Guest reviews Parador Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio National Park

by bimh2018 Cornwall, United Kingdom

Situated in 12 acres of rainforest

We had 3 nights B&B at the end of our 3 week holiday in Costa Rica (the second 2 weeks self-drive) we’d previously stayed in a Rainforest Lodge on a reserve on the Osa Peninsula; a Hotel at Tortuguero on the Caribbean Sea; a Farm in the Alajuela region; a Hotel in the Cloud Forest and a Beachside resort on the Nicoya Peninsula. The drive from the coast to the Parador was very steep and in places very narrow and on arrival looked very imposing. First impressions were very good and the staff friendly and efficient – luckily, we did not have to wait to check in and we were provided with very helpful information and a map. Unfortunately, our room was not ready but we could leave our bags and have a look round. We had a garden room with a veranda and tables and chairs; the room was spacious with plenty of storage space and seating and coffee making facilities. It is a large resort but is reasonably well spaced out and did not ever feel too crowded. There are some very grand features in the main part of the building and there is a room at the top with magnificent views including superb sunsets. There is easily accessible forest walks withing the grounds which are definitely worthwhile for bird spotting. We booked an early morning guided group tour of Manual Antonio National Park and were lucky to be split into 2 groups so each group had fewer than 10. Our guide was excellent, we would not have spotted the wildlife without him and the use of his tripod binoculars and he was passionate about the wildlife and was very informative. The tour was very well organised and included a break for fruit and a swim. There is a courtesy bus which appears to be timed to coincide with the hotel guests going on organised tours to the National Park which was fine for going in but, on the day we'd booked to go to Manual Antonio beach, on our return journey the tour group in the Park was delayed and we were sitting on the coach for a very long time waiting. There would have been time to be driven back to the hotel and for the courtesy coach to go back to collect the tour group but this did not seem to be an option. I mentioned this at reception and later that day we were surprised to find some fresh chocolate dipped fruit in our room by way of an apology which was a very nice touch. Courtesy coaches do not run in the evening. We had drinks in the hotel on our first night – all receipts must be signed by the guest, something we found out about after a waitress came running after my husband when we were walking back to our room – we found this very embarrassing. We were confused about what meals could be eaten where but, in the end, we did not have any evening meals in the hotel. Breakfast was excellent with plenty of great choices. Word of warning – if you sit on the terrace be careful of the cushions – they are not removed if it has rained. The family pool seemed fairly busy and a bit noisy but the adult pool was quieter and more relaxing but that too was occasionally busy with no spare loungers. There is a lot of wildlife in and around the hotel and we frequently saw groups of white-faced capuchins, sloths, birds and a racoon and there is a mid-sized hawk or kite that drank from the cascading waterfall daily. The hotel and grounds are well maintained, with lots of greenery, flowers etc well laid out and very clean with white pillars and statues strategically placed. For someone who is not very adventurous and is happy to stay in a fairly sterile environment this is ideal. We were very comfortable but felt a bit isolated from the real Costa Rica and were glad that we got taxis into town to explore the shops, bars and restaurants.

by bmp254

Destination Wedding Trip

This resort was beautiful. The rooms, amenities, cuisine, that view...amazing. It feels secluded (in a cozy way) but is close to local towns, so going out to shop/explore is no hassle. I felt like I was in a fairytale oasis the entirety of my trip. I will definitely be going back.

by Stay63309327726 Markham, Canada

Gorgeous Property & Excellent Service

Absolutely gorgeous property and incredible service. Being able to watch the monkeys playing on the roof were an added bonus. This property is removed from town but close enough for easy access. Food and service were really good. The pools and the views from the pools were fabulous. The family pool did at times get a little crowded but the adult pool was a good escape. The elevator up the side of the resort was a little scary on the first ride but very safe and worth it for the view.

by John P

GREAT

Staff, location, wildlife... It was all perfect. We stayed for a week just when COVID19 Hit Costa Rica and we were impressed with the way the staff handled the situation. I will go back for sure. The park in the hotel is full of wildlife, just amazing.

by maximelH1032VO

The perfect holiday

the staff of the Parador gave us the perfect Holiday, even in the middle of the Corona crisis. Their Hospitality was something we have never experienced before! They truly give us the perfect Holiday. Jan and Max