Discover the 16 Best Manuel Antonio Hotels for an Unforgettable Stay

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Manuel Antonio is one of the top places to go in Costa Rica. It can get very overwhelming trying to find the right Manuel Antonio hotel for your stay. This post will take you through 16 of my favorite places in the area.

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is a very interesting place. It’s a “village” that strings out about 3 kilometers from the port town of Quepos until the end of the road, which is Manuel Antonio National Park.

This 3-kilometer stretch of road goes up over a hill. that means there are a ton of hotels with amazing ocean views. It also means that there aren’t a lot of beachfront hotels. There is, however, a public bus that runs between the National Park and Quepos with quite a bit of frequency. Even though I almost always recommend that people rent a car in Costa Rica, in Manuel Antonio, you can get by without one.

In this post, I’ll take you through some of my favorite Manuel Antonio hotels. But the truth is- I think Manuel Antonio is really crowded- especially the beaches. I recommend heading a bit south to Uvita, Costa Rica, and if visiting Manuel Antonio National Park is really important to you, taking a day trip there instead.

My Favorite Manuel Antonio Hotels

Karahe Beach Resort

Karahe Beach Resort is a gem of a hotel and my personal favorite of all the Manuel Antonio hotels. It’s situated right on Playa Espadilla, making your commute to the beach mere steps.

The hotel is at the south end of the main drag between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, and right in front of the bus stop.

There are two different blocks of rooms- the main building is situated in front of a lush green space right behind the restaurant. The other set of rooms is across the road- you’ll hike up a walkway to get to these rooms so they aren’t ideal for everyone.

Each room includes a mini-fridge, hot water, and internet access. A traditional Costa Rican breakfast is included with each stay. I love this resort- it’s one of the best hotels in the area and my vote for the best place to stay in Manuel Antonio!

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Manuel Antonio Hotel

Manuel Antonio Hotel is situated 3 miles from Quepos and surrounded by lush jungle and diverse wildlife. This hotel is a fantastic pick for families, couples, and nature lovers looking for a nature-filled getaway.

This is a midrange hotel, and its huge draw is the location. You are right across the street from the beach, and there are rooms with ocean views. This would be a top pick for me of the Manuel Antonio hotels- after Karahe.

The spacious, well-appointed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and stunning garden and ocean views, perfect for anyone seeking a relaxing, tropical vacation. You can eat traditional Costa Rican food from the onsite restaurant or stay in and order room service.

Espadilla Beach is within walking distance of the property. It’s an amazing spot to delight in the dazzling waters of the Pacific Ocean after spending time with the furry habitants of the Manuel Antonio National Park.

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Espadilla Ocean Club

At Espadilla Ocean Club, you’ll not only be just a few steps from the shoreline; but you can easily walk to Manuel Antonio National Park, which is only 10 minutes away.

Modern villas feature a private splash pool, fully-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, raindrop showers, a dining area, and a relaxing ambiance. This place is like a home away from home for couples, families, and groups. Plus, you can cook your own meals, which is a huge saving as food in restaurants can be expensive in Manuel Antonio.

Enjoy your breakfast while watching the lovely Titi monkeys play overhead. Afterward, take a stroll on the gorgeous Espadilla and Manuel Antonio beaches, rent a surfboard and ride the waves, or go on a canopy tour and observe the extraordinary landscape of Manuel Antonio from above. This is a favorite of my Manuel Antonio hotels.

Hotel Coco Beach

Conveniently bordering Manuel Antonio Park and Espadilla Beach, Hotel Coco Beach places you close to the area’s main activities, ensuring a fun, adventurous vacation. Once you’re here, you will have access to two outdoor swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms with ocean views and a private bathroom. This is a simple, traditional Costa Rican family hotel with a midrange price.

You’ll also have access to a garden, a kids’ pool, and an on-site restaurant. For those who would like to explore other gastronomic options, Quepos town is only a 10-minute drive away and there are plenty of restaurants there.

Hotel Verde Mar

Hotel Verde Mar is located on the gorgeous Playa Espadilla and is surrounded by a verdant tropical forest. This hotel offers guests easy access to the beach, a free outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant, and a variety of accommodation options ranging from student rooms to family suites to apartment-style dwellings.

This hotel can accommodate practically any combination of families, and many have kitchenettes. The price is right too- under $200 a night at the time of writing, which is practically a steal for Manuel Antonio hotels.

But don’t get too comfortable. Sportfishing, parasailing, surfing, and a host of other exciting activities await at the beach. And of course, being too close to Manuel Antonio, you don’t want to miss a wildlife-watching tour! There’s a lot of fun to be had nearby, too including horseback riding, ATV tours, whitewater rafting, and canopy tours, so come prepared.

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Hotel San Bada

Hotel San Bada is another tropical paradise that will provide you with convenient access to Manuel Antonio Park and the beach. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, private spacious bathrooms, private balconies, and magnificent views of the ocean or the lush greenery.

This is the absolute closest hotel to Manuel Antonio National Park- it is right next door to the entrance. This means that the area in front of the hotel is generally very busy. The hotel is reasonably priced, however, and once you are inside the complex you can enjoy beachfront views and a relaxing pool. Keep in mind, of all the Manuel Antonio hotels, this one has by far the most foot traffic going past it.

Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys and start your day with a complimentary coffee. Hang out at the family pool and make memories with your loved ones or spend the day exploring the park. For adventure seekers, there is a plethora of activities including kayaking, surfing, and ziplining. If you prefer to spend the day relaxing, head to the spa and pamper yourself with a massage.

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Mango Moon Villa

Set on a tropical hillside overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Pacific, the charming and homey Mango Moon Villa welcomes guests with 11 uniquely designed suites and rooms all featuring air conditioning, a private bathroom, cable TV, free breakfast, and a mini refrigerator among other amenities. Here, where lush beauty meets unparalleled views of the sea and sunset, you will feel right at home.

The on-site restaurant/bar serves up flavorful cuisine and alluring live music for happy hour and the stunning infinity pool is a prime spot for reveling in the sunshine. The wildlife? Well, that’s just the cherry on top. Plenty of animal species call this place their home. Animal sightings include sloths, monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and kinkajous who will often come to hang with you at the pool or your room balcony.

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Makanda By The Sea

If you’re looking for a place where you can spend some quality time with your special someone, head to Makanda By The Sea. The exceptional luxury hotel that’s only a 10-minute walk from Manuel Antonio Beach and 2.5 miles from the park is perched atop a hill, offering you jaw-dropping vistas of the ocean and easy access to diverse wildlife. This is one of the most romantic of the Manuel Antonio hotels.

You will find not one but two infinity pools with superb views of the ocean, a spa, a giant hot tub, an upscale restaurant, stylish suites, studios, and a private beach all ready for you. There are multiple chic open bars and lounging areas to relax and sip on your favorite cocktail while taking in the beauty of Mother Nature.

But don’t leave before trying some outdoor fun; park/canopy/coffee tours, jet skiing, ziplining, parasailing, and horseback riding can all be arranged. Note, however, that this is an adults-only resort. If you’re planning a luxury vacation for the whole family, I would recommend checking out Los Altos Resort 3 minutes away. It’s just as good!

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Millenium Hostel

Millenium Hostel is 2 minutes from Espadilla beach and 20 meters from the Manuel Antonio National Park. It boasts 9 spacious private rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, and a terrace. Depending on your chosen unit, you may also have a seating area.

Unleash your inner mermaid in the outdoor swimming pool, share a meal with a loved one in the picnic area, go snorkeling at the beach, stay connected with the world with complementary Wi-Fi, and indulge in a whole host of other amenities to make your stay comfortable. Tickets to the park can be purchased near the hostel. This is one of the cheapest of the Manuel Antonio hotels.

La Vela Boutique Hotel

Set among gardens and the exotic jungle of Manuel Antonio, La Vela offers a haven to relax and reconnect with nature while giving you a chance to explore the extensive wildlife – from sloths and monkeys to colorful Scarlett macaws – that often frequent the property.

From your carefully decorated room, you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the waves every night and wake up to sweet bird melodies every morning.

After a delicious complimentary breakfast, take a plunge at the swimming pool, go shopping for souvenirs at the gift shop, ride a horse to the waterfalls, try canopy ziplining, or simply just lounge under the sun umbrellas and soak in the entire Pura Vida experience.

El Parador

El Parador Resort and Spa is one of Costa Rica’s most luxurious resorts, and the view from the pool might just be worth the high price tag. The hotel itself is set high in the mountains on 12 acres of rainforest, and there are hiking trails down to the gorgeous Biesanz Beach. This is the gold standard of Manuel Antonio hotels.

Your room or suite has a coffee maker and mini fridge, but you won’t need them as a full breakfast buffet is included in your stay.

Make sure to visit the many pools- there is a family pool and an adults-only pool. Grab a golf cart and head to the mini-golf course right on site. If you love shopping, you’ll not be disappointed by the resort’s two souvenir shops.

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Si Como No Resort

Si Como No must be one of the most well-known luxury hotels in all of Costa Rica- and definitely in Manuel Antonio. Situated at the highest point of the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Si Como No is the ultimate family getaway. It’s also one of the oldest and most well-known of the Manuel Antonio hotels.

The hotel boasts a movie theater, wildlife refuge, and sweeping views of the Pacific Coast. With three restaurants and multiple pools, you’ll be hard-pressed to find yourself hungry or bored.

The Cala Spa offers massages, facials, and body scrubs to leave you relaxed after a day at the beach, or hiking at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Tulemar Resort

Tulemar Resort is made up of over 40 privately owned vacation rentals in a gated community. The property is surrounded by pristine rainforests, making it a great palace to see wildlife- especially all three species of monkeys found in Costa Rica. The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica has a research and release facility inside the resort as well, so you can see the sloths up close.

From the multiple pools, beach chairs at Tulemar Beach, a great concierge, and private chefs on staff, you’ll have a great time at any of the properties at the resort.

Of all the Manuel Antonio hotels, this is the one that I see the most people leaving rave reviews about. It’s divine. I haven’t been yet though, because it is a bit out of our midrange budget.

Gaia Hotel

Yet another hotel and nature reserve, Gaia Hotel is all about sustainability and luxury. You’ll have unlimited access to the nature reserve during your stay, and the gardens full of native orchids will delight you.

No need to rent a car if you are staying at the Gaia Hotel, as there is hourly service in a private shuttle to the Manuel Antonio Beach area right from the hotel. Sunscreen is available poolside, and your traditional Costa Rican breakfast is included in the room rate. This is another adults-only hotel.

Hotel Plaza Yara

Hotel Plaza Yara is a comfy and casual midrange hotel located on the road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio. This is a great place to stay as there is a pool, and all the suites include kitchenettes, so you can cook your own food.

You’ll want to rent a car if you are staying here, as the beach is within driving distance. Breakfast is included in the price of a room, and the pool here is refreshing. I highly recommend this hotel based on price and location.

Hotel La Mariposa

Set high on the mountaintop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, La Mariposa Hotel rooms boast some of the most spectacular views of the sunsets in the area.

Modern accommodations include a variety of room types, including one with a king bed and a single bed- ideal for a family of three. Each room has a minifridge and coffeemaker, and a full breakfast is included with the price of the room.

Manuel Antonio Hotels FAQ

What are the best Manuel Antonio hotels on the beach?

Karahe Beach Resort, Millenium Hostel, and Hotel San Bada are right on the beach.

What are the adults-only Manuel Antonio hotels?

Gaia Hotel and Makanda By The Sea are for adults only.

Is it better to stay in Quepos or Manuel Antonio?

The swimming beach (Playa Espadilla) is near Manuel Antonio. If you decide to stay in Quepos you will be near the marina for deep-sea fishing.