Hotel La Mariposa, Manuel Antonio

Pros

• Perched on a hill, La Mariposa has some of the best ocean views in all of Manuel Antonio, and you'll be close to a handful of beaches, restaurants, and shops.
• Surrounded by tropical gardens, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including sloths, macaws, monkeys, and butterflies, without leaving the comfort of the hotel.
• Enjoy a complimentary full breakfast daily of various local and international options.
• Let the kids play in the kiddie pool while you enjoy the zero-edge main pool with a swim-up bar.
• 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.
• Not all rooms afford ocean views; they look out to a lush tropical garden.
• While there isn't a gym, spa services are available, from reflexology and Ayurvedic treatments to deep-tissue massage.

Authenticity

Hotel La Mariposa is the go-to hotel for Manuel Antonio views. The Spanish-Mediterranean property—a staple since the 1970s—sits atop the area's highest point overlooking the Pacific and Manuel Antonio 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, a perfect perch to see wildlife outside your window, including the resident sloth and macaw families, as well as butterflies for which the hotel is named (mariposa is Spanish for butterfly). 

Location

When it comes to ocean views, you can't beat this location. Although it's farther from Playa Espadilla and the Manuel Antonio National Park (a 5 to 8-minute drive, respectively), 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 Playa Biesanz. It's also near a grocery store and within walking distance of other restaurants and cafés if you're looking to go off-site. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has grown over the years, so some rooms are newer and brighter, if not a little stark, whereas others are a bit warmer, with terracotta floor tiles and colorful furniture. All have private private balconies. We recommend skipping the standard rooms (very plain) and the garden view rooms since you're probably staying here for the ocean views. Upgraded rooms offer partial or complete ocean views; some have wraparound balconies, like the Corner Sunset Ocean View, and outdoor seating areas with hot tubs. 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.

Accessible rooms are available on the ground floor for travelers with limited mobility, though be aware that the steep grounds can be difficult to traverse.  

Amenities

Hotel La Mariposa's large outdoor infinity pool is oriented to give you the best views of the Pacific Ocean. As the pool's not heated, there's a small hot tub adjacent to the pool, in case you want to relax in warmer waters, and a swim-up bar pool at one end. Though there's no on-site spa, a local partnered spa can provide in-room treatments. Sunset Bar & Lounge is perfect for enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset and dining at Le Papillon (French for butterfly) is a highlight, with its spectacular views and diverse menu that also caters to various dietary needs.

Family-Friendliness

Offering paid babysitting, cots, and free stays to two children under eight, Hotel La Mariposa is well-equipped for families. Many of the hotel's rooms are suited for family stays, but the apartments are the best option, as they come in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, allowing you to easily book the right amount of space for your family. 

Wildlife

The sweeping hillside views make this hotel an excellent spot for catching a glimpse of Costa Rica's iconic wildlife. Upper rooms are particularly great for this, as they're at the canopy level, where much of the wildlife tends to hang out. Travelers have spotted sloths, macaws, monkeys, agoutis, and plenty of butterflies hanging out on the hotel's grounds. 

Other Highlights

Because the views are the highlight, La Mariposa ensures you can fully enjoy them at the hilltop al fresco Le Papillon restaurant, lounge/bar area, and infinity pools. All feel very serene with bright neutral colors, green tropical plants, and thatched roofing. Other perks include a free shuttle to the national park and Playa Espadilla, which runs four times daily.