Welcome KCTallman!
DelRey is a right in the middle of the action for sure and many gentlemen like it. Might I suggest as a newbie that Sportsmens Lodge might be a better hotel for following reasons:
I think you will benefit from talking with seasoned veterans you meet at bar at Sportsmen's. There will be less girls around (due to Christmas) and this could help plus many of these curmudgeon types would be glad to be your wingman for a walk down Gringo Gulch! Just buy em a beer or two.
I have been down to CR 12+ times and I always learn about a new massage parlor or where the best new girls are working from the old timers sitting at SL bar. (Ymmv).
Plus SL has a 30% discount during your stay.
I personally prefer La Amistadt and am heading down December 3rd and will be staying at Mona Lisa at $45 a night on this trip due to low low price plus remodel name change. But I think you would be bored at Mona Lisa so don't stay there for a first trip.
Plus, For me the Del Rey is too busy and noisy and way to close to action...not my thing.
Again, this is just a suggestion and you will definitely be in the thick of things...
:
If I had a dollar for ever time I was groped walking through Bar area at Del Rey!!!
In fact, I can't wait to hit the Del Rey Bar This trip and wait for bartender to ask me what I want?
"my change from last trip!" :
mrgreen:
Irregardless you are going to have a stellar trip. Enjoy.