Hotel La Mariposa 3-Bedroom Apartment
Hotel La Mariposa 3-Bedroom Apartment
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La Mariposa Hotel, Manuel Antonio

Modern hillside hotel with an outdoor pool, top-floor restaurant, and views of the Pacific Ocean and rainforest

Overview

As it's a hillside property, most travelers stay at La Mariposa Hotel for its incredible views, some of the best in Manuel Antonio. The hotel is updating all rooms, so some are currently better than others, though all have balconies with views. Families and larger groups can enjoy two- and three-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes. Other perks include two infinity pools and free shuttles to Playa Espadilla and the national park.

Kimkim's Take

Adam
Adam Gomez kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, August 2023 (Learn more)
Pros
  • As a hillside property near Biesanz Beach, this hotel has some of the best ocean views in all of Manuel Antonio, and you'll be close to a couple of other beaches, restaurants, and shops.
  • You'll have the opportunity to experience Costa Rica's diverse wildlife without leaving the comfort of the hotel.
  • The team's warm demeanor and dedication to providing excellent service contribute to a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere throughout the property.
  • The hotel's location in Manuel Antonio puts you close to the action while providing a serene retreat.
  • Relax at the two outdoor infinity pools with views, a hot tub, and a swim-up bar.
Cons
  • The steep pathways could make navigating the property difficult for some, particularly those using strollers or wheelchairs.
  • Some rooms need updating, and not all face the ocean.

Authenticity

La Mariposa Hotel is the go-to property for Manuel Antonio views. The property sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and national park, so you get both jungle vibes and incredible water views at the same time. Although rooms have been added over the years and all look slightly different,  every unit has a balcony. It's common to spot wildlife outside your window, including the resident sloth and macaw families. 

Location

When it comes to ocean views, you can't beat this location. Although it's farther from Espadilla Beach and the national park, the surrounding natural environment makes up for it. Luckily, the hotel operates a scheduled shuttle to the area, and it's only a 20-minute walk (up and down a few hills) from Biesanz Beach. It's also near a grocery store and other restaurants and cafés.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has grown over the years, so some rooms are newer and feel bright, warm, and inviting, whereas others are a bit more modern with clean lines and minimalist stylings. We recommend skipping the standard rooms (very plain) and the garden view rooms since you're probably staying here for the ocean views. But regardless of what you choose, you'll find clean rooms and exceptionally kind staff to help you if you need anything. 

Upgraded rooms offer partial or complete ocean views; some have wraparound balconies and outdoor seating areas with Jacuzzis. Families and larger groups may want to book the multi-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, which are a great option if you want to prepare some of your meals.

Other Highlights

Because the views are the highlight, the hotel ensures you can fully enjoy them at the hilltop open-air restaurant, lounge/bar area, and infinity pools. All feel very serene with bright neutral colors, green tropical plants, and thatched roofing. Other highlights include an on-site art gallery and a free shuttle to the national park and Espadilla Beach, which runs four times daily.

Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 2777-0456
Hotel address icon Manuel Antonio beach

Traveler Reviews

10 total ratings, 8 with reviews
4.6 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.6
Location
4.9
Staff
4.8
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.6
T
Tabatha S.
Boise, ID | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
It was at the top of a hill and we needed to walk up many steps and hills. Not an issue for us, we liked it, but for others that have an issue ask for a room in the main hotel area.
The view from the hotel was spectacular. The breakfast wasn't our favorite, but it was fine as they provided a number of options. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. We loved that the hotel itself had a lot of wildlife. We saw a sloth, two macaws, toucans, spider monkeys and a white-faced monkey right...
Read more

It was at the top of a hill and we needed to walk up many steps and hills. Not an issue for us, we liked it, but for others that have an issue ask for a room in the main hotel area.
The view from the hotel was spectacular. The breakfast wasn't our favorite, but it was fine as they provided a number of options. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. We loved that the hotel itself had a lot of wildlife. We saw a sloth, two macaws, toucans, spider monkeys and a white-faced monkey right there at the hotel. That was exciting.

Stayed in July 2023
S
SAPNA B.
Syracuse, NY | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023
Beautiful location and amazing views . Very kid friendly . Close to good places . Read more

Beautiful location and amazing views . Very kid friendly . Close to good places .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Gael
Gael J.
Santa Cruz, CA | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023
Fantastic view from the restaurant/pool, and some of the rooms as well. Read more

Fantastic view from the restaurant/pool, and some of the rooms as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
N
Nici F.
Prairie Du Rocher, IL | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2023
Wonderful rooms and guest services. Incredible views and we especially loved watching all the monkeys who live in the trees surrounding the hotel. Read more

Wonderful rooms and guest services. Incredible views and we especially loved watching all the monkeys who live in the trees surrounding the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable to/from restaurants, tours, ocean, etc.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean.
Stayed in January 2023
Esther
Esther B.
Indio, CA | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022
Very cute and quaint and the wildlife was impressive. The monkeys and birds were on full display. Breathtaking! Read more

Very cute and quaint and the wildlife was impressive. The monkeys and birds were on full display. Breathtaking!

Authenticity & Character
Cozy and peaceful
Location
Near town and beach
Staff
Always polite
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean-yes, but once again, beds were not the most comfortable
Stayed in July 2022
Carol
Carol K.
Tracy, CA | Reviewed on Jul 05, 2022
Our room was beautiful and the location was spectacular! Read more

Our room was beautiful and the location was spectacular!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2022
T
Tiffany N.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Apr 17, 2022
The hotel overlooks the ocean and has a great patio that is very relaxing. The staff were very friendly and the food was pretty good. The beds were a little hard for my taste, but the rooms were very nice. Read more

The hotel overlooks the ocean and has a great patio that is very relaxing. The staff were very friendly and the food was pretty good. The beds were a little hard for my taste, but the rooms were very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2022
D
Danielle M.
McHenry, IL | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2022
What a view! This hotel was amazing and had the best views in the area. The food was great and the customer service at the pool bar and the restaurant were top notch. We were very pleased and would definitely return to La Mariposa without hesitation. It was the perfect location to get around the area and walking distance to so many restaurants and shops. The free shuttle to and from Manuel Antonio was convenient, and the city bus was great too! We enjoyed our room and the panoramic views... Read more

What a view! This hotel was amazing and had the best views in the area. The food was great and the customer service at the pool bar and the restaurant were top notch. We were very pleased and would definitely return to La Mariposa without hesitation. It was the perfect location to get around the area and walking distance to so many restaurants and shops. The free shuttle to and from Manuel Antonio was convenient, and the city bus was great too! We enjoyed our room and the panoramic views it provided us. Every afternoon after our excursions we looked forward to relaxing by the pool for a few hours then up to our room to watch the sunset. Amazing!! Photos don't do this place justice. Andres and Harvy at the pool bar were very attentive and Christian at La Papillion Restaurant went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed our stay. Thank you so much for the outstanding customer service!!

Tips for future travelers

Just relax and chose this place. You will not be disappointed at all!!

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully manicured and very clean
Location
perfect! we could walk to at least 10 different restaurants and the city bus was so easy and clean to use
Staff
everyone was so nice and attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean and extremely comfortable, especially the padded sun loungers by the pool under the canopyt
Stayed in December 2021