La Mariposa Hotel, Manuel Antonio

Kimkim team favorite · 4.5 (29 reviews) · Comfort
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.
  • No gym available at the hotel. 

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.

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 more hanging out on the grounds of the hotel. 

Amenities

Hotel La Mariposa's large outdoor infinity pool is oriented to give you the best views possible 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. Though there's no on-site spa, a local partnered spa can provide in-room treatments. Three 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.

Family-Friendliness

Offering paid babysitting, cots, and free stays to two children under the age of eight, Hotel La Mariposa is well-equipped for families staying in Manuel Antonio. 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. 

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.

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Hotel Information

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

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Spectacular Ocean Views

The hotel offers stunning views of the ocean, which many guests found breathtaking. The views from the rooms, patio, restaurant, and pool area were especially highlighted. (19 mentions)

A
“Waking up to that beautiful view in the morning, with the birds flying by our porch, monkeys in the trees, and butterfly's everywhere is truly a unique Costa Rica experience.”  — Anne A.
S
“the room and view of the ocean as well as the sunrise and sunset were the crowning touch of our stay”  — Steve S.
D
“We enjoyed our room and the panoramic views it provided us.”  — Danielle M.
Excellent Customer Service

The staff at the hotel were frequently praised for their attentiveness, friendliness, and efforts to accommodate guests' needs. Specific mentions include personalized birthday arrangements and helpfulness with strange requests. (10 mentions)

Bill
“The entire staff was well informed, extremely courteous.”  — Bill K.
D
“The food was great and the customer service at the pool bar and the restaurant were top notch.”  — Danielle M.
D
“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.”  — Danielle M.
Comfortable Rooms

The rooms were generally described as comfortable and spacious. Guests appreciated the decor and the views from their rooms. (8 mentions)

Amy
“The rooms were nice, with great views from the patio.”  — Amy S.
Sandra
“The room was spacious and comfortable”  — Sandra K.
J
“Rooms were great and the grounds were super nice.”  — Joe K.
Beautiful Hotel Grounds

Guests enjoyed the beautiful and well-maintained hotel grounds, which included sightings of local wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and butterflies. The surroundings contributed to a unique Costa Rica experience. (7 mentions)

Sushma
“Hotel grounds had cool animals walking or flying around- macaws, lizards, monkeys etc.”  — Sushma S.
T
“We loved that the hotel itself had a lot of wildlife.”  — Tabatha S.
N
“we especially loved watching all the monkeys who live in the trees surrounding the hotel.”  — Nici F.

Traveler Reviews

29 total ratings, 22 with reviews
4.5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.5
Location
4.8
Staff
4.5
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.5
Keely
Keely G.
New York, NY | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2024
Beautiful facility and great location, but the service was sometimes lacking. Read more

Beautiful facility and great location, but the service was sometimes lacking.

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully renovated, incorporating lots of local feel.
Location
Beautiful views, walking distance to beaches, restaurants and markets.
Staff
Mixed experience. The evening restaurant service was amazing, and certain attendants at pool/bar were great. Front desk service was cold and transactional; we also struggled to get the attention of wait staff to order lunch at pool or at bar.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was beautiful! Would be helpful to have a couple more patio chairs so that a family of more than 2 can sit at once to enjoy the patio. Also needed a few more drawers/hangers.
Stayed in June 2024
A
Anne A.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on May 26, 2024
The view from this hotel is spectacular! This is a beautiful hotel. Waking up to that beautiful view in the morning, with the birds flying by our porch, monkeys in the trees, and butterfly's everywhere is truly a unique Costa Rica experience. Read more

The view from this hotel is spectacular! This is a beautiful hotel. Waking up to that beautiful view in the morning, with the birds flying by our porch, monkeys in the trees, and butterfly's everywhere is truly a unique Costa Rica experience.

Authenticity & Character
The whole facility was wonderful and felt truly unique. The pool was very enjoyable, especially on a very hot day.
Location
Very close to other bars and restaurants, although you do need to drive or take a cab to get to the beach. It is not really walkable.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in May 2024
Jen
Jen M.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on May 02, 2024
La Mariposa is within walking distance to many restaurants. We were comfortable in our room and loved the beautiful view of our room overlooking the ocean. The breakfasts were delicious . The staff were kind and accommodating. Read more

La Mariposa is within walking distance to many restaurants. We were comfortable in our room and loved the beautiful view of our room overlooking the ocean. The breakfasts were delicious . The staff were kind and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character
La Mariposa has character and charm.
Location
The location is a good spot. There is a shuttle to and from the beach multiple times per day. We had transportation arranged for our day trips which was a good plan.
Staff
The staff were all friendly and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
The grounds and rooms were very clean.
Stayed in March 2024
Amy
Amy S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
This hotel sits at the top of a hill, a little outside of town. It has a great view from the restaurant and pool. The rooms were nice, with great views from the patio. Read more

This hotel sits at the top of a hill, a little outside of town. It has a great view from the restaurant and pool. The rooms were nice, with great views from the patio.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The only "comfort" issue we had was that the light into the bathroom is on a motion detector with a timer (that makes a noise) There isn't a door separating the where the beds and bathroom - if someone needs to use the bathroom in the night, the light goes on with an audible click and stays on for several minutes. It came on by itself once during the night .
Stayed in April 2024
M
Michael H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024
The hotel is perfect for people who are looking for a getaway place to relax, but not the best for active people since there is no gym or any exercise facilities. There are 2 pools and a jacuzzi.
The breakfast food was good with lots of variety. There are some things that could be fixed such as our toilet, the TV, and
internet service. Overall, it's a solid hotel to stay at.
Read more

The hotel is perfect for people who are looking for a getaway place to relax, but not the best for active people since there is no gym or any exercise facilities. There are 2 pools and a jacuzzi.
The breakfast food was good with lots of variety. There are some things that could be fixed such as our toilet, the TV, and
internet service. Overall, it's a solid hotel to stay at.

Authenticity & Character
It looks like a mission in the forest
Location
Beautiful outlook of the ocean and forestry.
Staff
They were friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Toilet clogged multiple times
Stayed in March 2024
Peter
Peter H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 09, 2024
The view from the hotel was spectacular. However the plumbing was poor. The toilet was clogged daily. The Internet was like in a cruise. Read more

The view from the hotel was spectacular. However the plumbing was poor. The toilet was clogged daily. The Internet was like in a cruise.

Location
Is in the top of the mountain with the bay under it.
Staff
They are feiendly
Stayed in March 2024
Sandra
Sandra K.
Bellingham, WA | Reviewed on Mar 05, 2024
I initially stayed here for one night, but I loved it so much that we asked to come back to extend the stay. The hotel was located outside Manuel Antonio Park, offering stunning views. The room was spacious and comfortable. The staff was attentive, and I had a pleasant stay overall. Read more

I initially stayed here for one night, but I loved it so much that we asked to come back to extend the stay. The hotel was located outside Manuel Antonio Park, offering stunning views. The room was spacious and comfortable. The staff was attentive, and I had a pleasant stay overall.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Stayed in January 2024
Bill
Bill K.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2024
I cannot say enough wonderful things about La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio. It is the premier spot for watching the amazing sunsets. The entire staff greets you by name. A tropical floral arrangement and voucher for a bottle of house wine awaited me in my room. It was my birthday and I waited too long to reserve a sunset dinner table (it was 3:00 for a 5:30 sunset) everything was booked. I mentioned that it was my birthday. The guy excused himself and came back a few minutes later. He had... Read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio. It is the premier spot for watching the amazing sunsets. The entire staff greets you by name. A tropical floral arrangement and voucher for a bottle of house wine awaited me in my room. It was my birthday and I waited too long to reserve a sunset dinner table (it was 3:00 for a 5:30 sunset) everything was booked. I mentioned that it was my birthday. The guy excused himself and came back a few minutes later. He had reserved the primo table on the patio for me! I always try to have a few strange requests for the front desk. They either knew the answer or researched it for me. The entire staff was well informed, extremely courteous. It was probably one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Authenticity & Character
Everybody was “Pura Vida” the greetings felt genuine. Everybody seemed on the same page.
Location
Best sunset in Costa Rica
Staff
Everyone. The dining room guy MADE a space for me at a sold out dinner(Best table for the sunset). Everyone greeted me (and everyone else) by name.
Cleanliness & Comfort
They were constantly cleaning. Everything was discrete. In the early morning, one guy was trimming the trees with a machete (no power saws). Another was raking up the leaves. Another was sweeping. Still another was cleaning the leaves out of the pool. I never heard anything power.. blowers. There was always someone cleaning, whether in the restaurant, the pool, public areas, flowers. Even the parking lot was spotless!
Stayed in February 2024
H
Harry K.
La Vista, NE | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Surroundings were lovely
The pool refreshing
Dining views spectacular
Read more

Surroundings were lovely
The pool refreshing
Dining views spectacular

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms spacious; privacy of shades not great as openings to see right into room with shades drawn. Bathroom too open and not private enough. Bed very squeaky every time moved and mattress lumpy and pillows too firm with no options. Shower cold thru stay.
Stayed in February 2024
S
Steve S.
Loudon, TN | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
One of the older hotels we stayed at but the room and view of the ocean as well as the sunrise and sunset were the crowning touch of our stay. Read more

One of the older hotels we stayed at but the room and view of the ocean as well as the sunrise and sunset were the crowning touch of our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in February 2024

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Hotel Information

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