Have you been searching for the top hotel in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’ll be introducing you to the best hotel Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica has to offer. Coming in at number one based on reviews from multiple platforms, specifically raving about the complete experience, including amenities, views, and top-notch service is Shana By the Beach. Not only does Shana earn bragging rights for all of its features, but this is a very affordable accommodation, packing tons of value for everything it has to offer! Furthermore, I can personally vouch for this property, as I have personally stayed at this hotel during my last trip to Costa Rica!
Shana By The Beach
From the moment guests walk through the door for check-in, they are greeted by extremely friendly multi-lingual staff who provide the entire rundown of the property and recommendations. The staff even warns of the importance of locking the slider doors to prevent monkeys from breaking in and stealing your food. The locals refer to them as the “white-faced monkey mafia”, and boy, they weren’t kidding! Those locked doors saved us from some monkey business! We were visited numerous times on our balcony by the agile creatures, which was quite entertaining. It is not uncommon to spot Toucans and the occasional sloth on the property as well. So if you love wildlife, this will be heaven for you!
After check in, the staff will place your luggage on a golf cart and drive you directly to your accommodation, kindly helping to haul everything to your room. The entire check-in process was incredibly smooth. Additionally, we felt safe in knowing security was on staff 24/7 and the gates are locked at nighttime.
Amenities
Whether you are traveling as a couple, perhaps on your honeymoon, or if you are vacationing with the family, Shana has two pools and a hot tub for you to choose from, one of which is family friendly and just on the other side of the pool bar is the “adult-only” pool that has multiple shallow wading areas to soak up those rays in peace.
While poolside, you will be catered to by the bartenders who will additionally serve you lunch or dinner in your lounge chair.
Prefer to bask in the sun on the beach? No problem! Biesanz beach is a short, few minute stroll down the hill. Revitalize yourself in their full service spa, which incorporates indigenous ingredients in their facials, wraps and scrubs, and indulge in a deep tissue massage or mani pedi. If you are the athletic type at heart, Shana possesses a fully equipped gym with beautiful ocean views!
Accommodations
Each of the 77 contemporary-style immaculate rooms come with a balcony, with your choice of jungle or sweeping ocean views! We personally booked the Studio Suite with an Ocean View. From the minute we walked through the slider doors, we fell in love with the breathtaking views. The large balcony has a relaxing swing chair and a family size dining table. And yes, the monkeys will join you for lunch!
The suites are very spacious, with fully equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi, safe, large screen TV, ice-cold air conditioning, toiletries, and hairdryer. Some suites have living rooms and even your own private swimming pool!
Laundry services are also available on the premises and you will receive daily housekeeping. To add even more value to your stay, an extensive complimentary breakfast buffet including everything from American fare to typical Costa Rican foods is included. The waiters never fail to keep your coffee mug topped off each morning!
Restaurants
You’ll never go hungry at the hotel’s restaurant Shana! Dine at this lovely romantic open-air restaurant with casual dining vibes and dress code for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The chef creates mouth-watering meals, mostly from locally sourced ingredients from the Manuel Antonio Area. Whether craving steak, seafood, pizza or sushi, there is something for even the pickiest eater’s palate!
Take advantage of their numerous wine selections or libations. The Manuel Antonio Lounge and Pool Bar is open for lunch and dinner, allowing you to focus on swimming and sunbathing, without worrying about your glass going empty. The staff cater to your every need right from your pool lounge chair.
Nearby Attractions
What makes Shana By the Beach an even more enticing accommodation is the proximity to all the nearby attractions and activities. Ensuring visitors will never be bored, Manuel Antonio has so much to offer.
As mentioned above, Biesanz beach is a brief walk down the hill from the hotel. If you prefer a more secluded beach with calm waters, this is your jam. There are lounge chairs for rent and several beach stands that will serve you drinks in your chair.
Espadilla beach, a several minute drive from Shana, has plenty of space to spread out and is bustling with water sports such a surfing, parasailing and jet skiing. One of our personal favorite finds is a small local restaurant right on Espadilla that serves delicious Costa Rican Cuisine from yellow school bus, called “En Todas”. Not only is the food to die for, but the prices are very cheap. Don’t forget to stop by for happy hour for more bang for your buck!
The main attraction near Shana of course is Manuel Antonio National Park, which is a must see for all wildlife and nature lovers, boasting 2 beautiful beaches. If this is your first visit to the park, it is highly recommended that you book a tour guide to help you to spot those creatures that are very challenging to find with an untrained eye. Don’t forget to book your park tickets online ahead of time!
If you have a rental car, Nauyaca Waterfalls are about a 1-hour drive south of Manuel Antonio, and is well worth the adventure. Choose to either hike the trail, which is moderate in intensity, or traverse through the rain forest on horseback or truck.
If you don’t have a car, no problem! There are tons of excursions to choose from that offer hotel pickup and drop off. Test out your wings skydiving, tear up some mud on an ATV, zip line and rappel down waterfalls, parasail or take surfing lessons to name a few!
Conclusion
Whether you are traveling on a budget or prefer an upscale experience, Shana by the Beach is a perfect happy medium for both types of travelers. The property is fantastic for families and couples alike, boasting stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Most attractions and activities are a stones throw away, and transportation can be arranged for those that do not have rental car. The staff are incredibly accommodating and helpful, transporting you by golf cart wherever you need to go on the property. Shana By the Beach is the full package deal and all at a very affordable price!
