Making the wrong choice of hotel can totally ruin or at least seriously inconvenience a single male vacation to Costa Rica. The particular risk is that there are many hotels in San Jose that are more than willing to take the money of a tourist without being totally clear about policies on additional guests not present at check-in.
Downtown San Jose is the primary destination of the American male in search of a little romance, fun and adventure. However, those on business or the uninformed often end up in suburban hotels in places like Escazu, Santa Ana, Hereida or the airport, which are far away from the action.
Many of the name brand hotel chains that quickly pop up online are also non-starters for female fun. A few downtown hotels are also notorious for charging extra guest fees between $20 and $75. The charges can appear at check out with no advance notice.
Of course the best way to avoid these kinds of problems is to ask questions before making the trip, and be willing to book a room at a hotel even if it can not be done instantly online. Many of the options are decidedly upscale, however lack the brand name.
Hotels to Avoid
- Holiday Inn Aurola
- Presidente
- Best Western Chain in Latin America
- Sleep Inn Downtown
Ok, You can't say it but I can. Don't stay at the Holiday Inn Aurola if you are cruising the gulch for ticas! Their "companion fee" is $50 per girl. Trust me, there are plenty of places that won't rob you while you are enjoying the pleasures of Costa Rica, like La Amistad or Sportsman Lodge!
It's now $75
F-that place. Sportsman's is way more fun anyway!
I used to like the Presidente, but their one chica policy, no dress policy and blacklist are not cool.
Do you really want to be told in pidgin English by a front desk clerk that you can't take a girl up to a hotel room you costs $100 a night.
I thought it was free to bring girls to your room at the Presidente. Do they charge now?
They don't charge, but they have a black book of chicas who are not allowed, you may not bring more than one at a time, and if the guy at the front desk doesn't like how she is dressed, then she doesn't get in.
YES THEY R CHARGING NOW…I CALL DIFERENT TIMES AND SPOKE TO DIFERENTS FRONT DESK CLERKS AND ALL OF THEM TOLD ME THEY BEGING TO CHARGE 15 DOLLARS A NIGHT
I WAS THERE IN FEBRUARY.ALSO IF THE GIRL GOT AN EXPIRED PASSPORT SHE IS NOT ALLOWED TO GO UPSTAIRS
I MEAN 15 DOLLARS FOR EVERY GIRL
And once a girl is banned, she is for life – and it can be for any number of (stupid) reasons, having nothing to do with robbery, or creating a disturbance.
Some applaud the policy, as they think it keeps out the "undisirables" but that is not really the case – and the question the chica's ask "where you stay pappi" is a good one to have w/ a girl you may be interested in "knowing" further.
Sure, its a nice hotel, recently redecorated, in a great location, and I've stayed there 10+ times in the past – but the new higher rates, the chica policy, et al tells me they don't want our business. Why give hard earned money to those just as happy if we did not stay there. If I'm paying $100++ a night (which you will when you add tax even to the discounted rate for the basic room), I don't want to be "tolerated".
Good luck with the eco tourists, business people, and family's.
hotel president deserves to go broke for being stupids..they will learn the lesson when they see the competition get all the clients
Maybe….
But the fact is they have made a decision, and as long as their occupancy stays at an acceptable level with the type of guests they seem to want, their policies will not change.
Plenty of other options.
Still they are losing money
Thats the stupid mentality of latinoamerican countries …the false moral and false hipocrisy!!!
All men got mistresses but they go to church on sundays
Don't get excited just get used to the slow process of driving the Gringo out of Costa Rica – The new President can't stop prostitution but she can stop the people who hire them.
I can remember bringing several colombianas back to the PREZ in 2005 and when they took out their ID the visa was expired.
THAT CHANGE IN 2010
HEY GUYS …HOW ARE THE PRICES IN SEPTEMBER??
IF TRUE THAT IN THE RAINY SEASONS EVERYTHING IS CHEAPER BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF TOURISM????
Tiquicia hotel definitily DOES NOT charge for bringing girls to the rooms
BARRIO AMON
9 AVEN 3 and 3B street
number 346
I'm going to be staying at the Downtown Best Western. I thought it was a good pick as its in the heart of the Zona Roja. Am I right?
Absolutely terrible choice. The Best Western Chain has a worldwide corporate policy against sex tourist. They WILL shut you down, do not pass go, do not collect $100.
You will be sleeping alone there, and you will have the added pleasure of being in the absolute worst section of downtown where you can not walk at night.
Actually I frequently use this place as an example of a beginner mistake.
I stayed there in 2001 and NOTHING has changed in nine years. Stay some where else.
Woops! Thanks for the heads up. Seemed like a good idea at the time…
Seriously, change your reservation – Try Morazon, Sportsmans, La Amasted, Dunn Inn – the Best Western is possibly the worst of all worlds. The section is dangerous especially after dark and they have a "no guests" policy.
Hey great reading the tips from you guys…..
I was about to make a reservation at the Le Begerac…..can’t seem to tell if the location is ok or too far from the fun spots. Any idea?
thks,
Ken
Looks like a nice hotel, however I am sure they will not let you bring dates to your room. It’s one of those family-friendly B&Bs.
Best Western indeed sucks… EXCEPT there's one on the Escazu mountainside facing San Jose with a great view of the whole Central Valley … Per my 11/2010 visit they will not hassle a guest bringing in a girl you found at the upscale Mall or CIMA. There is even a bar across the street that locals go to 7 nights a week, so you might find a semi-pro looking for a few Yankee dollars… (Sorry I posted this in the wrong thread earlier…)
hey guys im thinking of coming to CR real soon but i have a few questions. i hope you guys can answer it or at least point me to where i can go to find out.
i was thinking of bringing about $1000 ( for food and ticas). i didnt know if all meals would be covered by the hotels.
I would like to have at least one girl a night (staying for 7 days). If they are gorgeous then iwould want them to spend the night and become a backup for my trip. I dont want any ST's , the shortest i would like is 2-3hrs. Do the girls at Del rey stay longer periods of time. From what i have heard the seem to be short.
Also which hotel is both affordable and girl friendly (don't want to spend more than $100 a night).
your best bet for a no hassle stay is at the sportsman lodge or la amistad. they don't charge for "guests." Hotel del rey is chica friendly obviously, and $10 for every visitor. That's on top of your negotiated rate with your new friend. Sleep inn behind the del rey is pretty new, clean and $20 per visitor. they include breakfast. I agree with gringo willy, to have blast $2000 is probably more realistic. 7 nights, $100 per girl, unless your spanish is sharp for negotiating plus food and drinks. Order low end booze at the delrey or the bartenders will pour you the most expensive brand of liquor they have. The most georgeous girls usually don't take less than $100 per hour, and if you want them for 2 or 3 hours or more, expect to pay for their time. Remeber, they are "Working Girls!"
Pretty much agree – my comment is you are low on the $$$ @ $1000 per week, especially if you don't like massage parlors (and try them – they can be great and very economical)
Also – ESPECIALLY if you are on a budget – why would you ever pay them to sleep – an all nighter will cost you $150 – 300 – and its not worth it, as they are likely to leave early in the AM – or have some kind of "emergency" – especially if you have paid them up front!