broadway79

We will be spending two nights in Manuel Antonio and plan on spending most of our time exploring the beautiful beaches we've heard of inside the park. Does it really matter much where you stay on the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park? We won't have a car but we heard we can just jump on the bus to get to get there and also to restaurants. Is this pretty easy? Thanks!!!

volcanogirl

We walked to most of the restaurants there; you do have to be careful on the road, but things were pretty close together. For things farther away, we took a taxi - our most expensive airfare was five dollars. Most people stay in the cluster of hotels on the hill because of the great views. La Posada, closer to the park, is also popular. We haven't taken it, but there's also a public bus.

bellaboo

It's exactly as u thought, catching the bus or hailing a passing cab is easy and cheap.....plus the views from the hill are beautiful.

tully

I really preferred staying in the hills, for the view. The bus goes by (daylight hours) every 20-30 minutes and costs about 0.50 cents. Taxi's are easily had and since the area is not that big, fairly cheap. The road dead-ends at the park, so it's not hard to navigate around.

broadway79

Thanks for your advice! Have any of you by chance heard of Hotel Mimos or Hotel Mandarina? Both are a good ways up the road from MA Park. Mimos is closer to Quepos on the main road and Mandarina is about half way on the main road and across the street from Cafe Milagro. Would both still be easy locations? Would one location be better than the other in regards to distance or just the same? Is that "the hills" that you are referring to?

volcanogirl

I just reread my post - that should be taxi fare, not airfare!

broadway, you might look at Costa Verde, Villas Nicolas, Mango Moon - all popular.

plumboy

Personally, I would choose Hotel Mandarina for location. I was seriously looking at it for a second trip we were planning (but didn't make). It looks like a nice, mid-range option. No ocean view obviously, but the location is great. Yes, in 'the hills' and right next door to Cafe Milagro (in which we saw a sloth and an armadillo in the back garden area!), and right across from the road that goes to Playa Biesanz. Also within easy walking distance (be careful, watch for traffic!) from many other restaurants -- and not *too* far from the park and Playa Espadilla.

Yes, take the bus! It's cheap and fun and quick.