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Just when you thought easy beach access in Manuel Antonio didn't exist... We know. It can be tough to decide on the perfect spot to spend your vacation — especially in Manuel Antonio! You’d love the best hotel that’s close to the beach with loungers and umbrellas and cocktails. You’d love to see monkeys and sloths. You’d love a great meal. Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is that easy beachfront luxury resort you’ve been searching for. Beachfront. Ocean views. Rainforest. Wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park on your doorstep and adventure at your fingertips. What you’ll remember most is our easy atmosphere. You’ll have all the luxuries only the best hosts can provide. Let us show you what your Costa Rica vacation could look like at Arenas Del Mar. You’ll be well-taken care of. Arenas Del Mar is a proud member of the award-winning Cayuga Collection.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
Junction 4.6 Km On Route 618 Turn Right Onto Road To Arenas Del Mar, Manuel Antonio, Quepos 60601 Costa Rica
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
4.8 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort garners acclaim for its attentive staff and personalized service, ensuring guests feel well taken care of. While the resort's rooms boast modern amenities and exceptional views, some visitors felt the luxury aspect fell short of expectations. Although the atmosphere in the restaurant may lack vibrancy, the resort's cleanliness and maintenance are consistently praised.
Opinions on value are mixed, with concerns over costly amenities and privacy. The amenities, including private jacuzzis, are generally celebrated, despite occasional drawbacks. The resort's prime location offers breathtaking views and proximity to local attractions, though the terrain can be challenging for some.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Uninspiring
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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I was scared about this place because of a few bad reviews I read. I can honestly say that this hotel deserves all of the positive reviews it has! We are foodies and the restaurant options were fantastic. Breakfast options were great and not boring. Drinks were very good, dinner options as well. Fridge stocked with house made sodas for kids. Everything was fresh, service was very friendly and fast. All of the workers are genuinely friendly. We had 3 kids with us and they all treated our kids wonderfully. They cracked coconuts for them, took them around the property to show animals, played soccer with them…. Laundry service was very fast, anytime we needed anything the staff was right on it, no matter what. There are stairs, our room was on third floor- so if you don’t like walking it may not be for ya! We loved every bit of it though. Walking was enjoyable! For the Americans that aren’t used to exercise - there are golf carts that come as soon as you call for them. I extended our stay during my original booking process and ended up booking a different class of room, they moved all of our luggage to the suite to make sure it was a very smooth transition. All rooms are very well appointed. Beach towels and toys are available. We packed umbrellas for the rainy season- they had those too. Jetted tub on our balcony was amazing (available in a suite). The grounds are very well taken care of, they are constantly cleaning and maintaining it. We have not a single negative thing to say.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Diaz, Agency / Consultant at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 9 Jan 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a positive stay, from the delicious food to the attentive service and friendly staff. We’re glad you enjoyed the activities, the beautiful property, and the comfort of your suite. We look forward to welcoming you back for another amazing stay!
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We were robbed by monkeys – 3 times. Best robberies ever. We were upgraded to a lovely suite of rooms on a second floor with balcony, jacuzzi and ocean view. Room had walk in showers, TV, hairdryers and stocked kitchen area. Breakfast with view of forest and ocean. Really good food which the monkeys watch you eat while looking for an opportunity to get in the sliding windows. A nice private beach which leads on to a long coastal walk. The beach is teaming with hermit crabs. The venue is on a very step location and for those who need it there is a golf buggy service. When the staff tell you to close and lock doors and windows believe them. The monkeys know how to get in and can empty the mini bar in 20 seconds. An added bonus was a free laundry service.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The monkeys are cleverer than you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Diaz, Agency / Consultant at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 10 Feb 2025
Thank you for your review! It sounds like you had an unforgettable stay—monkey heists included! We’re glad you enjoyed the upgrade, stunning views, great food, and private beach. And yes, those clever monkeys are quick! We appreciate your advice on securing doors and windows. Hope to welcome you back for more adventures (minus the mini-bar raids)!
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This review is long over due because I so loved my visit. I was lucky enough to spend four lovely days here on one of my three stops in Costa Rica. Everything was better than expected, the setting, the food, the service and the animals that were living in the jungle. The property is next door to Manuel Antonio park and you could probably walk there. I chose the hotel because they have a beach front property. The hotel had special celebration dinners on the beach every other night! The property is truly unbelievable slice of paradise, but I guess what lingers in my memory is how I was treated. The employees seem happy to be there and were ready to serve. They knew my name and were always kind. This hotel provides amazing service in the littles things that make a big impact. For example, they wash your clothes for free, provide a refrigerator of free homemade snacks and drinks in the room. I think most of these items were made in-house and were so delicious. They provided free wine and beer in your room. I asked for a quiet room, because I’m a light sleeper, and they provided one close to the beach that was absolutely quiet except the sounds of the surf and the jungle. I also appreciated how things were recycled and reused. Most of their drinks and snacks were bottled in glass. They made a concerted effort to recycle and reuse. I noticed! I felt safe and when I left the property, the employees would call me a cab without charging a service fee. When I needed medicine for an eye infection, the front desk called a pharmacist and they delivered medicine to my room. The setting is truly one of a kind, but it’s the attention to the small details that made my visit wonderful! This hotel understands that service always sets you apart and keeps the customers returning! Kudos to the hardworking staff and the business manager who cares about all the little details that have a big impact!!!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service, Guest Services / Front Office at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 10 Nov 2023
We are very happy that you chose Arenas del Mar for the beachfront location and had such a great overall experience. No other luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio (and very few in Costa Rica) combines the beachfront location with stunning views of the National Park and the Ocean set in a tropical rainforest. Thank you for noting all the small details that do indeed make the difference and of course also our effort to run a sustainable operation. Greetings from sunny Manuel Antonio.
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Overall the hotel was good but we felt the value for money was not reflective of other 5 star hotels we have stayed at in Costa Rica. That said, the location is amazing and views are incredible. The food was ok but a bit expensive and the restaurants lacked atmosphere sometimes. We paid extra for a room with a jacuzzi, however the room was right above the kitchen so we could smell food in the evenings when we sat out on the balcony which was a shame. We mentioned this to staff but very little was done about it and no alternative provided. The service was generally good but again we felt missed the level expected on a few occasions.
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Date of stay: January 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Diaz, Agency / Consultant at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 27 Jan 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the amazing location and incredible views, but we're sorry to hear we fell short of your expectations in some areas. We apologize for the inconvenience with your room location and will address this internally to improve our guests' experiences. Your comments on dining and service are also noted, and we’ll work on enhancing these aspects. We appreciate your insights and hope to welcome you back for an improved stay.
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We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 night stay at the hotel. The grounds are beautiful and you feel totally isolated. After long hot mornings out on tour it was wonderful to be able to relax at the beach and enjoy lunch on a chaise lounge. Prices for dinner are not cheap, but enjoyable. However after spending $38 on a main shrimp dish, to be charged $7 additionally for rice is something that seemed to be a little much. All of the staff are personable and kind and well trained. They know their guests by name and really aim to please. We enjoyed our ocean view premium suite with the wrap around balcony - to see the sunset there at night and sunrise in the morning soothed the soul!
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:A steep climb up from the beach so don’t hesitate to make use of their golf carts to pick you up!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Diaz, Agency / Consultant at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 1 week ago
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed the beautiful grounds, beach, and the attentive service from our team. We’re glad the ocean view suite provided you with such a relaxing retreat. We appreciate your feedback regarding the rice charge and will review it to ensure a more seamless dining experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!
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What a fantastic 5-day experience at Arenas Del Mar. We loved it! It is the “green season” so there were showers each day for a brief time but didn’t put a damper on our enjoyment. The location of being in the rainforest yet on the beach is so unusual and wonderful. Our rooms were rustic contemporary with fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. The staff can’t do enough for you. So warm, friendly and accommodating. Someone in our party wasn’t feeling well and the kitchen staff made fresh chicken soup and had it sent up to their room. It is a small property with only 37 rooms. the property is very hilly but there are golf carts that will pick you up and take you wherever you want to go on the resort. Loved the food. Lots of options and they take food allergies/intolerances very seriously. Excellent flavoring in each meal. From Krishne and Geovanna at the front desk to Alejandro, Miguel, Fabiola, Grace, Brian, Alexandra in the restaurant to Christian with the golf cart, everyone really made us feel so welcome.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The ride from San Jose airport to Arenas Del Mar is 3-4 hours by car. Take a short flight from SJ...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service, Guest Services / Front Office at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 13 Oct 2023
We are so glad to hear that you loved Arenas del Mar. And thanks for writing such a wonderful review. Yes, the Wildlife Season (formerly known as Green or Rainy Season) is a great time to visit. As you noticed, the rains are not all day as many people assume and of course, it is warm and wonderful. Thanks for the great comments on our food and service and yes, our location on the beach, yet in the rainforest is hard to beat. Please come back soon.
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Our second visit to Arenas Del Mar was even more wonderful than the first! We don't often repeat visits to far away vacation spots as it's a big world and there is so much to see, but we are so, so glad that we chose to return to Arenas Del Mar, this time with our adult daughters (and a fiancee), aged 26, 25, and 23. They enjoyed it as much as we did! There are enough reviews about the beautiful rooms, restaurants, and beach. All perfect. So much so that we only left the resort to go on tours. What I'd really like to talk about is the service.
The Arenas Del Mar staff was absolutely outstanding, to a person, throughout our stay. They consistently went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. We have stayed in very nice hotels all over the world, including Nayara Springs, and never, never, NEVER, have we experienced such excellent, warm, friendly, considerate, service. This lasted from my first phone call to make a reservation right through our goodbye with the driver who brought us to the airport at the end of our stay. In between all of that, the concierge team, the front desk team, the restaurant management and staff, the beach staff, and everyone we met was beyond nice to us. We arrived to a warm welcome, including complimentary drinks and rooms full of beverages, snacks, a "Happy Anniversary" sign, nice canvas bag, and a bottle of wine then, among other things, we were served an early breakfast before a tour, given rides everywhere on golf carts and a ride to the bank in town, and had our laundry washed, dried, folded, and returned to us.
When our server at dinner one evening noticed that our younger daughter wasn't there (she was suffering from a sunburn so she stayed back in the room), they insisted on bringing her dinner in the room. And on our last night, we were served an absolutely amazing private dinner on the beach, arranged as a surprise to celebrate our anniversary, surrounded by twinkly lights and presented course by course by an outstanding chef and server. I have never felt so spoiled in my life. I only felt bad that I was not able to eat more. There was so much delicious food that it was impossible to eat it all!
All of this was done with ease and grace, and it was above and beyond what we expected. The service was very good in 2019, but this team has taken hospitality to an entirely new level of excellence. We are already looking forward to planning our next visit. I really can't say enough. Fabulous. Just fabulous.
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Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Let the resort arrange your transportation, tours, and activities. No need to leave for lunch or...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service, Guest Services / Front Office at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 24 Apr 2023
Dear Chris, thanks so much for this review. It almost leaves us speechless. Your comment about the service level of 2019 vs. now means the world to us. We have gone through a tough time, like many others, especially in tourism, but we never compromised our focus on quality and service and your comment makes all the sweat and tears of the last three years so worth it. Please keep coming back. Or try some of the other Cayuga Collection Hotels. Thanks again and all the best to you and your family.
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Everything was perfect at Arenas Del Mar. The staff went above and beyond to make our stay the best it could possibly be. Everyone was lovely, but special shout-out to manager Derian for making our trip easy when we requested another room, and staff member Ferlan for being the most friendly, happy person we met on our 2 week trip.
The food was spectacular. I'd done so much research on where to eat in the area but we hardly left the hotel. SO good. The breakfast that's included is a la carte and phenomenal.
The snacks and drinks in your room are complimentary and refilled every day, and you can request more at any time. The fitness room is small but has everything you need, and the private beach was perfect and beachside service wonderful. We had 2+ hour spa treatments and they were amazing (Veronica and our other masseuse were both amazing). Small little touches like this really put Arenas Del Mar ahead of the reast.
On the room change: were initially in 701a, which was on the 1st floor without the sweeping views we expected, and had minimal privacy (you can see right into the bedroom from the common lobby area and the patio is in full view from the pool lounge chairs) and requested to move given the Ocean View Premium Suite is advertised as 2nd or 3rd floor (which by default, has more privacy as it's not on ground level). We were moved to 302a which was perfect and exactly what we expected.
I was worried it would rain a lot on our trip but the weather was lovely. One evening/night it rained a lot and we chilled in our patio jacuzzi while watching a thunderstorm over the ocean. Super special.
We had a night hike with Julian which was lovely, it was lightly raining but we saw so much, including a porcupine!
We were so sad to leave Arenas Del Mar and 100% will be back. Best part of our trip to CR!
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:We loved our room 302a, great view and. The 300 building (I believe 100-200 also) are walkable to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Nicky Diaz, Agency / Consultant at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 9 Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your stay at Arenas del Mar was perfect and that the staff, especially Derian and Ferlan, made such a positive impact on your experience. It's great that you enjoyed the food, spa treatments, private beach, and the special touches throughout your stay. We're glad we could accommodate your room request, and we love hearing about your memorable moments, including the thunderstorm and night hike. We look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable visit!
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We just got back from a 5-day trip to Arenas Del Mar and we miss it completely! The resort is a set of seven 6 room buildings, three on the beach (buildings 1,2 & 3) and four up on the ridge adjacent to the reception and main restaurant. There is a private beach (Playitas beach) and access to the public beach at Espadilla beach on the property. The suites are quite large with a roomy balcony. The regular rooms are good sized with the same large bathroom as the suite . They also have a good sized balcony. The rooms are white with teak accents and the floors are modern tile.
While I wouldn't miss Manuel Antonio, we saw most of the animals even closer at the resort. White-Faced monkeys roamed the property and usually provide a show before dusk at either the reception area or down by the pool. There were slots in the trees sleeping the days away, squirrel monkeys can also be found if you watch for them, lizards are sunning in good perches and hermit crabs roam the beach area.
I have read some complaints about the food and I don't agree. While the menu was the same each night in the main restaurant, there were special events held at the beach each night. The food at the Mirador restaurant was very good, it was plated nicely and there was a complex blend of local flavors in everything we ate. The chef even prepared the Mahi that we caught during a fishing expedition. Breakfasts started with fresh fruit and choices from the menu. There was also a bar at tables at Espadilla beach where you could order from a different menu and the food was brought from the main building. We did eat offsite for one meal and felt like Arenas was far superior for the same money.
While the location, beaches, food and animals make this an incredible trip, the staff really shine. Six person golf carts move you between the private beach and the reception / restaurants and the main gate. They are happy to move you from place to place, but will also take time to point out wild life as they drive. There is always something to see! They are happy to arrange excursions for you to Manuel Antonio park with one of the trained naturalists on staff and have small experiences such as tortilla making available on the grounds. There are very few hotels you will visit where the staff hugs you when you leave. This is a very special place!
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service, Guest Services / Front Office at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 30 Jan 2023
Thank you Terry for this wonderful review. We are glad that you had such a great time and enjoyed the rooms, the food and the activities. We are sure your review will be very helpful for other travelers deciding on where to stay in Manuel Antonio. Please come back soon.
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I spent 4 nights in Arenas Del Mar with my dad from 3 to 7 July 2022. Both of us were overwhelmed by the breath-taking beauty of the views from our rooms, the quality of the rooms and of the food and the kindness and high professionalism of the hotel staff.
In the rooms, there is a walk-in shower with premium quality shower gel, hand wash, shampoo and body lotion, the most comfortable bed I had ever slept in. We opened both windows (fitted with mosquito nets) and never switched on the fan or air conditioning. A robe, a coffee-maker with a filter, a kettle, free Costa Rican coffee, free tea, free milk , cold water in a jug, sweets, fruit and nuts (in the fridge) came in very handy.
The hotel staff is exceptional, very well trained, welcoming, polite, friendly and helpful. Minivan drivers Alex and Jorge, golf cart drivers Alex (the smile that never leaves your face is irresistible and brightens up everyone’s day), Farlen, Rafael, Lauriel, restaurant cook Juergen, waiters Walter, Karla and César, concierges Elizabeth and Jorge, tour guide Mauricio (hugely competent and resourceful – ask for Mauricio if you want a private tour in the Manuel Antonio National Park) and service coordinator Derian – you are all superstars!!! Thinking of you brings tears to my eyes, just as on our last day.
We will definitely be back, if not at the end of the year, next summer for sure. Arenas Del Mar is paradise on earth and is worth every penny! No point in looking elsewhere. A big thank you!!!
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Service, Guest Services / Front Office at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
Responded 22 Jul 2022
Wow, what a review. Thank you for all the praise. And a special thank you for remembering all of our names. That means a lot. We look forward to your next visit.
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We have gone on a few, all recommended and booked by the resort. I can’t remember the names though. Contact the resort (Rodbin) and they will give you options based on what you want. They will then book then and schedule transportation to/from marina. Never been disappointed with their options.
There are more places to choose from in the Manuel Antonio area.
PRICE RANGE
$1,231 - $1,931 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasQueposManuel Antonio
NUMBER OF ROOMS
37
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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