Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated September 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Costa Rica leg in 2026.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about two things: short walks and early bedtimes. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s most famous beach-meets-jungle destination, and for good reason: sloths, monkeys, toucans, and calm beaches all in one compact area. It’s also one of the busiest places in the country, which means the right stay makes or breaks your sanity.
Our rhythm here would be mornings in Manuel Antonio National Park spotting monkeys, lazy afternoons by the pool or on the beach, and sunset dinners (hopefully without sand in the rice and beans). With kids, you want a base that balances pool downtime, easy access to food, and safe spaces to unwind.
These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a budget cabina in town near the bus line, a mid-range hotel with a pool and jungle views, and a splurge resort with direct beach access.
For a quick guide, here is a rundown of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio
➡️ Best Overall Hotel in Manuel Antonio: Book Hotel Verde Mar
➡️ Best Hotel with a Pool in Manuel Antonio: Book Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
➡️ Best Value Hotel Under $50 in Manuel Antonio: Book Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Cabinas: Hotel Verde Mar (near Playa Espadilla)
Why we picked it: Affordable beachfront hotel right by the main public beach. Rooms are basic but spacious, with kitchenettes for simple meals. Families highlight the pool as a lifesaver after sandy beach time.
Picture this: kids building sandcastles in the morning, rinsing off in the pool by afternoon, and a quick walk to dinner nearby, no car seats or taxis needed.
Good to know: Rooms are rustic and not fancy. Expect occasional wildlife visitors (iguanas, monkeys) around the grounds. Location is unbeatable for the price, steps from the beach.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Hotel Costa Verde (Manuel Antonio Hill)
Why we picked it: Famous for its quirky plane fuselage suites, but also very family-friendly with multiple pools, spacious rooms, and on-site restaurants. Perched on the hillside with jungle and ocean views, it’s a sweet spot between convenience and adventure.
Families love spotting monkeys and sloths in the trees around the property, sometimes without even leaving the pool. On-site dining makes mealtimes easier, and rooms with kitchenettes help for picky eaters.
Good to know: The property is spread out on a hill, so be ready for stairs. It’s not directly on the beach, but taxis and buses make it easy to get down to Playa Espadilla or into the park.
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort (near the park)
Why we picked it: A true eco-luxury resort with direct beach access and rainforest all around. Spacious suites, kids’ menus, and multiple pools make it stress-free. Families rave about the warm staff, wildlife encounters (monkeys, sloths, iguanas), and the private stretch of beach safe for swimming.
This is one of the few hotels in Manuel Antonio where you don’t need to juggle shuttles or stairs to reach the sand, a huge win with kids.
Good to know: It’s one of the most expensive options in the area. Book early, it fills fast, especially during school holidays. But if you want the perfect mix of beach, jungle, and comfort, this is it.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: beach, food, or pool within 10–15 minutes
Room setup: family rooms or kitchenettes to avoid restaurant meltdowns
Cool-down: pools + shade after hot beach mornings
Food: easy meals on-site or nearby
Reviews: consistent family mentions, not just honeymooners
Safety & practical stuff for families
Heat & humidity: Manuel Antonio is hot and sticky year-round. Plan early mornings out, siestas midday, and evenings for walks.
Wildlife safety: Monkeys are bold, keep snacks zipped and balconies locked.
Beaches: Playa Espadilla (main beach) has lifeguards in sections; waves are generally gentle but supervise kids. Inside the park, beaches are calmer and better for little ones.
Transport: Local bus runs every 20–30 minutes between Quepos, Manuel Antonio Hill, and the park/beach. Taxis and shuttles are easy too.
Strollers: Beaches are fine for strollers, but hills around hotels aren’t. Bring a carrier for little ones.
Airport transfer: Manuel Antonio is ~3 hours from San José by car/shuttle. Roads are paved but winding.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: If staying on the hill or near the beach, buses and taxis are fine. If in Quepos, you’ll rely more on buses/taxis to reach the park.
When to book: December–April is peak season (dry, busy, expensive). May–Nov is rainy season but mornings are usually dry, and prices are lower. Book splurge hotels 6+ months in advance for holidays.
How long to stay: With kids, 3–5 nights is ideal. Enough time for the park, a beach day or two, and some pool downtime.
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Quepos
Supermarkets and pharmacies for stocking up.
Cheaper restaurants and local sodas (cafés).
Easy bus hub.
Not scenic, but practical.
Manuel Antonio Hill
Jungle views, monkeys, sloths outside your window.
Variety of restaurants along the road.
Pools at most hotels.
Shuttle/taxi needed to reach the beach.
Near the Park / Playa Espadilla
Short walk to sand and the park entrance.
Souvenir stalls, ice cream stands, and casual dining.
Wildlife spotting right outside your door.
Bustling during peak season.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Manuel Antonio safe with kids?
Yes. Beaches are family-friendly, and hotels cater to families. Just watch monkeys with food and supervise kids in pools/ocean.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Near the park/beach — less uphill walking, easy sand access, and calmer beaches inside the park.
How many days in Manuel Antonio with kids?
Three to five nights. Long enough for wildlife spotting, park exploring, and downtime.
Do we need a car?
Not strictly. Buses and taxis are frequent. A car helps if you want to explore beyond Manuel Antonio (other beaches, waterfalls).
Are the beaches swimmable?
Yes, Playa Espadilla and the park beaches are swimmable. Stick to lifeguarded sections of Espadilla for safety.
Wrap-Up
Every family’s needs are different, but these three picks cover the bases: a budget cabina near the beach, a mid-range jungle-view hotel with pools, and a splurge eco-resort with direct beach access. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica’s wildlife-meets-beach playground, the right stay makes it both magical and manageable with kids.
For a quick guide, here is a rundown of the best hotels in Manuel Antonio
➡️ Best Overall Hotel in Manuel Antonio: Book Hotel Verde Mar
➡️ Best Hotel with a Pool in Manuel Antonio: Book Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
➡️ Best Value Hotel Under $50 in Manuel Antonio: Book Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
