Hotel Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio

Pros

• The hotel is just down the street from the beach at Playa Espadilla and within walking distance of the national park and several restaurants.
• You'll find two outdoor pools on the property; one is for adults, and the other is for kids.  
• The open-air restaurant and bar have a romantic ambience with high-top tables, wooden furniture, and twinkly lights strung through trees. 
• Hotel-organized activities in the area include horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. 

Cons

• There's no gym or spa on-site.
• Some rooms feel a bit dated.
• The pool often gets crowded at peak times.
• Some room quirks include doors that have to be locked to shut and temperamental water temperatures.

Authenticity

Hotel Playa Espadilla is a small, family-owned property surrounded by lush gardens and jungle, portions of which are part of a designated nature reserve. The simple lodges with wooden accents and wraparound balconies do a nice job of blending in with their surroundings, and you'll find natural materials such as wood and rattan utilized throughout rooms and common areas. Wildlife abounds within the grounds, and while the location is just minutes from the beach, restaurants, and shops, the whole property has a peaceful, tucked-away feel.

Location

Though it's not a waterfront accommodation, Hotel Playa Espadilla is just a 3-minute walk to the main beach, Playa Espadilla. In the other direction, a 6-minute walk takes you to Manuel Antonio National Park's entrance, where you can easily connect to the Park Trail. You'll also be within walking distance of several restaurants and cafés, many overlooking the beach. It's under 10 minutes by taxi or car to the nearby town of Manuel Antonio, which has an easily walkable center full of shopping and dining. The nearest airport is a 25-minute drive north in Quepos. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

You can choose between standard rooms and suites, many of which have been recently renovated in 2023. All are basic, with tile floors and wooden beds, but they're relatively spacious and comfortable, with colorful art and linens to add a bit of warmth. All rooms come with cable TV, free WiFi, air-conditioning, minifridges, and coffee makers. The bathrooms are clean but on the small side, and the water temperature can be tricky. Accessible accommodations are available, and all rooms and common areas are on a single floor.

Amenities

You'll find two outdoor pools—one for adults, the other for kids—with shaded seating and poolside food and drink service. There's no gym, but the hotel can help you organize activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. The open-air restaurant area was recently renovated to create a lovely space with high-top wooden tables under tall trees strung with lights. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served here in the mornings, and lunch and dinner options range from traditional Costa Rican fare to international specialties. There's also a full bar with a selection of nonalcoholic drinks and fresh juices.

Family-Friendliness

Playa Espadilla welcomes children, and the hotel's open-concept rooms can accommodate families of three to four, with extra cribs upon request. The grounds are stroller-friendly, and there's a separate children's pool area. 

Wildlife

Travelers at Hotel Playa Espadilla can expect to see monkeys, iguanas, toucans, coatis, and birds around the hotel's grounds, especially around the pools and up in the trees. There's also a nice nature trail that winds through the property, which is perfect for spotting the resident critters.

Sustainability

Because the property sits within the jungle, part of the grounds includes primary and secondary forests protected under the Espadilla Wildlife Refuge. The hotel uses energy-saving techniques and alternative energies (such as solar) and earned five stars in the Blue Flag and Green Flag (drinking water management) programs.