check out your hotel room

Check it out before you check in

Sometimes things aren't exactly what they seem, and your definition of clean or comfortable could be very different from mine or your host's. Ask to see the room before you decide to stay.

If there is a room available with a great view or a new mattress this is the way to get it because they will want to show you their best. This is standard operating proceedure for Ticos and inverse to expectations the more expensive the lodging, the more important it is that you check it out. If you are paying US$8 a night and discover that the hot water doesn't work (which is often true at US$8 a night) a cool shower can feel pretty good in the heat. If, on the other hand you paid US$75 that cold shower feels a lot colder.

Checklist to keep in mind

Before you go in, look around for a disco attached to, or in the immediate vicinity of the rooms. If there is one, you should either plan on dancing until two in the morning, or move along. You won't be getting any sleep.

Fan or air conditioner: Turn it on when you walk in, and leave it on while you look over the rest of the place. That way you can make sure it works and that it doesn't make a racket when it gets up to speed.

Mattress: Push on it or lay down, make sure there is no big pit in the middle and the sheets are clean

Towels: They aren't always provided in cheaper places. If you don't see them ask.

Screens: Make sure they are there, and they aren't torn

Shower: If there is supposed to be hot water, turn it on and make sure there is.

Lights: turn them on

Door lock: Make sure it's enough to make you feel secure.

In the green season the price is almost always reduced, but usually still somewhat negotiable (we usually pay 50 to 70% of the high season price after haggling). Sometimes if you ask, they will throw in breakfast.