Can anyone tell me if any hotels are on the beach or close to it in Manuel Antonio? Thanks!

The only one I know of that gets consistently good reviews is La Posada Bungalows. It's right next to park and beach.

Most of the hotels are clustered on a hill overlooking the water. We stayed at Mango Moon, and it has its own beach, but you have to hike down the hill to get to it.

Hey vgirl -- I didn't realize Mango Moon has it's own beach! How is it. Is it that one called Bienzanz, or something like that?

Even at La Posada Jungle you have to walk a bit to get to the beach, the hotel is not directly on the beach. Just a bit closer and more at "beach level".

From Mangoe Moon to Biesanz Beach it is still a pretty good hike, and it's not really the hotels beach. The land is owned by the expat Biesanz family, they have always let people walk through the property to get to the beach.

hip, yes, there's a beach at the base of Mango Moon - it's the name you mentioned, but I have no idea how to spell it! It's not a private beach, but when we went we were the only ones there. You just hike about 20 minutes down the back of Mango Moon's trail and come out on the beach. I thought it was a bit of a rough hike; we went during rainy season and were sliiiiiding for part of the way. You have to watch the tides because they'll come up, and the beach will almost disappear. I was wearing flip-flops the first time we started going down, and the property manager told me I needed to go put on more of a hiking shoe. Of course, after going to the Osa, MM's trail looks like a piece of cake!

There is also "decent" snorkeling at Playa Biesanz, just to the left.

Not sure what your definition of "close" is, but there are several that I'd call close. For example, Si Como No has a free hourly shuttle that takes about 10 min to get to the beach.

Verde Mar is pretty much right on the beach. It is not fancy but I guess it depends what you are looking for...
http://www.verdemar.com/

raquel

Karahes is pretty much on the beach as well, older spot, one of the originals in MA. I think it was "old" when I first went in '91!!! My friend loves staying there though.

1 important thing to keep in mind about MA is that it's not a big deal to "not" be directly on the beach. The best spots are on the hill with the views and cool breeze. Transport is inexpensive and passes often.

there's a nice beach at the base of the Buena vista Villas at Tulemar. Easy 5-10 minute walk down the hill to the beach. not so easy 15 minute hike bakc up to your villa (they do have a shuttle)