The staff was helpful from the time we were booking to the time we left. The rooms were nice - kind of a "bungalow" style. GREAT views. Breakfast on the porch staring out at the ocean is just amazing. We were told we went in the off-season (mid-November) so we got great rates and the weather was still great. Staff gave great suggestions for restaurants and nightlife outside of the restaurant. They also really pushed a lot of the tours - sometimes I'm into that stuff, but we were on a more quick, budget-friendly, relaxing trip, so we didn't really partake. Get to know the bartenders - it will pay off. Remember to treat people with the respect you want to be treated and most of the time they'll do the same.

A few additional notes:

We took a taxi to the bus station from SJU airport, then a bus to Manuel Antonio beach. It was WAY cheaper than a taxi or car service, and totally safe. Neither of us really spoke Spanish, so there was definitely some language barrier difficulties, but we made it, so it can't be that hard. If I went back, I'd get a friend who knows Spanish to write down things we needed for each way to make it a little easier. Manuel Antonio Beach is about 2.5 hours from the airport area.

Didn't use the spa or fitness center, so not sure if those are at the property?

Hotel has free wifi in a few areas, which is nice.

We have been here for 1 week in August 2012.
The hotel is located on the cliff right behind Manuel Antonio. The view of the bay is outstanding one of the most impressive we have ever seen. Breakfast area is on the terrasse, so that you can enjoy the view every morning.
The room was big, not special, but nice and clean, with private terrasse.
The swimming pool area and the accurate gardens are gorgeous.
Hotel shuttle, or private car, was needed to reach Manuel Antonio.
The area is full of very nice restaurants and cocktailbar, but our favourite has been the new Pizzeria closed to the hotel (inside Hotel), lead by Sebastiano, a real Italian "pizzaiolo". His pizzas were great 'cause the ingredients were fresh and some of them directly imported from Italy.
The hotel team was polite and nice, a part the hotel supervisor, that was a bit too hasty in his attempt to be 110% efficient.

I stayed at La Mariposa in Oct for 2 nights in room 30. Wonderful friendly staff at check in, I was early so I waited at the amazing pool whilst my room was getting ready. Nice complimentary cocktail and a swim! Then I was shown to my room, I was blown away by the view. Nice and clean room, good a/c, nice bathroom and large comfy beds. Pay the extra for a room on a higher floor you will not be disappointed! The staff were great and I loved the location of the hotel too. Easy to walk out around Manuel Antonio and grab the bus to the beach if you wish. You can also walk down to the beach from the hotel. Just can put into words the view, this is what the hotel is all about Would I stay here again...YES!

My wife is from the Coffee farms of Costa Rica, in Feb of 2011 while visiting family we heading out to the beach for the weekend. This hotel is stunning. You can not beat the view from the pool, and the drinks made with FRESH fruit were so smooth. Might be heading here again in Feb 2013.

Mood around the pool was nothing crazy. A few kids, but still nice enough to soak up the rays with a book. Food was nothing to brag about, but plenty of options in the area, and the desk will hail you a cab if you don't want to walk.

DO NOT miss the Sun Set from the pool!!!