Manuel Antonio packs two very different types of resorts into one small stretch of coastline. On one side, you have beachfront properties like Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, part of the Cayuga Collection. It sits right on the sand at Playa Espadilla, with 12 acres of rainforest behind it, two pools, a spa, and a free shuttle to the national park. On the other side, there are jungle-perched stays like Tulemar Resort, which combines a private beach with villas and bungalows scattered across 32 acres. Then there's Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge, which sits above town, offering 2 pools (one with a swim-up bar), a butterfly garden, and a small cinema. And for a more exclusive vibe, Royal Grand Resorts is an adults-only resort for men, with a pool, hot tub, and easy access to Espadilla Beach.
Budget-wise, you'll need around $150 to $400 a night for a mid-range resort, while luxury options like Parador Nature Resort and Spa run from $250 to $600 and up. Staying in the Manuel Antonio area keeps you close to the park entrance and the main beach, while properties farther up the hill trade beach access for views and quiet. Most resorts include free parking, WiFi, breakfast, and at least one pool; some, like Arenas Del Mar, offer airport shuttle and private beach areas. Book ahead for the December-to-April dry season, and check if the hotel offers a shuttle to Manuel Antonio National Park-some do, which saves you the hassle of parking.