www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Stopped by the Hotel San Agustin, which is a sister hotel of the Gran Via, this morning to check it out for a friend coming into town. He usually stays at the Gran Via and has been searching for a new place since the Gran Via closed.

Got talking to the desk clerk at the San Agustin and he said the Gran Via is going to reopen in 5 or 6 weeks under new management. He did not have any further info or at least was unwilling to share it as he was trying to get my friend to stay at the San Agustin.

Will try and see if I can get any further info on their reopening as well as rates and if they are going to be chica friendly.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

So, how was the San Agustin, and where is it exactly? Better or worse neighborhood than the Gran Via? Better or worse rooms? Chica friendly? What is your overall impression of the San Agustin as compared to the Gran Via?

I am glad the Gran Via is under new management. Last time I was there, in March, things were not managed very well. Earlier, a year ago, it was great. If they fix up the rooms, and manage things more efficiently, I would be willing to pay, say $60/night, to stay there. I found it much quieter than the Gulch hotels, and it isn't too far to walk, you just have to be on the alert.

Miguel Blanco wrote:



San Agustin is located on Calle 6, Avenida C y 2. 50m south of the Central Market. The neighborhood is not as nice as the Gran Via and it would be prudent to taxi at night in my opinion.

Rooms are smaller and not as nicely furnished. Basically double bed, bath and closet with key lock safe. Restaurant on premise. Chica friendly (no fee). Rack rate $33.50 including breakfast and tax. Sure that is negotiable.

In my opinion definitely a step down from Gran Via. Alvaro who managed the Gran Via also manages the San Agustin.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Thanks much for the info. Sounds like I wouldn't stay there unless I was desparate for a place. The area is not good, the hotel is LESS nice than the Gran Via... no thanks. But I appreciate the report.

Miguel Blanco wrote:



Agree with that decision. I would not recommend the San Agustin.

Will try and keep track of the happenings with the Gran Via and post anything I find out.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

ID..... thanks for the info. Six trips over the past 12 months and 5 of them involved the Gran Via. I hope to be back before June and would like to stay there again. Let us know if you find out anything else. Thanks

Berk....

ID did you let us down (just kidding)? Looks like the La Gran Via is open again or at least their website is back up and running. I figured they were still closed and booked at the Castillo for the 22nd.

I really liked the location of the Gran Via. At this point I am not too impressed with the customer service I've gotten from Darren at the Castillo. He emailed me with a room available and asked for my CC info. I sent it to him that very same day and have yet to hear a thing from him. I never had an issue like that at the Gran Via.

Berk......

La Gran Via has the location and opportunity for a profit center for sure.

But it would have to be a first class professional operation to be successful.

_________________
PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

Berk2302,
Please read your PM. He tried.

Done....... and thanks!

Berk....