Blending ocean and jungle, Manuel Antonio offers a slew of activities to enjoy, including sea kayaking, snorkeling, mangrove boat tours, wildlife hikes, foodie tours, and more. Budget-minded travelers might want to save on accommodation to splurge on adventures. If that’s you, check out kimkim’s recommended standard hotels in Manuel Antonio, which offer reasonable pricing without compromising quality.
## Hotel Playa Espadilla
Nestled in the heart of Manuel Antonio, Hotel Playa Espadilla offers an incredible location paired with a reasonable price, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking both convenience and value. Imagine waking up each morning and stepping directly onto the golden sands of Espadilla Beach, just a stone’s throw away. The allure of the ocean is ever-present, offering a constant invitation for relaxation and adventure. Moreover, the entrance to the renowned national park is a mere two-minute walk from the hotel, providing effortless access to the region’s stunning biodiversity and natural beauty.
The strategic location of Hotel Playa Espadilla extends beyond its proximity to the beach and national park. Guests will find themselves conveniently situated within walking distance of a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés, each offering its own unique culinary delights and ambiance. Many of these establishments boast breathtaking views of the beach, allowing you to savor your meals while immersing yourself in the picturesque coastal scenery. The gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic sounds of the waves create an unforgettable dining experience.
The design and architecture of the property are thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly blend into the surrounding natural environment. The hotel embraces a cool and relaxed vibe, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests. An inviting outdoor pool provides a refreshing oasis for relaxation and recreation, while private cabanas, adorned with charming beach grass coverings, offer secluded spaces for lounging and soaking up the sun.
The open-air restaurant and bar serve as a focal point for socializing and enjoying delicious meals. Wooden tables are strategically placed under the shade of lush trees, creating a tranquil setting illuminated by twinkling lights. The ambience of these outdoor spaces is truly a highlight, allowing guests to dine amidst the leafy wilderness. Imagine savoring your dinner at a high-top wooden table, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the vibrant ecosystem.
The culinary offerings at the hotel’s Puerto Escondido Restaurant are a delightful fusion of international flavors and authentic Costa Rican ingredients. The chefs expertly craft dishes that showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage, incorporating fresh, local produce and spices to create tantalizing and memorable meals.
The rooms and suites at Hotel Playa Espadilla provide spacious and comfortable accommodations with a focus on simplicity and functionality. Each room features tile floors, wooden furniture, and colorful artwork, creating a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment. Modern amenities include cable TV, air-conditioning, minifridges, and coffee makers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. All lodges incorporate charming wooden accents, adding a touch of rustic elegance to the interiors. Guests staying on the second floor can enjoy the added benefit of shared wraparound balconies, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
## Igloo Beach Lodge
For travelers seeking a truly unique and unconventional lodging experience, the Igloo Beach Lodge presents an intriguing option. With its trendy hipster vibe and distinctive igloo-shaped huts, this eco-friendly hotel offers a memorable and Instagram-worthy stay. The igloo-shaped domes are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Inside the eco-friendly domes, guests will discover warm wooden accents and carefully chosen decor that enhance the overall ambiance. While the accommodations are compact, resembling tiny homes, they provide all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay. The bathrooms are small yet functional, and storage space is limited, adding to the minimalist charm.
Each igloo is equipped with one or two double beds, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Private bathrooms are standard, and an outdoor sitting area allows guests to relax and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Modern conveniences such as smart TVs, minifridges, air-conditioning, and digital home features are also included, providing a blend of comfort and technology.
Igloo Beach Lodge enjoys a privileged location, just a short path away from public access to Playa Espadilla. The hotel maintains its own dedicated area on the beach, providing guests with a private and tranquil space to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean breeze. The property is also conveniently located within walking distance of the national park, other beaches, and a variety of cafés and restaurants.
The on-site restaurant, Casa Planta, offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Its plant-based options are particularly noteworthy, providing vegans with a selection of delicious and satisfying meals. Thanks to the restaurant’s beachside service, guests can choose to dine at the hotel or on its private beach, enjoying their meals with the sand between their toes.
Additional amenities at Igloo Beach Lodge include a small outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, perfect for relaxing and cooling off on a hot day. Live music and other entertainment are offered on Friday and Saturday nights, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
## Hotel Villas Lirio
Hotel Villas Lirio offers a serene and tranquil retreat nestled within the lush rainforest of Manuel Antonio. While it may not provide ocean views, this charming hotel compensates with its immersion in nature and its array of amenities. The entire property is enveloped in a dense jungle atmosphere, creating a sense of seclusion and tranquility.
The two outdoor pool areas provide refreshing oases amidst the verdant landscape, inviting guests to relax and unwind in a natural setting. In addition to the pools, Hotel Villas Lirio offers a game room equipped with table tennis, billiards, foosball, and cards, providing entertainment for guests of all ages. A restaurant and bar with a daily happy hour offer opportunities for socializing and enjoying delicious food and drinks.
The property’s 33 rooms are simple yet comfortable, providing all the essential amenities for a pleasant stay. Each room features air-conditioning, cable TV, minifridges, desks, and shared patios facing the garden. Unique wooden accents, such as wood-beamed ceilings, darkwood bed frames, and carved wooden mirrors, add character and charm to the interiors. Colorful artwork from popular Costa Rican artists completes the decor, adding a touch of local flair.
Guests seeking more space and enhanced amenities can opt for a suite, which includes multiple rooms such as a living room, dining room, and kitchen. These suites offer a home-away-from-home experience, providing ample space for relaxation and entertaining.
## Karahe Beach Hotel
Karahe Beach Hotel stands out as one of the few hotels in Manuel Antonio with direct access to the beach. Established in 1980, it holds the distinction of being one of the first accommodations in the area, solidifying its reputation as a local institution. The property offers a variety of room categories, catering to different preferences and budgets.
It’s important to note that Manuel Antonio’s main road divides the property, with one section located in the hills and the other directly on the beach. While standard rooms are available, it is highly recommended to upgrade to a hillside villa or a superior beachfront room for an enhanced experience. Hillside villas offer jungle privacy and stunning ocean views, while beachfront rooms provide easy access to the sand and surf. Both options feature wood and stone decor, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel offers a distinct vibe depending on the location of your room. Hillside villas provide a sense of seclusion and tranquility, while beachfront rooms offer the soothing sounds of the waves and the opportunity to relax on patios or balconies with hammocks. The property’s gardens provide additional spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.
The open-air restaurant, Canto del Mar, and the outdoor pool are both situated directly on the beach, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The thatched roofing adds a touch of tropical charm, while the beachfront location provides breathtaking sunset views. Here, guests can enjoy daily breakfast and other meals featuring a delicious blend of Costa Rican and Peruvian cuisine.
## El Faro Beach Hotel
El Faro Beach Hotel offers a unique and unconventional lodging experience, constructed from repurposed shipping containers. While the service may be basic, the hotel provides a budget-friendly option for travelers seeking affordable accommodations with stunning ocean views. The rooms are small, narrow, and simple, with stark black and white decor. While the aesthetic may not fully capture the warm and welcoming vibe of Costa Rica, the rooms offer all the essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including free WiFi, air-conditioning, minifridges, and balconies. The bathrooms are also compact, with some featuring relaxing soaking tubs.
Despite its proximity to the beach, El Faro is perched atop a steep hillside bordering the national park. While the descent to the beach is relatively easy, the uphill trek back to the hotel can be challenging for some. However, this elevated location provides easy access to the Park Trail, one of the most popular hiking routes in the area.
The open-air restaurant overlooks the jungle and ocean, offering a prime spot for enjoying sunset happy hour. The restaurant serves international cuisine with Spanish influences and provides a complimentary breakfast for guests. Additional amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, including an infinity pool, a pool bar, and an all-day coffee bar.
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