Central Pacific: Hotels from Manuel Antonio and Jaco to Puntarenas

VERDE MAR | ¢¢¢
www.verdemar.com
Located 500m from the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park, close to the public beach. 20 rooms of 4 categories with simple furniture on 2 floors. With terrace or balcony. Kitchenettes, except in the "economic" category. No breakfast, no restaurant. Small pool, trail leading to the beach.
Our Opinion: Unpretentious accommodations at an affordable price… a rarity in Manuel Antonio.

VILLA TECA superior | ¢¢¢
www.villatecahotel.com
Villa Teca has 20 two-room bungalows on a high plateau amid a large, pleasant tropical garden. Each room has air conditioning, 2 twin beds or a double bed, a private bathroom (shower) and a small terrace offering a nice view on the vegetation. Swimming pool on two levels, bar and restaurant.
Our Opinion: One of the few good small addresses in this class at Manuel Antonio. Moderate rates.

CASITAS ECLIPSE superior, charming | ¢¢¢¢
www.casitaseclipse.org
The Andalusian style white houses of one or two stories (30 rooms) are scattered in the gardens of a beautiful property. Between the lush vegetation you will find three refreshing pools, one overlooking the ocean. Standard rooms and suites with kitchenette for a maximum of 5 persons, tastefully decorated. Bar, quality Italian restaurant ("Gato Nero") and excellent service.
Our Opinion: Very pleasant hotel, one of the best of its category in Manuel Antonio with reasonable rates.

LA MANSION INN luxurious, charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.lamansioninn.com
A superior address, overlooking the Pacific with a superb view of Manuel Antonio National Park. 6 room categories, including a presidential suite, all tastefully decorated and with ocean view. The cavern bar is amazing… Small pool and whirlpool. Renowned restaurant. Parking space.
Our Opinion: For a luxurious stay. Ideal for a honeymoon and other romantic sojourns… Good value for money.

TULEMAR luxurious, charming | ¢¢¢¢¢¢
www.tulemar.com
The luxurious bungalows are originally designed and spacious, with large windows overlooking the ocean. 2 accommodation categories. Small private beach (the only hotel in Manuel Antonio with its own beach), pool, bar, restaurant. Activities (kayaking, volleyball, diving and snorkelling) and tours are available.
Our Opinion: For a dream holiday. Ideal for a honeymoon or family holidays.

VILLA LAPAS | ¢¢¢¢
www.villalapas.com
A nice 1:30h drive from San Jose you find this pleasant hotel consisting of 47 rooms in small villas on a private reserve of 3 ha by a river. Bar, restaurant, swimming pool, miniature golf, souvenir shop. Activities offered by the hotel: "SkyWay", canopy tour and a trip to a beautiful waterfall at 4.5 km distance. Full-board or Accommodation Only available.
Our Opinion: An excellent starting point in a beautiful environment to visit the Carara National Park.

PUNTA LEONA | ¢¢¢¢
www.hotelpuntaleona.com
Well located in the heart of a vast private nature reserve, where the movie "1492-Conquest of Paradise" was shot. The imposing, resort-like hotel has several types of rooms scattered among the lush vegetation, with air-condition, fridge, TV. 2 pools, bars, restaurants, discos, souvenir shop and most of all: two beautiful beaches right in front. Various activities are possible: hiking through the private hotel reserve, swimming, fishing, diving or visiting the Carara National Park.
Our Opinion: Some may feel that the atmosphere is somewhat impersonal and a little too "club"-like. However, this is not a bad bathing option for the region, which is only 1:30h from San José. Given the extent of the property a car is highly recommended.

VILLA CALETAS charming | ¢¢¢¢¢
www.hotelvillacaletas.com
Member of "Small Distinctive Hotels of Costa Rica" www.distinctivehotels.com
A luxurious French-Costa Rican hotel, built on a hill overlooking the Pacific with a breathtaking view of the Nicoya Gulf. The US-colonial style hotel offers a unique atmosphere of great charm. 8 standard and superior rooms, 20 (more spacious and air-conditioned) villas with balcony, bathroom, and junior and master suites. Bar, fine dining (by award-winning chef Vincent) and superior service. One of Costa Rica’s most beautiful sunsets (which was used for the film “1492-Conquest of Paradise”). Swimming pool overlooking the ocean, free 4x4 shuttle to reach a small nearby beach, and an amphitheatre where classical concerts are held in front of the sea. The ideal place for a honeymoon or a romantic stay.
Our Opinion: The place is worth to (at least) take a drink at sunset, if you can. However, we lament the recent annex, which did not contribute to the original charm of the establishment. Rates are according to the hotel’s category.

ZEPHYR PALACE | ¢¢¢¢¢¢
www.zephyrpalace.com
The Zephyr Palace decidedly intends to be an impressive hotel (or rather, fortress?) by its extravagant appearance. You may like it or not, but no one will remain untouched by the (interior and exterior) architecture – it truly is astonishing! The styles fluctuate between exuberance and sophistication. The so-called "Palacio" was constructed like a bird's nest and overlooks the Pacific and the Nicoya Peninsula like a medieval castle… away from prying eyes… The 7 suites (lucky number) with ocean view are all decorated differently pursuant to regional or epochal themes. Very nice bathrooms with Jacuzzi. Majestic restaurant, almost like an imperial ballroom. Shuttle to the private "Caletas" beach. Parking spaces.
Our Opinion: To treat oneself (at least once in a lifetime) and play James Bond or Angelina Jolie… Perfect for your romantic honeymoon… Note that it is possible to reserve the whole Zephyr Palace…

Because there are almost no “star classifications” in Costa Rica we have assigned our own categories to give you a more precise idea of the establishments:

orderly and simple, mostly rustic accommodations
neat, comfortable accommodations, mostly rustic
quality hotels with character and great comfort
high-class hotels, offering distinctive service
top end luxury hotels, Costa Rica’s best!

Price Categories:

¢: 40-60 USD | ¢¢: 61-90 USD | ¢¢¢: 91-120 USD | ¢¢¢¢: 121-180 USD |

¢¢¢¢¢: 181-300 USD | ¢¢¢¢¢¢: 300+ USD