not more. That way you get in at least one full day. The day trips at each place generally start early and end late enough that you probably won't want to start a 3-4+ hour drive to another place. So 2 nights are good as a minimum.

Another thing is that unless you hire your own driver or rent a car transportation between Tabacon and Quepos is a bit more difficult to arrange or costly. It is a long drive, probably going through San Ramon which is only 30-45 minutes outside of San Jose. Most bus routes go to and from the capital anyway. You might consider returning to SJ for a night in between but it certainly can be done the way you describe it. Also if you plan to arrange for a travel companion, keep in mind what is great for an hour or two may become tiresome for 24/2. Returning to SJ gives you an opportunity to more easily make new arrangements if it becomes necessary.

You can arrange WW raft trips at any of the locations you mentioned but I recommend you do it out of San Jose. It makes for a good way to get out of the city for the day and there is nothing like a session at the NF to work out the kinks after a day of rafting (and you don't have to pay your driver if you go that route while you are rafting). If you plan on trying a canopy tour, I definitely suggest you book it at either Quepos or Tabacon (you can also do it en route to Quepos at either Iguana Park or Chiclet's)

So here are my recommendations: Sat and Sun in SJ with a raft tour one day, Monday drive to Tabacon (its a gorgeous drive, so take your time), return to SJ on Wednesday, maybe check out the Tierra Tico night at the Mirador Ram Luna, first thing Thursday head by bus to JACO (its not as nice as Quepos, but not quite as far and has more nightlife), do a canopy tour on Friday morning and hang out at the beach some more before returning to SJ late Friday (maybe catch the Oil Show at the Park Hotel that night), heavy debauchery all day Saturday or another tour and return home on Sunday. What do the rest of you guys think?