Parador Resort & Spa Adult-Only Pool
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Parador Resort and Spa, Manuel Antonio

A beautiful family-friendly resort set across 12 acres on Quepos Point with four pools, two eateries, and a nature trail.

Overview

The hotel owner’s love of the Spanish aesthetic led to the property’s name, as parador means “stopping point” or “resting place.” You can expect beautiful grounds with Spanish sculptures, tile work, and decor. The property is one of the most family-friendly in Manuel Antonio, with plenty to keep everyone entertained. You’ll find four pools, two eateries, two gift shops, and a garden area with nature trails, all just outside your room. Still, there’s a separate building and pool area reserved for adults-only for those seeking a quiet stay.

Pros
  • This large, kid-friendly resort has many amenities to keep your entire family happily entertained. These include two pools, two restaurants, gift shops, nature trails, nearby access to Biesanz Beach, tennis courts, and a mini-golf course.
  • The property is private and gated, set on 12 acres within the quiet and secluded Quepos Point, and surrounded by a beautiful and extensive garden area.
  • If you’re traveling without kids, the hotel features an adults-only building and two adults-only pools. 
  • Enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant/bar or sushi bar.
  • A shuttle service runs several times per day to the beach and national park.
  • Enjoy relaxing spa services for an additional fee. 
  • Babysitting services are also available for an additional fee.
Cons
  • Because of its more secluded location, there’s no local bus service, so leaving the property to get to Espadilla Beach or the national park requires a car or a taxi (minimum of $10).
  • Although Biensanz Beach is nearby, keep in mind that the path is steep.
  • Some rooms feel a little dated.

Kimkim's Take

Brittany
Brittany McNamara kimkim staff
Based on kimkim staff visit, March 2022 (Learn more)

Authenticity

Parador Resort and Spa is an excellent family-friendly choice that feels like you’re in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. The gated entrance opens up to four main buildings surrounded by tropical gardens and nature trails. Though you’re in Costa Rica, the architecture might feel a bit Spanish, especially in the common areas.

Location

The property is on Quepos Point, a small peninsula between Biesanz Beach and the north end of Espadilla Beach. The perk here is that it’s secluded in the jungle, but you’ll be farther from the area’s restaurants and national park. You can walk to Biesanz Beach via a steep public trail, and the property’s shuttle service runs several times per day to Espadilla Beach and the national park. However, going anywhere else requires a car or taxi. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms and suites are comfortable and spacious, but the decor is relatively muted and can seem outdated in the garden room category. Suites have Jacuzzis on the balcony, and other upgraded options have multiple rooms and full kitchens—excellent for larger groups. All units have a patio or balcony with views of the jungle, ocean, or hotel garden, and it’s not uncommon to spot wildlife right from your room (including the resident sloth family).

Other Highlights

The grounds have a little bit of everything, including four outdoor pools (two adults-only), a large garden with nature trails and wildlife viewing (with organized hikes), a mini-golf course, two restaurants, swim-up pool bars (and other bars), a spa, kids’ playroom, and tennis courts. 

Sustainability

Parador Resort and Spa is certified sustainable with Elite status (the highest level possible) by the Costa Rican Tourism Board. They also follow sustainability and social responsibility programs.

Hotel Information

4-star Hotel
+506 27771414
Punta Quepos
Free parking
Free wifi

Traveler Reviews

16 total ratings, 11 with reviews
4.9 out of 5
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.9
Location
4.9
Staff
4.9
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.9
D
Debra B.
Fruit Cove, FL | Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit Read more

Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit

Authenticity & Character
It was very comfortable even for a large "upscale" environment
Location
Central to area places to visit
Staff
Very kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Stayed in May 2023
P
PAULA M.
Derry Village, NH | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023

This is a very nice hotel. They have a variety of activities for all types of guests. We went to walk the Monkey Trail, but part of it appeared very steep and not well-maintained. We got to the scenic overlook, but could not continue because a tree had fallen over and was blocking the path. We enjoyed watching the antics of the monkeys. We experienced massages in the spa. The staff and the experience were wonderful and extremely relaxing. Breakfast was very crowded and seating was difficult... Read more

This is a very nice hotel. They have a variety of activities for all types of guests. We went to walk the Monkey Trail, but part of it appeared very steep and not well-maintained. We got to the scenic overlook, but could not continue because a tree had fallen over and was blocking the path. We enjoyed watching the antics of the monkeys. We experienced massages in the spa. The staff and the experience were wonderful and extremely relaxing. Breakfast was very crowded and seating was difficult one day. I appreciated that there was an adults-only pool. Unfortunately, the pool bar was in the family pool. The room was very nice and the patio was a nice place to watch the sunset.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in April 2023
Garritt
Garritt V.
Wenatchee, WA | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet. Read more

The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The staff was extremely helpful, especially Michael and Nelson
Stayed in February 2023
Darcy
Darcy M.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023

Our experience at the Parador was fantastic. The location is amazing with a stunning view of the pacific ocean. The staff was very friendly and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. It is our new favourite resort! Read more

Our experience at the Parador was fantastic. The location is amazing with a stunning view of the pacific ocean. The staff was very friendly and ensured that we were comfortable throughout our stay. It is our new favourite resort!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
JULIE
JULIE M.
Mount Prospect, IL | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2023

Breath taking views! Beautiful Spanish style hotel, outdoor dining, breakfast buffet and hiking near by.
We watched the monkeys and birds from our balcony on early mornings. It was just great. Also hiked down to the beach one afternoon. It’s a wonderful place to stay. Need a car or cab if you leave the premises. Read more

Breath taking views! Beautiful Spanish style hotel, outdoor dining, breakfast buffet and hiking near by.
We watched the monkeys and birds from our balcony on early mornings. It was just great. Also hiked down to the beach one afternoon. It’s a wonderful place to stay. Need a car or cab if you leave the premises.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in January 2023
Sandy
Sandy T.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2022

Magnificent views, great service and good restaurants with a very talented guitarist. Loved the monkey trail. Very clean. Beds and pillows very comfortable. Great air conditioning. Read more

Magnificent views, great service and good restaurants with a very talented guitarist. Loved the monkey trail. Very clean. Beds and pillows very comfortable. Great air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in December 2022
D
Dipankar G.
Tracy, CA | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2022

Location location location! The room was lovely as was the food. Great pools. Great staff. Spanish colonial grounds which were well done. The best part of all? Several monkey sightings including eight outside our door. Three sloths in a tree just hanging out. You get the idea. Read more

Location location location! The room was lovely as was the food. Great pools. Great staff. Spanish colonial grounds which were well done. The best part of all? Several monkey sightings including eight outside our door. Three sloths in a tree just hanging out. You get the idea.

Authenticity & Character
One thing I would add is the services seem un-advertised. We would have gone in a night walk had we known. We would have asked for the sushi menu if we knew there was one.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in November 2022
A
Anna L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 02, 2022

A large hotel, with beautiful ground and great facilities - multiple pools, 3 restaurants including a sushi bar, it's own crazy golf course and monkey trail.

Rooms were not the biggest but adequate and well equipped. Small balcony, looking onto the courtyard.

A wonderful local beach, Playa Biesanz which is walking distance but quite a steep walk.
We felt the hotel was very security conscious, all entries and exits were questioned and confirmed for vehicles and pedestrian.

Great ocean... Read more

A large hotel, with beautiful ground and great facilities - multiple pools, 3 restaurants including a sushi bar, it's own crazy golf course and monkey trail.

Rooms were not the biggest but adequate and well equipped. Small balcony, looking onto the courtyard.

A wonderful local beach, Playa Biesanz which is walking distance but quite a steep walk.
We felt the hotel was very security conscious, all entries and exits were questioned and confirmed for vehicles and pedestrian.

Great ocean views.

We loved the Pedro, the resident iguana!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Up a very steep hill, which put us off venturing out to try the local restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean and comfortable, however, there was a faint damp smell to the linen.
Stayed in July 2022
Christine
Christine C.
Berkeley, CA | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2022

We don't usually spring for resorts but it was the most reasonably priced option that we saw. I'm glad we did it! The rooms were immaculate and top-notch. Reception and guest services was super helpful for a huge variety of questions. Breakfast was great. Pool is great. Staff are great. Kids loved the pool table. It was generally very kid friendly. We saw a sloth on our first day! Read more

We don't usually spring for resorts but it was the most reasonably priced option that we saw. I'm glad we did it! The rooms were immaculate and top-notch. Reception and guest services was super helpful for a huge variety of questions. Breakfast was great. Pool is great. Staff are great. Kids loved the pool table. It was generally very kid friendly. We saw a sloth on our first day!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in July 2022
Julie
Julie G.
Lake Butler, FL | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2022

Quaint, gorgeous views, amazing staff. Read more

Quaint, gorgeous views, amazing staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views - the small windy road leading to it was only downfall.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Turn down service!!!
Stayed in July 2022