Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio

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The Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio: Where to Stay in Paradise

We just returned from an amazing trip in Costa Rica, where we split our time between La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. You can see our entire 8-day itinerary for that trip here (it was pretty amazing!). We ended up renting a house in on the second leg of our trip. But if you prefer to stay in a hotel versus a house in Manuel Antonio, I have you covered. I’ve listed out the best hotels in Manuel Antonio, no matter what type of getaway you’re seeking.

Staying in Manuel Antonio puts you within walking distance to many shops, restaurants and beautiful beaches. There is so much to see and do in this area–tons of wildlife and beautiful beaches as well. The Manuel Antonio National Park is home to so many animals and some beautiful beaches. It’s one of the best places to go in Costa Rica!

So, if you’re visiting Costa Rica, be sure Manuel Antonio is on your itinerary. Here are some of the best hotels to stay in while you’re there.

Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

If you’re wondering where to stay in Manuel Antonio, the answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Some of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica are tucked into the jungle-covered hillsides, offering ocean views and incredible wildlife sightings right from your balcony.

If you prefer easy beach access, there are also a handful of Manuel Antonio beachfront hotels located near Playa Espadilla. These tend to be more convenient for families with younger kids who want to walk straight to the sand.

For most travelers, the best area to stay in Manuel Antonio is along the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. This area gives you the perfect mix of restaurants, tour access, and proximity to the beach.

Best Manuel Antonio Hotels for Families

Traveling with kids? Manuel Antonio is one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for families thanks to its combination of beaches, wildlife, and adventure activities like ziplining and boat tours. My kids loved all the wildlife there, and of course, the beaches!

Here are a few things that make a hotel especially family-friendly in Manuel Antonio:

• Multiple pools (bonus if there’s a kids’ pool or waterslide)
• Easy access to the beach or shuttle service
• Larger rooms, suites, or villas
• On-site restaurants (super helpful after long adventure days)
• Wildlife sightings right on property (kids LOVE this)

Many top picks—like Tulemar and Parador—offer all of the above, which is why they’re consistently ranked among the best family hotels in Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio Hotels: Jungle vs Beach (What to Choose)

One thing that surprises a lot of travelers is that many of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio aren’t directly on the beach.

That’s because:

• Much of the coastline is protected
• The area is very hilly
• Jungle hillside hotels offer better views and more privacy

In fact, staying in the hills often means:

• Panoramic ocean views
• More wildlife (monkeys, sloths, toucans!)
• Cooler breezes and quieter surroundings

Beachfront hotels, on the other hand, are ideal if you want:

• Walkable beach access
• Easier logistics with kids
• A more laid-back, casual vibe

👉 For most families, a jungle hotel with a shuttle to the beach is the best of both worlds.

Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort

Best for: Luxury + Nature Lovers + Families

This award-winning eco-resort checks all the boxes. Nestled between the rainforest and a private beach, Arenas del Mar offers the ultimate luxury-meets-nature experience. Think sloths lounging in trees just outside your room and iguanas sunbathing by the pool.

Amenities:

• Direct beach access (to two beaches!)
• Free breakfast
• Two infinity pools
• On-site restaurant with ocean views
• Free shuttle to Manuel Antonio National Park
• Spa + wellness services

Family-Friendly? Yes! They offer spacious rooms and suites, plus a kids’ menu, and the beach is gentle enough for little ones.

Location Perk: You’re minutes from the national park but tucked away in a serene, uncrowded part of the coastline.

Hotel Costa Verde – One of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio for families

Best for: Adventure Seekers + Families + Budget-Conscious Travelers

Hotel Costa Verde is famous for its quirky style (it has a Boeing 727 airplane converted into a luxury suite—yes, really). It’s built into the jungle hillside with incredible views and a laid-back vibe.

Amenities:

• Several pools, including one adults-only
• Four restaurants and bars
• Yoga studio
• Kitchenettes in most rooms

Family-Friendly? Very! Some rooms sleep up to 6, and kids will love spotting monkeys right from the balcony.

Location Perk: It’s right near the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park and walking distance to the beach.

Tulemar Resort

Best for: Families + Nature Enthusiasts + Luxury Seekers

Tulemar Resort offers a unique blend of luxury and nature within a 33-acre rainforest preserve. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including bungalows, villas, and private houses, many with panoramic ocean views.

Amenities:

• Four swimming pools (including a family-friendly and an adults-only pool)
• Private beach with complimentary kayaks, boogie boards, and beach service
• On-site spa and two restaurants
• Personal concierge service
• Abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds
• Walking trails throughout the lush property

Family-Friendly? Absolutely! With spacious accommodations, kid-friendly pools, and a private beach equipped with sand toys and boogie boards, it’s one of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio for families.

Location Perk: Nestled in the jungle yet close to downtown Manuel Antonio, Tulemar provides easy access to local attractions while offering a secluded and tranquil environment.

Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge

Best for: Romantic Getaways + Families with Older Kids

Si Como No has a “barefoot luxury” vibe with open-air architecture, ocean views, and a boutique feel. It’s a great option for couples or families with older kids looking for a balance of relaxation and adventure.

Amenities:

• Pool with a waterslide
• On-site movie theater and butterfly garden
• Spa + wellness services
• Free breakfast

Family-Friendly? Yes, especially for families with tweens and teens. There’s a separate family pool and activities nearby like zip-lining and boat tours.

Location Perk: Perched on a hill, the views of the Pacific are absolutely dreamy. Plus, it’s close to restaurants and shops.

Parador Nature Resort & Spa – One of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio for spotting wildlife

Best for: Families, Couples, and Nature-Loving Luxury Seekers

Set on a hilltop with panoramic ocean views, Parador blends elegance with eco-conscious design. The grounds are beautifully manicured, and you’re still right in the middle of nature—monkeys, sloths, and iguanas roam freely. It feels like staying in a wildlife sanctuary with room service.

Amenities:

• Multiple pools, including a family pool and an adults-only pool
• Full-service spa and fitness center
• Three restaurants with a variety of cuisines
• Free shuttle to Manuel Antonio beach
• Nature trails right on the property

Family-Friendly? Yes! There’s a kids’ play area, family suites, and lots of room to explore. It’s upscale without feeling too formal for children.

Location Perk: Tucked into the Punta Quepos hillside, you get incredible ocean views while being just minutes from Manuel Antonio and Quepos.

Makanda by the Sea – One of the best hotels in Manuel Antonios for couples

Best for: Adults-Only + Honeymoons

Looking for a romantic, adults-only escape? Makanda is a luxurious jungle retreat designed for peace and privacy. The decor is ultra-modern, and the infinity pool views are unbeatable.

Amenities:

• Infinity pool with ocean views
• Gourmet restaurant and bar
• Beach club access
• Spa treatments in your villa

Family-Friendly? Not this one—Makanda is 100% adults-only (18+), making it perfect for honeymoons or couples.

Location Perk: You’re in the heart of the rainforest with monkeys and toucans for neighbors, yet just minutes from beaches and the park.

La Vela Boutique Hotel

Best for: Simplicity + Proximity to the National Park

If you want to be as close as possible to Manuel Antonio National Park, La Vela is a great find. This boutique hotel is stylish, low-key, and steps from the park entrance—ideal if you’re focused on nature and wildlife.

Amenities:

• Outdoor pool
• Complimentary breakfast
• Eco-chic decor
• Concierge service

Family-Friendly? Yes! It’s quiet, affordable, and the park and beach are just a short walk away.

Location Perk: You literally can’t get closer to the national park. Wake up and be among the monkeys in minutes!

Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio (By Travel Style)

Manuel Antonio Hotels by Budget

• Luxury: Tulemar Resort, Parador Resort & Spa, Arenas del Mar
• Mid-Range: Si Como No
• Budget: Hotel Costa Verde, La Vela Boutique Hotel

Still not sure? Here’s a breakdown of the best Manuel Antonio hotels depending on style, or exactly what you’re looking for.

Best for Families

These hotels go the extra mile to make sure the whole family—especially kids—have an unforgettable experience:

• Tulemar Resort
  Spacious villas, private beach with kayaks and toys, wildlife galore. A dream spot for families who want luxury and adventure.
• Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
  Two calm beaches, kid-friendly pools and menus, and on-site nature experiences.
• Hotel Costa Verde
  Quirky, fun, and affordable. Great for large families, with roomy accommodations and a plane suite that’ll wow the kids.
• Parador Nature Resort & Spa
  Elegant yet approachable, with a kids’ area, family pool, and nature trails.

Best for Couples & Romantic Getaways

Looking for a slice of paradise just for two? These are your spots:

• Makanda by the Sea (Adults-Only)
  Private villas, infinity pools, and a quiet jungle setting—perfect for honeymoons or peaceful escapes.
• Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
  Romantic views, a spa, and an adults-only pool. It’s relaxed and tropical with just enough pampering.
• Tulemar Resort (Again!)
  While great for families, some of the private villas and bungalows are ideal for couples seeking romance and seclusion.

Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio for Nature & Wildlife Lovers

Want to wake up to monkeys and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean? These picks are immersed in nature:

• Tulemar Resort
  33 acres of jungle, private nature trails, and sloths right outside your window.
• Arenas del Mar
  Wildlife is literally part of the experience here—with eco-tours, trails, and beachfront jungle.
• Parador Nature Resort & Spa
  A more upscale way to experience nature, with manicured trails and wild animal encounters on-site.
• Hotel Costa Verde
  Jungle on one side, ocean on the other—plus monkeys, toucans, and more just hanging out by the pool.

Best for Beach Access

Want to roll out of bed and be on the sand? These hotels have the best proximity to beaches:

• Arenas del Mar
  Private access to two beaches—one perfect for sunbathing, the other for tide-pooling and walking.
• Tulemar Resort
  Private beach with shaded lounge chairs, a beach concierge, and warm, swimmable water.
• Hotel Costa Verde & La Vela Boutique Hotel
  Both are just a short walk to Playa Espadilla, the main public beach near the park.

Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers

If you want to enjoy Manuel Antonio without breaking the bank:

• Hotel Costa Verde
  Multiple room types for every budget, with kitchens to cook your own meals.
• La Vela Boutique Hotel
  Great location, nice pool, and clean, stylish rooms at a fair price—plus breakfast included.

Best for Epic Views

If waking up to panoramic ocean scenes is your thing:

• Parador Nature Resort & Spa
  Jaw-dropping ocean views from almost every angle.
• Si Como No
  Sunsets over the Pacific from the infinity pool? Yes, please.
• Makanda by the Sea
  Modern luxury with wall-to-wall windows to soak in the views.

Things to Do Near Your Hotel in Manuel Antonio

One of the best parts about staying in Manuel Antonio is how close everything is. No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll be just minutes from:

• Manuel Antonio National Park (wildlife + beaches)
• Ziplining and canopy tours
• Catamaran cruises and dolphin tours
• Waterfalls and jungle hikes

👉 Pro tip: Choose a hotel that offers concierge service or tour booking—it makes planning so much easier.

FAQs About Manuel Antonio Hotels

What is the best area to stay in Manuel Antonio?
The best area is along the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. This location gives you easy access to beaches, restaurants, and tours.

Are there beachfront hotels in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, but they are limited. Most hotels are located on hillsides rather than directly on the beach due to environmental protections.

Is Manuel Antonio good for families?
Absolutely. With calm beaches, abundant wildlife, and tons of outdoor activities, it’s one of the most family-friendly destinations in Costa Rica. My kids loved it and always ask to go back.

How many days should you stay in Manuel Antonio?
Most families stay 2–4 nights, which is enough time to visit the national park, enjoy the beach, and do a few excursions.

Final Thoughts

No matter your travel style or budget, Manuel Antonio has a hotel that fits. From beachfront luxury to jungle hideaways and everything in between, you’re never far from Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and warm, welcoming pura vida spirit.

Pro Tip: Book early—Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, especially during the dry season (December–April). It’s actually one of the best warm countries to visit in the winter.

For more Costa Rica resources, check out these amazing Costa Rica resorts, along with this list of the best family resorts in Costa Rica and the best family all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.

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