Manuel Antonio, one of Costa Rica’s top tourist destinations thanks to its national park and stunning beaches, appears on almost every itinerary and is increasingly popular as a standalone holiday spot for domestic and North American visitors.

There’s an abundance of places to stay, but if you plan on visiting during the peak December to February season, you’ll want to get your accommodation sorted as far in advance as possible - particularly if you’re looking for something cheaper or a little bit special.

That’s where our guide comes in.

There’s actually no accommodation within Manuel Antonio National Park, and only a few options by the park entrance. Instead, most places are found along the steep 6km hill and road that links the town of Quepos with the national park, with the majority concentrated in the tourist hub of Manuel Antonio village, about 3km from the park entrance.

Those of you on a budget or looking for more local life may prefer staying in Quepos itself, which has a bunch of restaurants and bars, good public transport links for Manuel Antonio and elsewhere, as well all the vibes of a small Costa Rican town.

The good news is that, unless being right on the beach is a priority, the actual location of your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel will have little impact on your access and enjoyment of the park due to the frequent bus that connects the area’s main attractions with most accommodation hubs.

It still pays off to get there early though!

To help you choose the best option for your budget and travel style, we’ve broken down the accommodation options into four distinct areas:

· Playa Espadilla & The Park Entrance

· Manuel Antonio Village

· The Hill – including the road connecting Quepos with Manuel Antonio village

· Quepos

After our trip, and having since scoured all major booking sites and read hundreds and hundreds of reviews, we’ve shared our personal recommendations for the best places to stay in each area - covering everything from luxury hotels and free-standing villas, to cute guest houses, apartments and hostels.

We’re certain you’ll find something perfect!

This is our guide on where to stay in Manuel Antonio.

Our Manuel Antonio Accommodation Picks

If just want a hit-list of our top recommendations for each area - that’s what this box is for!

Playa Espadilla & The Park Entrance

Hotel / Splurge | Mid-Range | Budget | Backpacker

Airbnb / Villa Fuego

Playa Espadilla & The Park Entrance

If you want to wake up and be on the beach within minutes - or among the first into the national park - this is where you’ll want to stay.

Playa Espadilla is the wide sweep of sand that extends northwest from the park entrance, and is a popular beach destination in its own right. Dotted with informal surf schools, casual beach spots and parasols for hire, the most easterly point is backed by a handful of restaurants (not great and mostly catering to a North American audience), modern but simple guest houses, and a collection of dusty roads that lead to the national park.

It’s busy, especially from mid-morning until late afternoon, but the convenience and coastal energy are hard to beat.

Note that the western section of the beach is much more wild and chilled, but accommodations are all but non-existent there.

Hotels & Guesthouses

Hotel Villabosque | This is our mid-range pick in this area. It’s a small hotel (more of a guesthouse really) with comfortable rooms, a small but considered pool area, helpful staff and well-tended gardens.

San Bada Hotel | This fairly generic (albeit very comfortable) 4* hotel isn’t quite our cup of tea but has good reviews and is just a two minute walk from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. Ideal if you’re only visiting the area for a couple of days and want to be in close proximity.

La Posada Jungle Hotel, Millennium Manuel, and Hotel Manuel Antonio are also excellently situated just a couple of minutes’ walk from the park, both at a good price point.

Villa Prats | If on a budget but still prioritising proximity, be sure to consider this spot (definitely nothing fancy, but cheap by Costa Rican standards).

Hotel Costa Verde | One of the more unique hotels in Manuel Antonio, the boutique Costa Verde offers large, beautiful rooms, with stunning views (think the sea, rainforest and wild animals) - they’ve even got a suite in a Boeing fuselage! Do note that it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the park.

Another quirky offering is Igloo Beach Lodge - yes, they look like igloos, but around a pool!

Arenas del Mar | Wrapped in the rainforest, this is the only luxury resort in Manuel Antonio which offers a beachfront location (a majority of rooms come with balcony overlooking the ocean). Large elegant rooms with clean lines and excellent facilities. The facilities are excellent and include a hammam and infinity pool.

Alternative // Parador Resort

Hostels

The recently renovated Hostel Manuel Antonio is one of the closest to the park, and with a real inside/outside treehouse vibe.

Airbnbs & Apartments

Villa Fuego | If beachfront sounds like a good idea to you, then absolutely check out this good-sized two bedroom villa - the private garden area even has its own plunge pool. The host actually has a number of villas within the same gated community - check all listings here.

This HUGE three-bedroom house with private lap pool (plus jacuzzi) is perfect for a family that would love a base by the water, and even offers its own private walkway to the beach! Also has daily housekeeping and private concierge.

Plan // How To Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio Village

A few kilometres back from the beach, Manuel Antonio Village is the small centre where most of the everyday tourist services are found: restaurants, small supermarkets, ATMs, bars, tour offices, and a wide range of accommodation, including many self-catering places.

It’s a practical base if you don’t have a car, as the frequent buses between Quepos and Playa Espadilla run straight through, making it easy to reach both the beach and the national park! It’s more built-up than the other areas - and certain areas can feel overly busy at peak times of the year - but many of the accommodations we have selected sit on small rooms or within forest, so it’s still possible to escape the hustle and bustle whilst remaining close to the action.

Note that this is the area where you’ll find the highest number of accommodations across all budgets. So, even at high season there’s usually a plenty of choice (if you’re not too fussy).

Hotels & Guesthouses

The Falls at Manuel Antonio | Another great mid-range option (doubles from $110 USD per night), The Falls offers good sized, unfussy, comfortable rooms. The facilities are decent, and it’s just an 11-minute walk to the beach. Just be aware that the cheaper rooms have not been updated in a few years.

Si Como No | Sitting atop a hillside in Manuel Antonio, the popular Si Como No seamlessly combines luxury and sustainability, their eco-rooms overlooking the jungle and the ocean beyond. It also functions as an animal refuge, so expect to see monkeys, birds and even sloths from your balcony.

ECOTICA Boutique Hotel | A super popular option away from the hustle and bustle of the village, this hotel offers large rooms and charming bungalows amongst the jungle. They’ve got a gorgeous pool area, a fantastic on-site restaurant, and by all accounts, make a damn good margarita. It’s on the pricier side, but seems like a fantastic vacation spot.

If you’d prefer more of a sleek, resort-style vibe - around a similar price point - don’t miss Hotel Mariposa. It offers large, light-filled rooms with the most wonderful views out over the coast, and these views continue throughout the property, including from the gorgeous pool area and the highly regarded restaurant.

If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel that does exactly what it says on the tin, take a look at Hotel Naoz. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the pool area is decent and it’s in a great location in the centre of the village.

Hotel Villas Lirio is a solid, mid-range option with good reviews.

With prices starting around £750 a night, the uber-luxurious Makanda by the Sea and Los Altos Resort are far beyond the financial reach of many reading this article, but definitely deserve a mention - and would be a fabulous place to stay on a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica trip.

Airbnbs & Apartments

Oceanview Studio | This little studio in the heart of Manuel Antonio Village is ideal for a young couple (or an older couple who don’t mind having to climb quite a few stairs to reach it). Small but perfectly formed, the facilities are great, it has a balcony with sea views and access to a shared pool! Also excellently priced.

Other studios definitely worth taking a look at include these two jungle studio: studio one and studio two.

Mi Casita | A brand new modern one-bedroom, for those that appreciate a bit of luxury (but still want their own space). Features a plunge pool and large balcony with views out of the forest canopy and sea beyond. It’s also on a ‘wildlife corridor’ so expect lots of animal sightings!

Casa Valentina | The inside of this one-bedroom property is light, bright and has lots of space (plus lovely handmade wooden furniture), but the real draw is the incredible terrace area with breathtaking views and infinity pool. Also includes breakfast, maid and concierge service.

Lara Jungle | We adore this fully-equipped tiny house nestled in the middle of a tropical forest. It’s relatively small inside but perfectly designed with a contemporary feel, and its location more than makes up for limited space.

Other one-bed properties that caught our eye include: Amazing Studio With Ocean View, Charming Jungle Studio, 1-Bed Retreat, Mango Tree Apartment, Modern Suite & Private Pool, Tip Top Oceanview Studio, Casa Feliz, and Tropical Heaven.

Luxurious Private House | This two-bed house is a bit spenny, but probably worth every penny. Designed by renowned architect Andres Brenes, it has a sophisticated and elegant vibe throughout - all clean lines and light - whilst also being comfortably furnished. It’s real selling points are the Pacific Ocean and national park views from every room, the private pool and outside space, plus daily housekeeping and a full-time concierge.

Villa Leonardo | With a more traditional design throughout, this two-bedroom property is a long-standing favourite in Manuel Antonio. The open plan living space is ideal for socialising, and leads out to a private pool with gorgeous views out over the treetops.

Villa Atardecer is a similar property as above (also with a private pool), at a similar price point, but if you don’t mind sharing a pool with other apartments, this two-bedroom apartment has excellent reviews at a good price point.

Villa Lapas | Simply decorated (but still comfortable), this home offers two large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a big living area with vaulted ceilings which opens into the outdoor pool area. Expect to be greeted by monkeys!

Other two-bedrooms that are worth checking out are Casa Camila and The Penthouse.

The charming, cosy and comfortable Casa Lily is our number one affordable option (that remarkably still has a private pool!), but budget-hunters should take a look at Forest Terrace, M&S Apartment, Beach House

Manuel Antonio Tree House Villa | Travelling with a group of friends and want to stay somewhere truly exceptional? This STUNNING three-bedroom, three-storey property may be perfect. Impeccable design throughout - lots of light, poured concrete, natural linens, fibres and wood, marble - a fantastic open-plan living space, outdoor BBQ area, and a gorgeous pool (with slide!) plus free breakfast.

For three beds at a more affordable price-point, see White House, Stylish Villa and Casa Lily.

If you need something epic for a big get together (with at least four bedrooms), be sure to take a look at Luxury Ocean View Villa, Casa Magnifica, Casa BarbaRoja, and Villa Mono Titi.

Hostels

Blue Morpho House B&B is a simple, locally-owned guesthouse with excellent reviews - at a great price point. Dorms available too!

The Hill

The undulating road south from Quepos passes up and over the hill, cutting through layers of rainforest and wildlife, before arriving in Manuel Antonio Village.

Not long ago there were just a sprinkling of places to stay along here, but in the last few years its popularity as a base has grown (indeed, this is where we chose to stay) and it now offers a variety of places for all travel styles: from budget hostels, to super bougie rental properties.

It’s on the bus route to the beach and the national park, which is a big plus point, and means getting to/from your accommodation during the day is a piece of cake. However, due to the limited schedules after 7pm, you’ll either have to eat in, wait around for the next bus in the dark, or rely on taxis for dinner in Quepos/Manuel Antonio.

Find out more details on the Quepos - Manuel Antonio bus in this post.

Hotels & Guesthouses

Tico Tico Villas | Cool, quirky and fun, Tico Tico Villas is an adults-only space offering studios and one bedroom apartments 1.5 miles from the park. Colourful, bright and airy, the price point shows that you can get more for your money if you go a little further towards Quepos.

Hotel Plaza Yara | Whilst this hotel is nothing to get too excited about, design-wise, it is one of the more highly-rated in this area of Manuel Antonio. It’s got large rooms (some more modern, others leaning in the jungle vibe), a swimming pool, helpful staff and the almost guaranteed wildlife spotting from the terraces! They offer private rooms alongside villas, and are really well-priced.

Hotel Mono Azul has been completely renovated and offers good value, comfortable and modern rooms in a good location.

Gaia Hotel is the luxury option in this area, with benefits such as private concierge, incredible views over the rainforest (from a location right within it), wonderful pool areas and an excellent on-site restaurant.

For a touch of the high-life, consider Casa Libertinn as well. Literally high up in the jungle canopy it offers fantastic views over the treetops from the infinity pool and an adults-only environment. The rooms themselves - whilst not stunning - are absolutely fine and comfortable, and if you can, splurge on the villa with the private pool!

Note that the new boutique hotel Dar Lamia looks stunning, but recent reviews are really quite dreadful - don’t book without researching thoroughly.

Airbnbs & Apartments

Villas En Sueño | This cute little cabin with a large balcony overlooking the jungle is where we stayed for a few days to visit Manuel Antonio. Situated only a few minutes walk from Quepos, and on the bus route to the national park, the location was perfect for our needs. Part of a surf school, they’re able to arrange lessons, and a free - and excellent - breakfast is provided each morning. Strong recommend.

A similar and super popular option is this one, located within a lovely little guesthouse.

There aren’t a huge number of one-bedroom properties here, but if you’re a couple seeking a peaceful retreat amongst the trees, don’t miss this highly-rated, split-level property in the jungle.

Alternatively, if you don’t mind more of a studio set-up you should absolutely check out this lovely little property with incredible views out over the forest towards the ocean that can be enjoyed from the terrace, the small plunge pool or bed (via the large windows). A special little spot. (they also have an equally fabulous two-bed if you need a little more space)

Manuel Antonio Cabin | One of two eco wooden cabins on Finca Los Mangos, halfway between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Pool, beautiful gardens and isolated vibes - just 200m off of main road.

This open-plan cabin is ideal for those that want modern amenities, but within a back-to-nature setting. Tastefully and comfortably decrated, it offers two good-sized double bedrooms, an excellent kitchen, and views out to nature. It’s also pretty well-priced!

Villa Mar y Sol also offers a number of really excellent two-bedroom apartments that give guests access a shared pool and ample lounging space.

There are quite a few three-bedroom properties located within larger properties that share amenities / pools - like the lovely Villa Capuchin and the stunning Casa Quivira (part of the Tulemar Resort) - but if you’d prefer a more private, standalone villa there are some great options around here, including:

- the large open-plan, two-storey Casa de Agua

- the simply stunning and contemporary Canopy Cove

- the tasteful ‘Balinese-inspired’ Villa Michelina

- Casa de las Lapas, a gorgeous family home, set on 2.5 acres of lush tropical forest in a residential gated community of luxury homes.

- you can also splurge at the outrageously beautiful Casa Zenta or save those pennies and go budget-friendly at this simple and compact family house

If you’re looking for a large property (four or more bedrooms) for a family or friends trip there are some stunning options on ‘The Hill’ including New Life House, Designer Villa, this luxurious five-bed villa, and Luxurious Architectural Gem.

Hostels

Hostel Plinio | Located just under a mile from Quepos, this oversized treehouse of a hostel has a huge number of great reviews. Surrounded by jungle, the rooms are large and airy (including the dorms), the communal areas many and the pool perfect. Guests speak highly of the free breakfast.

Planet B Hostel | A colourful and laid-back hostel in the jungle with a fantastic breakfast included, helpful staff, a guest kitchen and large garden area. The dorms are a little basic, but the reviews remain excellent.

Quepos

The town of Quepos is the transport and service hub for the area.

You’ll find the bus station for arrivals and onward connections, as well as the marina for boat trips, supermarkets, pharmacies, and places to eat that cater more to locals than short-term visitors. Accommodation is generally more affordable, and travelling to the beach or the national park is easy thanks to the frequent bus up the hill. It doesn’t really offer ‘holiday vibes’ but if you’re watching your budget or planning to move around a lot, it can be a sensible place to stay.

Hotels & Guesthouses

The guesthouses on offer in the centre of Quepos aren’t great - especially considering the prices - so we’re reluctant to recommend any.

If securing the most affordable room in town is important, then take a look at Casa Quepos. Absolutely nothing to write home about, but you can get a double for less than £25 a night and the reviews are good (it reminds us of a lot of places we’ve stayed during our super budget-backpacking days).

Airbnbs & Apartments

The vast majority of Airbnbs in the centre of Quepos are more on the basic side, often consisting of a studio set up with kitchen facilities or smaller separate rooms. That said, they provide a much more budget-friendly option than those elsewhere - and are particularly useful for those arriving and leaving by bus.

Our top pick for an affordable option is the Modern Studio (clean and considered decor, decent cooking facilities, excellent reviews and even a small workspace) but Treehouse, Studio 506 and Ken's Upstairs Apartment are also solid choices. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, check out this listing.

Despite Quepos’ popularity with those craving a more local-feel and accommodation that won’t break the bank, there are a couple of gorgeous properties on the periphery of the downtown area places like this stunning two-bed, split level property amongst the trees. Located in a private gated community a relatively short walk from the centre of Quepos, it offers a jungle escape with contemporary charm (think poured concrete, natural wood details lots of light), a private pool and wildlife right outside the windows.

Hostels

Wide Mouth Frog | This new-ish hostel in the centre of Quepos is a great option for those who prefer a more urban location. The dorms are a little on the small side, but the common areas are great, it’s much more modern than others in town and has a large pool.

Another popular option is Passifloras Hostel.

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