La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Hotel La Mariposa is a beautiful boutique hotel near Manuel Antonio National Park overlooking the breathtaking Pacific coastline. Nestled amidst the captivating allure of Manuel Antonio’s ocean views, enveloped by lush tropical gardens, and constructed with enchanting Spanish-Mediterranean design, staying at La Mariposa is nothing short of a journey into paradise itself.
On our first trip to Costa Rica, we spent the first three nights near San Jose and then took a private van to La Mariposa Hotel. The hotel is approximately 96 miles from the San Jose airport and it took at least 2 hours to get there. (We stopped at the Alligator Bridge for a pitt stop along the way.)
You will notice butterfly motifs around the property. La Mariposa translates to “the butterfly” in Spanish.
The hotel is located at the highest point in Manuel Antonio which makes it a great place to take in the incredible views. (Scroll to see what we saw from our guest room and the pool area.)
After climbing the stairs, we made our way to the “front desk” and were fortunate to be able to check-in a little early. We were given welcome drink coupons and towel coupons to use at the hotel swimming pool. (I am so glad we didn’t use valuable suitcase space packing beach towels.)
While I was checking in, my husband and sister took in the views and made a quick pit-stop at the baños (bathrooms).
Guest Rooms
La Mariposa has a variety of rooms from which to choose: Premier Ocean Garden View, Corner Sunset Ocean View, Premier Sunrise Ocean View, Premier Sunrise Ocean View, 1 Bedroom Suite Ocean Sunset View, Superior Sunset Ocean View, Standard Sunsrice Ocean View, Standard Garden View, Honeymoon Ocean Suite, Apartment 1 Bedroom Ocean Sunsrise View, Apartment 2Bedrooms Ocean Sunset View, Apartment 3 Bedrooms Ocean Sunrise View, Apartment La Mariposita Garden View, and Mobility-Accessible Premier Sunrise Ocean View.
Our Room
I had enough credit card points to book a Corner Sunset Ocean View (room) and not have to pay anything out of pocket other than tips. (The value of our March 2024 stay was $1304.02 for two nights.) Our room (#5) was located at the east end on the second floor and was accessible by both stairs and elevator.
Once we entered the room, our mouths dropped. The room was so much more than we expected. We had two separate bedrooms that were adjoined by a shared bath area (think Jack and Jill bathroom).
Each room had its own mini split air conditioning unit as well as flat-screen TVs. Unfortunately, we had problems accessing cable tv from the room by the balcony. But with the fantastic view, we didn’t need to watch tv.
After resting for a while, we made our way to the main level and redeemed our coupon for our welcome drink which was a nonalcoholic tropical cocktail.
We then headed to Playa Biesanz (Biesanz Beach for you English-speakin’ folks) where we were able to see a sloth (el perezoso) in a tree near the beach and monkeys playing in the trees.
After dinner at a nearby restaurant, we retreated back to our room to take in the breathtaking views of the sunset.
Amenities
Hotel guests get to take advantage of a full breakfast at Le Papillon (that’s French for “the butterfly”), the hotel’s open air restaurant.
We enjoyed the breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order breakfast burritos and tostadas along with fresh fruit and yogurt parfaits.
The restaurant is in the perfect location for enjoying a cup of coffee while watching scarlet macaws fly by.
Hours
Le Papillon is open for breakfast from 6:30 am until 9:30 am and for lunch and dinner from 11:00 am until 9:30 pm. The Sunset Bar is open from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm and the Pool Bar is open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Pool Area
If you rather be in a pool than in the ocean, you’re in luck because the hotel has an infinity pool with a great view.
Our schedule was pretty packed and I wish we had more time to take advantage of doing nothing other than relaxing and taking in the panoramic views of the ocean.
It would have been cool, too, to sit in the pool bar sipping on a fruity drink. (All of these are more reasons to go back, right?)
Other Hotel Details
Check-in Time/Check-Out Time – Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 11:00 pm. The friendly staff was kind enough to hold our luggage for us after check-out so that we could go on a tour of Villa Vanilla.
Free Wifi – the hotel offers guests free wifi in each room as well as in public areas.
Local Tours – The hotel will help you book a tour to experience the exhilarating thrill of ziplining through the rainforest canopy, the serene beauty of horseback riding along pristine beaches, or the excitement of surf lessons on Manuel Antonio’s legendary waves. For the adventurous spirits, embark on a rafting expedition through rushing rapids, explore the wonders of Manuel Antonio Park with a knowledgeable guide, or cruise through tranquil mangroves on a captivating mangrove tour. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the mysteries of the jungle with a thrilling jungle night tour. For those who prefer the open sea, indulge in sportfishing excursions or soar high above the coastline with parasailing adventures.
Have you been to Manuel Antonio? Tell us in the comment section below about your favorite thing to do and where you like to dine in Costa Rica.
