The short answer: for travelers who want wildlife at the breakfast table, a real spa, two restaurants and the national park and beaches minutes away, the nicest hotel in Manuel Antonio is ECOTICA Boutique Hotel & Spa. It is a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner with just 17 suites and bungalows, set inside its own 10-acre private rainforest reserve in the heart of Manuel Antonio.
Updated October 2026.
“Nicest” means something different to every traveler, so here is how we would judge any hotel in Manuel Antonio, and how ECOTICA measures up on each point. We are the hotel, so take it with a grain of sea salt; then read what our guests say, and look at the photos and the video below.
What makes a hotel the nicest in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio is not a place you visit for a lobby. People come for the monkeys in the trees, the sloths, the white-sand beaches of the national park and the feeling of waking up in the rainforest. The nicest hotels are the ones that bring all of that to your door, then add comfort and calm on top.
| What to look for | Why it matters here | At ECOTICA |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife on the property | It is the number one reason people choose Manuel Antonio | Squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and scarlet macaws, seen from the pool and the rooms |
| Location | The park gate and the beaches are the heart of every trip | On the main road in the heart of Manuel Antonio, minutes from the national park and the beaches |
| Size and service | Small hotels know your name and your plans | 17 rooms: 10 suites and 7 bungalows |
| Wellness | A day of rain or a slow afternoon needs a good spa | Jungle Spa, open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., plus a gym and a rainforest yoga deck |
| Food and drinks | You will not want to drive every night | La POZA by the pool and YOLO Social with live music every night; breakfast is included |
| Proof from guests | Reviews tell you what the photos cannot | Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner |
Wildlife you can see from your room
ECOTICA sits on a wildlife corridor inside a 10-acre private rainforest reserve, with a creek running through the property. That is why the animals come to us: all three monkey species of the area, both kinds of sloth, toucans and scarlet macaws pass through the gardens most days. Many guests see more from their terrace in a morning than they expected from the whole trip.
Want to know what you are looking at? Read our wildlife guide, or ask the front desk where the capuchins were seen this morning.
Suites and bungalows with space to breathe
All 17 rooms are spacious, modern and newly upgraded, with air-conditioning, a large smart TV, a coffee maker, a refrigerator and a safe. Choose the room that fits the trip:
- Deluxe King Suite: a romantic suite for two with a natural-wood king bed.
- Double Queen Suite: two queen beds and a garden view, easy for families and friends.
- Signature and Premium Bungalows: private bungalows tucked into the rainforest; the Premium has a fully equipped kitchenette.
- Master Suite: a separate king bedroom, a full kitchen, a living room and a 270-degree view, half rainforest and half ocean.
- Grand Master Suite and Grand Bungalow: connected rooms for large families and groups.
See every room and its photos on our suites and bungalows page.
A spa, a pool and two places to eat without leaving
The Jungle Spa is open every day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for massages, couples treatments, facials, body rituals and manicures and pedicures. In-room massage is offered too.
Breakfast is included and starts at 6 a.m. at La POZA, the poolside restaurant and bar, open until 9 p.m. with happy hour from 3 to 6. In the evening, YOLO Social serves dinner until 11 p.m. with live music every night, and room service is offered for quiet nights in.
See it for yourself
Is ECOTICA right for you?
ECOTICA is a boutique hotel, not a mega-resort. It is a great fit if you want:
- Wildlife around you all day, not only on a tour
- A small, personal hotel with a spa, a pool and two restaurants
- Quick access to the national park, the beaches and the restaurants of Manuel Antonio
- Rooms for couples, families with children 6 and over, and groups
It is not on the sand: the beaches are a few minutes away. The hotel follows the green hillside, so expect a few stairs between the gardens and some rooms. Pets are not allowed.
Questions guests ask
Is ECOTICA close to Manuel Antonio National Park?
Yes. The hotel is on the main road in the heart of Manuel Antonio, a few minutes from the park entrance and the beaches. Remember the park is closed on Tuesdays; our park timing guide explains hours and tickets.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is included in every stay and is served at La POZA from 6 a.m.
Can the hotel book tours and transfers?
Yes. Our concierge books guided park walks, night walks, catamaran trips, zip lines, rafting and more, and a private airport shuttle from San José.
How many rooms does ECOTICA have?
17: 10 suites and 7 bungalows.
Ready for your stay? Book direct for the best rate and our personal help with your plans. Call +506 2777 0411, WhatsApp +506 8709 9083 or write to [email protected].
