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Restaurants Near Barclays Center

Everybody in the Brooklyn area appreciates just how breathtaking the new Barclays Center is and locals are excited to support their Brooklyn Nets play there. However, there is more to the Barclays Center than just exciting basketball and an attractive stadium.

With several restaurants near Barclays Center, it can be difficult to find the best ones to visit following the ball game therefore it is best to plan ahead and know where you will be heading to. The best thing to do is call for a reservation prior to the game to ensure you are guaranteed to know where you will be eating once the game is over. In this article are several of the finest restaurants near Barclays Center.

Restaurants Near Barclays Center

Night Of The Cookers

If you are craving for some good soul food or American dishes, then Night Of The Cookers is the restaurant to be. Located on 767 Fulton between Oxford St & Portland Ave, Night Of The Cookers has become a mainstay for individuals that want great food at an affordable price. It is simply a stylish and casual restaurant that's focused on making locals and tourists feel at home in downtown Brooklyn.

Must Try at Night Of The Cookers - The one dish that everyone must try out at least once is their Mac & Cheese. This is the dish that's helped this restaurant win over so many guests. Night Of The Cookers has plenty of additional meals but this is the best seller so far.

Night Of The Cookers Details - The place is surprising not that loud and is quite the relaxed restaurant despite the active atmosphere in this Brooklyn area. If you come make a reservation on the right day, you can enjoy a good jazz band for some great live music. To make sure you catch a live band, it is best to call ahead of time.

StoneHome Wine Bar & Restaurant

This is a very well known modern American restaurant on 87 Lafayette Ave., and they continue to draw in fans soon after the games. They are famous for their wide variety of wines to select from. Having more than 200 selections, Stonehome is able to provide any wine lover with the perfect glass. The menu is packed with foods that are made from nearby produce and natural meats as well as fish and pasta. This means that all of their food is natural from local sustainable sources.

Must Try at Stone Home Wine Bar & Restaurant - The only thing that you simply cannot overlook at the Stone Home Wine Bar is your favorite glass of bottle of wine. They have so many different options and you will certainly find one that might become your next favorite. The menu is small but packs a punch in taste.

Stone Home Wine Bar & Restaurant Details - The biggest aspect that you should keep in mind when coming to Stone Home Wine Bar is that you might be spending about $ 31 to $ 50 per person. Even though this might seem like a whole lot, this is actually pretty worth it because of the quality of the meals together with the customer service.

Zombie Hut

Zombie Hut is located on 273 Smith St between Degraw St & Sackett St. This is one of the more popular place in the neighborhood if you just want to have drinks after a Nets game. It is a bar that fulfills different needs and this is definitely why there is always a diverse crowd at the Zombie Hut. The Zombie Hut is without a doubt an exciting place to take a date, as there are several tables that will allow you and your date to really focus on each other. The best restaurants near Barclays Center certainly are unique and this is among the best out around.

Must Try at Zombie Hut - The one thing that everyone should try at least once at Zombie Hut is the crazy colored drinks that they have.

Zombie Hut Details - The bar is open till 2 am from Monday to Friday and on the weekends, they are open until 4am. With a full bar and music playing in the background, you will certainly have a different feel inside of the Zombie Hut.

El Viejo Yayo

If you are looking for an a night out with your entire family, then El Viejo Yayo just might be one of the best Brooklyn restaurants near Barclays Center to visit. It is an extremely family friendly restaurant and so if you are taking the whole family to game, then this is the spot to enjoy a meal. Also a warm dining experience for couples. It can be tough to try and find a good Latin restaurant in the area and this is one of the very best out there. This Brooklyn restaurant is located on 36 5th Ave between Bergan St and Dean St.

Must Try at El Viejo Yayo - The best meals to try at El Viejo Yayo is anything that is grilled or sautéed. They are the most popular on the menu and will certainly satisfy your taste buds. From chicken to pork to beef, El Viejo Yayo offers it all and you should consider trying them all.

El Viejo Yayo Details - The restaurant is family friendly and the whole family is definitely welcome. It is a casual restaurant and mainly more suitable for dinner. El Viejo Yayo is also available to cater private parties in their banquet rooms. Free parking is available.

NO. 7

This particular modest restaurant has become a big favorite among Net's fans who are searching for a quick meal at a decent price. NO. 7 is located at 7 Greene Avenue between Oxford St & Fulton St and has become the main restaurant near Barclays Center to grab a burger, sandwiches, appetizers and some great tasting entrees.

Must Try at NO. 7 - The Velveeta double burger made swiss or velveeta, muchim pickles, special sauce is by far the best burger that you can possibly eat near Barclays Center. There are several different burgers to choose from but this one has become a Brooklyn favorite.

NO. 7 Details - NO. 7 is just a short walk from Barclays and the beautiful view outside is what you will be noticing first. They are open on Tue-Sat 5:30 pm - 2 am, Sat 12 pm - 3:30 pm, Sun 11 am - 4 pm and Sun 5:30 pm - 1 am. Make your reservation after 5pm if you have a group of 6 or more.

These are only some of the finest restaurants near Barclays Center area but there are certainly many other that you should consider trying. If you are ever in the area to catch a Nets game, then don't overlook these best Brooklyn restaurants near the Barclays Center. However, some of these restaurants may be very packed, therefore make sure you remember to call for a reservation in advance is the best solution. The trick is to just get there early and try to get to know some of the workers to ensure you can get first dibs on the best seats in the house. If you're lucky, you just might be able to also a get a discount. Barclays Center is without a doubt becoming quite the tourist location and these restaurants are helping the cause. BrooklynRestaurantsDirectory.com/category/american/

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Five Great Guatemalan Desserts

Every country has its own sweets and desserts. Sometimes they are known mainly only in their country of origin, and sometimes they become quite popular through exposure in ethnic restaurants. Some Guatemalan desserts are similar in nature to ones in other countries, as with their Borracho cake. Many cultures have cakes that are soaked with a sugar syrup and alcohol. Other Guatemalan desserts are far more unusual.

The cake mentioned above, the Borracho is a light sponge cake that is literally drenched in sugar syrup laced with a typical Guatemalan rum made from their sugar cane crops. This cake is found in pastry shops around Guatemala City, and is generally sold by the slice. Slices are set into a larger muffin paper to contain the syrup dripping out. The cake is topped with a cornstarch pudding made with milk, and then decorated with raisins. In my early life I had never heard of this kind of cake, and it quickly became a favorite. The sugar syrup is cooked with a true cinnamon stick so the syrup is cinnamon flavored. The cake is simple to make as any sponge cake will do, and any simple cornstarch pudding works for the topping.

Rellenitos de Platano are one of the desserts I have always been enchanted with. Platanos are plantains, and relleno means filled. In this case, these little oval shaped desserts are filled with black beans cooked down to a paste. If this sounds strange, it is nonetheless a delicious flavor combination. Eating plantains and black beans, a common pairing at any meal, are a particularly tasty combination. In this case, the plantains are cooked and pureed, a little sugar and cinnamon are added and this is the outside of the dessert. Pureed black beans are cooked down to a thick paste and a small bit is placed into the center of an oval shaped bit of the plantains. These are fried and rolled in granulated sugar to serve, hot or cold.

Chancletas are another interesting use of a vegetable. These are made with Chayote squash. At times, these squash are plentiful, and using them as a dessert is just another way to use up the excess. The chayotes are cooked whole. Once tender, they are split in half and the insides are scoped out as for a twice baked potato. The inner flesh is mashed or pureed and sugar, cinnamon, raisins and cookie crumbs are added to thicken. The mixture is placed back into the skins of the chayote and set on a baking sheet. These are baked until set, about 20 to 30 minutes. The name chancleta means slipper, as they are supposed to resemble a slipper.

Polvorosas are a type of shortbread cookie. The name comes from the word polvo, meaning powder or dust. The cookies are rolled into powdered sugar when baked, so biting into them gives one the reason why they are thus named. Shortbread of any kind is made without eggs added to bind the batter or dough, and this makes shortbread unusually crumbly. These little cookies are made into small round shapes with a flat top. They are much the same as the cookies known as snowballs, or Mexican Wedding Cakes.

Other typically Guatemalan sweets are found sold by street vendors on many street corners. The Guatemalans make candy out of unlikely things such as squash or sweet potato, along with some fruits like figs, orange peels or guavas. These candied fruits or vegetables can take days to make, because of the long, slow cooking process required to get them down to their dried, crystallized state.

Many other typical candies are also sold alongside these candied fruits or vegetables, and all of them have their particular flavor and shape. All of these desserts are amazing in their variety and in the imagination of those who came up with the recipes. Nothing is wasted. Even leftover cakes are made into a new cake, using the crumbs as a base.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope it was informative and helped you along your own culinary journey.

My passion is to teach people how to create a harmony of flavors with their cooking and help pass along my love and joy of food. I would love to hear from you! Join my "e-family" and share recipes, stories and good times in the kitchen. Visit my Web site aHarmonyOfFlavors.com my Blog at aHarmonyOfFlavors.Blogspot.com my Marketplace at or join me on Facebook. Let me know, and I will send you a copy of my monthly news letter full of recipes the latest tips.

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The Top 5 Most Sought-After Disney Pins to Collect

Trading pins at Walt Disney World, which began as part of the Millennium Celebration in 1999, has created a subculture all its own. The process is simple, fun, and interactive: you simply buy a Disney pin in the park (they range anywhere for $6 to $50) and then trade with other guests, or even with cast members who carry lanyards full of pins. The twist, of course, is that some pins are more valuable than others, depending on the year of issue and the quantity produced. Some are so rare that they're instant collector's items. For a list of the five most sought-after Disney pins, have a look below.

Dream Jeweled Mickey Mouse

This is probably the rarest and most valuable of all of the Disney World pins - ever! It was released exclusively at the Disney pins event, Expedition: PINS! in 2008. The pin features a waving Mickey Mouse decked out in over 130 jewels. The retail value of the pin is estimated at $1,295.00, but you won't find this one for sale in any Disney shops, which makes its actual price much higher. There were only a grand total of 3 pins produced, so if you simply must have one, check eBay often.

The Mad Hatter's Hat

It's just a small rendition of the Mad Hatter's famous green top hat with the mysterious 10/6 tag, but this is actually one of the rarest Walt Disney World pins in circulation. There isn't an accurate edition number available because this little gem was sold exclusively to cast members in 2003. Now it's a collector's item... that is, if you can get your hands on it. We hear there may be one or two still floating around Disney World somewhere. Good luck in your search.

Figment Collection Framed Set

Disney World only produced 75 of these pins, which are part of a 4-pin set commemorating the 2009 Museum of Pin-tiquities event at Epcot. Figment himself appears on this pin against a black background in a circular frame. This was a completer pin awarded to those who completed the Figment Collection framed set, making this little number an exclusive and extremely rare item. It's not for sale in the park or in Disney World's online pin ship, so your best bet for snagging this one is an online auction.

Donald Duck Wet Paint

Only 1000 of these limited edition pins were produced and sold in the Magic Kingdom in 2001. The pin features Donald against a yellow backdrop shouting as one of his nephews, who happens to be tracking wet paint everywhere. The small number of manufactured pins combined with the humorous design have made this one of the most sought-after Disney World pins. Though it originally debuted at $6.95 in the Magic Kingdom, it now fetches over $150 at online auctions.

Flubber 2000

The original Flubber pin was a surprise hit among collectors. Trading for this pin was wild in the park, and it still remains one of the most coveted pins around.No one is really sure why the Flubber pin is so popular, especially when the ticket sales for the film were unremarkable. That, of course, matters little to a collector. You can still find the Flubber pin floating around Walt Disney World (there were 500 produced, after all) but you have to look carefully. It may end up being quite the search. If you're unable to find one after scouring Disney World, you can find replicas for sale in the online Disney pin shop. Just keep in mind that the replicas' design is different than the original: the newer version's design commemorates 10 years of pin trading.

If Disney pin trading has taught us anything, it's that the value of a once sub-$10 can skyrocket. The surest way find a valuable pin is to purchase those of a lower edition number (check the back of the pins for the precise number created). Then, trade carefully and wisely while at the park. Finally, always be courteous and friendly to cast members with whom you want to trade: they may have the goods you want, but they're busy people with a lot to do. A friendly demeanor goes a long way, and it could even land you a high value pin.

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Historical Landmarks Of Paraguay

With a fascinating landscape iconic for its striking contrasts, Paraguay is a top destination in South America. Steeped in history and beautiful vistas, Paraguay should be top on the list for anyone heading to the continent.

There are a number of iconic landmarks that make the country a major draw. If you are planning a visit, make sure you check some of these top historic attractions during your stay.

Iguazu Falls

Found in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazu Falls are an absolutely magnificent natural feature bordering on Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. The falls are surrounded by lush green forest - the falls beauty is well recognised, making it a popular backdrop for many photographers and directors.

Panteon Nacional De Los Heroes

The Panteon Nacional De Los Heroes in Asuncion is a national monument that offers tourists a look back at the lifeline of Paraguay. The Pantheon's plaza fills with vendors each day, all selling traditional Paraguayan items. Find pottery, bows and arrows, artworks and many other cultural items available for purchase. It's a great place to spend the day if you're looking to bring something back with you from your trip, or if you just want to immerse yourself in a thriving hub of the country's culture.

Casa da la Independencia

Casa da la Independencia is a historical monument that celebrates Paraguay's 1774 independence. Translated as "The House of Independence", the building is renowned for its historical significance as well as its architectural supremacy. Paraguayans began their revolt against the Spaniards from this very place almost two hundred and fifty years ago.

Visitors can enjoy the museum inside the building which remains open and free until 6:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 8:00am until noon on Sundays.

La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná

The La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná in Itapúa is the ruins of a Paraguayan Jesuit mission. Built in 1706, the mission featured a beautiful church and other buildings featuring numerous, complex decorations. La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná is just one example of the many Jesuit Reductions - small colonies established by missionaries - throughout South America.

Spend your time in South America exploring Paraguay and the many historical, religious and natural landmarks that the country features. Get a taste for country and immerse yourself in its history - a trip to Paraguay should be a notable part of your itinerary. It's an exciting and vibrant part of South America with plenty to offer travellers seeking out adventure.

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Guide to Car Rental Companies in Costa Rica

My time's limited... how do I choose?"

Car rental is a hot topic for vacationers headed to Costa Rica. Recent research conducted by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism (ICT) indicates that, after accommodations, renting a car is the largest expense, averaging $702 for an eleven-day vacation.

The Internet is buzzing with negative reviews discussing overcharging, poor customer service and mechanical breakdowns. You might have even written one yourself!

A typical midsize (3 - 4 adults) 4X4 rental runs between $58 and $65 daily with third party insurance and rates can vary as much as 20 percent among car rental companies, so reading a quick review will be time well spent once you calculate the savings.

So the question is; which rental company offers the best balance of fair price, capable customer service and reliable vehicles? I've researched it all for you, so keep reading!

Disclosure: This research was conducted in May - July 2013. The following companies were selected because they are the most widely used in Costa Rica. Some are local companies; others are international franchises of recognized brand names. Comparisons include: customer service, pricing and the reservation process. The companies are listed alphabetically and not based on personal or online preferences. 
Consider this information before renting:

Insurance

One of the biggest causes for complaints is from the stack of unforeseen charges presented to the renter once standing at the rental company's counter. Vacationers are typically tired after a long flight and then are confronted by costs that were not anticipated, explained or budgeted.

Topping the list of grievances is the non-disclosure of fees associated with the mandatory third-party insurance at the time the reservation is made.

According to Costa Rican law, every driver is required to carry liability coverage to insure against injuries to third parties. Car rental companies generally refrain from disclosing the cost of this policy in the quoted rental rate to appear more competitive. Mandatory third-party insurance can sometimes be as much as double the vehicle's rental cost. The only guarantee against insurance confusion is to inquire if your estimate includes the third party insurance and insist on a written quotation.

Cost of Mandatory Insurance (also called Third Party or SLI)

Expect to pay between $12 and $15 daily for this insurance, depending on the make and model of the rented vehicle and the rental car agency. This is a legal condition of your rental agreement and is generally not covered by credit cards and cannot be waived. It's a fact of renting a car in Costa Rica.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)

As the name suggests, this isn't insurance, but a waiver, which relieves the renter from any liability for damage to the rental car after the deductible is paid (usually from $750 to $1,500). Some agencies require renters to purchase their CDW policy; thereby negating any credit card program. For an additional fee, many agencies do offer a zero liability option where the renter will be freed from paying for any damage to the car. Some companies may put pressure upon renters to purchase the zero liability coverage; however, it is entirely optional, unless it is in the fine print of their rental agreement.

Credit card insurance programs may cover the CDW for a rental vehicle. Check with your chosen rental car company to find which proof of insurance is needed and then request that from your credit card company prior to arriving. If you use your credit card's CDW policy, expect to pay a higher deposit on the vehicle; around $1,500 to $2000 is common. The higher deposit ensures that the credit card holder has enough financial reserves to cover damages if needed. It is important to consider that if using CDW coverage provided by a credit card (in lieu of the rent a car operator), all damages will be billed to the renter's credit card. The credit card company will then reimburse the card holder for damages.

More Insurance

Tires and windshields are rarely included in insurance policies, although additional policies may be taken out for covering these frequently damaged items. Neither the interior nor the underneath of the vehicle may be covered. Always read the fine print.

Standard Procedure

Your credit card will be charged, or a 'hold' placed, for the rental vehicle during the time of the rental agreement; i.e. from picking up the rental until you return it. Debit cards are generally not acceptable.

Additional Charges

Most companies have surcharges for additional drivers, car seats/boosters, cell phones, coolers, GPS and/or roof racks. The costs vary from company to company, but since these extras are billed at a daily rate, it is worth checking the total cost -- additional options can add up very quickly! A GPS is around $8 to $10 per day; however, some operators may offer discounted units. Expect to pay around $5 daily for a child seat and a few dollars a day for all the other 'niceties'. Vamos is notable for offering most of these options and, during some promotions, even the GPS rental complimentarily. Alamo, Budget, Hertz and National charge the most for such additional options; whereas the other companies listed, charge more reasonable prices.

Surcharges

Most companies add small incremental costs, such as license plate and environmental fees, into the total tally. Be wary of operators who insert these additional charges into the small print of the rental contract. Vehicles rented direct at the airport incur airport taxes, which are a whopping 12% of your rental cost!

The rental vehicle should be returned with the same amount of fuel, unless otherwise indicated. If not, companies may charge above gas station rates for missing fuel.

Vehicles

There is a debate over the vehicles supplied by rental companies: Older cars allow the driver to blend in more than a shiny, new car. Having an older model may have the indirect benefit of being less scrutinized by car rental agencies for recent nicks and scratches, unlike a newer vehicle. However, a newer vehicle may be more roadworthy. This debate carries on into the different vehicle makes and models. Generally, Costa Rican firms are able to rent their vehicles for a lower rate because their cars are typically three to five years old (versus two to three). Online reviews would suggest that the local firms have no more complaints concerning vehicle quality than transnational franchises; research on forums, such as TripAdvisor.com, seems to indicate that customers frequently appreciate driving a less-than-new vehicle through the wilds of Costa Rica. The reasons are plenty, from road conditions to the notion of less-then-new vehicles blending in better -- a newer vehicle may draw more unwanted attention.

The choices of rental cars in Costa Rica are mostly limited to makes and models that maintain a competitive resale value, are a common brand in the country, and are inexpensive to maintain. As such a rent-a-car operator's fleet tend not to be as diverse as the United States. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Hyundai constitute the mainstay brands of most rental fleets.

Sometimes, drivers are charged for supposed 'damages' to the vehicle upon return. Once receiving the vehicle, renters should meticulously check for pre-existing flaws and compare it with the vehicle inspection document used by the rental car representative. Some renters suggest photographing or videoing the vehicle from all angles, to avoid any disagreement between pre-existing and recently damaged items.

Pricing

Car rentals in Costa Rica are pricier compared to other countries. Duties on vehicles are high (as much as 50% of their value!), parts are costlier and unforgiving road conditions contribute to higher wear and tear, generating higher maintenance costs.

The rule is you get what you pay for -- there are other options than those rental companies listed here, but they are not listed for a good reason. They simply fail to offer basic customer service and/or a suitable vehicle condition required for a (nearly) trouble-free vacation.

When comparing rental car charges, it is best to go directly to the Costa Rican website of the rental car company, rather than trying to use their international format or an intermediary (Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, et al.). For the same vehicles and reservation dates, the rates offered by the respective international vs. Costa Rican websites for Alamo, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty differed substantially.

To avoid confusion, print out all correspondence with the car rental company with whom you have reserved a vehicle and bring this to the rental office with the quote given at the time of reservation.

The following top ten chart ranks the companies from highest priced to lowest and it includes the mandatory insurance charge. In the cases of Alamo and Hertz, the figure contains their CDW fee as it is one of their rental requirements. This price comparison is based on a week's rental of a Daihatsu Bego, where available (Dollar offers the Suzuki Vitara) from September 14th - 21st, then again in December to view both Green and High Season rates. The list quickly demonstrates that the price variation depends greatly on the company -- for basically the same service. These prices were obtained in June/July 2013.

Rental Car Companies Ranked According to Price

September

10. Alamo $650.96 
9. Hertz $514.27 
8. Adobe $449 
7. Budget $455 
6. National $428.01 
5. Thrifty $421.05 
4. Service $374.43 
3. Vamos $370.30 
2. Dollar $364 
1. Wild Rider $350

December

10. Alamo $650.96 
9. National $597.51 
8. Hertz $566.52 
7. Budget $555 
6. Dollar $532 
5. Thrifty $506.58 
4. Service $494.43 
3. Vamos $461.30 
2. Adobe $459 
1. Wild Rider $395

Alamo ranks number ten for both seasons, making it the most expensive company. Budget, Hertz and National also rate low on the scale for economical rental options.

Company Summaries

Adobe

Website is clear and easy to use, but pricing and even the vehicles listed are not the same as those given by an office representative over the phone. Mandatory insurance costs are not shown with the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are clearly displayed on the following page as a customer moves towards booking a reservation. Mixed customer reviews online. Email response is less than 24 hours, but may not provide all requested information.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat. 
10 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $19 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $9/day, child seat $5/day

Alamo

Website is clear and easy to use, but prices differ against quotes received over the phone. Mandatory insurance costs are not given with the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are clearly displayed on the following page as the customer moves towards making a reservation. Mixed customer reviews online. Email response is less than 24 hours.

No toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number or Live chat 
14 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $11.95 daily, but must also take their CDW at $12.95 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $12/day, child seat $6/day

Budget

Website is basic, but easy to use. Prices online differ to the quotations given by a representative over the phone and depending on whether the international or Costa Rican website is used. Mandatory insurance costs are given along with the list of vehicles; however, the other charges are not listed. Mixed customer reviews online. Email response is more than 24 hours.

No toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat on Costa Rican website. 
10 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: included in the listed price 
Additional charges: GPS $10.95/day, child seat $12/day (the most expensive of the top ten)

Dollar

Website is clear and easy to use. Prices quoted differ if calling from the U.S. or in Costa Rica. Mandatory insurance costs are not given with the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are clearly displayed on the following page as a customer moves towards a making a reservation. Mixed reviews online, but generally receives positive feedback. Email inquiries answered within 24 hours.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat. 
3 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $16 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $9/day, child seat $5/day

Hertz

Website is clear and easy to use. Mandatory insurance costs are not given besides the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are clearly displayed on the following page as the customer moves towards a booking a reservation. Mixed customer reviews online. Email response less than 24 hours.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number and Live Chat (although it seems to be permanently offline) 
7 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $17.43 daily, but their CDW is also a requirement 
Additional charges: GPS $12/day, child seat $2/day

National

Website is clear and easy to use. Mandatory insurance costs are not given along with the list of vehicles and rental charges, but they are clearly displayed on the following page as a customer moves towards making a reservation. Mixed customer reviews online, but more positive than negative. Email response less than 24 hours.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. Live Chat. 
22 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $25 daily (the most expensive of the top ten) 
Additional charges: GPS $12/day, child seat $6/day

Service

Website is clear and user friendly with just a slight confusion in that an online quote is obtained by clicking on 'Reserve Now' and not the 'Get a Quote' option. The response to a phone inquiry was to use the website. Mandatory insurance costs are given along with the list of vehicles and rental charges for the low season charges and on the second page of the other quotation page. Remember is a highly recommended sales representative who is mentioned in many online reviews for the high level of his customer service. Generally online reviews are positive for Service. Email response is less than 24 hours, although all information requested may not be received.

U.S.A phone number, but not toll-free. No Live Chat. 
5 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $15 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $5.99/day, child seat $2.99/day

Thrifty

Costa Rican version of the website is impossible to use and you are asked to register for a user name and password. Mandatory insurance costs are not given along with the list of vehicles and rental charges. A customer has to click on "Protection Options" on the U.S. website and select the mandatory insurance by clicking on it -- implying that it is optional and not a required cost. Thrifty tend to receive mixed reviews online. Email response is more than 24 hours.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. No Live Chat. 
4 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $19.99 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $10/day, child seat $5/day

Vamos

Website is clear and easy to use. Mandatory insurance costs are not given along side the list of vehicles and rental charges, but are clearly displayed on the following page as the customer moves towards booking a reservation. Anibal, a representative, is frequently mentioned in online reviews for his high level of customer service skills. General Manager, George Schwarzenbach is known on Trip Advisor for his upfront and honest responses to customers' posts.

In recent years, Vamos has received very positive reviews online. Email response is less than 24 hours. Live Chat has instant response time to inquiries.

Toll-free U.S.A and Canada phone number. Live Chat. 
3 offices nationwide 
Mandatory insurance: $11.95 daily 
Additional charges: GPS $8/day, child seat free

Wild Rider

Website is clear and easy to use. Mandatory insurance costs are given next to the list of vehicles. Wild Rider is the only car rental firm in Costa Rica with no visible bad reviews online. Owner, Thorsten, is often praised for his efficiency and customer service, despite the very limited resources the company has at hand. Emails receive very prompt and detailed responses in less than 12 hours.

No toll-free phone number or Live Chat 
1 office -- no Liberia airport office 
Mandatory insurance: included 
Additional charges: GPS $8/day, child seat $5/day

Comparison Review

Customer Service

Vamos and Wild Rider respond quickly and efficiently to email or live chat inquiries. Adobe, Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Service respond to email inquiries in less than 24 hours, but Adobe and Service did not provide all the information requested (possibly a language barrier). Budget offers a free phone service, but it appears to be always busy. Hertz's live chat appears to be constantly offline. During the past year, customers who posted to online review sites expressed a particular satisfaction with the customer service offered by Service, Vamos and Wild Rider.

Clarity

Adobe, Alamo and Budget have different rental prices posted on their websites than those quoted over the phone. Telephone prices were lower than that quoted on the website in the cases of Adobe and Alamo, but yet higher in the case of Budget. Adobe also offers different vehicle models over the phone as compared to their website. International car rental firms with both a Costa Rican and international website appear to have pricing differences between the two sites.

Budget and Wild Rider include the mandatory insurance in their rental prices, but Budget states that 'other charges' which will be presented at the counter in the small print on their website. Rental prices for car seating had to be verified on the phone as they are not listed on the Budget website.

All other companies with the exception of Thrifty (a U.S. website), clearly show the mandatory insurance cost with the quotation given. Thrifty's Costa Rican website is simply unusable.

Pricing

Service, Vamos and Wild Rider consistently offer the best rates for both Green and High seasons, although Dollar has one of the lowest Green season rates available, while Adobe has a cheaper High season rate. Vamos offer the best "all inclusive" rates, given that most options are offered for free.

Adobe, Dollar, Service, Thrifty and Wild Rider remain competitive with their pricing of items such as child seats. Alamo, Hertz and National are the most expensive companies to rent from and their additional option costs are also more expensive.

"So, what's your rental recommendation?"

Overall, the Costa Rican companies seem to trump the multi-nationals with better pricing, service and clarity. 
Service offers a generally high-level of customer service and fairly competitive pricing at both international airports. 
Vamos can offer efficient booking and continued high-level of customer service with competitive pricing, as well as free additional options at both SJO and LIR airports. 
Wild Rider is very highly rated for a rental with clear and economical pricing and excellent customer service, but they are only in San Jose.

"Now you're ready to book your rental car after seeing how the competition compares. Good luck and happy travels!"

Costa Rica provides the traveler with outstanding natural beauty, miles of beaches and a safe environment to relax in, but car rental is a minefield with mandatory insurance, franchising and downright skulduggery in pricing and non-disclosure of costs. Read, research and find the information that will ensure your vacation car rental is a breeze!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7923536