Best hotels near Manuel Antonio National Park: Where to Stay?
- Esteban Acedo
- 39 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, is a must-visit destination: National Park, pristine beaches, lush rainforest, monkeys, sloths… Choosing the right accommodation can make your trip even more memorable. Whether you’re a backpacker, traveling with family, or exploring solo, this guide will help you find the best hotels near Manuel Antonio National Park.
Luxury Hotels $$$
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Phone: +506 4040 0422
General Location: Manuel Antonio, on ~11 acres of private rainforest, with direct access to Playitas Beach and easy walking to Playa Espadilla
Hotel Type: Eco‑Luxury Beachfront Resort
Arenas Del Mar is a luxurious, eco-friendly boutique resort in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, nestled between rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. With breathtaking jungle and ocean views, direct access to private beaches, and a strong commitment to sustainability, it offers a unique blend of comfort and nature. Enjoy gourmet dining, relax at the spa, or explore the local wildlife on guided walks. Perfect for travelers seeking a serene, nature-immersed luxury escape.
Makenda by the Sea
Phone: +506 2777 0442 / +506 2777 1032
Email: reception@makanda.com
General Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (on a hillside rainforest garden about 3 km from the main road to Manuel Antonio)
Hotel Type: Eco-luxury boutique hotel
Makanda by the Sea is a luxurious, adults-only boutique hotel perched on a rainforest hillside in Manuel Antonio. With sleek, contemporary design, private terraces, and sweeping Pacific Ocean views, it blends romance, nature, and modern comfort. The resort features infinity pools overlooking the ocean, the tranquil Shanti Spa for rejuvenating treatments, and the on-site Árbol Restaurant, serving gourmet cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. Surrounded by tropical gardens teeming with wildlife—from monkeys and sloths to colorful birds—Makanda by the Sea stands out as one of the best luxury hotels in Manuel Antonio for travelers seeking a serene, upscale escape tucked away in paradise.
Tulemar Resort
Phone: +506 2777 1444
General Location: Manuel Antonio, on 33 acres of private rainforest and hillside property, with direct access to a secluded cove beach and panoramic ocean views.
Hotel Type: Eco-Luxury Jungle Resort
Nestled across 33 acres of private rainforest in Manuel Antonio, Tulemar Resort stands out for its secluded jungle setting and direct access to hidden beaches. Guests stay in private bungalows, villas, or casas, many with panoramic ocean or jungle views and outdoor living spaces that blend seamlessly with nature. The property features multiple swimming pools, a spa, and meandering paths through tropical gardens where monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds roam freely. What truly sets Tulemar apart is its sense of privacy and immersion in the rainforest, making it ideal for travelers who want a luxurious escape surrounded by nature rather than a conventional resort experience.
La Mariposa
Phone: +506 2777 0355
Email: info@lamariposa.com
General Location: Manuel Antonio
Hotel Type: Hilltop Boutique Hotel
La Mariposa is a charming hilltop boutique hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offering panoramic 360° views of the Pacific Ocean, rainforest, and Quepos. Its Spanish-Mediterranean design blends elegance with nature, featuring comfortable rooms and apartments with private balconies, kitchenettes, and some with hot tubs. The resort has several swimming pools, an open-air restaurant Le Papillon, and lush tropical gardens filled with wildlife. La Mariposa is one of the best mid-range hotels near Manuel Antonio, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, scenic views, and a peaceful nature-immersed stay.
Mid-Range Hotels $$
Villas Jacquelina
Phone: +506 8345 1516
Email: info@villasjacquelina.com
General Location: Quepos
Hotel Type: Eco-Friendly Treehouse-style Hotel
Villas Jacquelina is a relaxed, treehouse-style hotel in the quiet hills of Quepos, just a short trip from Manuel Antonio National Park (It's best to be away from the crowds in the park during peak season). With its open-air terraces, hammocks, and natural wood design, it offers a comfortable stay with a light jungle atmosphere. The hotel features a refreshing jungle swimming pool, high-speed Wi‑Fi ideal for digital nomads, and cozy common areas. Rooms range from private rooms to family suites, all designed with comfort. On-site amenities include communal kitchens, yoga/meditation sessions, a cold plunge + sauna, and a warm, social vibe. Wildlife is all around: howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and colorful birds are regular visitors.
Hotel Costa Verde
Phone: +506 2777 0101
Email: info@costaverde.com
General Location: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica — just 3 minutes from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park and a short walk to Playa Espadilla.
Hotel Type: Family-Friendly Hotel
Set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific, Costa Verde is known for its spectacular ocean views and lush tropical setting. The hotel’s mix of charming studios, suites, and rooms is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking space and comfort. Its historic airplane-turned-suite adds a one-of-a-kind adventure to the stay, while swimming pools, on-site dining, and gardens alive with monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds enhance the connection to nature. With its combination of unique accommodations, wildlife, and convenient location, Costa Verde offers a memorable Costa Rican experience unlike any other.
La Posada Jungle Hotel
Phone: +506 2777 1446
Email: info@laposadajungle.com
General Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Hotel Type: Mid-range
La Posada Jungle Hotel is one of the closest lodges to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park, making it an ideal base for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing nature. This laid-back, budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and bungalows surrounded by tropical greenery, plus a refreshing pool and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests love the easy access to wildlife—monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds often pass right by the property—and the short walk to both the park and the beach. It’s a simple, relaxed option with unbeatable location and great value for money.
Budget Hotels $
Hostel Plinio
Phone: +506 2777 6123
Email: hostelplinio@gmail.com
General Location: Quepos
Hotel Type: Budget or Backpacker Hostel
Set a few minutes from Quepos, Plinio is a lively, budget-friendly hostel with the cozy feel of a cabin in the jungle. Dorms, private rooms, and family suites all open onto balconies with forest or ocean views. The hostel has an outdoor pool, a communal kitchen, a game room, and a casual bar where live music plays on weekends. With its friendly, social atmosphere and proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, Plinio is perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, and groups looking for an affordable, nature-filled stay.
Planet B
Phone: +506 6431 0687
Location: Main street Manuel Antonio 618 Provincia de Puntarenas, 60601, Costa Rica
Hotel Type: Adults-only community hostel
Located approximately 4 km from Espadilla Beach and 5 km from Manuel Antonio National Park, it offers a serene yet accessible retreat for travelers. The hostel features a creative and inclusive atmosphere, with amenities such as yoga mats, workout equipment, a shared lounge, a terrace, a shared kitchen, free private parking, and a complimentary breakfast.
Villas Prats
Phone: +506 8616 0271
General Location: Beach Trail, Puntarenas Province, Quepos
Hotel Type: Budget or Backpacker Hostel
Hotel Villa Prats offers one of the most convenient locations for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park—just a few steps from the main entrance. This family-run, budget-friendly hotel is known for its friendly service, simple but comfortable rooms, and refreshing pool surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to maximize their time in the park without worrying about transportation. With easy access to restaurants, shops, and the beach, Hotel Villa Prats is a practical and affordable base for exploring Manuel Antonio.
Why stay near Manuel Antonio National Park?
Quick access to the park: Get in early to spot wildlife without long drives.
Close to beautiful beaches: Some hotels are just minutes from Playa Espadilla.
Immersed in nature: Many hotels are nestled in the rainforest, with wildlife right at your doorstep.
Easy access to tours and transportation: Being nearby makes it simpler to book canopy tours, kayaking, or other excursions.
Conclusion
The Manuel Antonio National Park area offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly, locally owned lodges that provide authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Whether you’re visiting for the pristine beaches, lush rainforest, or wildlife encounters, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.
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