Costa Rica seemed a bit challenging when trying to book a place because they all assumed that their resort was the best. When I spoke to the reservation manager at La Mariposa (Manfred) he mentioned in detail what I can actually expect from their resort and the surrounding areas. So we booked in another resort for a week and La Mariposa for the remainder of the trip. The 1st place was a disaster as they lied about almost everything! We were so glad that we split up the trip and upon arrival at La Mariposa we were treated like VIP's and it measured up to and exceeded all expectations. I would definitely recommend this resort to any travelers and will be staying there again should I be in that area. Thanks guys!

We found this hotel when we visited Costa Rica in 2005 and said we would definately return. We were thrilled that the hotel not only lived up to our memory but exceeded it. We are fortunate to have stayed at many 5 star hotels when we travel with business. When we travel for fun, we look for a hotel that has a lot of ammenities but also reflects the character of the area. The La Mariposa is a gorgeous property located on the top of a mountain with a 360 view. The pictures on the web site can not do it justice. The infinity pool was updated since our last visit to include room for those who want to swim laps. Many of the rooms have also been remodeled. We spent a week at the hotel and spent 60% of our time at the pool. The bar makes an excellent Vodka Mojito and the views are so incredible that it was hard to leave. We saw monkeys, birds, an iguana, and a Jesus Walker [beautiful lizard] all on the hotel premises. I have been to Costa Rica three times and Manuel Antonio is by far my favorite area and La Mariposa is the only hotel where I will stay when I come back.

I spent my stay in Manuel Antonio at hotel la Mariposa and was not let down. Upon arriving, we were upgraded to an amazing room with an even more amazing view. The room looked right over the ocean and lush greenery. After a long day at the beach, I was sitting on the porch and a whole group of monkeys came scampering across and jumped into the trees - so cute! The hotel has a great restaurant and is in a convenient location - you can take a bus to the beach and park area or take a cab to a nearby restaurant for very cheap since you're pretty central. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean is heaven, I would recommend this hotel a million times over!

La Mariposa is in an absolutely beautiful setting - the highest spot looking over the ocean, with the nicest people at the front desk and in the restaurant. The food was excellent - fresh (of course) and well handled. Breakfast is included and they have someone on hand to make your eggs however you want them. That's in addition to the standard Costa Rican fare of rice and beans and plaintains, plus pancakes, bacon, sausage, toast, etc. George, the chef, greeted us at our table when we had lunch there and lunch was excellent - I had a Salad Nicoise with grilled tuna. Unfortunately we did not get to have dinner there, but I would guess it would be very good. Their Sangria was delicious and they had yummy desserts!

They upgraded us to a room with an ocean view so that was very nice. My only complaint is that their mattresses are very hard, and the bed linens not the best quality. That's the only reason they do not get 5 stars from me. If you are looking for a Costa Rican experience (as opposed to an America style hotel) this is a great place to stay.

We booked our Manuel Antonio tours through Iguana Tours: fabulous boat tour of the Mangroves, great walking tour of the National Park, and horseback riding up into the rainforest area to a waterfall and private swimming pond. The guides were terrific at spotting animals and birds and lizards etc. that we never would have seen otherwise. Dinners were included after the boat and horseback riding tours, and snacks after the National Park tour. The dinner that was provided after the horseback riding at a ranch was especially delicious.