Carretera al Parque Nacional, Street to the National Park, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica | (888) 616-5829
LGBT-friendly, adult-only property with gorgeous Pacific Ocean views
24-hour infinity-edge pool and hot tub overlook the ocean
Pool is clothing optional after breakfast is served
Free made-to-order breakfast
Clean rooms include private balconies, ocean views, and minibars
Pool bar serves happy hour cocktails and beer
Easy walk to restaurants and bars
Free parking, pool towels, and Wi-Fi
Second hot tub in a jungle setting
Discounts for stays longer than one week
No kids allowed (a pro for some)
214 steps to the garden-level hot tub from the lobby
40-minute walk to Manuel Antonio National Park entrance
Decor is a little bland
No restaurant on-site and bar closes early
Hotel Villa Roca is the place in Manuel Antonio for the LGBT set. Rates are competitive at this small, mid-range property, and the location is convenient for walking to restaurants and bars in the area (though it is a 40-minute trek to Manuel Antonio National Park -- most will prefer to take a taxi). Slightly bland rooms have private balconies with ocean views and flat-screen TVs. Freebies include a solid make-to-order breakfast, easy parking, and fast Wi-Fi. Guests are generally gone during the day but reconvene at the infinity-edge, clothing-optional pool for cocktails and sunset views. The party doesn't last long, as the bar closes early.
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Scene
Gay-friendly and no kids allowed
Guests park at the top of the hill, then access the property through a small gate. Oddly, guests must be buzzed in and out of the lobby throughout the day, which is a bit unsettling. The property is built into a hill, and several two-story stand-alone buildings house the guest rooms. Stairs are prevalent and the garden grounds are lush and thick; monkeys, iguanas, and birds are regular visitors. Fit guests can walk the 214 steps to a private hot tub built into the jungle, or there's a second hot tub next to the infinity-edge pool with beautiful ocean views. This welcoming and friendly hotel advertises as a place for gays, lesbians, and their friends -- but no kids are allowed.
Location
On the ocean side of Route 618
Like the vast majority of properties in Manuel Antonio, Hotel Villa Roca is built directly off of bustling Route 618 -- however, it's perched on the ocean side of the road. There isn't any access to the water from the hotel, but there are gorgeous views from the rooms, breakfast room, and pool. It's a solid 40-minute walk down Route 618 to get to the beach and national park, though it's less than a 10-minute drive and parking at the hotel is free. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars are within quick walking distance, including Si Como No and The Falls Garden Cafe.
Rooms
Slightly generic, but clean and with ocean views from private balconies
Rooms are divided among a handful of stand-alone buildings, but thanks to the hillside location, all have ocean views. Size, layout, and how much ocean is visible depends on the room booked. Each is simply decorated in a blue and white color scheme with heavy wooden furniture and abstract art on the walls. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, empty mini-fridges topped with minibar snacks, and private balconies are standard. Bathrooms include nice toiletries, showers, and both pool and bath towels. Cleanliness isn't as issue here. There's also a full villa with more style, space, and amenities than the guest rooms -- but it's pricey.
Features
Yummy breakfast, infinity-edge pool, and two hot tubs
As a smaller boutique property, Hotel Villa Roca doesn't offer loads of features but what's available is good quality and convenient. Guests start the day with a made-to-order breakfast: a choice of three from a list of paninis, fruits, pancakes, omelets, and beans and rice, along with juice and strong coffee. It's served in a simple breakfast room that houses the bar in the early evenings. The infinity-edge, clothing-optional swimming pool usually has at least one or two guests swimming and sunbathing. There are ample pool chairs and a hot tub. Guests can also walk down a whole lot of steps to find a completely private hot tub in a jungle setting. The pool doesn't close, but the bar is only open before, during, and after the sunset. Wi-Fi is reliable and free throughout the property.
