MERLIN'S MAGICAL SAN JOSE JAUNT

CR Hombres and Hobbyists, I just got back from CR. This last trip to CR April 17, 2002 – April, 24, 2002 was my second trip to CR. and the third for my friend Jeff (not his real name) who went with me. My first trip was Jan. 13, 2002 to Feb. 18, 2002, and I truly could not wait too long to return to my favorite "Hobby" Grounds.

I'll approach this report by subject, rather than chronologically or by conquests. I won't get into too much detail about "I did this to her and she gave me this", but will focus on some observations to help you all along.

PRESIDENTE AND MORAZON

As you Hobbyists know, getting into the Presidente was an absolute bear this time around; which became evident to me after reading the posts here and talking with the Hobbyists at the BM. For some unknown reason, I got into the Presidente Hotel (as I did my first trip. As I noted in my earlier brief post, all the hotels were booked solid due to this big international artist festival which ended 4/21/02. Very few mongers were at the Presidente, but a lot of "artsy fartsy" types from all over the world were there. The Festival closed on 4/22/02 and things were back to normal by the time I left. The Presidente certainly does well even without the Monger clientele. A very nice hotel with spacious, well furnished lobby and all sorts of amenities. But what ticked me off this time around was that the Presidente gave me a room that appeared to be only half furnished on the 5th floor, next to some construction. The room was huge, but they only gave me two twin beds, a TV, a TV stand, a bed lamp, and that was it. A lot of empty space. There was no place to put any of my clothes or my suitcase. I complained to the Presidente, but they simply told me there were no other rooms available for me to move to. By contrast, the last time around, they placed me in a nice room with full furnishings on the 3rd floor.

My buddy Jeff was not able to get into the Presidente (he thinks it's because the last time he was there, he puked all over the bathroom, resulting in him being "blacklisted"). He got a nice room at the Morazon, however, and I joined him there a few days later because I wanted to experience the Morazon for myself for future trips. The rooms at the Morazon are about ¨ö the size of the rooms of the Presidente. But the Morazaon rooms, at least the ones we were in, are brand spanking new --- everything is sparkling clean, and it was nice to have new bed covers, new colorful drapes, large TV, etc. The lobby isn't as nice as the Presidente and there is no parking; in fact, the Morazon felt more like a homey, small town motel than a big hotel like the Presidente. The service was better there and the Casino staff is generally excellent and they remembered you. The other part is that the walk from the BM to Morazon is about 500 yards, and no "walk of shame" or uphill walk like the Presidente. Even though the walk to and from the Presidente is safe, you do have to dodge some homeless people and it is deserted in the late hours – and the girls will insist that you walk them back to the BM after the deed is done. Next time I go, the Morazon will probably be my choice, especially since a lot of the construction will be completed in a few weeks, from what they tell me.
Give Morazon a try.

Oh the price for 1 night at the Morazon was $40.00, and the TSM price (which I'm a member, but you can just request the discount anyway) at the Presidente was $45.00. Very comparable prices.


KEY LARGO WAS ROCKIN !

Without a doubt, the highlight of our trip was the KL, we were there practically every night. I'm excited that the people from the Del Rey have taken over and are renovating the KL. Imagine the Hobbying possibilities when these guys are finished with the construction and renovation. There is a lot of work to be done, but construction is fast and furious. As noted, you can easily access KL by walking straight out of the BM (near the Café exit) and walking across the parking lot into the KL (there are signs to guide you). This is especially convenient at night as you avoid all the street trash we used to dodge to get to the KL before. There is always a guard stationed at all the door entrances to the KL entrances.

Everything the posters are saying about the KL is true! What makes the KL so interesting is the festive, party atmosphere there. The live band is just incredible! Awesome,! From rap to classic rock, these guys are polished, talented and very good. There is a large dance floor and two separate large bars with plenty of stools to go around. You certainly wonder why so many people tolerate the sardine-like conditions of the BM, when there is so much ample maneuvering space at the KL.

The place is well lit, and the festive atmosphere makes the gals and guys a little bit more accessible. The bartenders are very nice and they speak good English. There were a good two dozen girls (more later in the evening) each time we were there.

Some of the Girls at the KL are there exclusively, most gals go back and forth from KL to BM. Most of the girls at the KL were 6s and 7s, but some good looking gals at the KL as well (8s and 9s). One thing I did notice was that the BM "Princesses" don't make the trip there, but you're not missing out. I think the gals that take the time to come to the KL are obviously the ones with the initiative, where it's not just a contest of how many Gringos you can bag in one night as some of the BM queens' are known for. The girls are noticeably friendlier, and will take the time to just talk to you over a beer.

All in all, I nice change from the BM.

THE BM WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT

I don't know about the BM anymore, I was deeply disappointed with the BM gals this time around. A lot of new talent since last February (only recognized about ¨ù of the girls from last time), but the girls appeared more focused on turning tricks with as many clients as possible. We spoke with a couple of guys from Canada, and they told me the same thing – the gals are eager to go to the room, but they'll rush you so they can get back to turning more tricks. On Thrs, and Fri. night, Jeff and I approached at least 4 or 5 girls each -- but each demanded $100.00 (one gal asked for $120.00). One well known Columbia (recognizable through this site) did an "about face" as I was talking once she realized I wasn't going to pay her $100.00. The sad thing is that these girls were finding Hobbyists who were willing to pay the bill because I didn't see them after awhile.

There were at least 50-60 girls each night, most of them 6s and 7s, and the place was jam, packed as usual, with little room to move around, especially near the bar area. Seems the 6s and 7s are the ones that are always interested in me for some reason.

The long and the short of it is that I did not partake of any BM girls this time around.

EROS, IDEM MADE UP FOR THE BM

As usual, we quenched our "thirst" for action at the IDEM on Thrs and Fri. night. Roberto had a fairly good selection this time, around a dozen girls each night and all dressed to kill. Not very crowded at all. My Favorite is this darker NICA with a nice body (forgot her name, maybe Tanya?) but she gives great service and is very enthusiastic sex and personable.

The next night, I had this tall, voluptuous Columbiana with some serious curves. She also took her time and gave me a long, covered BJ that rivaled some of the best action I've had. The sex was very spirited with some vocalizing – good for the ego.

During the day on Thrs, Fri. Monday, we went to EROS massage, across from the IDEM and found some 7s and 8s there. On 2 occasions, I went with a young, 20 year old NICA (NICAs are my thing or what?) with big tits and young, pretty face. Excellent massage and good sex, with a covered BJ. She took her time and spent the entire 1 hr with me. The cost was $60.00. On Monday, I had a taller, lighter skin Columbiana with nice tits and slender body. She gave a good massage and an excellent covered BJ. Sex was multi-position and good, but she was kind of "looser" than normal.


WENT TO A NEW PLACE CALLED "BIPS"

We found this "new" place called "Bips". DonGordo says it may have been the Molino Rojo or something. I'm unsure where it is located b/c the cabbie took us there while were in a semi-drunken stupor; but the place was only about a 5 minute cab ride from the Presidente. We went on a Sunday night because everything was closed except the tourist trap--the BM. Be warned that on Sundays, the places that are open like EROS and Arte Sauna are very busy. The Arte Sauna closes early also.

The place was a pleasant surprise. Basically, It's a small, little bar catering to the local Ticos with good music. The best part was that there were about a dozen decent girls (6s and a couple of 8s). You read it right, a couple of 8s on a Sunday night!

Anyway, there were no other gringos, except us, and the only reason we went was because we were invited by a local boy. While there, I hooked up with a tall, lanky TICA with some very nice, well formed tits. She had a couple of kids, but her tits were still nicely formed. She had braided hair and was about 26 yrs old. As luck would have it, they have an adjacent, walled off area where they have a restroom and a row of rooms where you can do your deeds. The cost for everything was 20,000 colones! I got a nice covered BJ, and multiple position type of action. Afterwards, she cleaned me up and even sat around with me for a while.


The beers are only 1000 colones and the music was ok.

Be warned that this place, especially the rooms, is a dump and there are no Gringos anywhere. Thus, you must speak Spanish and be a little bit adventurous like we were . The place is safe, no problems. The girls we spoke to said this is a safe place as well. Although I didn't feel threatened or fearful at all, it was certainly not a touristy type of place.

GAWKING AT STREET WALKERS NEAR THE BIBLIOTECA (LIBRARY) .

As stated, we got smashed on two nights and just cruised around in our rented car on Sunday and Monday nights. Our TICO friend did the driving and he drove us around the "Biblioteca" area, to view the streetwalkers. Although most of them were definitely Transvestites, there were a couple of decent looking ones who were not! We just looked and spoke to them, but didn't intend to take them to our hotels.

KRYSIS / AND LUCY'S

We checked out Krysis and Lucys (not the same as EROS) on Sat night and on Monday and Tues. nights, but the gals were only fair to average looking. There were about 3 – 6 girls each time, and some were on the heavier side.

MISC. OBSERVATIONS

Gambling was also a lot of fun because we won some big money at the Morazon Casino playing "TUTE" or Carribbean stud poker. We actually spent most of our time doing the touristy thing to Lake Arenal and Poas Volcano. Both places are a "must see" type of thing in Costa Rica. Since you go all the way to CR, it would be a shame to miss out on these spots. We rented a car and just drove for miles and miles – what a gloriously beautiful country Costa Rica Is!

SUMMARY

All in all, we had a good time considering that we didn't take out at the "BM" this time around. The KL more than made up for the disappointment at the BM. Everyone should realize that there is a lot more to San Jose than the BM.

Hombre, could you please take a moment and clean up the HTML formatting here!

Nice report Merlin. It's great to hear that the Key Largo is making its way back, and I hope everyone reads that last sentence twice!

Hombre: It wasn't HTML formatting, I think it was some kind of word processor formatting. I had to do some guessing to convert it, but I think it's accurate and will leave it unless Merlin specifices otherwise.

Hombre, Thanks for cleaning it up. I think my word processor has a mind of its own.

Nice report, Merlin. Glad you had a good time. The place you are referring to as "Bips" is VIP's #2, better known as Molino Rojo, located at Calle 2, Ave 10. Quite a lot of information has been posted about it previously (search the archives). It is one of the few places open and active on Sunday nights. It's open every night until 4am. Although it's hit and miss, like everyplace else, usually you can find several attractive girls working there.

Unfortunately, you were grossly overcharged, if the prices you reported are correct. Unless there has been a very recent price change, you should pay 600 colones at the door on weeknights and be given one free drink ticket. Fridays and Saturdays you pay 1,200 colones at the door and are given two drink tickets. Additional drinks are 600 colones. The girls are 5,500 colones per half-hour (fixed price, no negotiating). This price includes the room.

Certainly the "local boy" who invited you knows the prices, so the likelihood is that the club paid him a commission equal to what they overcharged you. I'm sorry to hear stories like this. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and is not a common practice at Molino Rojo.

Pura Vida,
TG

I see you had the pleasure of experiencing Tanya at IDEM. She was my overall favorite during my trip. Guys, she is an absolute must see. She is my definition of the perfect body and she has a sweet demeanor. On my second visit to IDEM she suggested DOS CHICAS. I agreed and thought that was a wonderful idea.

Damn! I've got to make it back to CR and soon!

Merlin,

Great report....your information has elicited the following questions from my inquiring mind:

Does the Morazan Hotel have safe boxes in the rooms? If so, are they the key type (you lock the safe, carry the key with you and risk losing it) or the combination type?

Did you guys actually drive the rental car in San Jose? or your "guide" did all the driving?
(I'm asking this because on my next trip I'm considering renting a vehicle to travel outside San Jose, but driving in the city itself is another matter).

Thanks,

Pachangero

I've heard that the main problem with driving a rental car in Costa Rica is the police, who stop
gringo drivers on any pretense looking for a
"mordida". Anyone have any knowledge of this?

Pachangero & Abuelo, there are safe boxes in the room but of the Key and lock kind. This is the same as the Presidente. There is certainly an element of trust involved at either hotel, but I have not had problems and the staff and management at the Morazon were very professional and helpful. Whenever I used the safe boxes at either hotel, I kept my passport and a good amount of cash, but I never had a problem.

Believe it or not, we drove ourselves to Arenal volcano, and had a local acquaintance drive us around in San Jose. It wasn't that bad at all, this was our second car rental experience and no cops bothered us, just the occassional TICO tailgater. The TICO drivers are very impatient and will pass you at the drop of a hat. Tampagringo echoed a very well known thought that CR has one of the highest crash fatalities. But all in all, most of the traffic consisted of tour buses and trucks, meaning, very few cars around and if you keep your wits, it's not that bad. The country is just so damn beautiful that it is worth the added risk.

It certainly was a sense of adventure, and the freedom and independence was well worth it for us. We did the Tour group thing but the pace was slow and the group we got stuck with one time -- Chain smoking, South Americans from Argentina was not very enjoyable. The tour groups are a hit or miss type of deal.

Merl.

I agree with Merlin about renting cars. You can certainly do it if you prefer the independence and privacy that comes with having your own transportation. I don't recommend driving in SJ any more than is absolutely necessary - too much traffic, too many unmarked streets, etc. It can be a very frustrating experience unless you're pretty familiar with the city. Also, if you keep a rental car in San Jose parking is very expensive unless your hotel has a free parking lot for guests. Forthemore, a car is totally unnecessary in the city and is more of a liability than an asset.

I also agree with him about tour groups, except for specialty tours such as river-rafting. Tour groups are boring, and most of the people who use them are older couples or families with young children.

On the other hand, I highly recommend hiring a private car with a professional, English-speaking tour guide. The cost will run about $60 to $80 per day in the Central Valley(a little more for trips to the beach, etc., because you will use more gas). If you rent a car, you'll pay $35 to $60 per day, depending on the car, plus gas, so the cost isn't much different. The benefit to having a guide is that he will take you places you would never find on your own, answer questions, and generally to his best to assure that you have a good time.

Sound like a good alturnative to the President
IS there a guest charge per visitor. at the Hotel Morazon , or is it included like the Presidente

Thack46, there is no guest charge at the Morazon. Costaricardo is also big on Morazon. Merl.

Tampagringo,

where would you find such a guide? I'll be down in ten days for a long weekend, and a day of that may be fun.

EMK

Try Orlando - he comes highly recommended by me and many others on the board. You can reach him by e-mail: abletours@yahoo.com. If you want his phone #'s, e-mail me: tampa_gringo@hotmail.com, or search the archives. It's been posted by others but I've become sensitive about security and don't want to post it again publicly. If he isn't available, he should be able to recommend someone else.

Morazan and Orlando both get my vote also.
Used Orlando for a beach trip a few weeks ago
to Manuel Antonio and he was great as always.
The hotel his brother works at in Manuel Antonio
is also highly recommended. Playa Espadrilla
is the name if I remember right. Great place
short walk to the beach, clean and I mean clean
large rooms, good restaurant nice pool, etc, etc.
Have been swamped since I returned but will post
a report as soon as I can get caught up.