I've stayed here twice - first with my mother in a room and a second time with a group of college students in the villas. It's a great value, some nice amenities like pools and a restaurant in the hotel. The local bus stop to Manuel Antonio and to Quepos is very close, so you don't need a car. The hotel staff also arranged a terrific tour of MA park for us. I would not hesitate to stay there again.

I stayed there with my parents on my third trip to the area (in the Spring of 2006). The room was very basic and the restaurant was decent. The pool was nice too. Overall a great value. It is located on the road between Manuel Antonio and the town of Quepos. As a result, you can not walk to much. However, you can get the local bus or have them call for a taxi if you need transportation. We had rented a car, but we preferred to take a taxi at night.

I stayed at the Hotel Mono Azul with my boyfriend in one of the villas. The rooms were fairly sparse by US standards (tile floors, minimal linens) but very large and colorfully decorated. The villa was actually two separate rooms, each with a bathroom and tv, one of which functioned as the master bedroom, while the other had a kitchen/dining area and futon that would easily accomodate a third adult or a few kids. There was a pool surrounded by trees and flowers within steps of our front door, and we never saw any other guests using it during our stay. On one occasion, my boyfriend spotted some ants in the bathroom, but hey, you're in a tropical region - there are bound to be some bugs here and there. The bus stop was very close to the hotel, making getting to the national park/beach/anywhere else for dinner very cheap and convenient. I'd gladly stay at this hotel again.

While I agree with the other review that this might not be the best place for toddlers, it was terrific for our two daughters, ages 9 and 11. They were really excited about the hotel's connection to the non-profit "Kids Saving the Rainforest", which constructs "monkey bridges" (thick, blue ropes) that allow spider monkeys to safely cross the busy mountain road that leads to Manual Antonio park, 7 km south. The two pool areas are not large, but they loved having the variety. A games room with puzzles and stuff kept them occupied. Menu was perfect for families with a combination of US and Costa Rican dishes, plus good smoothies. It felt a little like staying at your bohemian aunt & uncle's place in Marin County -- which is always kind of nice about a week or so into a trip, when you're ready for a little home flavor. Rooms were not fancy, but comfortable for CR.