Hotel Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio

Authenticity

Hotel Playa Espadilla does a good job of blending into the natural surroundings. You'll find muted lodges with wooden accents and wraparound balconies connecting all second-floor rooms. A jungle of tropical plants, palms, and tall trees surrounds the property, making the outdoor dining area especially inviting. 

Location

Though it's not a waterfront accommodation, Hotel Playa Espadilla is just a 1-minute walk to the main beach, Playa Espadilla. In the other direction, a 2-minute walk takes you to the 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.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You have your choice between standard rooms and suites. All are basic, with tile floors and wooden beds. However, they're relatively spacious and comfortable, with colorful art and bed linens to add a bit of warmth. All rooms come with cable TV, air-conditioning, minifridges, and coffee makers, and though the bathrooms are clean, they're a bit small, and the water temperature can be tricky. One quirky detail about the rooms is that the doors stay open unless you lock them.

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.

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. 

Amenities

The hotel has two outdoor pools—one for adults, the other for kids. Food and drink are available poolside, and there are shaded lounge chairs near the pools. The hotel doesn't have a gym on-site, but travelers can participate in hotel-organized activities such as horseback riding, hiking, and surfing. The hotel has some accessible accommodations, and all rooms and common areas are on a single floor, so there are no elevators. 

Family-Friendliness

Playa Espadilla is family-friendly. The hotel's open-concept rooms are great for families and can accommodate families of three to four. The grounds are stroller-friendly. The Puerto Escondido restaurant doesn't have a kids' menu, but several dishes are child-friendly. 

Other Highlights

The hotel's open-air restaurant and bar, Puerto Escondido Restaurant and Bar, offers high-top wooden tables where guests can dine under tall trees strung with lights. Travelers may be able to spot wildlife from their tables while they eat. Breakfast (buffet-style), lunch, and dinner are served, with dishes ranging from traditional Costa Rican fare to international specialties. There's a full bar and a great selection of nonalcoholic drinks and fresh juices.