Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel and Spa is a small, upscale property that's a strong contender for most romantic in Manuel Antonio. All of the rooms are suites and include jetted tubs, ocean views, and minibars. Issimo Restaurant serves a free, luxe breakfast buffet and Italian favorites for lunch and dinner, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The pool is on the small side, but it's open 24 hours and there's an adjacent bar for sunset cocktails. Kids under the age of 16 aren't allowed. Families should check out neighboring Shana Hotel for a larger pool and family-friendly atmosphere.
Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel and Spa is a small, upscale property that's a strong contender for most romantic in Manuel Antonio. All of the rooms are suites and include jetted tubs, ocean views, and minibars. Issimo Restaurant serves a free, luxe breakfast buffet and Italian favorites for lunch and dinner, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The pool is on the small side, but it's open 24 hours and there's an adjacent bar for sunset cocktails. Kids under the age of 16 aren't allowed. Families should check out neighboring Shana Hotel for a larger pool and family-friendly atmosphere.
Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio is a solid upper-middle-range choice for families and couples who want to be within quick walking distance of shops and restaurants, but slightly away from the commotion near Manuel Antonio National Park (still reachable in a five-minute drive). These are some of the largest and most modern rooms and Casitas in the area, complete with minibars, flat-screen cable TVs, and huge bathrooms. Lush garden grounds center around an infinity-edge pool and Falls Garden Cafe. Made-to-order breakfast, minimal parking, and Wi-Fi are included with the price of a room. For those who must have beach access, check rates at Tulemar Bungalows & Villas.
Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio is a solid upper-middle-range choice for families and couples who want to be within quick walking distance of shops and restaurants, but slightly away from the commotion near Manuel Antonio National Park (still reachable in a five-minute drive). These are some of the largest and most modern rooms and Casitas in the area, complete with minibars, flat-screen cable TVs, and huge bathrooms. Lush garden grounds center around an infinity-edge pool and Falls Garden Cafe. Made-to-order breakfast, minimal parking, and Wi-Fi are included with the price of a room. For those who must have beach access, check rates at Tulemar Bungalows & Villas.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.
Villa Kristina Apartments is a prime mid-range option for families and couples who want self-catering options and prefer to stay well away from the hustle and bustle of Manuel Antonio. Kristina, the owner, and her barking dog, live on-site and offer three enormous apartments with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and private balconies that overlook the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Sloths and monkeys are more common than people in this isolated stretch of road that can be difficult to find; there's nothing within walking distance other than Playa Macha, which is a trek, even for the physically fit. Kristina can arrange a continental breakfast, but it's pricey. An infinity-edge pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi round out the amenities here.
Villa Kristina Apartments is a prime mid-range option for families and couples who want self-catering options and prefer to stay well away from the hustle and bustle of Manuel Antonio. Kristina, the owner, and her barking dog, live on-site and offer three enormous apartments with full kitchens, laundry facilities, and private balconies that overlook the jungle and Pacific Ocean. Sloths and monkeys are more common than people in this isolated stretch of road that can be difficult to find; there's nothing within walking distance other than Playa Macha, which is a trek, even for the physically fit. Kristina can arrange a continental breakfast, but it's pricey. An infinity-edge pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi round out the amenities here.
Las Cascadas The Falls is a mid-range option for travelers who want to be close to the marina or downtown Quepos. The kinda-quirky hotel can be a bit hard to find; it's situated in a working class Costa Rican neighborhood high on a hill, which makes for excellent views of the surrounding rain forest and distant Pacific Ocean, but steep steps to some of the rooms. Guest rooms range from a Penthouse with marina views and an artificial rock fountain to smaller condos with full kitchens. There's a cute outdoor swimming pool and adjacent restaurant with a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those who want to be closer to the action in Quepos, La Sirena Hotel has cheaper rates and is just around the corner from the bus stop that takes passengers to Manuel Antonio.
Las Cascadas The Falls is a mid-range option for travelers who want to be close to the marina or downtown Quepos. The kinda-quirky hotel can be a bit hard to find; it's situated in a working class Costa Rican neighborhood high on a hill, which makes for excellent views of the surrounding rain forest and distant Pacific Ocean, but steep steps to some of the rooms. Guest rooms range from a Penthouse with marina views and an artificial rock fountain to smaller condos with full kitchens. There's a cute outdoor swimming pool and adjacent restaurant with a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those who want to be closer to the action in Quepos, La Sirena Hotel has cheaper rates and is just around the corner from the bus stop that takes passengers to Manuel Antonio.
Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
The mid-range Hotel La Costa de Papito is located across from Cocles Beach in the jungle area of Costa Rica's coastal Caribbean town, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. There are just 12 wooden bungalows and one budget cabin, with (some) cave-like bathrooms, scattered through lush grounds home to toucans and sloths. After the free daily breakfast buffet, most guests spend their time exploring the beach or town center, as there isn't a pool on-site. One unexpected perk is a full-service spa. On weekends, live calypso bands attract locals and guests for nightly entertainment.
The mid-range Hotel La Costa de Papito is located across from Cocles Beach in the jungle area of Costa Rica's coastal Caribbean town, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. There are just 12 wooden bungalows and one budget cabin, with (some) cave-like bathrooms, scattered through lush grounds home to toucans and sloths. After the free daily breakfast buffet, most guests spend their time exploring the beach or town center, as there isn't a pool on-site. One unexpected perk is a full-service spa. On weekends, live calypso bands attract locals and guests for nightly entertainment.
Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa is an adult-only, four-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 202 rooms have elegant decor, along with thoughtful features like special two-sided compartments for room service delivery. From the sizable fitness center to the attractive pool areas, the resort’s facilities are polished and modern. Secrets offers all the perks you would expect from an all-inclusive property -- including lots of dining and entertainment options -- along with a few welcome bonuses like a la carte restaurants that don’t require reservations. It all comes at a price, however, with the resort’s rates among the highest in the area. Travelers looking for a more affordable all-inclusive alternative might consider Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
Secrets Papagayo Resort & Spa is an adult-only, four-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 202 rooms have elegant decor, along with thoughtful features like special two-sided compartments for room service delivery. From the sizable fitness center to the attractive pool areas, the resort’s facilities are polished and modern. Secrets offers all the perks you would expect from an all-inclusive property -- including lots of dining and entertainment options -- along with a few welcome bonuses like a la carte restaurants that don’t require reservations. It all comes at a price, however, with the resort’s rates among the highest in the area. Travelers looking for a more affordable all-inclusive alternative might consider Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
The three pearl Lizard King Hotel and Resort may be closer to a bed-and-breakfast in size than what its name implies, but it's a comfy and cozy place to stay near the fun happening in the heart of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The pet-friendly hotel's 16 rooms -- most of which are without air-conditioning -- are all bright with simple white and wood decor, clean bathrooms, and pool views. In addition to the plate options served during free breakfast hours, Lizard King has its own restaurant/bar and cafe on site. Guests can rent bikes and surf gear to explore the beach area down the street and beyond. Free parking and Wi-Fi are nice bonuses.
The three pearl Lizard King Hotel and Resort may be closer to a bed-and-breakfast in size than what its name implies, but it's a comfy and cozy place to stay near the fun happening in the heart of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The pet-friendly hotel's 16 rooms -- most of which are without air-conditioning -- are all bright with simple white and wood decor, clean bathrooms, and pool views. In addition to the plate options served during free breakfast hours, Lizard King has its own restaurant/bar and cafe on site. Guests can rent bikes and surf gear to explore the beach area down the street and beyond. Free parking and Wi-Fi are nice bonuses.