Context
| General Guidelines and Safety Recommendations |
|
As you know, this is a guesthouse and overnight visitors or sex workers are not allowed at anytime. All daytime visitors must fill in a registration form and show a valid ID -- cédula for Costa Ricans and passport for foreigners -- and must remain in common areas at all times.
Open the door to your guests only. Do not let anyone in unless you know them personally -- EVEN if your doorbell rings (applicable for private houses especially).
The guests must accompany visitors at all times. The phone will be answered only from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. so please tell friends and relatives not to call after this hour. Please be considerate by keeping noise level down at all times -- if someone is bothered by someone else try to tell the person directly if the situation is not resolved we will be happy to help. If you cook after 8 p.m. or before 8 a.m. please be aware there are guestrooms next to the kitchens. Please turn off all lights & disconnect electrical appliances that you are not using.
-
When traveling never leave your bags unattended on top bus racks or at bus stops. Never stop to help people on the side of the road or apparent “tripping” victims. These are opportunities our not so ethical fellow Costa Ricans use to pick pocket guests. If you rent a car make sure you do not leave luggage or jackets or anything “appealing” inside – that will make it a sure target for a break-in. Please remember to make copies of your passport and airline tickets and store them in a safe place. You can give them to us and we will be store them in the safe. There is a photocopier right next to the Annex
If you have children please make sure they are quiet & supervised at all times. Guests can ask others to be quiet if need be.
Please tell us or other guests if you are going to nap or just want extra peace and quiet -- especially if children are around -- we will do all we can to provide a comfortable environment. Please remember it is a pleasure for us to serve you and make your stay as comfortable as possible. Your comments and suggestions are important to us. Thank you for your visit, we hope you have a great time in Costa Rica and a safe return home (when the time comes).
| Registration Form Content |
|
In order to help you remember the information on the registration form we provide you with a copy for consultation:
- Room charges must be paid in advance at check in time. Hostel #1 - Hostel #7,
- Can be paid in cash or travelers checks; other cash only payments include: Laundry, phone, drinks and phone cards. Authorization for the full amount or complete payment is required for a room reservation. We can not guarantee a specific room however we will hold one of similar conditions. Should you decide to extend your stay we will try to accommodate you however please know we only guarantee the number of nights specified on the registration form at the time of check in.
- Children under 8 free of charge; 8 and over please ask receptionist (some rooms require full payment Chalet #3; AN1 & AN2; Hostel #1 – Hostel #7)
- Room charges & payments for reservations are non-refundable and will not be applied to visits for dates other than what has been specified on the receipt.
- We require a security deposit at check in of US$100 to cover lost or damaged items such as keys. This deposit can be in cash or an imprint of your Visa, MasterCard or American Express Card. It will be returned to you upon check out; we first check your phone calls, your room to make sure items such as towels, washcloths, clock, remote control, etc, are all there. We will hold the security deposit as a guarantee for reservations you may choose to make in person at the reception.
- Please keep keys with you at all times. If you loose keys there is a fee to cover the cost of replacing 50 sets of keys, changing 3 electronic & 7 normal locks – that amounts to more than US$200 (we will show you the service invoice).
- Check out time is at 11:00 a.m., check in time is 2:00 p.m.
- At the time of registration we must see who will be in the room – or please let us know if they will arrive later and give us exact name.
- All rooms are non-smoking.
- Visitors of registered guests are allowed on the premises ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and must remain in common areas at all times. If you are waiting for someone or something (deliveries) after this hour please greet them outside.
- Guests without children can ask guests with children for silence if need be. If you have children with you, please be aware of their presence at all times. Other guests should not be woken up or disturbed by loud, little “voices” or “sounds”.
- The “travel agency” component of Kap’s Place is free. Please ask the receptionist for help with travel planning and in booking tours, hotels, car rentals, domestic flights, etc. The receptionists are trained to assist with travel planning, ordering taxis or food, arranging doctor visits for cosmetic or emergency issues, and much more.
- Incoming calls will be transferred to you from 6:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m.
- For airport taxis please tell us the day prior to your departure and we will schedule it for you.
- There are small security boxes in each of the rooms.
- Total silence is requested after 8 p.m. Guests who must use kitchen, computer or common areas after this time or before 8 a.m. are asked to be very quiet and careful so as not to disturb the guests in rooms Main House1,2,3 & 6 and rooms AN2, AN3, AN4, AN5 & AN6 in the Annex.
- We sell juice, iced tea, bottled water and beer please ask the receptionist.
- Guests of the annex must cook in the annex and are welcome in the main guesthouse ONLY from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Please make sure gas burner is positioned to “off” or “closed” and that there is no burner left on with or without fire after cooking.
- Please make sure the front (wood and metal) doors are always closed as you enter and/or exit. Completely shut so they lock.
- Do not open the door to ANYONE unless you personally know the person.
- Kap’s Place does not accept any responsibility for lost money or items of any kind. Kap’s Place responsibility is limited to providing paying guests with accommodations and full use of kitchen facilities according to the price paid. Injuries, damage to yourself or your belongings, losses of any sort, disappearance of old food items left behind are your complete responsibility.
- The playroom and yard facilities are for your use. Please know parents must accompany children at all times. We do not assume responsibility for any accident that may occur.
- I have read & accept to comply with the requests, policies & guidelines of Kap’s Place consisting of two pages and accept that my deposit will be withheld and I will be asked to leave the premises immediately if found smoking in the rooms, with possession of illegal drugs with guests after hours and/or in the rooms or breaking any of the above rules. I am aware I only am guaranteed a room for the night(s) above specified on this form.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Your stay will be more pleasant if you take the time to read & inform yourself -- thus we will have more time to answer the questions that are not in this package.
Where can I exchange currency?
-
Super Aranjuez on the corner if you have cash (as you exit take a left and walk 1/2 block) and talk to Min, the owner. He is a Chinese man who will almost always exchange US$ for Costa Rican Colones at the current exchange rate. Our suggestion is to first buy juice, milk or water e.g. with a large US$ bill and then ask if he can change more US$ for Colones.
- Banco de Costa Rica (from the Shell Station one block east, in other words, turn left as you exit, take a left at the corner walk for three blocks) is open M-F from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This bank cashes traveler checks.
- Banco Nacional open from 12 noon – 6 p.m. at the Guadalupe Centro Comercial—follow directions for first ATH – below:
- Banco de San José , downtown, between Av. 3 and 5, will cash travelers' checkss and give you cash advances from your credit cards. American Express representation.
- Scotia Bank (also downtown near post office) will cash Canadian travelers' checks and there is also an ATM.
- Mall San Pedro has a Banco Nacional and Banco San José – both open Saturdays. Some banks in the City Center like Popular are also open Saturday.
Where are the nearest ATM's?
- ATM's: ATH (A Toda Hora - automatic teller machines) ATM's will accept plus cards for withdrawals. There is one at the gas station in the Centro Comercial de Guadalupe: turn right as you exit walk to the end of the road, turn right again, at the intersection with the main road turn left and walk up the bridge about two long blocks, if counting on the left, you will see a shopping center on your right.
- ATM's: Shell Station , go out and turn left, make a left at the corner, turn left two blocks it will be on your right hand side.
Please don't worry if the Shell ATM asked you for your information, processed your request and the money does not come out. This means the machine is out of money and your account will not reflect this transaction.
Where do I go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner if I am on a budget?
- Soda Isabel+ : For a true Costa Rican experience, good food, and TICO environment: turn left as you exit, cross two streets and you will see a big sign on your left -- exactly two blocks south from KAP'S PLACE. Soda Isabel is open from Monday-Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. -- it turns into a local/hospital bar in the evenings. Very reasonable prices. The international prepaid calling card (Tarjeta 199) is for sale there.
- Soda Ramírez+ : Also a true Costa Rican “popular food” experience. Turn left as you exit, cross one street and is on the corner of the next block where the palm trees are (after the fruit & vegetable store). Very friendly and clean.
- Super Aranjuez+ : on the corner towards the left as you exit -- also a restaurant at the convenience store with a varied Chinese food menu. The servings are huge (usually halves are enough). Ask for the Special Wan-Tan Soup and for food with little grease and little salt ("poca grasa y poca sal") if that is of concern to you.
- All the small sodas (these are small, family run cafeterias with traditional food at very reasonable prices) near the hospital offer true Costa Rican food -- We have not personally tried all of them but, have heard good reviews of the one across from the main entrance of the Hospital Calderón Guardia, Soda Almendras.
Where can I eat on Sundays in this neighborhood?
Most restaurants in the neighborhood are closed on Sundays -- please plan ahead for this day. Soda Almendras (the one across from the main entrance of the hospital) opens at 8 a.m. on Sundays and is known for good pastries. Super Aranjuez (the corner store) opens @ 9a.m.
Where can I eat if I arrive late?
- The Shell Station , go out and turn left, make a left at the corner, walk for two blocks it will be on your right hand side – is opened 24 hours a day – they have an ATM which may work for some cards and you can also purchase beer and wine.
Where can I buy beer?
- We sell beer at the main guesthouse. The receptionist on duty is able to offer it to you on regular hours. After hours please visit the Shell Gas Station.
Where can I go for special breakfast, lunch or dinner treats?
Please get a discount card from the reception desk should you decide to visit any of the first five restaurants above and show it when you place your order.
- Café Mundo : Take a left as you exit, walk one and a half blocks (to the second street), turn right, walk to the end of the street (past the tracks) and then turn left and walk two blocks – it will be on the corner. Varied International Menu -- pasta, pizza, salads, grilled chicken, etc. Good value for the quality. Schedule: Monday-Friday: 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturdays: 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. All of our previous guests have enjoyed their food. Walking distance. 10% discount card at the front desk.
- Zermatt: , a Swiss restaurant with very good beef-- across the street from the Shell Station. Walking distance. 10% discount card at the front desk.
- Tin-Jo: located across from the Teatro de Lucho Barahona (St. 11 Av. 6&8) is great for Asian food (Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Chinese). Great ambiance and service. Take the 10% discount card (on the desk with the brochures, etc.) off meals. Open Sundays . Our favorite. Taxi ride.
- Whappin: walking distance from the Sta. Teresita Church … varied & great Caribbean Food (10% discount)
- JR's RIBS : Take a taxi to “the entrance of the Simón Bolivar Zoo” (Zoológico)
- Churrasco Parrillada Steak House: from the Sta. Teresita Church 500 mts. East and 100 North. Tel. 225-0778 Owned by Argentineans and with wonderful steak dishes . Open Monday – Saturday from 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m .- 10:30 p.m. Open Sundays from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Walking distance. (10% discount)
- Hotel Grano de Oro (near Paseo Colón): This is not near the guesthouse but it is well worth a visit and the taxi ride: St. 30 Av. 2&4 or from Pizza Hut 200 Sur, 100 Oeste & 25 Norte. A real and necessary one time treat for those of you who love food and value a superb cuisine and want to take a peak into a “gem” hotel in Costa Rica . Great service too. Ph. 255-3322
- Cafetal de la Luz (at Amon Plaza – formerly Amstel Amon Hotel): Very good breakfast, lunch and dinner – international and great prices.
- Torreón: this Cafe-restaurant is not near from our hotel, located in San Rafael de Escazu, from Centro Comercial Los Laureles 75 meters Southwest over the Calle Real, it offers an exquisite combination of good taste and simplicity.
- Bakea: very close from the Simón Bolivar Zoo” (Zoológico), with plenty of international dishes, excellent and pleasant dining rooms. Schedule: Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight , Saturdays 7:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
-
Taller del Artista: A TREAT!!!, taxi ride to Tres Ríos.
Where can I go out at night?
EL CUARTEL is a fun option – about 4 blocks south of the Shell Station.
There are two movie theatres near here: Magaly on Street 23 between Ave. 7 & 5 – you can walk to it. The others are located at the Mall San Pedro – please take a taxi to Mall San Pedro. Check the newspaper for showtimes. The JAZZ CAFÉ located across from the Farmacia Fischel in San Pedro is another good option for live music almost everyday, good food and drinks. Other places are: Café 83 Sur, El Refugio, Meridiano del Este and Anocher. Please take taxis to all of them.
Where can I shop for food if I want to cook myself?
- Super Aranjuez : The convenience store on the corner has almost everything you could need and it is open 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Fruits and Vegetables : (Turn left as you exit, cross the street, it will be on your left hand side almost towards the end of the block) M - F from 4 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturdays from 5 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Closed on Sundays.
- La Selecta : A bakery and dairy product store located next to Soda Isabel.
- SUPERMARKET: Auto Mercado Los Yoses : From the Santa Teresita Church (on the main road – Ave. 9) walk East until the end of the street, turn right walk up the hill (two blocks) and you will find the entrance to the parking lot of this super market on your left. They accept almost all kinds of credit cards and have the widest selection of products – imports & national.
- SUPERMARKET: Mas X Menos: On Central Ave. between streets 11 & 13. (Near the National Museum ).
- SUPERMARKET: Perimercado de Guadalupe : Turn right as you exit walk to the end of the road, turn right again, at the intersection with the main road turn left and walk up the bridge about two blocks, you will see a shopping center on your right. You can find a Banco Nacional and an ATH (ATM) machine at the gas station.
- HIPERMAS: located in Guadalupe in intersection El Gallito, you can find an ATH (ATM machine at the supermarket)
How do I make calls?
For collect calls to the USA or Canada dial 175. For international calls please purchase a 199 or 197 card from our front desk and/or from Soda Isabel and follow instructions on the back. 800 numbers for different phone carriers are posted on the phone list in your room and on the back side of the door by the computer. Our number is ++506-221-1169. For local calls from the main guesthouse, the apartment, the hostel rooms and the annex please dial 9 first – all numbers in Costa Rica are 7 digits. Cel/Mobile phones start with 3 or 8 – please keep this in mind when you pay for your calls.
Can I receive calls here?
Yes, you can receive calls here between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. If you have made tour arrangements on your own you should call the tour operating company to inform them of this schedule and to verify their pick up time for the day of the tour. Incoming calls are only answered from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – please be aware of this at all times.
How do I pay for local calls?
We will keep track of the calls made from the apartment, the eleven rooms here and the annex the cost is approximately US$.15 for a minute call to regular numbers and US$.50 for a minute call to cell phone numbers. That is what we will charge the guests from the main house, the apt, the hostel rooms and the annex. Guests of the apartment, annex and the eleven rooms can have a detailed list of their calls. Please know that ALL phone calls in Costa Rica have a cost and it varies according to distance, time of day you call and day of the week you call. There are prime hours when the rate is higher. Please know we cannot quote an exact rate but the tracking system is able to do that so please ask the receptionist to check after you have made your calls if this is a concern for you. Charges include 13% sales tax. We sell 199 or 197 Cards and allow free use of the card for local and international calls; this is the best expensive way of calling.
Thank you for your cooperation and honesty.
How do I call a taxi?
Please call 254-0533 or 254-3211 and say UN TAXI A KAP'S PLACE EN ARANJUEZ POR FAVOR. The operator will give you a license number, IF NOT, ASK: “NUMERO DE PLACA POR FAVOR?” make sure you take the correct taxi with the exact license number the operator will give you – taxis come 2-5min. after you call so please wait outside immediately after calling and please ONLY get in the taxi with the license number the operator gave you. Please only call them if you speak enough Spanish to get the license plate number. The receptionist, the housekeeper, or the nanny, can call taxis for you from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you need a taxi before or after these hours please walk to the corner or to the Hospital Calderon. You only need a reference point to get you where you want to go. Taxi drivers and most Costa Ricans in San José DO NOT know street or avenue numbers, we only go by reference points (churches, hospitals, etc.)
How much do I pay taxis?
In San José you can expect to pay from 1.5US$ - 6US$ for most of your rides. The meter is called “maria” and should start at @ 330 colones. Please know you pay only the first three digits – in other words do not pay 5000 when 500.0 or 5.000 appears if you just went to town and back. The “decimal point” (.) is not always in the right position. You only need a reference point to get you where you want to go. Taxis here DO NOT know street or avenue numbers.
| Airport Transfer Information |
|
How do I get to the airport?
FOR AIRPORT TAXIS CALL please tell us at check-in or the day prior to your departure if you need a taxi and we will schedule it for you to avoid confusion or no-shows.
How much is the exit tax?
You will need to pay US$26 or its equivalent in colones at the airport. This tax is not included in your ticket. Please have enough cash – Visa cards are now accepted but the charge goes on as a cash advance -- with you at the time of departure to pay this fee and only buy the legal stamps at the booth inside the airport.
| Town, shopping and Museum Information |
|
How do I walk downtown?
Turn left as you exit from the main guesthouse, walk straight on St. 19 until you reach a T-Section, turn right, take the first left, go across the National Park and then keep walking, turn right either on Av. 1 or Av. Central.
Where do I buy souvenirs?
Please know we promote “fair trade” and all the indigenous crafts we have are from the artisans themselves who come here and look for a space to exhibit their products – we don't add to their price and we try our best to help them. We have arts & crafts from four indigenous groups: Bri Bri from Talamanca, Boruca from the Buenos Aires (southern) region and Maleku from the northern San Carlos area. We also receive donations for these groups which are used to cover travel costs to drop off their crafts at different points in the country and to buy tools to make their crafts. Also, any clothes or items you don't want to take with you we can distribute to people in need.
A great selection only one stop -- is the Boutique Anne-Marie inside the Hotel Don Carlos, near the Jade Museum – opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 7p.m. Please ask for a 5% DISCOUNT card with directions on how to get there. You can also go to La Casona, the Central Market, the Plaza de la Democracia between Av. Central and Avda. Segunda, or “Calle de los Souvenirs en Moravia ”, but we really think Don Carlos Hotel is the best. The Namú Gallery also offers our guests 10% discount cards – they have a beautiful selection of a bit higher priced items.
Museum Information:
In addition to the organized tours described in the word document there are a couple of things worth doing in San José l ike walking through Amón, Otoya and Aranjuez. These are the oldest barrios in San José with wonderful architecture and several "historical" homes. The museums of Gold, Jade and the National one are also well worth the visit. You can actually do all of them in one day and they are all within walking distance from Kap's Place.
Gold is open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
National is open Tuesday - Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jade is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For those traveling with children the Children's Museum is a great one full day stop.
And, for those with special interests: the Entomological Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Museum of Criminology and the Museum of Costa Rican Art offer "select" displays and will give you a lot to talk about. The Central Market is another wonderful stop in our city - lots of colors and scents will give you true "insight" to what we like and eat! In addition to the museums, markets and old barrios we have the National Theatre, Cultural Plaza and walking boulevard (the central avenue) are all worth a stop.
| General Guesthouse Information |
|
Can I do laundry here?
Yes, just ask us. Please remember we are not responsible for clothes that require special care or special soap. All laundry is washed with cold water and dried together. Please feel free to use the sink outside to wash items that may need special treatment. Each load of laundry is US$8.00 -- for wash and fold. You can use the iron freely but carefully. Laundry service on Sundays and major holidays is limited.
What do I need to know about the apartment?
You will find coffee, cream, and sugar for your use during your stay. Feel free to ask us for refills if you run out. For tea please come over & help yourself to tea bags from the kitchen. You are welcome in the main house anytime. If you need us to explain how to use the microwave, coffeepot or any other appliance just ask -- these are all for you to use -- don't hesitate to ask.
Which keys work where?
One key works on the three main access doors. The other key is for your room or apartment. To get out of the blue door there is a buzzer on the right hand side – to get out of the wood door you need to use the key. It turns clockwise. Always use the key to get in. Please do not force keys. If you have trouble let us know.
How much will I have to pay if I loose the keys?
If you loose the keys a bit more than US$200 replacement fee charge applies. Please keep your keys with you at all times since we are not always here to let you in the front door.
Can I go in and out as I please?
Guests of the main guesthouse and the apartment are welcome to go in and out of the main guesthouse as they please. Please keep the keys with you at all times since we are not always here to open the door.
Guests of the annex are welcome in the main guesthouse from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. only.
| Service and Planning Assistance Hours |
|
When can we ask for help and advice?
The person at the front desk during the daytime hours is able to assist you with everything from travel plans, international & domestic flight & bus tickets, to car rentals, surgeon and dentist referrals, calling a doctor to see you, ordering pizza, medicine, etc. In any case we can do almost anything you ask us to do.
IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLEASE DIAL “0” or “293” AND WE WILL ASSIST YOU.
If you are reading this from abroad and want assistance planning your trip please e-mail us your “tentative itinerary” and we will check it for you prior to your arrival and suggest or arrange for tours you request. Due to time limitations we are not always able to answer your e-mails regarding travel planning but we will assist you when you are here.
Please remember Kap's Place is a guesthouse and not a 24-hour service hotel – please plan ahead for safe deposit withdrawals, questions, tour scheduling, etc .
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please know we welcome suggestions for improvement at all times.
| Miscellaneous Information |
|
- We get La Nación, one of the daily local newspapers and keep it on the living room table in the main house; on Fridays we get the Tico Times, and English weekly newspaper.
- If for some reason you don't feel well please let US know. We have a stock of Tylenol, aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, mosquito bite ointments, etc. that may help. We can also direct you to a hospital at any time. We can also order medicine from a pharmacy from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
- In the evening you may hear one or all of the following: Leaves and branches brushing against the ceiling, dogs barking, cats meowing & running across the ceiling (they sound like giants) & babies crying -- all normal.
- Please remember you are free to use the kitchen and all of the utensils and appliances. It is important you wash your pots, dishes, etc. and put them away immediately after you finish using them so they can be available to other guests. Thank you for cleaning the stove, counters and refrigerator. Please disconnect electrical appliances & turn lights off if not in use.
- Annex guests must use the kitchen in the annex to prepare all their meals.
- Tea and coffee are available on a serve-yourself basis. Please buy your own milk.
- On the day of your departure please put any food items you do not eat on the counter with a “please use” sign or “for common use”.
- Smoking is allowed in the “outside-garage-area” only. All rooms + common areas in the annex, hostel rooms and in the main house are non-smoking areas. Remember to completely put out the cigarettes when finished.
- The recommended amount to tip the housekeeper is US$2.00 per day. You may leave it day by day or at the end of your stay – as you please – you can also tell us and we will put it on your bill if you are paying in cash.
- The water from the faucet is 100% potable.
- Spiders, insects, and bugs are common in the tropics. Please don't be scared if you see one. They are not dangerous. Also, roaches fly so if screen doors have been left open you are liable to find one or two.
- We appreciate all your input – especially the one that will help us improve please tell us everything you would have liked to see and what we can do to make your stay here better. We can only do it if we know. Thank you.
- Should you decide to extend your stay we will try to accommodate you however please know we only guarantee the number of nights specified on the registration form at the time of check in.
