Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

3.0 star property
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant

Explore the area

View in a map
Palm Beach Estates, Cabo Velas, Guanacaste, 50308
  • Place, Grande Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course
  • Place, Tamarindo Beach
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Airport, Liberia (LIR-Daniel Oduber Intl.)
    ‪145 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Superior Villa, 1 King Bed, Kitchen, Pool View

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

Superior Apartment, 2 Bedrooms, Kitchen, Garden View

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

Standard Double Room, Refrigerator

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Villa

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Villa, Kitchen, Beachside

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

Deluxe Double Room, Balcony, Beachside

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

Superior Double Room, Terrace, Beachside

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Studio, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

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

About the neighborhood

Playa Grande

Located in Palm Beach Estates within a 15-minute walk of Grande Beach, Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana is within a few miles (5 km) of Las Baulas National Marine Park. This 24-room, 3-star hotel has 2 outdoor pools along with a full-service spa and a restaurant.

What's nearby

  • Grande Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Conchal Beach - 36 min drive - 10.2 miles
  • Tamarindo Beach - 52 min drive - 14.7 miles
  • Flamingo Beach - 54 min drive - 15.6 miles
  • Playa Langosta - 62 min drive - 16.5 miles

Getting around

  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Restaurante Brisa Mar - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Medusa Bar - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Tamaonda - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪Rural - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Nari - ‬31 min drive

About this property

Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana

At Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana, guests have access to a full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, and free WiFi in public areas. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 120 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can assist with tours or tickets, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include a library, express check-out, and a terrace.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Refrigerators, minibars, and safes are also available. Limited housekeeping is available.
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.

Similar properties

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

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 10 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 150.0 per stay

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions and guests can access their rooms with a mobile device.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

As of Apr 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana on May 4, 2026 start from $81, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do within easy reach of Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

This hotel is situated in Palm Beach Estates within a short 6-minute walk of Grande Beach. You'll also find Las Baulas National Marine Park and Ventanas Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include sports massages, facials, and body treatments.

Does Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana include a casino?

No, Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there are 2 outdoor pools.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

This beachfront hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including a garden-view restaurant, 2 outdoor pools, and a bar/lounge.

Does Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana serves breakfast for a surcharge at Bistro Cantarana.

Will Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana for a fee of USD 10 per pet, per night. A deposit of USD 150.0 per stay is collected.

Does Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

The closest major airport to Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana is Tamarindo (TNO), which is 9.5 mi away (41 minutes by car). Another top airport is Nosara (NOB), which is around 26.6 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a furnished balcony and a furnished patio where guests can enjoy garden and pool views.

Hotel El Manglar & Cantarana Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 208 out of 345 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 92 out of 345 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 29 out of 345 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 345 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 345 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Naomi

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Líndsay

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Freddy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location, beach access was great, rooms and amenities were excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Virendra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
This js a great hotel for beach access and family friendly. We were in standard room. Very very small but that was expected. The staff was very friendly. We were there for 3 days. On the 3rd day our toilet clogged and the staff was slow to respond. They graciously put us in an upgraded room but while one of our daily member was having a shower, the water stopped. Later we found out that the were filling the pool. They didn’t inform us. I feel bad leaving a poor review since this is a rugged style hostel hote frequented by local Costa Rica people. But we dust get good experience and also cell signa and WiFi was non existent
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Mercedy

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jared

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Bathroom smelled like a Bathroom exhaust pipe out of the roof, No hot showers, screaming kid, barking dog, terrible wifi.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angie

Una gran opción.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Marvin

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
pretty sparsely stocked
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Alexandra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Cortesías en fecha especiales como Navidad haría de este sitio más especial
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Cecilia

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Outstanding staff! Comfortable bed and good size bathroom. Liked the keyless entry system especially when going to the beach we didn’t worry about losing key. Beach only 2 min away. Pool area lovely gardens and shade if you wanted. Room fridge and air conditioner were added features.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We came to El Mangar from very busy Tamarindo and I wish we could have came here first! The property is pristine, the front desk at reception were kind,attentive and so helpful and you got a feel of you are welcome here, it has been amazing! The area is safe , secure and quiet , in the morning you can hear the waves from the beach :) room: small and cozy , this is the cleanest hotel we have stayed in after being in Costa Rica for a week, I am very particular about rooms, yes there may be some paint chipped but that is nothing, the rooms are clean! A/C works wonderful, actually had to raise the temp because we got too cold. Showers - hot water ! Parking : directly across from the hotel, on a quiet road ( which is more like a small lane ) , your vehicles are parked directly across and infront of the reception area in a small parking area. There is a parking pass that you have to display but this gives you peace of mind that your vehicle will be safe! There is a nice walkway to the beach, it’s about a 2 minute walk through a really neat forest setting, the trail is clean and flat, I do appreciate the beach being a 2 minute walk as you’re not surrounded by hotels and staring at a big resort right beside you , the beach is clean and not overall busy. The cafe next door has amazing food! I am so glad we came to stay here ! ❤️ we have had such an amazing time and I wish it wasn’t only for one day.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Fernando

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

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Every time we stay at El Manglar, it’s a beautiful experience. The place is incredibly relaxing, right next to a stunning beach. The rooms are well-equipped and conveniently located near restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Great location friendly staff
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Christoph

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great staff and service. Especially the outdoor kitchen. The window in the room was too small and did open only slightly. The construction site on the other slide of the road was very loud and annoying. Also very expensive.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This place was INCREDIBLE! Everything about it was perfect. The staff was helpfull and very friendly. The acces to the beach super easy. We had dinner at the bistro and it was so good! We had the Villa #3 for 2 nights and we were super sad to leave. We will come back next year for a longer stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Vanessa

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff was amazing. The room had a lot of ants, so much so I slept with the kitchen light on and there was no coffee in the morning anywhere until 8am. But it’s close to the beach and remote for a getaway.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

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