The hidden charms of Costa Rica

October 27, 8:39 PMCentral American Travel ExaminerMichael Sherer

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The holidays are coming! Some of them are already here, whether you’re ready or not. Maybe, just perhaps, this is the year to treat yourself, take along your significant other and take advantage of some of the lowest travel costs in years.As with most of the world, tourism and travel is suffering from the backlash of the global malaise known as the financial meltdown. As a consequence, which works in your favor, there are travel specials, discounted hotel rates and even the airlines are offering up cheap seats.

If you’ve been to Costa Rica, then you know some of the better sights and destinations: If you haven’t, this may be the best of times.  Either way, let me offer a change of itinerary and scenery.Let's start out with the assumption that you have a week off: air travel will eat up two days, coming and going. We're not going to rent a car or take the bus. Air travel in Costa Rica is easy and cheap, and you're half an hour from San Jose to Plan B.

1. San Jose, the capital.  “Oh, no…it’s ugly, crowded and congested”, you say. Correct on all accounts but so is Baltimore and LA. There are more visa stamps in my passport for Costa Rica than any other Central America country, except for Guatemala, and I’m here to tell you that a few days in San Jose are well worth the effort and highly affordable. The variety of hotels range from hostels to 5 star but if you’re willing to stay in the downtown area, where most of the easier accessible attractions are located, it may well be less expensive than staying at home.
 

2. Three decent hotels: The El Presidente, The Balmoral and The Gran Hotel. The first has just undergone a massive upgrade and restoration process and the rooms start at $85 a night. The Balmoral, across the street, might be a bit cheaper. Unless you like the noise, ask for a room away from the street. The Gran Hotel? A historical landmark, built in the ‘30s and  John Wayne stayed there once. It’s a bagel toss away from  the elegant Opera House. They have a superb outdoor coffee shop that serves up a most excellent cappuchino, but the rooms are dated and it can be noisy. The first two serve up fairly good food(and they have room service). For a different kind of restaurant not far away, Tin Jo…Indian, Thai, Japanese and they make an authentic Singapore Sling..take a taxi. The Balcon Europa has changed hands and not for the better. The Del Mar restaurant by the Del Rey serves excellent meals.

3. Three decent attractions: The Gold Museum, The Jade Museum and the Opera House. There’s a English title bookstore on 7th Avenue. If you’re single or have a very understanding wife/travel companion, a quick peek into the Hotel Del Rey is worth a few moments. Their casino is lively and the entertainment even more so.

Part Two: where and how to leave the city for 2-3 days, and fall in love all over again.