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Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio: Best Areas & Hotels For Every Budget

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Choosing where to stay in Manuel Antonio can make a much bigger difference to your trip than you might think. The area is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and incredible wildlife, but the hotels are spread along a pretty long and winding coastal road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Some hotels are right by the beach and park entrance, while others sit high up in the hills with spectacular ocean views.

Manuel Antonio and Quepos are often mentioned together, but they offer quite different places to stay. Quepos is the larger town, with a more local feel and generally more affordable accommodation. Manuel Antonio is the stretch of road south of Quepos leading towards the national park, where you'll find most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities.

The accommodation is spread out along this road, and the terrain is quite hilly. A hotel might look close to the beach on a map but still involve a steep walk or a drive to get there. This is particularly important if you don't have a rental car.

If it's your first visit, I would generally recommend staying in Manuel Antonio rather than in Quepos itself. You'll be closer to the national park, beaches and many of the restaurants, and you'll have plenty of accommodation to choose from, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel, a boutique stay or a luxury resort.

In this guide, I'll break down the best areas to stay in Manuel Antonio and share some of the best hotels for different budgets, so you can find the right base for your Costa Rica trip.

a sloth in the jungle in manuel antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio

Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Manuel Antonio?

I think the best area to stay in Manuel Antonio is central Manuel Antonio, especially if it's your first visit. You'll be close to restaurants, shops and tour operators, with Manuel Antonio National Park and Playa Espadilla just a short drive or bus ride away. If you want to walk to the beach and national park, look for a hotel near the park entrance.

For a quieter, more luxurious stay with beautiful ocean views, consider the Biesanz Beach and Punta Quepos area. If you're travelling on a tighter budget, Quepos has more affordable accommodation, but you'll need transport to reach the main beaches and attractions.

My advice is to stay in Manuel Antonio rather than Quepos if you can afford the difference. You'll spend less time getting around and more time enjoying the beaches, rainforest and everything this part of Costa Rica has to offer.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a peaceful, but practical stay in Manuel Antonio.

Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

This is a popular resort with beautiful views over the surrounding rainforest and Pacific Ocean. There are swimming pools, a spa, restaurants and a wildlife refuge, making it a good option if you want somewhere with plenty to enjoy without leaving the property every day.

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Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Parador Nature Resort and Spa

This is one of the best-known resorts in Manuel Antonio, set on a green headland surrounded by tropical rainforest. The property has several swimming pools, restaurants, a spa and beautiful ocean views, with wildlife often spotted around the grounds. It is a great option for families and couples.

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Hotel Playa Espadilla
Hotel Playa Espadilla

This is an excellent option if you want to stay close to the beach and national park. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and comfortable accommodation, with the park entrance and Playa Espadilla within easy walking distance.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Manuel Antonio to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

manuel antonio national park, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio national park, costa rica
Manuel Antonio

Central Manuel Antonio – Best Area for First-Time Visitors

If you're visiting Manuel Antonio for the first time, the central stretch of Manuel Antonio is in my opinion the best place to stay. You'll find a good selection of hotels, restaurants, cafés and tour operators, with the national park and main beaches only a short drive or bus ride away.

This area is particularly convenient if you want to combine exploring the national park with relaxing by the pool, going out for dinner and enjoying the surrounding rainforest. Some hotels also have fantastic ocean views, while others are tucked away in tropical gardens, so you can choose what suits you best. Just remember that the road is hilly, so check the exact location of your hotel before booking if you plan to walk most places.

a monkey in Manuel Antonio national park, costa rica
Manuel Antonio
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Best Hotels in Central Manuel Antonio

Hotel Costa Verde
Hotel Costa Verde

This is one of the most recognisable places to stay in Manuel Antonio, partly because of its unusual converted aeroplane accommodation. The hotel is spread across a lush hillside, with several swimming pools, restaurants and plenty of greenery surrounding the rooms.

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Hotel La Mariposa
Hotel La Mariposa

If ocean views are high on your priority list, this is worth looking at. This hillside hotel is known for its panoramic views of the Pacific coastline and Manuel Antonio National Park, and it has several swimming pools where you can relax after a day of exploring.

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Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge

This is a popular resort with beautiful views over the surrounding rainforest and Pacific Ocean. There are swimming pools, a spa, restaurants and a wildlife refuge, making it a good option if you want somewhere with plenty to enjoy without leaving the property every day.

Check prices and availability

Near Manuel Antonio National Park and Espadilla Beach – Best for Location

If you want to be close to the main attractions, you should look for accommodation near the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park and Playa Espadilla. This is one of the most convenient areas to stay, particularly if you want to visit the national park early in the morning and spend time at the beach without constantly arranging transport.

There are restaurants, cafés, small shops and tour operators nearby, so you can easily find somewhere to eat after a day outdoors. The area is busier than some of the hillside locations, and you won't necessarily get the same sweeping ocean views, but the convenience is hard to beat.

This is also one of the better areas if you're travelling without a rental car. You can walk to the park entrance and beach from several hotels, although you should still check the walking distance and route before booking.

Manuel Antonio national park
Manuel Antonio national park
Manuel Antonio
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Best Hotels Near the National Park & Beach

Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa

This has one of the best locations in Manuel Antonio if visiting the national park is high on your list. It sits right by the park entrance, just across from Playa Espadilla, so you can easily walk between the hotel, beach and park. The property has swimming pools, a spa and a restaurant.

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La Vela Boutique Hotel
La Vela Boutique Hotel

This is a smaller property close to the national park entrance and Playa Espadilla. It has a swimming pool surrounded by greenery, comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the area on foot. I particularly like the idea of staying here if you don't need a huge resort.

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Hotel Playa Espadilla
Hotel Playa Espadilla

This is an excellent option if you want to stay close to the beach and national park. The hotel has a swimming pool, restaurant and comfortable accommodation, with the park entrance and Playa Espadilla within easy walking distance.

Check prices and availability

Punta Quepos and Biesanz Beach – Best for Views and a Quieter Stay

The northern headland around Punta Quepos is a good choice if you're looking for a quieter and more secluded hotel experience. This is where you'll find several of Manuel Antonio's more luxurious boutique hotels, many of which are surrounded by rainforest and have beautiful views over the Pacific Ocean.

The area is particularly popular with couples and honeymooners, although there are also larger resorts suitable for families. Biesanz Beach is one of the nearby beaches, tucked into a small bay and generally offering a different atmosphere from the busier Playa Espadilla. It was my personal favourite beach in Manuel Antonio and is absolutely worth a visit even if you’re not staying in the area.

The main thing to consider is transport. Hotels in this part of Manuel Antonio can be further from the national park entrance and the main restaurant area, and some are built on steep hillsides. If you want to walk out for dinner every evening, check the location carefully. Otherwise, this is a lovely area for a more relaxed stay and for those with a rental car.

Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio

Best Hotels around Punta Quepos and Biesanz Beach

Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Parador Nature Resort and Spa

This is one of the best-known resorts in Manuel Antonio, set on a green headland surrounded by tropical rainforest. The property has several swimming pools, restaurants, a spa and beautiful ocean views, with wildlife often spotted around the grounds. It is a great option for families and couples.

Check prices and availability

Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio
Shana by the Beach Manuel Antonio

This is a popular hotel close to Biesanz Beach, making it a good choice if you want to combine beach time with a comfortable hotel stay. The property has a swimming pool, restaurant, spa and spacious rooms, with tropical greenery and ocean views adding to the setting.

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Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only
Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only

If you're looking for a luxury adults-only hotel, this is one of the most impressive options in Manuel Antonio. The property is set above the Pacific Ocean, with stylish accommodation, infinity pools and beautiful views from around the hotel. It is designed for a more private and relaxing stay.

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Quepos – Best for Budget Accommodation and a More Local Feel

Quepos is the main town north of Manuel Antonio and a good alternative if you want to keep accommodation costs down. It has a more local atmosphere, with supermarkets, shops and restaurants, and it is also where you'll find the marina.

The main disadvantage is that you'll be further from Manuel Antonio National Park and the beaches. You can travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio by bus or taxi, but you'll need to factor in the extra journey time if you plan to visit the park or beach every day.

I would choose Quepos if you're travelling on a tighter budget, want access to more everyday amenities or prefer staying in a town rather than a resort area. If your main reason for visiting is the national park and beaches I would spend a little more to stay closer to Manuel Antonio to be honest.

an aligator in Manuel Antonio national park, costa rica
Manuel Antonio
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Best Hotels in Quepos

Wide Mouth Frog Quepos
Wide Mouth Frog Quepos

This is a budget-friendly hostel in Quepos, with dormitory accommodation, a swimming pool and shared facilities. It is a good option for backpackers and solo travellers who want to keep costs down while having somewhere social to stay. The shared kitchen is useful if you prefer preparing some of your own meals.

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Hotel Plaza Yara
Hotel Plaza Yara

This is a good option if you want more space than a typical hotel room. The property offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, a swimming pool and views of the surrounding tropical greenery. It is located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, making it a convenient base for exploring both areas.

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Sueño Tranquilo
Sueño Tranquilo

This is a small hotel in the centre of Quepos, making it a good option if you want to stay in town rather than along the more touristy road towards Manuel Antonio. The property has a relaxed atmosphere, a swimming pool and comfortable rooms.

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Where Should You Stay in Manuel Antonio Without a Car?

If you're travelling around Costa Rica without renting a car, I would recommend staying near the national park entrance and Playa Espadilla. This is the most convenient area for getting around on foot, with restaurants, shops and the beach close by.

Hotels such as Hotel San Bada and La Vela Boutique Hotel are worth looking at because of their locations. You can walk to the national park entrance and beach rather than having to arrange transport every time you want to go out.

There is also a public bus connecting Quepos with Manuel Antonio, which is useful if you want to visit Quepos or travel along the main road. However, the area is hilly, and not every hotel is within a comfortable walking distance of a bus stop or restaurant. Always check the exact location of your accommodation rather than relying only on the distance shown on a booking website.

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a sloth in Manuel Antonio national park
Manuel Antonio

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Manuel Antonio?

I would recommend spending three to four nights in Manuel Antonio for most visitors. This gives you enough time to explore Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoy the beaches and perhaps fit in another activity such as a boat tour, kayaking or a wildlife experience.

If you're planning a slower beach-focused stay, you could easily spend longer here. There are also day trips and activities in the surrounding area, so you don't have to spend every day inside the national park or at the beach.

If you're travelling around Costa Rica on a shorter itinerary, two nights is a reasonable starting point. Just remember to leave enough time to enjoy the beaches, rather than treating Manuel Antonio as only a national park stop.

Is It Better to Stay in Quepos or Manuel Antonio?

For most visitors, I would choose Manuel Antonio. It’s closer to the national park and beaches, and you'll have a good selection of hotels and restaurants along the main road. It’s particularly convenient if you only have a few nights in the area.

Quepos is worth considering if you want a more local atmosphere or are trying to save money. It has supermarkets, shops, restaurants and the marina, but you'll need to travel to reach the main attractions in Manuel Antonio.

If the price difference between a hotel in Quepos and one in Manuel Antonio is small, I would pay a little extra to stay closer to the beach and national park. The convenience can make a real difference, especially if you don't have a rental car.

Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio has accommodation for almost every type of traveller, from budget hostels and simple hotels to beautiful boutique properties and luxury resorts surrounded by rainforest. The most important decision is choosing the right location, as the hotels are spread along a hilly road and not all of them are within walking distance of the beach or national park.

For most first-time visitors, I would recommend staying in central Manuel Antonio or close to Playa Espadilla. Both areas make it easy to explore the national park, enjoy the beach and find somewhere to eat in the evening. If you're looking for a more peaceful and luxurious stay, the hotels around Punta Quepos and Biesanz Beach are worth considering.

Whatever you choose, I would book somewhere with a swimming pool if your budget allows. Manuel Antonio is warm and humid, and after a morning exploring the national park or spending time at the beach, having somewhere to cool off is a lovely bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio

What is the best area to stay in Manuel Antonio?

Central Manuel Antonio is the best all-round area for most visitors. It has a good selection of hotels, restaurants and tour operators, and the national park and beaches are only a short drive or bus ride away. If you want to walk to the park and beach, look for accommodation near Playa Espadilla.

Is it better to stay in Manuel Antonio or Quepos?

Manuel Antonio is generally better if you want to be close to the national park and beaches. Quepos is more affordable and has a more local atmosphere, with supermarkets, shops and restaurants, but you'll need transport to reach the main attractions.

Can you walk around Manuel Antonio?

You can walk between some hotels, restaurants and attractions, particularly near the national park entrance and Playa Espadilla. However, the main road is hilly, busy in places and not always pleasant for walking. Check the exact location of your hotel before booking if you don't have a car.

Is Manuel Antonio expensive?

It can be, particularly if you choose one of the luxury resorts with ocean views and extensive facilities. However, there are also hostels, guesthouses and more affordable hotels in the area. Staying in Quepos can help reduce accommodation costs.

How far is Manuel Antonio from Quepos?

Quepos is just north of Manuel Antonio, and the two areas are connected by the main road. The journey is relatively short by car or bus, although traffic and the exact location of your hotel can affect travel time.

How many days should I stay in Manuel Antonio?

Three nights is enough for most visitors. This gives you time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoy the beaches and fit in another activity. If you want a slower beach holiday, consider staying four or five nights.

Do you need a rental car in Manuel Antonio?

No, you can visit without a car. The public bus connects Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and taxis are available. However, having a rental car makes it easier to explore the surrounding area and stay at hotels further up the hills.

Plan Your Trip to Manuel Antonio

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Manuel Antonio. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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-Ingrid

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