This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
This intimate luxury hotel located a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the area's top options. Tucked into the hillside of a 14-acre nature reserve, Gaia feels appropriately exclusive and private, and has the attentive, personalized service to match. Freebies abound: a terrific a la carte breakfast, tours of the reserve, a mini spa treatment, and Wi-Fi, to name a few. The hotel’s 22 rooms, which include suites, studios, and villas, are stylishly decorated with lots of natural materials like stone, wood, and wicker. Jungle and ocean views claim the spotlight from almost every corner -- highlighted by the multi-tiered infinity pool and open-air restaurant. The hotel has a spa and a small gym. Note that only Loft and Loft Deluxe Suites allow children under 13. Travelers might want to compare rates and amenities -- and rules regarding children -- with Arenas Del Mar Beach and Nature Resort.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
The four-pearl Tulemar Resort is one of the largest, most full-featured resorts in Manuel Antonio. The lush, 33-acre grounds are abundant with tropical wildlife and beautiful flora. Plus, with four infinity pools, a secluded beach, and an all-day, ocean-view restaurant, most guests won’t need to leave the property -- though it's an eight-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park for those who want to hike to the beach there. All 38 rooms are spacious and full-featured with kitchens/kitchenettes, multiple living areas, and water-view balconies. However, the steep, hilly grounds and somewhat rocky beach may have some guests looking elsewhere. For around the same rates, The Preserve at Los Altos shares a less-equipped section of beach but offers more sophisticated rooms.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Hotel Costa Verde and its three off-site restaurants are a bit of an anomaly in otherwise low-key Manuel Antonio. Banners, billboards, and a roadside cargo plane turned restaurant look ridiculous or fun, depending on who you ask. The 20-acre, upper-mid-range resort borders Manuel Antonio National Park, but doesn't offer private beach access. Rates are low for ordinary rooms with few frills, but go up for units with kitchens and beach views, and way up for a 717 Fuselage airplane that's been converted into a one-of-a-kind luxury suite with two bathrooms and gorgeous ocean views from the cockpit. There are three swimming pools; the adult-only pool has the best ocean views and a bar. Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking are included with the room price. The similarly priced Karahe Hotel is also low-frills but offers direct beach access.
Situated on the low-key downtown strip in the center of Manuel Antonio, the three-pearl Hotel Mandarina is central to essential services and the town’s most popular restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a number of common amenities, including an outdoor pool and an open-air space where free hot breakfast is served daily. All 12 rooms are designed with a distinctly tico (Costa Rican) decor, plus come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. However, the walls between some rooms are paper thin and the lack of reliable in-room Wi-Fi can prove frustrating. The nearby Hotel Colina offers lusher grounds, a larger pool, and a happening restaurant/bar for lower night rates.
Situated on the low-key downtown strip in the center of Manuel Antonio, the three-pearl Hotel Mandarina is central to essential services and the town’s most popular restaurants and bars. The hotel offers a number of common amenities, including an outdoor pool and an open-air space where free hot breakfast is served daily. All 12 rooms are designed with a distinctly tico (Costa Rican) decor, plus come with mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. However, the walls between some rooms are paper thin and the lack of reliable in-room Wi-Fi can prove frustrating. The nearby Hotel Colina offers lusher grounds, a larger pool, and a happening restaurant/bar for lower night rates.
Tulemar Bungalow & Villas manages to combine the privacy of bungalow living and the convenience of full hotel services, without any sense of pretension. There are 45 luxury residences spread out on a 33-acre resort that includes private access to Tulemar Beach, which has one of the only beach-facing restaurants in Manuel Antonio. Rooms range from homey, but older, Bungalows with floor-to-ceiling windows to over-the-top Casa Las Nubes with gasp-inducing architecture and a semi-indoor infinity-edge pool. All units come with free Wi-Fi and a personal concierge. Buena Vista del Sol serves up food and drinks near one of the four infinity-edge pools, but breakfast isn't included with the price of a room. There's an air of seclusion on the property, but it's still conveniently located near a grocery store and laundromat. This is one of the best, and most popular, options in the area.
Tulemar Bungalow & Villas manages to combine the privacy of bungalow living and the convenience of full hotel services, without any sense of pretension. There are 45 luxury residences spread out on a 33-acre resort that includes private access to Tulemar Beach, which has one of the only beach-facing restaurants in Manuel Antonio. Rooms range from homey, but older, Bungalows with floor-to-ceiling windows to over-the-top Casa Las Nubes with gasp-inducing architecture and a semi-indoor infinity-edge pool. All units come with free Wi-Fi and a personal concierge. Buena Vista del Sol serves up food and drinks near one of the four infinity-edge pools, but breakfast isn't included with the price of a room. There's an air of seclusion on the property, but it's still conveniently located near a grocery store and laundromat. This is one of the best, and most popular, options in the area.
As one of the oldest hotels in Manuel Antonio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel La Mariposa balances Old World charm, authentic Costa Rican design, and modern amenities. Panoramic views from the hilltop alfresco restaurant and two outdoor infinity pools are among the area’s best. All 62 rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and balconies (some with ocean views), but not all rooms have been renovated as of 2017. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes. Freebies include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a shuttle to Playa Espadilla. Although it’s pricier, Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge offers similar amenities, plus a spa and a nature preserve rich with wildlife.
As one of the oldest hotels in Manuel Antonio, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel La Mariposa balances Old World charm, authentic Costa Rican design, and modern amenities. Panoramic views from the hilltop alfresco restaurant and two outdoor infinity pools are among the area’s best. All 62 rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and balconies (some with ocean views), but not all rooms have been renovated as of 2017. Upgraded rooms add kitchenettes. Freebies include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a shuttle to Playa Espadilla. Although it’s pricier, Si Como No Resort, Spa and Wildlife Refuge offers similar amenities, plus a spa and a nature preserve rich with wildlife.
Among area resorts, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Si Como No is one of the most accessible in both atmosphere and price. It's not on the beach, but the hillside location grants beautiful water views. The long list of features, including a full-service spa, two restaurants, a movie theater, and two pools with swim-up bars, ensures guests don't have to leave the property. The 58 rooms feel rustic, bordering on dated. All intentionally omit a TV, but otherwise offer modern amenities like minibars (fee), wet bars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add private hot tubs and water-view balconies. Aside from spotty in-room Wi-Fi and slightly dated decor, it’s hard to imagine guests finding much to complain about. Hotel La Mariposa offers similar amenities plus panoramic hilltop views for less money.
Among area resorts, the three-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Si Como No is one of the most accessible in both atmosphere and price. It's not on the beach, but the hillside location grants beautiful water views. The long list of features, including a full-service spa, two restaurants, a movie theater, and two pools with swim-up bars, ensures guests don't have to leave the property. The 58 rooms feel rustic, bordering on dated. All intentionally omit a TV, but otherwise offer modern amenities like minibars (fee), wet bars, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add private hot tubs and water-view balconies. Aside from spotty in-room Wi-Fi and slightly dated decor, it’s hard to imagine guests finding much to complain about. Hotel La Mariposa offers similar amenities plus panoramic hilltop views for less money.
The budget Hotel Las Tres Banderas feels every bit the 20-year-old hotel that it is with basic amenities and a rough around the edges vibe. Aside from the well-reviewed traditional Polish restaurant, free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and pet-friendly nature (rare in Manuel Antonio), there’s little to set it apart from the area’s many budget and mid-range alternatives. Most of the 17 rooms feel basic, but do come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Suites upgrade to larger layouts with living rooms and kitchenettes/kitchens. It's about a nine-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park. Hotel La Colina offers comparable nightly rates, plus optional ocean views and beautiful grounds.
The budget Hotel Las Tres Banderas feels every bit the 20-year-old hotel that it is with basic amenities and a rough around the edges vibe. Aside from the well-reviewed traditional Polish restaurant, free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, and pet-friendly nature (rare in Manuel Antonio), there’s little to set it apart from the area’s many budget and mid-range alternatives. Most of the 17 rooms feel basic, but do come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and mini-fridges. Suites upgrade to larger layouts with living rooms and kitchenettes/kitchens. It's about a nine-minute drive to Manuel Antonio National Park. Hotel La Colina offers comparable nightly rates, plus optional ocean views and beautiful grounds.
La Mansion Inn is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel that's a hit with honeymooners and offers decor and features not usually found in Manuel Antonio. The owner was a friend of famous undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau and the underwater theme is evident in the lobby aquariums. Rooms are spacious and pleasant, with ample natural light and flat-screen TVs. The dimly lit and ambient Bat Cave bar is built into a natural cave. Outside, the Terrace Restaurant and pool offers panoramic, uninterrupted views of both Manuel Antonio Beach and the harbor. Kids under the age of 12 are discouraged from staying. Families should check out Hotel San Bada, which has a waterslide and faster access to Manuel Antonio National Park.
La Mansion Inn is an upper-middle-range boutique hotel that's a hit with honeymooners and offers decor and features not usually found in Manuel Antonio. The owner was a friend of famous undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau and the underwater theme is evident in the lobby aquariums. Rooms are spacious and pleasant, with ample natural light and flat-screen TVs. The dimly lit and ambient Bat Cave bar is built into a natural cave. Outside, the Terrace Restaurant and pool offers panoramic, uninterrupted views of both Manuel Antonio Beach and the harbor. Kids under the age of 12 are discouraged from staying. Families should check out Hotel San Bada, which has a waterslide and faster access to Manuel Antonio National Park.
A simple, but bold design sets the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Vela Bar apart from most budget hotels in the area. All 20 rooms are crisp, bright, and sleek with modern amenities like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and luxury Britt espresso makers. Lush, tropical greenery envelopes every inch of the intimate grounds creating a relaxed, quiet feel that’s conducive to its adult-only policy. However, with a small pool and breakfast-only dining space (no full restaurant/bar), guests will need to venture off-site for dining and entertainment options. Thankfully, it's located right next to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park and near Playa Espadilla. Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio offers the same amenities and a similarly great location, but it’s a bit pricier and it lacks contemporary flair
A simple, but bold design sets the two-and-a-half-pearl Hotel Vela Bar apart from most budget hotels in the area. All 20 rooms are crisp, bright, and sleek with modern amenities like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and luxury Britt espresso makers. Lush, tropical greenery envelopes every inch of the intimate grounds creating a relaxed, quiet feel that’s conducive to its adult-only policy. However, with a small pool and breakfast-only dining space (no full restaurant/bar), guests will need to venture off-site for dining and entertainment options. Thankfully, it's located right next to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park and near Playa Espadilla. Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio offers the same amenities and a similarly great location, but it’s a bit pricier and it lacks contemporary flair