Vacation Rentals by Owner
High View on the National-Park and Manuel-Antonio Bay [#212122] | View Property
Manuel Antonio
Condo, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
$1250-$1500/wk
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Traveler Reviews (21)
Wonderful vacation!
Guest: vallev
(Gloversville, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/28/12
Review Submitted: 02/11/12
We were in Costa Rica for the first time and spent a week at this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo. We had an absolutely wonderful experience. Laurent was very attentive and it was very obvious that he wanted us to have a good time. He arranged three tours for us and our stay included a free trip to Quepos for a couple of hours shopping and lunch. The unit looked exactly like the video and the maid came in every day to clean, do the dishes, and also did our personal laundry. It is very conveniently located. We did not have a car and did not need one. We were able to walk to all of the restaurants every evening. We would absolutely recommend this place to our friends and family.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Wonderful!!
Guest: J & B
(Gloversville, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/28/12
Review Submitted: 02/09/12
From our first inquiry to our departure Villa Manuel Antonio was perfect. Laurent was a great host who was always available to answer questions, set up excursions and guide to the best restuarants. Our villa was very comfortable and exactly as the photos show. We would not hesitate staying at the same place. Thank you Laurent for everything.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.
Excellent emplacement
Guest: louise t.
(Montréal Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/03/12
Review Submitted: 02/06/12
We went to Manuel Antonio condo on January 2012 for 2 weeks. Everything was perfect. The apartement for 4 persons was very clean, safe and quiet and located a few minutes from the beach. The sea view was wonderful. Thank you to Laurent for his good help. We will return to this place. Louise, Gil and Monica
Recommended for:
Absolutely Amazing Time!!
Guest: Myrna
Date of Stay: 10/23/11
Review Submitted: 11/15/11
We stayed at the Manuel Antonio condos for the first week of our honeymoon. This place is amazing ... the condo is beautiful with floor to ceiling windows all the way across the front of the condo, incredible view of the National Park and the ocean from the large sheltered deck, beautiful and well-kept grounds and pool area. We even had some monkey visitors right up on our deck - so cute :) Hector and Anna went out of their way to make us comfortable and feel very much at home. Hector even personally took us in to Quepos to find the best fish market and a grocery store. If you don't have a car, there is a bus right at the corner which runs often and also many taxis. Laurent was able to hook us up with a tour of the National Park and also a white water rafting tour ... what an adrenaline rush that was!! We just can't say enough about this place ... ABSOLUTELY AMAZING ... thanks again for everything ... we had a fabulous time!! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to stay in Manuel Antonio. Kelly & Myrna, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Recommended for:
A Wonderful Week
Guest: Sergio and Pat
(Williamsville, NY)
Date of Stay: 03/16/11
Review Submitted: 05/09/11
We are a family of four from Williamsvile,New York. During March we spent a week at Villa Manuel Antonio and could not have been happier. We had a two bedroom condo that was spacious, clean, comfortable, attractive and very well equipped. The condo was cleaned daily, the grounds were beautiful and very well maintained and the pool was spotless. The patio was large and we relaxed in the hammocks, enjoyed morning coffee and occasionally cooked using the grill. The location was great and cabs and the local busses were readily available. All of the best restaurants in the area were also within walking distance. Lorenzo was very friendly and accommodating and was always ready to provide information about restaurants, trips etc. He booked trips for us for the rainforest and ziplining and we were picked up in front of our villa. Lorenzo also arranged for transportation for us to and from the airport. All in all, we had an absolutely fantastic time at Villa Manuel Antonio. We loved Costa Rica and we would definitely recommend this special country and this very special Villa to all.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Truly Pura Vida!
Guest: Couch
(Boston, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 02/21/11
Review Submitted: 03/10/11
We arrived after dark during an unexpected rainstorm and were met by the cheerful and gracious owner, Lorenzo, who immediately made us feel at home. The next morning, he quickly acclimated us to the local restaurants, shopping, and available tours, which he also booked for us. It's cheaper if you book tours yourself through the vendors on the beach just outside the park, but we appreciated the service. The river rafting trip was run by two brothers who provided an exciting adventure, dinner and hugely enjoyable company. You will see nothing in Manuel Antonio Park without a guide so it's worth paying, but it was more than advertised ($35 per person, includes $10 entrance fee good for whole stay.) Bring a suit if you want to stay to swim or snorkel. There are changing rooms, bathrooms and water fountains about 2/3 way through the park walk, which takes less than 2 hours. Go early. The villa has beautiful views of the ocean, which you can see rocking in the hammock on the deck, lying in bed or just sitting on one of the two living room couches that convert to beds. (Use a bed pillow while sitting on them as they are not comfortable.)The bedrooms have welcome air conditioning. It's very well appointed so you can cook in (barbecue on deck) or hire a local cook to provide a feast, which is a good alternative for larger groups. Our only quibble: no hot water in the jacuzzi on the deck and the cold water never heated up enough even when left for a couple of days. We had to pool mostly to ourselves during our stay and enjoyed being in it as the weather was hot and humid. You can take a taxi, walk or drive down to the beach below the villa, which has excellent snorkeling and is favored by locals. It is a harrowing road to drive on as it's unpaved, narrow and drops off in a sheer cliff in many places. The villa is gated and only about two years old. It's architecturally interesting and surrounded by lovely flowering plants and vegetation. The monkeys swung down from the trees to scamper across the roof below us in the morning--momma monkeys carrying babies on their backs, one eye on our cameras--and returned in late afternoon. Keep the screen doors shut or they will come inside and eat any fruit in the kitchen! I loved the daily maid service, which made everything fresh and inviting. (She made those towels into swans every day!) We would definitely stay there again and highly recommend it as a relaxing holiday retreat. Truly Pura Vida.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Excellent Location and Wonderful Hospitality
Guest: Pauline A.
(Prince Edward Island, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/09/11
Review Submitted: 03/02/11
We are so happy to have found this beautiful place in Costa Rica. It was the perfect spot to explore the area of Manuel Antonio, this villa could not be in a better location to everything. Laurent was excellent to deal with both before and after we arrived. He was always helpful to arrange transportation, tours, restaurant suggestions and even a taxi ride to Quepos to pick up fresh fish and meat to cook on the outside grill. His true hospitality was very much appreciated by all and made our vacation a memorable one.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.
Cousin's Vacation
Guest: Shelli
(Prineville, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 02/08/11
Review Submitted: 03/10/11
This was a most wonderful experience! We shared one of the 2 bedroom condos with my cousin and her husband, it was just the perfect size and very clean. Laurent went over and above in accommodating us. This place is with in walking distance of beach, shopping, restaurants, and much more. With in a few minute taxi ride to Quepos. The view is amazing! We hardly shared the pool with any others in the complex. I would definately stay her again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Loved The Place
Guest: Colleen
(Orlando FL)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10
Review Submitted: 09/02/10
Sorry Laurent it took so long to review. I was sitting at work today and more than anything wanted to be back in Manuel Antonio sitting on the patio with a cocktail. This condo is wonderful... even more so than the pictures suggest. The place was clean and the maid came daily to keep it that way. Every afternoon we hung out in the pool and then relaxed on the back patio- the views from both are breathtaking. 4 or 5 times while we were there the white faced capuchin monkeys ran across the patio, a group of about 30 of them. It was super neat and I have some great pictures. The location is superb, very close to the bus stop and many good restaurants. Any of the tours will pick you up right out front. Every morning we went to Cafe Milagro- good coffee and sundaes. My favorite restaurants while there were Salsipuedes and Barba Roja, both which are great locations to watch the sunset and in walking distance. Another restaurant we liked, which was on the side road the condo is on is Mango Moon- some of the best guacamole I have ever had. Just a heads up, most of the resaurants have happy hour from 4-6 with discounts on both food and drinks. Our favorite activity was white water rafting on the Savegre. It was just me and boyfriend there and it was very romantic but tons of adventurous stuff to do. Laurent was perfect, taking care of any issues or answering any questions we had promplty ( the only issue we had was we couldnt work the oven- i never used a gas one before :).
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
What a great find!
Guest: Roger&Jane_Dan&Judy
(Cincinnati, Ohio/USA)
Date of Stay: 04/15/10
Review Submitted: 04/28/10
We just happened upon Villa Manuel-Antonio after taking a side road in our search for a place to stay. Oh boy, did we hit the jackpot. The condo was gorgeous, clean, in great shape, and so easy for two couples to live in. We had a private pool just outside the front door, and a balcony with a marvelous view of the ocean. If you want to see monkeys up close, just step out on the balcony in the early evening. They will be all over the trees. Laurent was a great concierge for us. He made extra sure we had everything we needed, and recommended several places for us to visit in the area. We would definitely stay here again.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Best value in MA! Great accommodations!
Guest: I_dream_about_vacations
(San Antonio, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/01/10
Review Submitted: 02/03/10
As I sit here on the patio at Lauren's Manuel Antonio Villa I find myself compelled to write a review.... This place is absolutely fabulous! You will not find more reasonable luxurious accommodations for this price anywhere in Manuel Antonio/Quepos. PROPERTY: The property is comprised of several condo units rising about 5-6 stories high. From each unit there is a breathtaking view of the ocean & the famous MA National Park. Our unit, despite being on the very bottom, still has a stunning view of the ocean! There are cool breezes from the ocean & it is pleasant to sit out on the patio/deck at any time of day. There is plenty of privacy as well. On property there is a wonderful infinity pool (& with so few who stay there it was rarely in use, let alone crowded). OUR 2BR UNIT: The patio is large & has a table w/chairs, a hammock &d a hot-tub. The entire unit, which is perfect for two couples/ family has plenty of space, w/ high ceilings. Well equipped kitchen • Recessed lighting throughout • State-of the art fans • Ceramic tile floors • Plenty of storage space • Spacious, luxurious bathrooms • Beds are COMFORTABLE! • Two reading lights per bedroom • Bedrooms are air-conditioned & you don't mind the lack thereof in the remainder of the unit. There are cool breezes from the ocean & it is pleasant to sit out on the patio/deck at any time. There is plenty of privacy. On property there is a wonderful infinity pool (rarely anyone in it). LOCATION: Well situated just off the main road between Quepos & MA, which everything is along (there really is no town center in MA). We walked to lunch at Barba Roja, which has delicious (& healthy) food... we also walked to Cafe Milagro for delicious breakfast & coffee. You could easily walk to many restaurants & bars, which is great because the Costa Ricans are serious when it comes to drunk driving. HOSPITALITY: Laurent/Lorenzo was fabulous! When we had an emergency delay, he kept our reservation (on my word) & in the 'high' season, with many demands, this was greatly appreciated. Great communications, & absolutely wonderful to speak with upon arrival. He will easily provide great guidance on whatever it is you need or would like to do. He is readily available without ever being over-bearing. RECCOMENDATION: I recommend this location to EVERYONE!!! Families, couples, & anything in-between. I’d rather be here than at a hotel any day, comfortable, & so much freedom. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Best view in Manuel Antonio
Guest: Jen R.
(South Florida)
Date of Stay: 11/22/09
Review Submitted: 12/08/09
We had a great time at Villa Manuel Antonio. The staff- Hector and Anna- are gracious and helpful and full of little details to please the upscale traveler. And Lorenzo, the owner was helpful from the moment of inquiry to the time of departure. The place is highly equipped and brand new- with a luxurious feel. We rented a car and felt like this was the best way to visit some of the neighboring areas- south to Dominical- a dirt road surfer town- and north to the beaches of Hermossa. We bought fresh dorado (mahi-mahi) and cooked nearly every night- be careful to keep the fridge temp set in the middle as to not freeze everything in the fridge) We had fun watching American movies in Spanish on the pull out futons with our boys once the sun was down- and they had fun splashing in the little tub on the porch. The three morning visits from the monkeys were the highlight of the location- we could watch them approach through the jungle and one morning- were paid an up close visit from at least 30 of them! The layout of this place would be ideal for more than one couple traveling together- say a large family reunion with the shared levels. The stairs to some of the levels would present a challenge to the elderly- so inquire about the street level unit if you need this help. Other than the noisy neighbors (who are hidden because of the fauna) this place was practically perfect. If you close the windows and turn on the bedroom A/C though- you are in perfect silence. And the sunrise colors over the bay are beautiful. Be sure to catch the sunset and a Guara Sour from SalsiPuedes just around the corner and pay a visit to Mercado Central in Quepos to get a real feel for CR. Pura Vida!
Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Brilliant!
Guest: Cucurrucucu
(Houston, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/09
Review Submitted: 08/03/09
Wow I can't believe more people haven't written up about this place. I write this review with much hesitation because it's anything beyond a quaint condo existence. The Owner (Lorenzo) has impeccable taste that comes off modest but upscale. Best of all, it's a great place for a nice dinner party on the balcony, and Lorenzo, who is a charming host himself, most likely won't turn down your offer to share a taste of your red!HA! So if you are a person of simple taste, and the best is usually good enough, then this is it for you. And the staff is like family...well, at least the more positive aspects of family. Although he does accept walk-ins, I suggest making a reservation because there are only 3 available condos (love it). I am thinking this place doesn't have more reviews because those who have stayed here don't want competition when they return-including me. I did not write much on the condo because the description and photos speak for themselves. It is the owner and staff that make this place a five star experience. Pura Vida!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Brand New, Quality, Class, Great Views, Breezes
Guest: TomStretches
(USA)
Date of Stay: 03/17/09
Review Submitted: 04/03/09
We've been coming to Manual Antonio for 15 years and seen a lot of changes. We've even stayed at the exclusive Makanda by the Sea (you must eat at Makanda, lunch is great and it's only a 7-10 minute walk down a quiet road). This place is a great find and a welcome addition to the area. This building houses two one-story condos and one giant 3-story condo. We stayed in a one-story condo for 3 weeks. The place is brand new, full of high-quality fixtures like great plumbing and amazingly powerful fans in every room (even on the outside porch) and kitchen appliances, a good safe, lots of working plugs, pretty high-speed wifi, lots of wooden drawers and closets for storage, screens in lots of giant windows, a nice gas grill that we used a lot to have dinners on the outdoor wooden dining table overlooking Manuel Antonio park and the beach below. The entire back of the condo is glass sliders with windows that open above them for ventilation. The sliders open out to a porch the full width of the unit with a jacuzzi (never used it), big deck, and quality wooden dining table with lots of chairs. The view off the deck is of the jungle below and then Manuel Antonio park and beach below that. It's a beautiful view of paradise. The owner Laurent was always available to help us with cabs, local information, and friendly, real conversation. He's a wonderful man. The cleaning lady and maintenance man couldn't do enough for us but were very respectful of our privacy. There was almost always a great breeze coming off of the ocean. The infinity pool is shared but never full since there's only 3 condos. It has views of Manual Antonio beach also. We're near the main road so you do hear some noise, but you also always hear birds and monkeys (both howler and cara blancas) in the nearby trees. And we're a 1-minute walk to the excellent Cafe Milagro and cabs, and a 5-minute walk to a well-stocked modern grocery store. If you want to walk to the beach, it's a 15-minute walk down a winding dirt road through the jungle with only a few homes along it. You can even take a shortcut through a stunning jungle path complete with monkeys, hanging vines, and butterflies. The kitchen is excellent, with a complete working stovetop and oven, a full-sized refrigerator, lots of plates, bowls, utensils, cutting board and all you need, including blender and toaster. The two bathrooms are very classy and modern. This place is the best.
Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car.
Very Enjoyable Stay
Guest: JRNYC
(New York)
Date of Stay: 03/12/09
Review Submitted: 03/24/09
The condo was clean, modern, and outfitted nicely to comfortably fit up to 8 in a unit (as advertised). The view is outstanding, and the area relatively quiet even though you are on the main drag between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Laurent (Lorenzo) is an excellent host and has much to share about his experience in the area. While there are restaurants (with amazing views) and markets within walking distance, I would save those for necessary opportunities. It is far more enjoyable, in my opinion, to go shopping and eating in Quepos. Even though it lacks the views, it is a slightly more "local" experience. Cab is less than $4 each way, so going with a group makes it work. And, plus, if you want views, then just cook at the condo (good kitchen and outdoor grill) and eat out on your private large outdoor balcony. We did not have a car, although it would have been nice. Still, we managed perfectly well without one for 6 nights. Cabs are quite frequent along the main road (10 second walk from the condo). The pool is shared, but still a very welcome feature after a long day on the beach. And the walk down to the beach is a slight trek, but otherwise a great workout (especially on the way back up). I would just invest in sandals sturdier than flip-flops. Overall an excellent experience to be recommended.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car.
Perfect for two couples
Guest: tasharae
(Saskatoon, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/21/09
Review Submitted: 03/03/09
My husband and I just got back from Costa Rica, this condo made our trip amazing. We went with another couple and it was set up perfect for the four of us. There is two bedrooms each with a private bathroom. We spent countless hours on the balcony- the view was incredible! I was usually the first one up in the morning and I got to have the view all to myself. We used the pool every day, it was out our front door and it shared the same view we had from the balcony. We rednted a car for the week and found it useful to take day trips to other beaches, we went to Playa Domical, it was an very bumpy ride, but it was worth it for the beach, the surf and the vibe of the beach. We cooked about half of our meals at the condo which was great, but it took us awhile to find good seafood in Quepos. We finally found a place that sells frozen fish and seafood in the market in teh middle of town. We noticed they have a farmers market on Saturday as we were leaving. Go into Quepos to get groceries(Pail) if you have a car, it's better value than the store that is within walking distance to the condo. Also we found a cool spot close to the condo good for watching sunsets and the food was great Barba Rosa, it has a pirate picture on the sign- go on the road towards Quepos. Also at the turn off to the condo's street there is a nice cafe called Cafe Milagros, we were there everyday. The condo was cleaned everyday and the pool was very clean. I know all 4 of us would highly recommend this accomidation
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Great Place!
Guest: C H
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/20/09
Review Submitted: 03/03/09
We rented this condo for 9 days with another couple. It was very good. The view is fantastic, and it was very relaxed. Only a couple of other units in the complex make it quiet, we literally had the pool to ourselves the entire time. Very close to restaurants, cafe's, and a small grocery store. The service was very good. I would recommend having a vehicle if you plan to go to the beach frequently as it is a bit of a trek (although so are almost all the accomodations in Manuel Antonio). I will definetly recommend it to anyone I know planning to go to Costa Rica!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.
January 2009 Experience was great.
Guest: Costa travellor
(Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/23/09
Review Submitted: 02/05/09
We stayed at this location for 9 days in January 2009. As advertised it is new, clean and well maintained and has everything you need for a stay. Close to public transportation routes, banks, shops and lots of choice to eat out. The view is spectacular. Lorenzo is available to provide whatever you need. We would go again.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
Fantantic Vista
Guest: Wes & Ruslee
(Wytheville, Va USA)
Date of Stay: 12/22/08
Review Submitted: 01/04/09
After a four hour transport we arrived at a beautiful brand new condo with the most spectacular view of the ocean. Waking up every morning to a beautiful Sunrise. Every night a romantic Sunset. A naturally scenic walk to the beach however if you are not in the best shape I would get a taxi or bus back. Many good restaurants with in a short walk. The Host was great. He was very helpful in every way and became part of our family. He made our stay very pleasant and stress free. There are many activities in and around Manuel Antonio and Quepos. I highly recommend staying here. Wes & Ruslee
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
location location, for the view !
Guest: guntao
(canada)
Date of Stay: 12/03/08
Review Submitted: 12/18/08
We were looking for a place with a really nice view.And we had it ! the balcony is just perfect , big ,with the chairs and a table oustide protected from the weather. The whole building and everything is brand new. The master bedroom has a lot of windows so there is a lot of sunlight in he morning.Could be noisy because of the monkeys ! (bring earplugs if you dont have a good sleep). The beach is a short walk , maybe 10 minutes to go down but more to come back on top of the hill (wont be easy for small children). We did not see monkeys at the condo but we saw them down the road while going at the beach.We were lucky enough to see a sloth just beside the condo ! Everything is within walking distance : restaurants ( Barba Roja, Salsipuedes were excellent, around 25$ per person with drinks) grocery, bank, car rental, manuel antonio park acess, you can rent a surf board at the beach for 10$/h waves were perfect for beginners.The condo had almost everything we needed and Laurent (the owner) was very helpful. We rent a car at San Jose airport but i do not recommend renting one, the liability insurance was more than the car per day,the roads are bad and not well indicated (compared to canada),3hrs drive.You can rent one nearby the condo if you like just for the time you need it. We tried to drive south on the pacific coast : i do not really recommend, or go with a 4x4 and a spanish guide. We did the Canopy Safari tour (zip lines).I recommend,it was awsome and very fun , good and professional guides, very secure,good food,good organisation. Pros: the view,the location,helpful owner Cons: far from the airport, no hot water for the jacuzzi,
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
5 stars
Guest: Andrée Mathieux
(Geneve)
Date of Stay: 02/10/00
Review Submitted: 02/09/10
This was our second visit to Villas manuel Antonio apartment. It is large, spacious and well appointed. The beds and furnishings are very comfortable. The balcony and its stunning view is what make this place so special. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset or watch the day start with abundant bird life and a cup of Costa Rican coffee in hand. During the day monkeys can be seen swinging from the trees. The property itself is very well maintained and the concierge staff are extremely helpful. They will arrange tours, transportation, dinner reservations etc. There is a lovely restaurant call Barba Roja, across the street and within 2 mins walk a number of restaurants including the MariPosa Hotel that sells great coffee,breakfasts and pastries. A well stocked supermarket is also available just 5 minutes away. The local bus stops outside the apartment and offers an efficient service to both Quepos.. The beaches which are accessible by foot, bus or taxi are are always quiet and clean. We'll be back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.