[/caption]For our first trip to Manuel Antonio we stayed at the lovely little Boutique Hotel Mandarina just outside the small Pacific coast port town of Quepos, at the highest elevation on the main road about halfway between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. If you are arriving by car you want to keep an eye out for the Barba Roja Restaurant just 50 yards from the hotel on the right hand side. The Hotel is located on the left hand side and offers a secure parking lot behind the reception building.
Located at just 1.2 miles (2 Km) from some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, as well as having the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park at the end of the main road, a twenty minute walk down the secondary road from the hotel will bring you to a secluded beach while the local bus stops lies 50 yards from the hotel and brings you to the main beach or Manuel Antonio National Park in 5 minutes. We would suggest you walk DOWN to the beach and take a bus up unless you don't mind working up a sweat again on your way back up..
The Hotel Mandarina combines comfort and style with great prices, at any time of the year! With breakfast included in the price, even during the high season we managed to get away with a bargain for Easter Weekend at under $100 for two people in a stylish standard room.
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In total there are 13 units: 6 standard rooms (on lower level) and 6 studio (larger than standard and on upper level) rooms as well as 1 apartment. The one bed apartment has a kitchen, a living room (with two day-beds) and dining room, and is perfect for a smaller group keen on having some more space during their stay in this natural paradise. And the cherry on the cake if you choose the apartment - there is an ocean view from the dining room..
The breakfast is served out by the pool and prepared while you wait. We had delicious fresh fruit with green tea to start with followed by scrambled eggs and toast, we decided the pancakes were a bit too heavy to start the day with. The pool area offers loungers as well as tables to relax at while the cute capuchin monkeys swing in the trees above, and a humming bird or two enjoy the nectar from the many flowers growing around the pool. Ideally the whole area offers wireless internet, so you can read the newspaper while having your breakfast in this lush setting!
The personnel was excellent and helped us book a snorkelling tour as well as took care of getting us on the tour on time. They can help book a multitude of other activities as well, or simply provide you with a DVD or book to relax with. In summary, we had a lovely time and would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a great priced option for a stylish small hotel with a personal touch.
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