Hi All,

I am a newbie going to San Jose later this month (February 08). I will be there for 10 days. When I get there, I will be staying at Courtyard Marriot.

So far, looks like the first 4 to 5 days will be in San Jose. I will be taking a number of day trips to areas near San Jose (Paos, Irazu, etc.) Afterward, may be going to Jaco.

I have read A LOT on this site. Although, I have obtained much information, in certain ways, I am more confused.

Here are a few questions that I have. If I could get some input of some experienced members, I would be most appreciative.

1. Getting a guide: I recall one person suggesting that, initially, it could be a good idea to get a guide. Would anyone be able to suggest how to go about doing this, and/or could you make a specific reccommendation. (What would approximate cost be?)

2. Any difference in terms of going to San Jose establishments on weeknights vs. weekends?

3. Some older posts seem to indicate that, if you do not have a room downtown, a good place to get a room by the hour is Park Hotel. Is this still the case? Are there other decent places? Any warnings?

4. Read Catocony's detailed 01/07 Report, with great interest. Sounds like any chica portion of the trip may not live up to my expectations. I cannot change the trip to anywhere else, and this may be the only trip I go on. Any suggestions on how to have an enjoyable time would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jaywalker

Jaywalker, where else have you been? If you're a newbie monger you'll probably love CR as you'll have a very low set of expectations. I think CR sucks because compared to a lot of other places its pure amature hour. But, if you're an amature, it would be right up your alley.

The Courtyard is a nice place, by the way.

JW,
Cat is jaded, you will be too, once you have been to Rio. That being said, if I were you, I would stay in 'el centro'. If I went anywhere other then Jaco I would find a girl I like in San Jose and bring her with me to the other areas, you shouldn't pay more then 100 a day for a trip companion. In Jaco there is a lot of talent in the beetle bar and a few other areas.
Puravide
LL

Jaywalker,

LL and I enjoyed New Fantasy, I would check it out. The girls at the Del Rey [Blue Marlin] can be tough, watch yourself over there. Check it out tho as there are always some cuties hanging around both during the day and at night.
Across the street at Casablancas is also good.
Recent prices at New Fantasy:
1/2 hr is $20USD 1 hr is $40 ENJOY
CFK

I think CFK means... Key Largo, not casablanca. (he suffers from senior moments)

"Any suggestions on how to have an enjoyable time would be appreciated."

OK, forget about the women. Take a whitewater rafting trip. Take a tour of the volcano and the cloud forest. Take a surfing lesson out on the Pacific coast. Take a deep sea fishing tip. Visit Manuel Antonio state park. There are lots of great things to do in Costa Rica. The women and the food were disappointing, but everything else was great.

(Message edited by Branquinho on February 04, 2008)

Key Largo[the correct name], Casablanca, Rick's , hell I was thinking something from the movie I guess.......I knew someone would correct me, THANK YOU!

CFK
[to quote Hemp: "is the mind the first or the second thing to go"..]

There are photos of Humphrey Bogart hanging all over Key Largo, right beside the ones of me. So, CFK, at least you got the actor right, just the wrong movie.

Bliss,

I always confuse you with Colonel Sanders, you 're much more stately than Bogie.

CFK
[not to be confused with KFC/Kentucky Fried, oh forget it!]

Thanks for the quick feedback.

A couple of follow-up questions:

1. If you meet someone at Blue Marlin and are not staying downtown, what are the best options.

2. Is payment made at the beginning or at the end. What is going rate at Blue Marlin???

thanks.

JW,
Since you are at the Mariott and about 30minutes from the Blue Marlin you may have to negotiate with the girl about taxi fare/money.
I would consider two options: first go to either New Fantasy or Zona Blue during the day or afternoon, this eliminates the problem of a room and allows you to have a nice time. Second for later/late in the evening go to the Blue Marlin or across the street to the Key Largo (yes I got it right!)and pick a girl for either several hours or all night and negotiate the price including her taxi money. Regarding money/amount; negotiate to pay AFTERWARDS, and most the girls are quoting $100USD... Remember, negotiate everything you want/expect BEFORE you take her (ie BBBJ, etc) so everyone knows what to expect!
Hope you have a nice trip
CFK

He's at the Courtyard which is only 10-15 minutes away.

The courtyard is in Escazu, One of the most expensive barrios in San Jose, and its at least 25/30 min. from the del rey except in the wee hours of the morning. I strongly advise a CR newbee to stay at the Del Rey, ask for Miguel, and he will set you up.

I don't know man, I paid about 5000-7000 whatevers to go to/from Del Ray and the Courtyard, in the afternoon and late night, and it was only about 15 minutes each time, maybe one time was 20 minutes. I think I made the round trip three times.

Cat---

Thanks for input re Courtyard. Do you know if Courtyard charges at Tica fee, or what the policy is??? thanks.

Nope, no fee, at least not for me.