Shana By the Beach Resort, Manuel Antonio

4.3 (8 reviews) · Mid-Range
Open and airy hillside resort with two outdoor pools, ocean views, and a gourmet restaurant.
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M
Marcy B.
Mar 29, 2024
This is a nice hotel, looks big but does not feel big. Rooms are roomy and comfortable. Pool is very nice. Drinks are great. Staff is... Read more
M
MOTTI T.
Aug 31, 2022
To be honest, when we got there the room wasn't ready and it wasn't what we expected, also the hotel doesn't have a beach, it has... Read more
S
Sarah M.
Aug 31, 2022
Fantastic hotel, great facilities and lovely atmosphere. I'd recommend an ocean view room. It was spectacular watching the sun go down from our balcony. There's a... Read more
Jean Stephen
Jean Stephen R.
Jan 27, 2022
Incredible location with spectacular view. A bit dated but still worth going
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Overview

While in a lovely, quiet location with direct access to Biesanz Beach, Shana by the Beach Resort and its rooms are a bit dated. The resort has  Mediterranean vibes with white buildings, terracotta roofs, individual balconies, and stoic columns. A full line-up of resort offerings is available, with two outdoor pools (one adults-only), a spa, a fitness center, nature trails, and a private path to the beach.

Pros
  • Simple and a bit dated, this is a good choice for last-minute travelers when other options are booked out. 
  • This hillside resort is on Quepos Point, so you'll enjoy excellent ocean views and private access to Biesanz Beach.
  • The gourmet yet casual restaurant sources 80% of its products from local vendors. 
  • Enjoy relaxing at two outdoor pools (one adults-only), a lounge and pool bar, and an on-site spa (additional fee).
  • To help you get around, the property offers on-site shuttle services via golf carts.
Cons
  • This is a very hilly property, so it might be difficult for some travelers to get around. 
  • There are no shuttle services to nearby attractions, and going to the national park or other sites requires a car or taxi.
  • The rooms feel dated and could use some improvements.

Kimkim's Take

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

Authenticity

Although the property has a Mediterranean look, you're still set hillside in the tropical forest. You won't forget you're in Costa Rica with jungle and ocean views! Plus, the on-site restaurant sources its products from local vendors allowing you to enjoy traditional flavors and dishes.

Location

Shana by The Beach is as it sounds: right by Biesanz Beach. A private nature trail only accessible to guests leads you through the property to the beach. Otherwise, you're at the edge of Quepos Point, which is a bit far from the main beach and the national park. No buses come to the hotel, and there aren't any shuttle services, so getting around requires a car or taxi.

Rooms & Bathrooms

You have several room options, from standard units to the presidential suite, though all feel they could use a little updating. Some upgraded rooms come with kitchenettes or full kitchens, multiple rooms, patio dining, and/or private pools (only in the Presidential Suite), but all rooms have a balcony with jungle or ocean views, air-conditioning, minifridges, free WiFi, and cable TV. Bathrooms are relatively standard.

Wildlife

The quiet location of the resort on Quepos Point lends itself to wildlife viewing, with travelers spotting monkeys, sloths, and many birds, including macaws and toucans. In particular, the private nature trail leading to the beach offers the best opportunities to spot Costa Rica's iconic wildlife. 

Amenities

Shana by the Beach Resort has a bit of everything as expected of a full-service resort. There are two outdoor pools, with one equipped for families while the other is the adults-only section and has easy access to the resort's bar. The spa offers a full menu, including massage, facials, manicures, and pedicures, and there's a well-equipped gym available on-site. Guests with limited mobility should book one of the accessible rooms on the ground floor, though the hilly nature of the resort may be challenging to get around on. 

Family-Friendliness

Families have enjoyed staying at the resort due to the easy beach access and room options like the Family Suite, which offers a private patio and pool. Children of all ages are welcome, and those under the age of 12 stay for free. 

Other Highlights

The Shana Restaurante offers casual fine dining so that you can get gourmet food even in your vacation attire. Adults can enjoy a drink from Shana Lounge & Pool Bar or sample one of the 1,000+ wine bottles available in the resort's extensive wine cellar.

Sustainability

Shana Restaurante focuses on sustainability, with 80% of its suppliers being local to Manuel Antonio. Food is primarily local and seasonal.

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 2272 7036
Hotel address icon 800 mts noroeste de Plaza Vista
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Shana By the Beach Resort map

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Dated Decor

Several reviews mentioned that the hotel is a bit dated and could use some updates in terms of decor and maintenance. (4 mentions)

T
“The rooms were a little dated and in need of some maintenance.”  — Traci S.
Kelsey
“A little dated and not the best decore”  — Kelsey C.
Jean Stephen
“A bit dated but still worth going”  — Jean Stephen R.
Beautiful Pool Area

The pool area is frequently praised, with one review mentioning a fantastic pool and another highlighting an adult-only pool. Overall, the pool seems to be one of the standout features. (4 mentions)

Kelsey
“beautiful pool area”  — Kelsey C.
T
“Good pool including adult only pool.”  — Traci S.
M
“They have a pool that cannot be beaten”  — MOTTI T.
Private Beach Access

There is access to a private beach, although one review clarified that it's actually a public beach and not easy to get to. Another review recommended bringing cash for spending the day there. (4 mentions)

M
“There is a nice private path on the hotel grounds to one of the best beaches, Biesanz Beach.”  — Marcy B.
T
“Access to the beach on a private trail.”  — Traci S.
S
“There's a private beach that's great to spend the day on (just take cash).”  — Sarah M.
Steep Property

Multiple reviews mention that the property is very steep, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues. (3 mentions)

M
“Property is steep but most of Manuel Antonio is!”  — Marcy B.
T
“Very steep climbs on premises.”  — Traci S.
Kelsey
“it's built on a hill so if mobility is an issue this probably isn't the place for you”  — Kelsey C.

Traveler Reviews

8 total ratings, 7 with reviews
4.3
Feature ratings
Authenticity & Character
4.1
Location
4.3
Staff
4.6
Cleanliness & Comfort
4.1
M
Marcy B.
Boise, ID | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2024
This is a nice hotel, looks big but does not feel big. Rooms are roomy and comfortable. Pool is very nice. Drinks are great. Staff is overall friendly. Breakfast is great, rest of the food is decent. Enjoyed our stay here. Property is steep but most of Manuel Antonio is! There is a nice private path on the hotel grounds to one of the best beaches, Biesanz Beach....I recommend! Read more

This is a nice hotel, looks big but does not feel big. Rooms are roomy and comfortable. Pool is very nice. Drinks are great. Staff is overall friendly. Breakfast is great, rest of the food is decent. Enjoyed our stay here. Property is steep but most of Manuel Antonio is! There is a nice private path on the hotel grounds to one of the best beaches, Biesanz Beach....I recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in March 2024
Christopher
Christopher A.
Spain | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024
Quite disappointing. For the price paid, even though it was high season I would expect a lot more. Read more

Quite disappointing. For the price paid, even though it was high season I would expect a lot more.

Authenticity & Character
Basically it needs an complete uplift and renovation
Location
Staff
The staff are very attentive and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
No problem with the cleanliness but the rooms and the swimming pool area could do with a complete renovation
Stayed in January 2024
T
Traci S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023
Good hotel. Very steep climbs on premises. Access to the beach on a private trail. The beach is where all of the snorkel excursions take you, so you can just rent a kayak and snorkel on the beach and save yourself a lot of money. Nice breakfast. Rather expensive Dinner menu. Good pool including adult only pool. Lots of monkeys on the property (balconies). Lots of birds. We saw toucans on the property! The rooms were a little dated and in need of some maintenance. Read more

Good hotel. Very steep climbs on premises. Access to the beach on a private trail. The beach is where all of the snorkel excursions take you, so you can just rent a kayak and snorkel on the beach and save yourself a lot of money. Nice breakfast. Rather expensive Dinner menu. Good pool including adult only pool. Lots of monkeys on the property (balconies). Lots of birds. We saw toucans on the property! The rooms were a little dated and in need of some maintenance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Difficult to get to restaurant options on foot, but the golf cart driver was able to shuttle us to the Korean BBQ restaurant, Carambola, up the hill. It was delicious.
Staff
When the air-conditioning didn’t work in our first room, it took quite a bit of negotiating to get a new room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had two king beds for a family of four, which was nice.
Stayed in March 2023
M
MOTTI T.
Potomac, MD | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2022
To be honest, when we got there the room wasn't ready and it wasn't what we expected, also the hotel doesn't have a beach, it has access to a public beach and that too isn't easy to go to (or come back from) but I have to say, the management listened to our feedback and insisted on fixing the experience right away, our room was changed, we were given opportunity to enjoy other services and it was absolutely amazing! They have a pool that cannot be beaten, great hotel, definitely coming back. Read more

To be honest, when we got there the room wasn't ready and it wasn't what we expected, also the hotel doesn't have a beach, it has access to a public beach and that too isn't easy to go to (or come back from) but I have to say, the management listened to our feedback and insisted on fixing the experience right away, our room was changed, we were given opportunity to enjoy other services and it was absolutely amazing! They have a pool that cannot be beaten, great hotel, definitely coming back.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2022
S
Sarah M.
Qatar | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2022
Fantastic hotel, great facilities and lovely atmosphere. I'd recommend an ocean view room. It was spectacular watching the sun go down from our balcony. There's a private beach that's great to spend the day on (just take cash). I'd really recommend staying here. Read more

Fantastic hotel, great facilities and lovely atmosphere. I'd recommend an ocean view room. It was spectacular watching the sun go down from our balcony. There's a private beach that's great to spend the day on (just take cash). I'd really recommend staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in August 2022
Kelsey
Kelsey C.
Foster City, CA | Reviewed on Jun 26, 2022
A little dated and not the best decore, but beautiful pool area and restaurant.. good location within walking distance to the beach.. it's built on a hill so if mobility is an issue this probably isn't the place for you. Read more

A little dated and not the best decore, but beautiful pool area and restaurant.. good location within walking distance to the beach.. it's built on a hill so if mobility is an issue this probably isn't the place for you.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stayed in June 2022
Jean Stephen
Jean Stephen R.
Puerto Rico | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2022
Incredible location with spectacular view. A bit dated but still worth going Read more

Incredible location with spectacular view. A bit dated but still worth going

Tips for future travelers

The property is on a high cliff above the ocean. Great view. But remote beach access requires a vigorous walk

Authenticity & Character
Charm
Location
Cliff based view of ocean
Staff
Friendliness
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness; simplicity
Stayed in December 2021

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Hotel Information

Hotel stars icon 4-star Hotel
Hotel phone icon +506 2272 7036
Hotel address icon 800 mts noroeste de Plaza Vista
Hotel website icon Hotel website
Shana By the Beach Resort map

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