Costa Rica

Going in a few weeks to Jaco, Costa Rica. On the Pacific, southern part of the country. Renting two floor penthouse on condo right on the beach with two other couples. You can get private chef, massages for very reasonable cost.
Looked on Google maps and there seem to be many casinos in the area. I’m guessing they are mostly small slot only ones but if anyone has any info feel free to share! Casino visit very low on my priority list but might go one night.

Had argument with Brother in Law. I said Costa Rica with the ‘O’ sounding like ‘rope’. He says it’s like the ‘O’ in ‘hot’. ChatGPT had me correct. He said he has a friend from Costa Rica who says he is correct.

I’m guessing both are acceptable. How do you say it?

Definitely like rope (speaking in Spanish). If it was spelled “Casta Rica” then it would be like hot. Unlike English and many other languages, Spanish is pronounced exactly how it’s spelled

I’d highly suggest staying somewhere like Tamarindo or Quepos, not Jaco

Quote: Ace2

Definitely like rope (speaking in Spanish). If it was spelled “Casta Rica” then it would be like hot. Unlike English and many other languages, Spanish is pronounced exactly how it’s spelled

I’d highly suggest staying somewhere like Tamarindo or Quepos, not Jaco
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Location is set in stone. I’ve had one friend who was in Jaco and didn’t have a bad word to say about it. Why did you not like it?

In Vegas terms, I would say Jaco is to Tamarindo/Quepos what Four Queens is to Cosmopolitan/Bellagio

I haven’t been to Jaco in ten years so maybe it’s changed. Doubt it

Haven't been to Costa Rica.

But for example on the island of Kauia, while Princeville on the north shore is over all more upscale, and less developed, the south shore Poipu has a lot to offer too. And both are oceanfront.

Quote: MDawg

Haven't been to Costa Rica.

But for example on the island of Kauia, while Princeville on the north shore is over all more upscale, and less developed, the south shore Poipu has a lot to offer too. And both are oceanfront.
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As I said, I have a friend who was just there and only had good things to say. The pictures of the actual penthouse are amazing. The reviews say perfect beach, nice restaurants a short walk away.

I’m not worried at all.

Funny you mention Hawaii. Young friends are moving there in May. To Hilo. That’s where the girl’s job will be. (The guy can work remotely). He acknowledged that it has the ‘bad’ weather on the island with lots of rain; they won’t be able to afford to live near a beach. And it’s basically a lower middle class area, if not even poor. I expect them to move back within two years.