As had been previously posted at RedSnake this is generally accepted as one of the best hobbyist friendly hotels in San Jose. There is a TSM rate of $40 a night, not hard to match. The staff is courteous and honest. I have heard several stories of returned lost wallets, cash included. Get a room near the top, it's quieter. No short term chica fee, $10 for overnight. Money exchange services at the desk. Free buffet breakfast. In the heart of the action. Hard to beat.

e-mail: sales@hotel-presidente.com

If Patricia is still the busines person, she is very nice, cute too.

Bushpilot is right about the Presidente......you would be hard pressed to find any other hotel so close to the action (Two blocks from the Blue Marlin and Del Rey) for TSM discount $40 a night. Especially since there is no charge to take a girl to your room. I have stay there 5 different times in the last 15 months and I am one of those that Bushpilot points out lost a wallet there. It was retuned to me by a housekeeper and and not a penny was missing......I had almost $500 in that wallet.

The only real drawback is they only supply each room with two bath towels and two hand towels. A tip to get around this is once you check into your room look for the housekeeper who cleans the rooms on your floor.......she won't be hard to find......just look for her cleaning cart. Hand her $5-$10 and take 4 or 5 more towels from her cart. Then show her your key with your room number and tell her you need that many fresh towels when she cleans your room. That way you will have plenty of fresh towels for alll the chicas you bring to your room.

The other real nice thing about the Presidente is the open-aired restaurant where you can sit and enjoy a meal while you watch hundreds of beautiful Ticas walk by. The steet in front of the Presidente is only opened to pedistrians and runs through the heart of Downtown San Jose. If anything spend your first night at the Presidente and then you can search and see if any of the other Hotels better suit your needs.

I also agree that the Presidente is a very good hotel.

Don't forget about the free breakfast!

Does anyone know if the jackhammer has stopped?

MMD

Because I'm thinking about going to Costa Rica I come by this board quite often, though lesss often than I did redsnake because there's so little posted.How happy I was, then, to see that there was a new posting here. This is just to say thanks for keeping the information flow going, there are people out here reading what you write and learning from it.

Milkman-

When I was down over Labor day weekend the owner of the Presidente told me that they are totally remodeling the ground floor of the Hotel. Back where all the jack hammering is going on is where they are going to moved the check-in desk and lobby. They are then going to expand the restaurant where the lobby is now, so there will be even a better view to watch those beautful Ticas walk past as you enjoy a meal. I ask if he was giong to raise the rates doing all of these remodeling and he said no. Lets hope so.

The view from the Prsidente is pretty good....and soon it will be better. That's fantastic!

Have you checked out the view from the Piano Bar?

MMD

As of now, is the presidente charging a fee to take back a chica to the room. Some rumor on redsnake a bit back said that they were startin to charge. Is this true as of November?

Bushpilot,

Thanks for the currency conversion URL. That's exactly the site I knew had to be out there but couldn't find. For what it's worth $ to cz rate is 315 today.
--

Now I have a couple of other questions for the board.

I have heard that there is some kind of sur-charge if you use a credit card to pay your hotel bill. Would this just be the three percent tacked on as a currency conversion charge? Or is there more? I was quoted a rate of $40 + 16% tax (@ El Presidente), and that's about all I can fit into my budget and so I need to know about other fees if there are any. Would I save a credit card currency conversion fee by paying cash, or would I still be hit with the same charge for converting the dollars?

And here’s a bigger question. Do you need a passport to get into Costa Rica for a week? Is there an advantage to having one? I'm having to go through the hassle of finding my birth certificate, and of paying late fees because I didn't plan this trip far enough ahead. I read somewhere that customs will take a driver's license as proof enough. I was skeptical...but I figure you guys can set me straight.

Bookie,
I can't atest to needing a passport to get into Costa Rica, butI can tell you that you will need a passport to get back into the US. I have traveled extensively internationally and have always needed one. The don't know where you would be flying back into, but the INS in DFW, MIA, or LAX can be a major pain.

Quoting Costa Ricas Consular web site (http://costarica-embassy.org/ConsularServ.htm):

"If you are a US citizen (you have been born or have obtained US nationality), you may travel with the following documents: a valid passport" [Note: a VISA is not required for US Citizens staying for less than 90 days]

"If you do not have a passport you can travel with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, [and] a valid driver’s license, [and] a tourism card (you purchase it for $ 4.00 at the Airport in CR)"

Upon re-entering the US you need to be able to establish citizenship. A certified copy of your birth certificate and a drivers license should do the trick there. They MAY shuttle you off to a secondary inspection area, or may not. It all depends. They really prefer that you have a passport, but it is not a legal requirement as far as I can discover.

When i went to puerto vallarta the airlines made sure i had a copy of my birth certificate before they let me board the plane.they had us fill out a tourist card and a customs declaration on the plane.(I believe in this case the tourist card fee was included in the plane ticket)I heard one gate agent tell another that if they fly someone to another country that doesn't have enough documetation to enter that country then the airline is responsible to fly that person back to where they boarded ASAP whether they have a round trip ticket or not so i assume they are pretty stringent on checking your documentation.Probably not a bad idea to call your airline and ask them to be certain of what is required.
Taxibob

Bookie,

You do not need a passport to travel to Costa Rica. The airline will issue you a tourist card for a nominal fee (I think it's $3). Normally, there is no problem when you re-enter the US. The will accept a driver's license or other photo ID and a voter's registration card or other proof of citizenship (such as a copy of your birth certificate). It is possible, but unlikely, that you will be delayed or hassled if you don't have the birth certificate, but it isn't essential. They are required by law to permit citizens and legal residents to re-enter the country. The issue is establishing your citizenship. I travel with a passport, but have been accompanied many times by friends and family travelling without one and none of them have ever had the slightest problem.

Some hotels charge a surcharge and some don't. The best bet is to call or e-mail the Presidente and ask them. (I don't think they charge one but can't remember.) Also, I thought the $40 rate included the taxes. Are you sure they are additional?

Enjoy your visit.

In my experience with the Presidente, the 40 rate does not include taxes. As a pretty frequent international traveler, I recommend that you get a passport. It just makes your life a whole lot easier, plus all the entry stamps makes the passport a good souvenir of (hopefully) good memories.

As of December 1, 2000, the jackhammering for remodeling is still continuing. It's not a problem if you're on the upper floors (5-8). On two mornings, I would have sworn an earthquake swayed my bed. I don't know if there was an actual earthquakes or vibration from the construction. On another new development, a KFC restaurant is opening up right next to the Hotel Presidente. The hotel's hair salon will stand between KFC and the hotel lobby. This means if you get a room overlooking the Avenida Central, you'll be able to savor the smell of fried chicken.

The Hotel Presidente in San Jose has a newly opened bar area in the lobby which opens onto the sidewalk giving patrons a good view of the passing scene which can be a show in itself. It is also open at night, and at last count had at least two pairs of very attractive chicas at sitting at tables drinking and wanting attention. They looked slightly more sophisticated than Blue Marlin chicas. A photo shows part of the bar extending over the sidewalk.

Ace00.

Just in time. Thanks Ace. That will be a great place to bring Ana.
I'll try to report more on the bar and casino at Presidente when i get back, in Feb.
-wmax2

Originally Posted by Charmander on February 22, 2003 - 8:10 am

My first visit to San Jose will be this coming week. I’ve made reservations at the Presidente but I have a few questions. Try as I might I couldn’t quite find the answers from previous posts, so I’m hoping you all can help me and other board members.
1. Is the $60.00 Single / $70.00 Double rate listed on their website the best deal now-a-days? If not, how could one who is not an actual member of TSM go about negotiating a better rate?
2. Have the Presidente begun charging a “guest fee” for single occupancy rooms? - How about double occupancy?

Thanks to all of you who have contributed such valuable info about SJ and CR on this board – especially Tampagringo, Dongordo, Bushpilot, Costaricardo, and Perorojo. And thanks to Hombre for running such a great board. If I meet any of you while I’m there, drinks are on me.

Charmander

Originally Posted by Ace00 on February 22, 2003 - 9:15 am

In Reply to: Deals at Presidente posted by Charmander on February 22, 2003 - 8:10 am

The deals at the Presidente are best obtained by asking for the "TSM rate" which is $45 USD, plus usual taxes. Breakfast buffet included but room safe an extra $3 per day and the key must be requested. Membership in TSM is not asked for nor verified.
There is no guest fee, but they must register at the end of the registration desk, towards the front door.
As I understand it reservations are tight and the rooms are booked near full for the next month or so. Act quickly and good luck.
In my opinion the Del Rey and the Gran Hotel Costa Rica are good value alternatives. As you probably know the Del Rey has more 24 hour action and noise. The Presidente has a good restaurant but service is slow as a snail in honey in the winter. The Gran Hotel's restaurant is an open air deal facing the street where the view is noteworthy for the beautiful passing latina scenery. That in itself is worthy of a coffee and a whole morning or afternoon.

Originally Posted by Zorrofox on February 22, 2003 - 9:07 am

In Reply to: Deals at Presidente posted by Charmander on February 22, 2003 - 8:10 am

I was there last week and paid $45 for room 602 (one double bed). Just tell em that you are a member of TSM....they dont for proof...and TSM does not issue membership cards. TSM has a web site and membership gets you access to their database and some magazine I think. I have never belonged.
No guest charge.

Mike

Originally Posted by Acatman on February 22, 2003 - 14:48 pm

In Reply to: Re: Deals at Presidente posted by Zorrofox on February 22, 2003 - 9:07 am:

Hey!!! that is the room 602 that i always ask for. Then i give the bell hop 2,000 colones and he get me a small frig for the room.

I just tried to book a room for this summer at the Hotel Presidente. They quoted me a price of $48 and requested a username to check and see if I was a member of TSM. I don't know if I want to pay $48 and I am not a member of TSM so I probably couldn't get the rate anyway. Any advice?

I bet they're bluffing on having the TSM list. So say, "Sure, my user name is Bigdan1173" and see what they say.

I'm surprised to hear their chasing away business. It's the place newbies are rightly pointed to, and it's a competitive market right now.

Hemingway's is right next to New Fantasy, so that's a plus. I don't know what their guest policy is, but you shouldn't hesitate to call and ask them.

Thanks bookie. I'll try to do that. I'd still rather pay the thirty or so at hemingway. They told me in an email that if my "girlfriend" (I told them I had one) wanted to visit that was okay, but if she was going to be there often she should be registered as a guest of the hotel. I have heard from another poster that the Hemingway put out some sort of ad about not welcoming hookers to the place. I don't know what to think about that. Can you tell me anything about Morazon? I heard that you could get some sort of gambler rate if you ask.

Thanks for the advice,

Dan

The story on the Morazan is that Your Mileage May Vary. I would call them and tell them that you will be gambling there (if you will be), and ask them for the rate.

Then I would make a back-up plan because they seem to be a little sloppy sometimes in their customer care and have been known to lose reservations. That said, I know a lot of people who have been really happy there.

If it means anything to you they have the nicest race and sports book in Costa Rica.

I'm happy to correspond about any other questions you have: hombrebookie@yahoo.com

Hey guys,

Booking with the TSM rate is easy. In addition to stating the you're a TSM member, find one of the aliases from the TSM site (you can go to a sample of the chat area to just use a name) and use that alias. I got a room for $45 per day (prior to taxes) with any further questions. I hope that helps.

Find that you're left with nothing to do on a Sunday morning but go to church? Go to church if you want to, chump, but I'd make arrangements with a chica the night before (or drift over to the BM late Sun. morning and pick one out) to meet at El Presidente for an hour session in the Jacuzzi on the top floor. Can be rented by the hour, but, of course, you have to already be a guest in the hotel. They will lock off the area so that you have complete privacy and can do whatever your passion dictates in the whirlpool or outside it. Of course, you don't have to wait til Sunday morning for this extravaganza, but I'm just suggesting it as a plausible alternative to a church service.

Just got confirmed for June 19-26. I posted this on the chat room, but wanted to repeat it here. The TSM rate is now $48 bucks. I did as Bookie suggested and got that rate with no problem. Maria did say she only has rooms on the 6th floor. I wondered if there was a problem with that floor, but I see here that some of you prefer 602, so it must be OK. I will ask for that room. Anybody know if there are king size beds available?

rm

just stayed at this hotel during a 4 day trip to CR. Great staff. Good bar. Had a room on the 6th floor (#608), overlooking san jose. wish the beds were more comfy though. good hotel though. $60 per night. Would stay there again!!!

I stayed at the Presidente in March and got the TSM rate. To be honest, I didn't even know what that meant at the time, I just emailed the hotel and asked "do you have any bargain rates?". They emailed back and said I could have the TSM rate of $45. I don't think they really care who you are, don't get too hung up about member ID or whatever.

myself and two buddies will be attending to enjoy Dec. 27 to JAN 5, 2004. Any sugestions for that time of year. What about New Years Night?

Booked four nights at the Presidente. Getting the TSM rate was a breeze. Also, was able to get room 602. I'll see about that fridge when I get there. Thank you fellow veteran mongers.

Note TSM rate still $45.00 US Dollars

Admin: Presidente jacuzzi photo submitted by Soprano

Admin: Additional photo added to the top of this thread.

I have now stayed at the Presidente three times, and will be there soon for my fourth visit. I love this hotel. On my second trip there, the bellman remembered my name and welcomed me back. The free breakfast is awesome, as you sit on the rail and watch the procession of eye candy walk by in the morning. Cute young latina babes in belly shirts everywhere, and cute asses. Some of them are available...but knowing which ones to approach is the problem. The rooms were fine and clean, and the showers were big enough for two. Close to all the action. I pay $48 a night, which is the standard discount. I also have the CRT discount which is another board.

radioman

The website lists at $65.00+tax.
What discount should I mention when calling?
What is the current discount rate?
I may be going during memorial weekend. Any tips would help?
Do they charge a guest fee?

CN

n/t

(Message edited by ceenotes on January 25, 2004)

Mention the TSM rate. You do not need any membership #. Just tell them you are a TSM member.
They do not charge a guest fee, but unfortunately only allow one chica up to room at a time.
Make sure you ask to see specific room before you check in. The newer remodeled rooms are nice, but the older ones are considerably less desirable, plus always a lot of street noise and construction to wake you up very early in the morning.

Thanks,

I'll give it a shot. About seeing the rooms, what is the sure way, for getting the remodeled rooms.

CN

Do the EP, charge your CC, when calling or just have it on hold until you show up.
How efficient is the cancellation procedure?


thanks
CN

I've stayed at the Presidente many times. My two other hotels were the Holiday Inna and Royal Dutch. I'll leave the Prez kicking and screaming all the way.

What are the amenities at the presidente? Free Breakfast? Can I pay my airport fee? Casino? etc....

thanks

C,

I like the Presidente, I have stayed there 6 times now for each one of my trips and I will be there again in 9 days.

Yes there is a free breakfast but it ends around 9 so I often miss it. Fiesta Casino is owned by the hotel and you can get access to it via the hotel from the second floor or from out on the street.

Rooms vary, mostly basic. Bed, TV, safe (for extra) etc. Junior suites are nice, coming with a lot more space, bar area and refidgerator. Service is always good but simple. Bring your own corkscrew if you are buying wine. I have never heard anyone say anything negative compared to the Morazon or Del Ray. Balmoral across the street does not like chicas coming in and may in fact prohibit them.

Also no guest fee!

The Presidente' is sold out 4/7-11 and I am looking for a chica friendly hotel, near the circuit that is safe to walk around and to the Del Rey. What is the best hotel to stay at as a second choice?

Iam thinking of going to Costa Rica in April 2006 I am looking into Hotels. I am on a budget and have been seeing TSM rate at the Presente what is that and how much of a discount can I expect from the $65.00 website rate. Also if anyone is going there in April and would like to show a rookie the ropes send me a note.

Scooby

You can get as low as 40usd+tax with a discount membership rate through www.costaricaticas.com Personally, I like www.hgranvia.com for 45usd a night which already includes taxes, breakfast and no girl charge.

I just stayed there in early Oct. Rate is now $49 a night if you ask for CRT rate (Costa Rican Ticas .com, see above).

Great place to stay, 2 blocks from the Blue Marlin, and the chicas love to go there.

Guys, I learned about this TSM rate at Presidente. What does TSM stand for? How do you qualify?

Thanks.

TSM = Travel and the Single Male, it's another adult site. You just ask for the discount as there is no proof of membership.

A friend of mine is in San Jose now. He tells me the Presidente wouldn't let his girl in wearing a skirt. I've never experienced this or seen it posted on CH. Anybody heard of this?

they have a dress code now. couple months ago it was pretty liberal but existed. I believe exposed mid section and super short skirts are in grey zone. also separate check in desk for chicas now too. No more 2fers. no fee still. go to castillo, if that won't suit you, it's all good there.

Hungry1:

Was just there this past Friday night (June 9, 2006) and, yes, they don't let girls in wearing skirts. They stopped the two girls my buddy and I had with us and told them they had to change.

Funny enough, both girls went 30-40 feet away from the entrance, snuck into some cubbyhole, and emerged with pants on, like magic. I had no idea they carrying anything with them!

Also, you should know they are very strict with their security with the chicas, recording their ID information at the front desk before allowing you to take them up to your room. VERY good practice! Also, they give you an ID card when you check in and ask you to show them that, along with your ID, to be sure you are who you say you are.

Finally, as Marley says above, they only allow 1 chica per customer. My buddy didn't have his ID with him when we walked in so they wouldn't let him bring up the chica. So he had to take the elevator upstairs to get it. In the meantime, they would let me take one chica up, but not both. They waiting until he came down with his ID card before letting him bring her up.

All of this is a pain, but I'm glad they do it. Just be sure you tell the chica you wish to bring about this policy BEFORE you leave wherever you picked her up...I find it hard to believe they ALL carry extra clothing with them!

The best part: NO charge.

Thanks everyone for posting info on discounts for the hotel presidente , i've got 5 friends going to CR with me and the discounts came to easily a free delray girl.
At this time if you tell them you want TSM rate....which i have no idea what that is...but it worked ... singles are running around $50 + taxes
Viva Costa Rica

Back from costa rica, the presidente is hands down the best hotel in all of san jose. With TSM rate a single is 51+tax so $60.00. Its extremly modern, safe 24/7 secuirty , in room safes for free...digital so no key to keep track of. Awesome free breakfest. And it gets better , no chica fee. As for the dress code issues... i found tiping the night secuirty guard while leaving for the delray helped strech this policy alittle....its amusing to see a chica pulling her skirt and trying to stretch it. One night i almost had an issues with a short skirt...my tips and constant conversations with all the hotel staff let me slide. Your results may vary.
If im in san jose im at the presidente.

Can couples stay at The Presidente' and bring in girls?

Nickphoenix1

Sure

I have stayed at the Presidente since my first trip to CR in May, 2002 and up until recently it was the best place in town. Unfortunately, IMHO, it no longer holds that distinction. It has progressively slid downhill within the last year with the implementation of the unfair / inconsistent chica dress codes, inconsistent service, staff unfriendliness along with poor service and food quality in the News Cafe. Additionally there are now greater risks encountered walking back at night from Del Ray or Key Largo.

I agree that it has advantages from a price perspective, but frankly I do not need the hassles. On my last trip down in July I stayed at the Del Ray and it was great. No hassles.

Hey Grinder! It is good to see you on the board. The placed a plaque in the room you stayed in at the Del Rey to commemorate the historic amount of traffic through there that you maintained during your stay there. I was there again last week and several ladies recognized me from hanging with you. "Donde Grinder?" was the question of the week....

I hope to see you again in rio in a few weeks.

Thanks Blissman, although I'd say the path to your room(s) are both historical and well traveled amigo! Looking forward to regrouping in Rio.

I disagree grinder ,the service is awesome at the presidente. The food is decent, and staff was always friendly. I did take care of the staff well with tips so i guess that is why the dress code issue was never pushed on me. Delrey is an awesome hotel also... i just cant stay there because if i need to meet friends/family/non working ticas , i cant bring them there. Plus i like to sleep at night sometimes.

i stayed at the Presidente,
liked it a lot, I was there in july of 2005
very clean, good restaurant, breakfast included,
nice

happy monger

overall the presidente hotel is in top place
for me.
i also stayed at the Amon Plaza, good choice too

Just got back from my sixth costa rica trip. It is sad to say this , but we all know it to be the truth, times are changing down in CR. presidente is still a nice hotel , but its definitely lost its charm. The breakfest buffet is small and horrible now. Service has gone downhill. I'm the biggest pimp for the presidente on CH as previous posts show , but i will call a spade a spade. Presidente is slipping. Hopefully they will wake up before its too late.

Someone wanna' tell me what a "TSA" rate is?

Jonsie,

You mean a TSM rate, TSM is another site like this. I don't know that you can get that discount anymore. If you join CRT as a VIP you can get a discount rate.

Still I have to agree with smuckin, they are less friendly these days to mongers, it used to be that mongers were a steady source of income for them all the year round but CR has become more attractive to tourists and so the Presidente does not need our business as much. There's now a dress code for chicas coming in with a guest.

NOT CHICA FRIENDLY

I booked four nights here on Hotels.com based on the good reviews, but I did not pay much attention to how old those posts were. I did not actually bring up the topic of chica's with the desk clerk. Instead, I was told by Michelle at Sportsman Lodge that

"El Presidente is problem for chicas"

Consider the source, but wish I had booked Sportsmans Lodge after seeing all the candy in their bar and New Fantasy down the street.

HOTEL PRESIDENTE IS NOT CHICA FRIENDLY

Went to New Fantasy massage today and had dupla with Vanessa & Susan. When I told them I was staying at El Presidente, they were disappointed told me it is "impossible" for chicas to go there.

They also have some stand in the room saying that they charge customers $1 per day and match it for contributions to the Paniamor Foundation.

That foundation has a noble objective to protect children against sexual exploitation. However, I do not know the back story about how Presidente Hotel became part of it or when they became hostile to mongers.

Attached is crappy photos from my netbook cam. I will post better pics when I get home and download.