We lucked out finding Manala Hotel available during high season and it was perfect - the bungalow was big, clean, the premises well kept, the pool area was nice - (although I wish there umbrellas for shade) the sun is really strong here. The rate was totally reasonable at $140/night.

Overall, the staff made our stay very comfortanle and enjoyable - Fabian and Ronald were so nice and pleasant, they were able to assist with booking tours, massages, flight check-in, car service, etc. - big bonus El Pulpo restaurant is on the property - they have a good variety and delicious cocktails, really good pizza and chicken Milanese (yummy) - the service was good too. The location of the hotel is ideal, access to Playa Santa Terese is very easy walk across the road, and short walk to supermarkets.

I totally recommend this hotel.
Mae, from NYC

The Manala Hotel was an oasis. Right across from the beach access, the Manala Hotel was the perfect mix: easy beach front access for surfing, sun bathing and watching sunsets as well as a private, quiet and cool refuge from the intensity of the sun. The bungalows were really clean. "Il Pulpo" the restaurant was excellent; the included breakfast was a perfect start to the day and their pizza became a consistent way to end the day. The staff were all very welcoming and helpful. We felt well looked after and could have easily stayed longer.

We stayed for 4 days but wish we could have stayed for 4 months. What a great place. So private and quaint. The staff and owner were so friendly, the bungalows were clean, bright and large. The breakfast was a good start to the day and the restaurant was superb-pizza especially.

We stayed here 2 years ago and knew from when we got there the first time we would be back again! From when you get there you feel like you have entered your own magical world. This is a quiet location where you can relax during the day and sleep at night. The villas are the perfect size, the property is so beautiful and green. The people working on the grounds do an excellent job maintaining the grounds and keeping the pool clean. I love the huge showers! The cleaning ladies are great too, we had swans and flowers on our bed the one morning. We left our money out one day and when we got back our money was still there. This place has very honest workers and friendly, you can trust each one! Laura did an awesome job on hiring her staff!
There is a great restaurant by the pool, in fact it was so great that when we left and stayed at Hermosas we had to order their pizza delivery service. All the villas are the same so you can't go wrong. Breakfasts are great, toast and fruit with juice. You can order different breakfast items at a very small fee. The beach is just across the road (1 min walk). The beach is amazing and Manala is at just the perfect location. When you get to the beach you can either walk left and join the young surfers or you can go right and have beaches to yourself. What could be better? The beach is beautiful, make sure to watch the sunset every night. The beach goes on for miles, so you can have great walks either way.
The Manala location is perfect with great restaurants near by. We did Ginger Cafe quite a few times for lunch (they had great sandwiches with warm fresh bread at great prices), Kika is almost across the street with amazing food. We never needed a taxi to go to any of the restaurants from this location which was great.
The pool was clean at all times and oh so beautiful. We saw over 30 monkeys above the pool and surrounding villas the one day. It was amazing! This place truly feels magical!
As for the owner of Manala, Laura. She was great! We loved her! She was always around at the right time when we wanted to talk to her (and we loved talking to her). She knows how to make you feel like you are her close friends.
Since there are only 8 villas, I would reserve as early as you can. We booked over 8 months in advance. There is no other place in the area that is this nice at this price. I know I would pay more for this place (but maybe I should keep that a secret, so prices don't get raised too much). Thank you for making our second trip to Manala as great as the first! When we come back to Costa Rica, we will come back to Manala!