Last Updated: March 19, 2025
Manuel Antonio is known for its amazing ocean views and plentiful wildlife. Depending on where you stay, you can wake up to monkeys calling outside your room or see sunset from your terrace. In this post, we’ll give you some insight into choosing hotels in Manuel Antonio. We’ll give background on how the town is set up as well as specific hotel recommendations for all budgets.
In our more than 10 years living on the central Pacific coast, we have had the opportunity to stay at, tour, or get direct feedback from our clients about all the hotels on this list. We hope it helps you narrow down the choices.
Planning Your Manuel Antonio Hotel Stay
Before you book your hotel in Manuel Antonio, you’ll want to make sure that the town is a good fit.
Our Manuel Antonio destination guide has detailed information on what to expect. It covers getting to Manuel Antonio, the best time to visit, navigating around town, restaurants, local activities, and more.
Time of year can affect your experience. Dry season in Manuel Antonio can be very hot and there are certain months in the rainy season (May-November) that you’ll most likely want to avoid. Read our Costa Rica Weather Guide for more information.
Also be sure to check out our Costa Rica Packing List for all the essentials on what to bring.
Town Set Up
Town Layout: Quepos vs. Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is a medium-sized tourist town located next to the small city of Quepos. Some people talk about Manuel Antonio and Quepos interchangeably, but they are two separate areas.
Downtown Quepos is where many locals live. It has a bustling center with grocery stores, lots of shops, local restaurants (called sodas), and a bus station. The main area of Quepos can be loud and isn’t very scenic so most hotels and vacation rentals are located in Manuel Antonio.
To get to Manuel Antonio, you have to pass through Quepos. From downtown Quepos, you’ll go up a steep rainforest-covered hill. Everything in Manuel Antonio is clustered along this one main road.
Navigating Manuel Antonio: Areas & Accommodations
The paved road running through town is only about 6 km (3.7 miles). The beginning (as you’re going up the hill) has some hotels and a few restaurants.
More businesses (hotels, restaurants, and shops) are found towards the top of the hill where it is fairly flat. This area also has some of the best ocean views.
As you go down the other side of the hill, there are more options for accommodations.
The road eventually flattens out near the main beach. This area tends to be busy, with beachgoers and people going to the national park. It has a handful of hotels, restaurants, a couple of small grocery stores, and souvenir stands.
Soon after that, the road dead-ends near Manuel Antonio National Park and the beach. Most of the accommodations in this area are budget options. This area can be nice to stay in, since it is relatively easy to get around on foot.
One other area with a concentration of hotels is the road leading to Punta Quepos (Quepos Point). This is a side road at the top of the hill with many high-end hotel options. Staying here takes you outside the busy main area of town.
Tip: If you stay near the top of the hill or down by the beach/national park, you probably don’t need a car to get around. But outside this central area, one can be nice to have. If you decide to rent a car, be sure to check out our Rental Car Discount to save 10% through one of Costa Rica’s most reputable companies.
Hotels in Manuel Antonio
Below we give our recommendations for hotels in Manuel Antonio. They are listed from high end to budget.
Note that Manuel Antonio is one of the most expensive destinations in Costa Rica. See the FAQs section below for tips on saving money.
High-end Options
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Arenas del Mar is a luxury boutique hotel with around 40 rooms. This is one of the few hotels in Manuel Antonio right on the beach.
Set on a quiet side road on Punta Quepos, about a five-minute drive to the main area of town, the property is surrounded by rainforest. Accommodations range from nicely equipped rooms to ocean-view suites with an outdoor hot tub. Arenas del Mar is known for its excellent service.
Arenas del Mar is certified for sustainability in Costa Rica.
$700-1,900/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Gaia Hotel and Nature Resort
This is another very nice boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio with 22 rooms. It has its own private nature reserve so feels immersed in the jungle.
The Gaia is located towards the beginning of the road in Manuel Antonio. This makes it a little farther from the beach and national park, but also more private.
The Gaia is adults-only but allows kids 13 and older.
Rooms and larger villas range from $225-1,000/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Si Como No is a popular resort in a good location near the top of the hill on the main road. Several restaurants and stores are within walking distance, and it’s only about a five-minute drive to the beach and national park.
Si Como No has beautiful, lush grounds that attract a lot of wildlife. Many of the rooms have a wonderful ocean view. A highlight is the pool with swim-up bar and fun waterslide, which our kids loved. Si Como No also has a restaurant onsite.
The resort has a small nature reserve and butterfly garden across the street. Si Como No is certified for sustainability in Costa Rica.
45 rooms in total, ranging from standards with jungle views to ocean-views suite.
$300-500/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Los Altos Resort
This is a large luxury resort at the top of the hill, right off the main road, so in a good location for accessing restaurants and amenities.
Los Altos offers spacious, fully-equipped, condo-style units. Since the suites are larger with multiple bedrooms, they are good for groups and families.
The facility is very nice and has an infinity pool and restaurant. Most rooms have an ocean view. The beach is a short drive away.
$375-1,000/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Parador Resort and Spa
Parador Resort and Spa is a popular resort set in a secluded location. It’s on a hillside point (Punta Quepos) overlooking the ocean at the end of a quiet side road.
The property is set in lush rainforest and has some easy-to-walk trails onsite, but wildlife is plentiful all around.
This is a larger hotel for the area, with around 120 rooms, and multiple pools and restaurants. Although the Parador is farther from the main beach, it is within walking distance to a calm cove (Playa Biesanz).
The Parador is a good option for families but also has an adults-only section.
Our family has stayed here and enjoyed it. Read our full review, Parador Resort and Spa Review: Our Family Stay in Manuel Antonio.
Parador Resort is certified for sustainability in Costa Rica.
$250-900/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Shana By the Beach
Shana By the Beach is in a similar location to Parador Resort. It is set back from the beach, but only a short walk to Playa Biesanz.
This hotel has a larger feel. Rooms are spacious and have modern finishes. The hotel has a nice pool area and good on-site restaurant. We enjoyed our stay here, especially our balcony overlooking the rainforest.
$200-600/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Mid-Range Hotels
Costa Verde
Costa Verde is an excellent mid-range option in Manuel Antonio. The property is spread out, with a mix of rooms and bungalows set in thick rainforest.
It sits high on a bluff so some rooms have sweeping ocean views and great sunsets. The hotel has a rustic feel, with a Costa Rican touch.
For those looking for a unique stay, Costa Verde has some rooms built out of old airplanes! Wildlife can be seen in the thick jungle around the property, especially monkeys.
We have stayed at Costa Verde a couple of times. It’s such a unique spot with thick jungle all around and lots of wildlife.
Hotel Costa Verde is certified for sustainability in Costa Rica.
$160-800/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel La Mariposa
Hotel La Mariposa is a 62-room hotel in a great location. From high on the hill in Manuel Antonio, you can enjoy panoramic ocean views. Rooms are simple, but comfortable.
La Mariposa has an infinity pool, pool bar, and restaurant on-site. It’s in a good location, walking distance to many amenities.
$250-450/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Plaza Yara
Hotel Plaza Yara is a popular mid-range option. It is located on the inland side, towards the beginning of the main road in town. Rooms are clean and spacious, with a jungle view. The property has a couple of small pools and a jacuzzi underneath the palm trees.
Hotel Plaza Yara is a good value for the area at $130-200/night for a room, $290-400/night for a 2 bedroom house. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Budget Hotels
La Posada Jungle Hotel
La Posada has simple rooms and a couple of freestanding houses. It is located right next to the national park entrance, down by the beach. Since this area is at sea level and set back, it doesn’t have views, but it is one of the few hotels within walking distance to the beach and park.
Because it is near the national park and backed by thick forest, you also can see a lot of wildlife.
$130-220/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
El Faro Beach Hotel
This is an ultra-modern hotel set high on a hill near the national park entrance. Since the rooms are made from shipping containers, they have a unique, narrow shape. Rooms are basic but comfortable. Since it’s so high up, the property has nice ocean views.
$75-200/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Villa Prats
Hotel Villa Prats offers super simple private rooms on the walking path between the main beach and national park entrance. The rooms are basic, but clean, have A/C, and are more affordable. The property has a small pool.
We stayed here many years ago when we were backpacking and enjoyed it.
$85-110/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hotel Manuel Antonio
Hotel Manuel Antonio is traditional-style small hotel in an excellent location. It is at the end of the road in town, right across the street from the beach. The rooms are clean and simple, with a close ocean view.
This is a locally owned hotel that we discovered through a Costa Rican friend. It was the first place we ever stayed in Manuel Antonio when we first visited many years ago.
$150/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Hostel Plinio
For a hostel, there’s Plinio. Hostel Plinio has been around for years. It draws visitors from all over the world with its laid-back vibe and open, jungle feel. Has a pool and sometimes live music.
Bed in a shared dorm, $19-21/night. Private rooms, $40-140/night. Check Rates and Availability Here.
Seasonal Considerations for Booking
Hotel availability and pricing in Manuel Antonio vary significantly by season.
During high season when most travelers visit (December-April), prices are the highest, with peak rates during Christmas/New Years and Easter. If you’re traveling during this time of year, we recommend booking at least 3-6 months in advance. If you’re coming over Christmas/New Years or Easter Week, 6+ months in advance is ideal.
Rainy/low season (May-November) offers better rates and less crowds but some rain. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect for rain by month, read our post, Rainy Season in Costa Rica: How Wet Is It? During rainy season, booking 1-3 months ahead is usually enough, though last-minute bookings are often possible.
Conclusion
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations so if you’re looking to visit, we’d recommend booking as early as possible to have the best choices. Although it has grown in popularity over the years, it still remains one of our favorite destinations in Costa Rica. Nowhere else will you find that special mix of restaurants and amenities, beautiful beaches, and abundant rainforest and wildlife.
Our Reviews Policy
These recommendations are based on our personal stays at these hotels, tours of the hotels that we have personally conducted, and/or our clients’ experiences. For the hotels we have stayed at, we paid for our own accommodations and received no compensation or special treatment in exchange for the recommendation. Our goal is to provide honest, unbiased information to help travelers make informed decisions about their Costa Rica accommodations.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manuel Antonio Hotels
What area of Manuel Antonio is best to stay in?
The best area depends the experience you’re looking for. The top of the hill offers spectacular ocean views and easy access to restaurants and shops. The area near the national park and beach is more convenient for beach access.
Punta Quepos is a more private, secluded location if you’re looking for a quiet escape. This is where hotels like the Parador, Arenas del Mar, and Shana by the Beach are located.
Do hotels in Manuel Antonio include breakfast?
Yes, most hotels in Manuel Antonio (and throughout Costa Rica) include breakfast in the nightly rate.
How can I save money on accommodations in Manuel Antonio? What about Airbnbs?
To save money, consider visiting during green season (May-November) when rates are lower. Note that there is a spike in travel in July, which can increase prices.
Manuel Antonio has lots of villas and houses for rent on sites like VRBO and Airbnb. These are often more economical than hotels, especially for families or groups. For tips on what to look for in vacation rentals, see our Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica guide.
Staying in Quepos is usually less expensive, though it’s less scenic and you’ll be farther from the beaches and park.
Is it better to stay in Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
Most visitors prefer staying in Manuel Antonio for its scenic views, proximity to beaches, and abundance of wildlife. Quepos offers more local flavor and potentially lower prices but fewer tourist amenities.
Keep in mind that you may see accommodations say that they are located in Quepos but they are actually in Manuel Antonio. Sometimes they are referring to Punta Quepos or the road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio (which could technically be Quepos on a map). We recommend using Google Maps as you’re looking at options.
Are Manuel Antonio hotels family-friendly?
Yes, most hotels in Manuel Antonio welcome families and are kid-friendly.
Options like Si Como No, Parador Resort, and Costa Verde are particularly good if you’re traveling with kids.
Can I see wildlife from Manuel Antonio hotels?
Yes! Many hotels in Manuel Antonio are surrounded by rainforest where you can see monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds. Properties with more jungle typically have the best wildlife viewing.
Is it worth paying extra for an ocean view in Manuel Antonio?
Ocean views in Manuel Antonio are spectacular, especially for sunset. If it fits your budget, we’d go for it.
What activities are available near Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio has tons of options for things to do, including Manuel Antonio National Park, catamaran tours, wildlife tours, zip lining, whitewater rafting, and waterfall rappelling. See our Manuel Antonio Activities Guide to learn more. Our travel agency can help you book through reputable tour companies.
Where can I eat near my hotel in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio has one of the best restaurant scenes in Costa Rica. Most restaurants are located on the main road. For recommendations, check out our Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide.
Pin It for Later
Have a question about hotels in Manuel Antonio? Ask us below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:
Manuel Antonio Tours: Once you have your hotel sorted, check out this list of some of our favorite tours in the area.
Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for – If you’re thinking about staying in an Airbnb, read this post for some insider tips.
La Fortuna Hotel Guide: If you’re planning a stop in La Fortuna/Arenal, check out our hotel guide for accommodation options in that area.
