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Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

On the beach, white sand, beach towels, surfing
Exterior
Coffee shop
Front of property
2 outdoor pools, sun loungers

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
Palm Beach Estates, Cabo Velas, Guanacaste, 50308
  • Place, Grande Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Tamarindo Beach
  • Place, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
  • Airport, Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
    ‪157 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Superior Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen, Pool View

Superior Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen, Pool View | Terrace/patio

Superior Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen, Pool View

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 646 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Garden View

Terrace/patio

Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Garden View

  • 807 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Refrigerator

Standard Double Room, Refrigerator | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Standard Double Room, Refrigerator

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Villa

Deluxe Villa | Terrace/patio

Deluxe Villa

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Villa, Kitchen, Beachside

Deluxe Villa, Kitchen, Beachside | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Deluxe Villa, Kitchen, Beachside

  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, Balcony, Beachside

Deluxe Double Room, Balcony, Beachside | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Deluxe Double Room, Balcony, Beachside

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Terrace, Beachside

Superior Double Room, Terrace, Beachside | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Superior Double Room, Terrace, Beachside

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Kitchen | Minibar, in-room safe, soundproofing, free WiFi

Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

  • 538 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Playa Grande

With a stay at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana in Cabo Velas (Palm Beach Estates), you'll be a 1-minute drive from Grande Beach and 6 minutes from Las Baulas National Marine Park. .This beach hotel is 12.3 mi (19.7 km) from Tamarindo Beach and 8.7 mi (14.1 km) from Conchal Beach.

What's nearby

  • Grande Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Las Baulas National Marine Park - 6 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Brisa Mar - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Nari - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Pico Bistro - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Rural - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Tamaonda - ‬32 min drive

About this property

Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

Beachfront hotel with full-service spa
Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana offers 24 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include showers and bathrobes. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)). Housekeeping is provided on weekdays only.

2 outdoor swimming pools are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include sports massages, Swedish massages, facials, and body treatments.
Make yourself at home in one of the 24 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and minibars. 42-inch flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have showers and bathrobes. Conveniences include safes, and housekeeping is provided on weekdays only.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 outdoor swimming pools and an outdoor pickleball court. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a television in a common area.
Satisfy your appetite at Bistro Cantarana, a bistro which features a bar/lounge and a garden view. Dining is also available at the coffee shop/cafe.
Featured amenities include express check-out, dry cleaning/laundry services, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Bistro Cantarana - Overlooking the pool and garden, this bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. A children's menu is available. Happy hour is offered.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free secured, uncovered self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Bistro Cantarana

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Basketball
  • Full-service spa
  • Library
  • Outdoor pickleball court
  • Scooter/moped rentals
  • Surf lessons
  • Surfing/bodyboarding
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (weekdays only)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach towels
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • On the beach
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Facials
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • No elevator

More

  • Mosquito nets
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Mobile key entry
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 40
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 48 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from September 1 to October 31:
  • One of the dining venues
  • Bar/Lounge

Access methods

Access code, front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 10 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150.0 per stay

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 120 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Pet deposit: USD 150.0 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 10 per pet, per night
  • Late check-out fee: USD 40 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Hotel El Manglar Playa Grande
El Manglar Playa Grande
Hotel El Manglar Hotel
Hotel El Manglar Cabo Velas
Hotel El Manglar Hotel Cabo Velas

Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 191 out of 312 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 83 out of 312 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 312 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 312 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 312 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Sébastien

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great value for money

Excellent location, wonderful beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter Scott

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel El Manglar is maybe my most favorite hotel EVER! The grounds are beautiful!! The staff is so kind and helpful. Dylan and Georgia at the front desk were just incredible! The beach is stunning and the private path to the beach is magical! Our villa was comfortable and very clean. It had a king size bed, large shower, nice little kitchen and sitting area. Both the sitting area and kitchen had French doors that opened to the porch. We enjoyed our Costa Rican coffee and banana bread each morning on the porch. We had everything we needed! We loved the hammock on our private porch too! We surfed every day and I conveniently rented my surfboard from the hotel. We also enjoyed swimming in the lovely pool after a surf session. The owners of this hotel have created a paradise environment in Playa Grande. Dylan even arranged a tour of the estuary where we saw all kinds of wildlife including iguanas, crocodiles, the mangrove hawk and a family of Howler Monkeys. The food at the hotel's restaurant (a short walk from the hotel grounds) was delicious and fresh with great service (Luis). There is also another restaurant next door that serves great food and the homemade banana bread. I can't wait to go back!!! Hotel El Manglar is dreamy!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

CAROLINE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed Aug 1st—12th.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ella

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amie Ann

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We truly enjoyed our stay in our Villa. It was quiet, beautifully landscaped with very friendly and helpful staff. We enjoyed the very close Cafe Mar Azul beach vibe restaurant. We enjoyed seeing and hearing monkeys nearby. It was a very short walk in a beautiful pathway to the stunning beach with amazing sunsets.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maxime, Montréal

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tout était parfait, merci à Yorya pour son aide précieuse et sa bonne humeur contagieuse, nous voulons absolument y retourner. Pura vida!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leialoha

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this sweet little hotel. Simple, clean, comfortable, amazing beach access. Lovely staff, great location. We could have stayed longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diego

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
On voulait un hébergement près de la plage dans le coin de Tamarindo, on est content d'avoir résidé au El Manglar plutôt que dans la ville de Tamarindo. La plage est à 5 minutes et l'espace piscine est super bien aménagé pour se reposer. On a utilisé l'espace cuisine pour nos déjeuners et des repas simples. On a eu quelques difficultés d'accès au Wifi à partir des chambres, mais pour nous c'était un avantage car ça forçait nos ados à descendre dans l'espace commun.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deepthi

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is located in a very quite place. Thry have a shared kitchen where you can make your own food. Resturents are not nearby.Drive is not that great due to roads. Overall nice experience
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel El Manglar is amazing. Even though it was the cheapest place we stayed along the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, the staff and the high standard of the hotel, made it one of the most boutique and chic. The staff was very attentive and friendly and gave lots of recommendations. The grounds were beautiful and the pool was nice with lots of areas outside to hang out. Our room although small was very comfortable, clean and stylish. This part of Playa Grande is a little off the beaten track but there were still a few good restaurants as well as a little store nearby. We ended up renting bikes and I definitely recommend this as a way to explore the area if you don't have a car. The hotel also had its own cafe and restaurant, yoga and a beach access as well as surf boards to rent. It was a very relaxing and beautiful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Líndsay

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very quiet just what we needed it. Such a nice place great staff. My second time in Manglar.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Barun

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Not safe for children. We were assigned a room that had a balcony with a big gaps between the balcony railings and was not safe for our 4 year old. We went for our anniversary and had made a request for special arrangement which was not accommadated. Also, any of our requests were not accommodated as we booked through a 3rd party, Expedia, perthe staff. Had webooked directly, they would have taken care of our requests. Property was great, but staff and our check in process and experience could have been much better
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luis, Santa Cruz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We love staying at El Manglar. Its so close to the beach making it super easy to walk to go surfing or spend time in the gorgeous beach of Playa Grande.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Jenny

Liked: Staff & service
We had a basic double room. It is very small, has only a small window that didn't open and had no hooks or place to put bags or wet clothes. For the ptricr
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Emiliano

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

misty, Murphy Lake

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff are amazing and are very knowledgeable and helpful for booking tours and giving info on local attractions. The property and rooms are immaculate and modern. There is so much to do within walking distant. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cool hotel. I made the mistake of booking a small room with two beds for me and my brother. Very small and tight. Other than that it was a nice place. Well located comfy and was perfect in all other regards. I’ll stay again but likely get my own room next time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denzil

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Thank you Andrea and Dylan for the amazing hospitality. Until next time… Pura Vida
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is wonderful and the setting can't be beat!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tara

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very chill and friendly hotel with excellent beach. Staff was outstanding and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025