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For a company called WeLoveCostaRica, you sure spread hate. What else do you mean by publishing this obvious attack on white Americans? In Hawaii, we call them f**king Haoles. But do you see this epithet published in trade publications and websites like this? Of course not. Hawaiians are not about to bite the hands that feed them, and dealing with a few annoying tourists is not going to change that. Paradise is not without it’s snakes, but I’d rather not read about them. Please stop running anymore of these hit pieces, they do nothing to build loyalty to your brand, much less Costa Rica.
Hey Lotus,
Thanks for the recommendation. Dollar is who I rely on in California, they are always courteous and quick to please. I go with Eurocar in CR because they provide Expedia with the best rates, and always seem to have my favorite car, the Rav4 (I love mine), available. My first trip to CR, my host/guide had a very good deal with Hertz, but Eurocar was able to beat it by over $100/week. I’ll consider Dollar next time…not that I’ve ever needed extra insurance, my driving record is spotless, even after 38 years on the road.No, all three of the hotel’s billings went through, which prompted MC to suspend my card. I didn’t suspect until I tried to charge my dinner. I can understand your confusion, though, but I know from theft. I was the lead witness in a $36 million dollar corruption scam at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki, that was quietly swept under the table by the military club system. I’ve also worked for the Hyatt Regencies in SF and Waikiki, so I know from good, honest service. “Honor among thieves” refers to the lack thereof, and believe me, everyone in that scam, from a 2-star general down to the entire management staff were nice people with great personalities. That doesn’t make them respectable.
As I said in the posting, I left without staying, after I demanded they reverse the charges. They ignored me. The primitive reference was a quote from the front desk of the last hotel I stayed at in San Jose, which my good Tico friends recommended. That hotel owner warned me the driver he had hired to get me around was notorious for overcharging, and yes, they argued about it in front of me, a lot! BTW, I understand Spanish (since I live in the Mission SF), and I know “Dumb American” when I hear it.
I’ve been to Jaco enough times to know what the boys are selling on the bridge, where the hookers hang out, and I’ve watched the police look on. I’ve been taken for a ride by Ticos who, after I failed to empty my wallet, left me at a warehouse party, where no one would call me a taxi. Being attractive, and able to pass as a Tico, I was able to talk a nice couple into giving me a lift back.
Some shoestring operations might feel the pinch, but I’m not about to let them pinch me first. I hope you understand.
Cheers!
Hmmm, I had a similar problem with a highly recommended hotel in Jaco, they tried to charge me three separate times. They looked at me strangely when I demanded a receipt after I checked in and paid in full, but I soon found out, via email, that Mastercard had canceled the transactions. I was so happy I had pre-registered my charge card for security reasons, and MC came through. I checked out quickly thereafter and got a tirade from the front desk. Now, you may be thinking that I should have at least paid them for one night’s stay, even if I didn’t stay, but before you think it unfair, remember that law enforcement is primitive, even for locals, and you and I would be singing a different tune if we paid cash. That said, forget about honor among thieves, and keep your money. These people know they can’t go to the police, or they’d be shut down! As far as I’m concerned, they’ve already written you and your husband off, and thanks for the name of the company, it’s now on my no-fly list. For what it’s worth, I’ve gone with Expedia’s preferred listed Eurocar three times, and never a problem!
GringoTico,
If you have doubts about the relationship between white sand beaches and clear water, please do visit Hawaii. There are a number of famous black sand beaches there too, on the (still volcanic) Big Island of Hawaii, right next to white sand beaches.The black sand there is the result of hot lava pouring into the ocean, where it boils, and break ups into particles of “black sand”. Hawaii’s famous white sand is the product of the slow erosion of reefs, and the remains of marine life found there.
Black or white, the waters washing over these beaches are crystal clear. Jacques Cousteau’s son recently documented Hawaii’s new underwater state park, and it gives an accurate view of the water’s purity.
Still, there are places where rivers empty into Hawaiian beaches, and to great detriment, especially in areas where developers strip the jungle growth down to bare dirt, which rainfall washes into the river system, and dumps onto the beaches. This is what you see in Costa Rica, and there is no denying it in aerial photos of recent developments in Guanacaste and Jaco. The same could be seen in pictures of Oahu during the development boom of 1975-1990.
It is interesting to note here that soil runoff was so bad during this 15 year period, that the reef off Waikiki died off almost completely, and the waters turned muddy, which prompted environmental lawsuits against developers to stem the runoff. Without a living, vibrant reef, and after years of runoff, Waikiki’s famous white sands turned brown, and the state resorted to barging in fresh white sand from nearby islands, at least (they thought) until the reef came back to life, and runoff was diverted.
I love bodysurfing at Playa Hermosa (Jaco), but even on a sunny day, I can’t see more than a few feet ahead of me when I dive under the waves. I actually ran into a ray the last time I dove in at Manuel Antonio. At Makapuu beach on Oahu, you can see practically to forever. Honestly, there is no question in my mind that the whiter the beach, the less pollution in the water.
But seeing is believing, yes?
Excerpt from The Journal (Vol 3, edition 71, Jan 17-23, 2007), page 8:
– “The Hilton hotel corporation has announced that it will assume control of two major hotels in Costa rica, the Premier Fiesta Celebration Resort and Spa, located in Papagayo, and a second facility in Puntarenas…”
I agree there are better places elsewhere.
I took a tour of the Fiesta Resort about 3 weeks ago, it has beautiful grounds, nice rooms, and everything is centered on the pools, which are many, huge, and sprawling. The hotel separates adult areas from kiddie areas, making the resort attractive to both families and romantics. The beach is clean, the sunsets spectacular, and the air tickles.
Yes, the ocean water is silted, but it is like this everywhere in Costa Rica, where rivers run into the sea, from Dominical (particularly dark water)to Manuel Antonio, to Jaco, and beyond. I understand the only beaches which approach white sand (a clear indication of water purity) are in Guanacaste, where it is arid and dry (and lacking river mouths). I can’t say I’ve ever seen a white sand beach in Costa Rica, at least not like in Hawaii.
If you like to surf, the Caldera Point Break is world famous, within walking distance of the Fiesta. The beaches are also largely deserted, except at sunset, when it seems the whole country comes to the beach to take in the splendor.
The only drawback to the Fiesta is there aren’t enough staff who speak English well. You’re going to have to always report to the front desk, where they do. And there is the constant presence of armed security, which may give some comfort, but made me feel I wasn’t welcome.
Be forwarned, you will not be allowed to eat at any of the upscale (air-conditioned) italian, american grill, etc) restaurants if you have less than a 3 night stay, but the open air main restaurant and separate showroom are grand, inviting spaces. The discoteque is the only real dissapointment, it looks like a dark, frat-boy beer hall stuck in a low, underground garage.
If you have a choice, take a top floor oceanside room, the view must be spectacular, and you will be away from the crowds on the ground floor. The hotel is a longtime Tico favorite, and it is always booked solid.
If you’ve decided not to stay there (as I did), and you’d like a more diverse resort experience, head towards Manuel Antonio, Jaco, or Playa Hermosa. The latter is my favorite, the bodysurfing is the best this side of Makapuu (Oahu), the water is clearer than most, and the rooms are rarely more than $50/night. A $3 cab ride will get you to all the Cali-style restaurants in Jaco (even Subway and KFC), Tsunami sushi, Texmex steak houses, plates of pasta, and pretty good ice cream too. At night, check out the putas and pigs at the Beatle Bar (where only the ugliest Americans hang out, better than watching TV), The Monkey Bar for train-wrecked hip-hop, or the Taco Place (I can never remember it’s actual name) at the back of the only mall on the strip, where stateside House music DJz battle local meringue spinners from opposite bars. The latter goes on all night long, $2-5 cover, wells to top shelf are $2-4.
Have a blast!
Thank you so much for the link to Villa Les Mas. I would have stayed there, instead of Las Cumbres, and for several reasons. First, the website includes many pictures of the rooms/mini suites available, giving me a much better idea of what to expect, unlike Las Cumbres, which didn’t provide a picture of my particular room, probably because it wouldn’t hold up to a side by side comparison with VLM. Second, the meals are prepared by an actual chef, not a Tika cook (Las Cumbres used to have a goumet chef, but lost him to another retreat, I wonder if he went to VLM?). Third, The villas are separate, meaning you won’t have to listen to your neighbors carrying on through the walls and floors. Fourth, the prices are much less (I paid top dollar for my mini-suite with two (uncomfortable) twin beds, and which looked like a closet compared to the cavernous bedrooms (with two king size beds) at VLM. Fifth, VLM offers room service first, not as a grudgingly given favor, as Las Cumbres demonstrated.
teksmith, I’m glad you enjoyed the ‘family’ atmosphere at Las Cumbres, but honestly, I didn’t. There’s always one person in the bunch who’s going to ruin things for everybody, and I happened to run into 3 of them. They complained constantly, and made taking meals a lesson in forced decorum. And when you are one day out of eye sculpture surgery, the last thing you want is people staring at you trying to eat. And talking incessantly about bloody procedures is not my idea of polite mealtime conversations.
And, oh, did I mention I’m not white? The first day I spent there the other guests assumed I was one of the servants. Even the servants had a hard time adjusting.
I kept thinking, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!”.
Please don’t get me wrong. I FINALLY had a number of candid and informative conversations with guests staying there, but I would have given them all up for the PRIVACY of a palatial villa, english speaking nurses/staff, comfortable high end furniture, a fabulous mountain view, my own DVD television, a personal aide, and most importantly, a chef who will cook what you want, not just what he cares to make for you. And all this for $85/day!
I know where I’m staying next time. The owners of VLM are Americans, which is good for me. Americans take pride in excellent service, compared to Tiko service, which often comes with poor excuses. Thanks again for the recommendation, if you find anymore, I’d certainly apreciate another notice. Can it get any better?
Carlos Fernandez, Cell 837-3251, Home 290-5570. Carlos works from the Posada El Quijote, a great looking hotel in Escazu Heights, with great views of the central valley. He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of family man, speaks excellent English and translates to spanish very well. If you want KFC, he takes you to the closest restaurant, and will order for you. If you want him to pick something up for you, he’ll run the errand. He will come anytime of day or night, crazy, but true.
I stayed at Las Cumbres Inn, up the street, which caters to medical tourists, and where you can also find other excellent drivers, including Juan and Minor. Ask Elkie, the owner, for recommendations.
These guys agreed that $10-13/hour is what you can expect to pay. Traffic in and around San Jose is often snarled, a relatively short distance can take a very long time to cover. Do not show your ignorance by insisting on paying by the kilometer, it’s just embarassing to your fellow passengers who are accustomed to taking taxis, anywhere. I know it should go without saying, but it happened to me just three days ago going to Tony Roma’s in Escazu, from a guy who lives in Florida. He stopped arguing when he found out our ride was $2.
By the way, tips are included. I know, I found it hard not to tip, but Carlos kept giving me the tip back. It took me awhile to figure out that 100 colones is only 20 cents, and he’d rather not sweat the coins, which are incredibly heavy and clumsy. I think the lowest paper denomination is 1000 colones, which is $2. I’ve never known a driver to turn away paper money, I wouldn’t.
I think the point of this thread was to warn us that current anti-terrorist mandates may also place a chilling effect on aging Babyboomers, like myself, who plan on retiring in CR. May I also remind you that even reactionary conservatives fear not only the debilitating cost of health care for the aged, but the threat of losing assisted senior care in favor of “Saving our Children” policies. CR has successfully touted universal health care to attract investment, but Americans made richer by the Bush administration may not see any advantage in having to protect expatriots abroad, much less the loss of wealth from our shores. Add to this the threat of neighboring Nicaragua (have we forgotten since 9/11?), and you may touch upon a number of reasons to stem the flow.
Today’s vote may offer the turning point needed to bring clarity to our nation. Pundits predict a momentous shift of Congress, and perhaps the Senate, towards Democratic rule. We are at the threshold of a new era (dare I say, a paradigm?), in which voters will continue the careful pruning of crony politicians in favor of wise and compassionate leadership, as exemplified by Pelosi and Obama.
Of course, democratic control of the House and Senate may have zero impact in CR, and even with increased border patrol, the flow of Gringos fleeing our country may continue unabated. The charms of this tropical paradise may yet draw Florida’s retirement industry away from future Katrinas, and into the arms of Jaco bay.
Oy!
