My boyfriend and I stayed only for one night because we were traveling all over Costa Rica for a short time. I have traveled to many places in and outside of America and I have to say this was the best hotel I've ever stayed out. The view was incredible, we saw Manual Antonio Park outside of our glass doors, incredible mountain and ocean vistas. There were monkeys and birds all around the hotel, a very spacious patio/lawn area outside of our room, with two comfortable rocking chairs so we could watch the wildlife. The room was decorated very nicely and was clean. We had a superb breakfast, lunch and dinner. The staff was unbelievably attentive and friendly and helped us book rental cars to travel throughout Costa Rica and cabs to go the park. There was a shuttle bus available but it wasn't very reliable so we took a cab to the park, which is only five minutes away. There is a beach that you can walk to that is about 10 minutes away. We got a bottle of champagne and fruit when we arrived, for no reason! Damien was a wonderful host and the hotel was the best ever! I can't wait to go back to Costa Rica, just to stay at this place!

We had a junior suite located near some power lines and above barking dogs that belong to the owner -- we suggest that you book a room closer to the pool to get a good view of the ocean and to insure that you will sleep at night. Service wasn't great. Here are a few examples: (1) asked the for an all day fishing expedition -- "of course!" they replied but never got back to us (2) ordered nachos for a snack and they gave us wild mushrooms -- and didn't offer to exchange the plate (3) front desk offered to change our room (just before lunch) to one with a better ocean view but gave it up to a person checking without telling us. (4) had us go on a tour without telling us to carry a bathing suite -- and the tour operator told us that the hotel gets a healthy commission so they should give out the proper information. It's obviously a pretty hotel -- and yes movie stars have been there -- there is even a wall of pictures with the owner Harry Bodaan smiling alongside them. We assumed that he is a good guy although one of the staff said, "Only when he is asleep." Enough said.

Our family of five spent three nights in La Mansion Inn just before Christmas in 2007. We had two of the hotel's least expensive rooms. The good points first. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a great view of the ocean. The patios off the back of the rooms were useful for drying our snorkels, fins, and other beach equipment. The swimming pool and jacuzi with swim-up bar were great for relaxing after a day at the beach, and the pool barman is extremely friendly and hospitable. Breakfast was good - a wide selection of items, well prepared -- and the breakfast patio was ideal for watching birds. The array of photos of famous guests in the lobby was impressive. The atmosphere of the hotel was great, and we made friends with other guests quickly, from the U.S., Europe, and Costa Rica. Less good points now. Service in the dining room is a bit slow. While the shuttle service to the beach is good, not being able to walk to the beach is a drawback. The road that goes to the hotel from the main road is very rough. The lobby has wireless, but if you didn't bring your own laptop, you have to share one computer with all the other guests, and it is located in a stuffy room. But on balance, a great hotel, very comfortable.

I attended a seminar in Manuel Antonio in early November that was held at the Parador. My boyfiend and I stayed at the Parador for our first 2 nights and 5 nights at La Mansion. The reviews I read on tripadvisor and the awesome deal I received on luxurylink made this a no brainer.
It is our opinion La Mansion was by far the best choice for us. The reviews of this hotel were right on the money. Being that November is the off season there were not many people staying there at that time. The staff was very attentive and friendly and the hotel and our accomodations were beautiful.
It rained every day we were there and the fact that I had to attend a class every day could had made this a so-so trip. But instead it was an awsome and memorable one. Most of my off time was spent at the hotel. Every afternoon we had lunch there and watched and interacted with the monkeys . We also spent time at the cave bar. We had lots of fun there playing karaoke with the staff and other patrons. When it wasn't raining in the evening we spent time in the jacussi and pool.
The Parador was a very nice place also, but the charactor, ambiance and staff was no match for La Mansion. Our hearts belong to La Mansion. We definately recommend La Mansion for a great stay in Manuel Antonio and we are looking forward to returning.