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About
4.5
#2 of 5 resorts in Manuel Antonio
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Makanda By the Sea is 12 acres of wildlife sanctuary, 100 meters above the ocean. Our fully equipped Villas and Studios are carefully placed in rainforest gardens with spectacular views of the sixty mile coastline. Hotel Makanda is the ideal location for guests wishing to experience “romance in nature”, dazzling sunset views and our personalized boutique hotel ambiance. Offering gourmet cuisine, first class service, and close to Manuel Antonio Park, Spas, Restaurants, Tours and Beaches.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Boutique
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
1 Km West From Plaza Vista Commercial Center, Manuel Antonio, Quepos 60601 Costa Rica
Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
1,706 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Nestled within the natural beauty of Costa Rica, Hotel Makanda By The Sea captivates guests with its spacious and modern rooms that boast stunning views, despite a few remarks on maintenance. While some visitors point out challenges with accessibility, the hotel's private and tranquil location near natural attractions is widely celebrated.
Luxurious amenities, including infinity pools and a spa, provide a serene getaway, though opinions on value for money vary due to the pricing of services. The impeccable cleanliness and sophisticated ambiance of the resort are consistently acclaimed, as is the exceptional service from attentive staff members.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Sophisticated
Rooms
Stylish
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Opulent
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What was supposed to be a vacation of a life time was interrupted by the Covid-19 virus. The beautiful Makanda Hotel made our stay most accommodating under the circumstances. Although, by the end of our stay we were literally one of the last groups of guests left at the hotel, the staff made sure that we were always taken care of the same as if the hotel was full of guests. They always made sure someone was there to make up our rooms and serve us meals when we notified them when it was necessary. A thank you to TJ , Jose, and Darwin for their services and a special thanks to Jonathan (and another worker who drove a white Toyota) who went out of their way to jump start our car in the dark when the battery died. A very special thank you to Polina who always made sure we were taken care of and arranged a departure dinner for us and a few other guests along with the chef and owner. She also contacted us to make sure we got back to our home in the USA safely. We would love to return in better times.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MAKANDAFAMILY, Public Relations Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Apr 29, 2020
Dear Linda, We thank you dearly for the kind words, for taking the time to remember and thank our staff personally and mainly we are thankful for your coolness :) It was an honour to host you guys! We truly hope to see you again in the nearest future. Of course, this time we will show you all our wonderful amenities and abilities in a 100 percent capacity :) Until then, please stay safe and take care! Warmest regards, Makanda Family
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This hotel is well worth the expense just to enjoy the feeling of being nestled inside a tropical jungle with monkeys as your regular breakfast companions!
The architecture is incredible and perfectly complements the jaw dropping views through the dense jungle out to the private beach.
The resort clings to a fairly steep hill-side and subtly blends into the jungle foliage. A series of small roads connect the various buildings and a number of motorized golfcarts are available at a few minutes notice to run you anywhere you want to go.
The pool bar serves excellent cocktails and had a live DJ during happy hour which was quite magical, listening to music, sipping cocktails in the infinity pool and heated jacuzzi, and gazing out over the sea as sun set!
We ate in the restaurant one evening and it was good although expensive. We were a little disappointed that at $700 per night for our room that a cooked breakfast was not included in the room rate. It seemed petty to charge extra however the complimentary fresh fruit platter, juice and coffee were very nice and enough for us on most days.
Both the freshwater and salt water pools provided cold drinking water infused with tropical fruits, and complementary sunscreen and mosquito repellent for guests which was a nice touch, although surprisingly we did not find as many mosquitos as we had expected.
We booked a couples spa treatment one afternoon (the Signature Shanti package) which was incredible. We had the whole spa and private terrace to ourselves and for the first hour sipped on prosecco whilst enjoying the jacuzzi and sauna, then lounged in our robes on this beautiful private terrace suspended over the jungle. The spa treatments were excellent and the masseuses were definitely five-star quality.
The level of maintenance and cleanliness of the resort was not perfect and this was the only area where the hotel needs take care the ensure that they maintain their exclusive status.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andre Konovale, General Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 17, 2024
Dear AthensKiwi, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are thrilled to hear that you found the location and architecture of Makanda by the Sea to be breathtaking. Your insights are crucial to our ongoing efforts to enhance our services and offerings. While we always strive to provide an exceptional experience, we regret any inconvenience you may have encountered regarding pricing and inclusions. We are continuously reviewing our offerings to ensure they meet the expectations of our esteemed guests like yourself. At Makanda by the Sea, we take great pride in our commitment to excellence. We are delighted that you enjoyed the pool bar, cocktails, and live DJ entertainment, as well as indulging in our spa treatments. These experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories for our guests. We understand your concerns about the maintenance and cleanliness of the resort. Please accept our sincere apologies for any lapses you may have noticed. Rest assured, we take your feedback seriously and are dedicated to addressing any areas of concern promptly. For your next visit, we encourage you to book directly with us to enjoy exclusive access to our wild private Makanda beach, two infinity swimming pools, the rejuvenating Shanti spa, and the exquisite culinary offerings at Arbol restaurant. Additionally, we recommend exploring the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park and the captivating Arenal Volcano to further immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another unforgettable stay at Makanda by the Sea. Warm regards, The Team at Makanda by the Sea
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All around a great place. The staff is exceptionally helpful and ready to take care of you. The rooms are large and many have balconies. Some have plunge pools or a hot tub.
You are in the rainforest, so expect some noise from the natives (monkeys and birds). They tended to wake us up very early each morning. If you're on the top floor, you might well hear them jump onto the roof around 6am, which can be disturbing if you're not used to it, so keep that in mind.
Two pools provide plenty of space to escape if a rowdy party shows up, which is nice. Even the main pool is large enough that you feel spread out from everyone. Note that the spaces fill up early, so I recommend getting there by breakfast if you want a premium seat.
Food was very very good. The portions are large so keep that I'm mind. One downside is that they seem to always have live music at dinner, and it's quite loud (and of average quality) making dinner conversation difficult. I think the music ends around 8:30-9:00 so consider a late dinner if you want quiet.
Finally the adults-only feature is a huge win if you aren't traveling with urchins.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MAKANDAFAMILY, Guest Relations Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Mar 19, 2020
Dear Guests, Thank you very much for choosing and praising Makanda. We are truly happy to hear you enjoyed your stay with us! Our kitchen staff are also sending their regards to you, and are thankful for your kind words! We always work with the freshest ingredients to guarantee that our Guests have the best gastronomic experience. It's a pity you didn't like the live music which we only offer 2 nights a week (tuesdays and saturdays), usually our guests love it. But we of course understand that it is always a matter of taste. Please come back at any time, we will happily host you again and again! Have a great and blessed week! Warm regards, Makanda Family
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This is perhaps the most physically magnificent hotel we've seen anywhere in the world. The exterior and interior designs are spectacular. Every detail everywhere is perfect. We were happy to just walk around (in the rain) and enjoy the vision that someone (sadly no one could tell us who designed the hotel) created. Wood, stone, tile, bamboo etc are infused together in perfect style. Can you tell we love design? The facility is hilly and steps are steep - especially to the beach (but cart service is available). Only 2 bottled waters are provided and there is no shop/store on the premises. For $500+ a night there should be turn down service. The spa building was closed because a tree fell on it. We had a damaged chair and door in our room that never got repaired. Our room had a spectacular view beyond the plunge pool but no curtains so difficult to sleep at sunrise. Electronic problems abound - our door lock stopped working, the fingerprint in-room safe failed, restaurant and room service iPads with menus and billing failed frequently, wifi service was slow, and we lost power a couple of times. No flashlight is provided but we had our own. Our plunge pool water was not heated as is the mineral water in the plunge pool at Nayara. The restaurants were very good and the pools enjoyable. The private beach was nice but lots of big rocks in the water making it difficult/dangerous to walk in the ocean. The staff tried very hard but there are some rough edges that need some smoothing out to provide a true 5 star experience. But still the beauty of this place makes it a place to try when in the area. (The hotel also set us with with an exceptional tour of the park).
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Date of stay: November 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:If you have mobility issues check out the room before you move in.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andre Konovale, General Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 17, 2024
Dear jim1231, Thank you immensely for taking the time to share your detailed review following your stay at Makanda by the Sea. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to address your concerns while also celebrating the unique elements that make our hotel special. We're thrilled to learn that our architecture and design left such a profound impression on you. Crafting a space that captivates our guests is at the core of what we do, and it's incredibly rewarding to hear that our efforts resonated with you. From the meticulous blend of wood, stone, tile, and bamboo to the seamless integration of interior and exterior elements, every facet of our design is a testament to our commitment to excellence. We regret any inconvenience you experienced during your stay, and we apologize for the maintenance issues you encountered. Please know that we are actively working to rectify these issues to ensure a flawless experience for all our guests. Our team is dedicated to addressing any concerns promptly and efficiently. In response to your feedback about accessibility and amenities, we offer cart services to assist guests navigating the hilly terrain, and we are exploring options to enhance our offerings, including turn-down service and improved technical infrastructure. Additionally, we're sorry for any disappointment caused by the temporary closure of the spa building and the lack of curtains in your room. Despite these challenges, we're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our restaurants, pools, and private beach. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we're committed to continually improving our services to exceed your expectations. For future visits, we encourage you to book directly with us to unlock exclusive benefits, including access to our private beach, infinity pools, spa, and restaurant. We also recommend exploring nearby attractions such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano to further enhance your Costa Rican experience. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back for another memorable stay at Makanda by the Sea. Warm regards, The Team at Makanda by the Sea
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My partner and I just came back from a wonderful 4 night stay at Makanda. The hotel is in a prime location, close by to the National Park and local beaches. It also boasts its own private beach which is a great location to check out the wildlife! Our spacious room was gorgeous with a generous terrace overlooking the jungle and ocean. We spent many hours by the pool which was a hot bed for wildlife in itself! We managed to spot a family of howler, Capuchin and squirrel monkeys respectively. The staff were friendly and couldn't do enough to ensure guests were well taken care of. The restaurant has stunning with modern decor - only negative we found was that the food though delicious was on the expensive side. Thank you Makanda for a wonderful stay. We hope to visit again soon.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from MAKANDAFAMILY, Guest Relations Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Mar 26, 2020
Dear Guests, Thank you dearly for such kind words about our Hotel. It warms our hearts to hear that you had such a pleasant experience with us! Why we get only 4 stars though? ;)) We truly hope you will visit us again soon! Warmest regards, Makanda Family
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I travel often, and I can confidently say that Hotel Makanda by the Sea is one of the most beautiful and well-run hotels I have ever stayed in!
After A LOT of research, my friends and I decided on the Hotel Makanda by the Sea for a girl’s getaway. When planning for a group it’s rare to find something that works for everyone. This hotel hits all the marks– private beach access, stunning views, a great pool scene, delicious food options for both our foodies and picky eaters, a gym for the sporty ones, a spa for those who want extra pampering, lux décor in both the rooms and common spaces and exceptionally attentive staff.
First impressions are everything and they blew us away! After a breezy check-in, we received yummy welcome drinks and the staff gave us a tour. They insisted on carrying all of our bags and took us around in a golf cart. It felt like we were getting the royal treatment.
As far as the room goes – the beauty of this hotel is in the details. There are Bose speakers and espresso makers in the main area of the room, makeup wipes and a Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom, yoga mats in the walk-in closet, and silk eye masks on the nightstand. There are a lot of mirrors and lights in the room – which is overlooked by so many other hotels. I love that there was an option for a bath and a shower. The shower space is huge and has a bench. Also, there are two shower head options (overhead rain and handheld.) The provided slippers and robe are cozy to get into afterward.
We stayed in the penthouse and it's EPIC. The personal pool area is heavenly, and the hotel staff served us brunch in the pool – which further elevated the experience. My friends stayed in another style room and it was also incredible.
Details were also not missed in the common areas. There are a ton of different types of seating options by the pool/hot tub area (lounge chairs, cabanas, etc..), the showers and bathrooms by the pool are aesthetically cool, and I loved that there was a hydration station with sunscreen and sanitizer.
We were here for a birthday and the staff ensured to make it extra special. They provided celebratory food and beverages, decorated my room with balloons, and left a card. Hotel Makanda made this an unforgettable birthday that my crew and I will never forget.
When you are traveling with a mix of people, you know it is a success when everyone in the group wants to come back to this hotel – some with their romantic partners and others for another girls trip.
Thank you Hotel Makanda by the Sea! We will be back!!!
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Makanda Family, Other at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 26, 2024
Thank you sincerely for sharing your heartfelt review! Your words resonate deeply with us, and we're thrilled that your girls' birthday weekend at Hotel Makanda by the Sea was truly epic. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we strive to create unforgettable experiences for all our guests. At Makanda, we understand the importance of catering to diverse preferences, especially for group getaways. We're delighted that our hotel met all your expectations, offering private beach access, stunning views, and a wide range of amenities to suit every traveler's needs. Your description of our attention to detail during check-in reflects our commitment to providing a luxurious and personalized experience. Ensuring every guest feels pampered from the moment they arrive is our priority, and we're glad you felt the royal treatment. From our meticulously designed rooms to the luxurious penthouse with its heavenly private pool, we take pride in exceeding expectations. Your recognition of the thoughtful touches, such as Bose speakers and plush robes, reaffirms our dedication to creating a truly indulgent retreat. Moreover, we're thrilled that our staff went above and beyond to make your birthday celebration extra special. Creating unforgettable moments is at the heart of what we do, and we're delighted we could contribute to such a memorable occasion for you and your friends. Your intention to return with your loved ones speaks volumes, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences. Manuel Antonio, with its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, awaits your return for another extraordinary getaway. Warm regards, The Makanda by the Sea Team.
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The location is hard to beat although the road is a little bit narrow it’s not difficult to reach. The view from the rooms is very nice with a direct view on the sea. The property feels secluded in the jungle even if it’s only a few minute drive to the park entrance and to Quepos. There is however some important flaw that are not with the management of the hotel but it’s actual conception. The road going to the rooms goes through a very steep path that is made extra slippery with the tile coveting it. Actually everything is slippery which is a major problem consider the amount of rain falling there. We do not have mobility problems and those tile gave us trouble so I can only imagine how hard it would be on anyone with disabilities or even the slightest limp difficulty. Another problem is the design of the rooms. Some of them are built on the side and probably partially under the hill so humidity is a major issue. There was a nasty smell that they tried to mask with incense (but it only made it worse) also the bathroom is huge but the shower space is small and not very private even the toilet cabinet is only close by a glass door and there’s a lot of the space is the bathroom is just empty and doesn’t serve a purpose. As for the services we didn’t use the hotel beach as the nearby beaches in Manuel Antonio are much more beautiful but a semi private beach is a nice amenity. The restaurant Arbol is quite decent with some very good sushi but the service can be extremely slow even when it’s not a busy night. Overall this hotel had potential and is beautiful but some of the design choices in the room and the overall conception of the hotel are problematic.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Dangerously slippery path be careful.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andre Konovale, General Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 17, 2024
Experience Enhanced Comfort and Nature's Embrace at Makanda by the Sea We at Makanda by the Sea deeply value the insights shared by our esteemed guests, such as julieng332 from Montreal, Canada. Your feedback is a cornerstone in our mission to elevate the Makanda experience, ensuring each stay is nothing short of exceptional. We regret any inconvenience encountered and are here to share the strides we've made towards perfection. Nestled in the verdant heart of Manuel Antonio, our unique haven promises seclusion and breathtaking sea vistas, a mere stone's throw from adventure. We're excited to announce significant enhancements to our pathways, ensuring ease of access for all our guests, reflecting our commitment to comfort and safety amidst nature's splendor. Our dedication to crafting an unparalleled retreat remains unwavering. The allure of our wild private beach, complemented by the serene infinity pools, awaits to envelop you in tranquility. The Shanti Spa and Arbol restaurant stand as testaments to our pursuit of excellence, now boasting expedited service to enhance your gastronomic journey. In response to valuable guest feedback, we're reimagining our accommodations. Innovative solutions are being implemented to harmonize our architectural uniqueness with the utmost in comfort, ensuring every space, including our expansive bathrooms, is a sanctuary of relaxation and privacy. Choosing to book directly with us not only secures the best rates but also opens the door to a tailored experience. We cherish the bonds formed with our guests and eagerly anticipate rekindling old friendships while forging new ones. Manuel Antonio is a jewel of Costa Rica, its beauty paralleled only by the cloud forests of Monteverde and the tranquil shores of Guanacaste. Each visit to Makanda promises a tapestry of new discoveries and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are grateful for the opportunity to address your feedback and invite you to witness the evolution of Makanda by the Sea firsthand. Allow us to surpass your expectations on your next visit to the majestic Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. With warmest regards, The Team at Makanda by the Sea
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This hotel is well remodeled, beautiful designs, and best vibes. I stayed here for a week in HoneyMoon Viilla and it was AMAZING. The staff members/customer service is definitely what make this place amazing. From Elias at the bar, to the golf cart drivers they are extra helpful, kind, and actually cater to you in a heart beat. You say jump they say how high, just be mindful and tip. I had an issue with wifi reception from our room and it was fixed as soon as I reported it and they resolved it ASAP.. All the excursions through the website were amazing, you get picked up and dropped off at the resort. I recommend you get a room with breakfast included because the restaurant was a bit pricey for my budget, but just make sure you search the food menu and view the dinner prices so you are comfortable with what the prices are. BUT! don't let that discourage you, closest town is an 8-15 minute walk and there is places to eat there or take a taxi that takes you anywhere you want to go from the hotel. There is two awesome pool and its adult only, so you never feel to close to anyone or a crowd I mean this place was amazing and will recommend 100% to anyone, you wont regret it. They put money into this place and it showed in every detail.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Ask for Pacific view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Makanda Family, Other at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 27, 2024
Dear Bedros N, Thank you sincerely for sharing your delightful experience with us! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we are truly grateful for your kind words about your stay at Makanda by the Sea. Your opinion means the world to us, and we always prioritize listening to our guests, even if our response may be delayed. Your feedback serves as a guiding light, emphasizing our commitment to continually enhancing the quality of our services. We are thrilled to hear that our efforts have not gone unnoticed, and that our customer service has left such a positive impression on you. Ensuring the utmost satisfaction of our guests, both present and returning, is always our top priority. It brings us immense joy to hear that you enjoyed your stay in the HoneyMoon Villa. Our staff members are dedicated to providing exceptional service, and it's wonderful to hear that Elias and our golf cart drivers went above and beyond to make your experience memorable. Your satisfaction is our motivation, and we are delighted to have been able to promptly address any issues you encountered, such as the wifi reception. We take pride in offering a variety of excursions through our website, ensuring that our guests have access to unforgettable experiences during their stay. Additionally, we appreciate your recommendation regarding the breakfast inclusion option and your transparency about the restaurant prices. We strive to provide options that cater to all budgets, and we're pleased to hear that you found the nearby dining options convenient. Indeed, Makanda by the Sea is nestled in the heart of Manuel Antonio, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offering unparalleled tranquility. With our two adult-only infinity pools and the wild private Makanda beach, guests can enjoy a serene and exclusive experience. Once again, thank you for choosing Makanda by the Sea for your honeymoon getaway, and for your heartfelt recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future for another extraordinary experience. Warmest regards, Makanda by the Sea
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This hotel is beautiful with excellent service from what seems to be typical of hospitality of Costa Rican people. They truly aim to please and go above and beyond. We highly recommend villa 2 honeymoon juniors suite with pool - it’s is much larger than the photos portray online. The room really is outstanding with many nice features. I do wish there was tea/coffee facilities in the room instead of just an Espresso machine that it is on offer and I wished for some sort of drying rack for wet bathers etc but this was not a huge problem. We were concerned one day with loud disco music by the pool which doesn’t match the luxury surroundings of a luxury traveller hotel that it seems to attract but we need not worry since as soon as we asked for the music to be tuned down/stopped they did it immediately and we never had to ask again. The menus for lunch and dinner are the same so the menus are quite limited but they were more than happy to accommodate my bespoke menu ideas - you just have to ask them and they will do their best to deliver. Overall the food is very good even though their menus may seem a little limited if you stay more than 3 days. This hotel has very steep access to most things - but they provide golf carts regularly and quickly when needed. Overall, a fantastic luxury hotel with great service and high standards. Thank you Makanda by Sea and all your team!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Upgrade the room if you want more privacy and quiet.
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Response from Makanda Family, Other at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 26, 2024
Dear 777Traveller1000, Thank you deeply for sharing your remarkable experience with us. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us as we continuously strive to exceed the expectations of our esteemed guests at Makanda by the Sea. Your description of our hotel as a beautiful blend where the rainforest meets the sea fills us with immense pride. We're delighted that you found the service exemplary, reflecting the genuine warmth and hospitality that embodies the essence of Costa Rican culture. At Makanda, we take great pride in our commitment to hospitality, ensuring that each guest feels valued and cared for. Your recommendation of Villa 2 honeymoon junior suite with a pool is truly appreciated. We're thrilled to hear that the room exceeded your expectations with its spaciousness and outstanding features. Rest assured, we'll take note of your suggestions regarding the addition of tea/coffee facilities and a drying rack for wet items to further enhance the comfort of our guests. Regarding the occasional disruption by loud music near the pool, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Your feedback has been duly noted, and we're pleased that our team promptly addressed the issue to ensure a peaceful and luxurious ambiance for all our guests. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the culinary offerings at our restaurant, and we appreciate your feedback regarding the menu variety. Rest assured, we're continuously working to enhance our dining options to cater to the diverse preferences of our guests. Indeed, our hotel's unique location with steep access is complemented by our efficient golf cart service, ensuring seamless transportation for our guests to explore our expansive property. In Manuel Antonio, where our hotel is nestled, you'll discover not only the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest and the sea but also other popular attractions such as the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the vibrant capital city of San Jose. Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Makanda by the Sea and for recognizing the efforts of our dedicated team. We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming you back for another unforgettable stay. Warm regards, Makanda by the Sea
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Very bad experience, with the exception of the decoration which is superb, all the rest was extremely poor. The quality of service bad very bad and we can say this with knowedge, as we have been in several hotels around Manuel Antonio Area as well as Guanacaste in the South of Costa Rica. This Hotel is definitively below the standard. Personnel with low empathy except for some exceptions, not client oriented for sure. You get to the pool area and nobody pays attention to you whether you need towels or a drink. You must make yourself noticed. Not the same in other hotels of CR.
One day the Hotel Restaurant was collapsed because there was one table with 8 people. All the rest had to wait until that table was served. We waited for more than 45 minutes to get our order. The Restaurant was not crowded as few tables were still available.
We cannot put all the blame in the Hotel employees as we clearly saw a lack of training and poor management and supervision. The Pandemic has certainly affect this business as we all well realize, but coming short of personnel cannot be the best excuse when you see things are slowly coming back to “normal”. You ought to be ready and not lose your reputation in the meantime.
Also important to say, this is not a friendly hotel for elderly people or even those in their mid fifties, as every single path or internal road are dangerously uphill or downhill. Not easy to walk around except by requesting the Hotel Golf Kart transportation service.
Very dissapointed, but if you want to give them a chance, go for it but later, try others and you’ll see the difference.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Andre Konovale, General Manager at Hotel Makanda By The Sea Costa Rica
Responded Feb 13, 2024
Dear rodri2021, Thank you for your candid feedback on your stay at Makanda by the Sea. We're heartened you appreciated our decor, but deeply apologize for not meeting your expectations in service and dining. We've taken immediate action to address your concerns. Specifically, we've enhanced our poolside service protocol to ensure a staff member is always attentive to our guests' needs for towels or refreshments. Regarding the wait times at our restaurant, we've streamlined our kitchen operations and increased staff training to minimize delays, even during peak dining hours. We're excited to share recent guest testimonials, like from Anna S., who praised our improved pool service, and John L., who celebrated our efficient dining. Please visit our website for their stories and a gallery of recent renovations, including our eco-friendly lighting. On accessibility, we’ve improved the pathways for easier navigation throughout the resort. Our commitment to sustainability is seen in our eco-friendly initiatives like solar panels and water conservation programs, as we strive to protect the stunning natural environment of Manuel Antonio. For any further feedback or direct communication with our management, we've established a dedicated guest service line, ensuring your voice is heard and acted upon. We invite you to experience the renewed Makanda by the Sea, where luxury, nature, and a deep respect for our guests come together to create an unforgettable experience. Warmest regards, The Team at Makanda by the Sea Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kansas City, Missouri15 contributions12 helpful votes
I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!
I do not know if the hotel allows guests to use the pool. Yes there is a large refrigerator and full kitchen! We had ice in our freezer, it was never a problem.
HIGHLY recommend this hotel. It's far from the airport but worth it once you are there!
hello ♥️ if the pool is not totally private it is from the room itself, but upstairs it has another room, but from above you can't see anything of the pool below
There are more places to choose from in the Manuel Antonio area.
PRICE RANGE
C$507 - C$744 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
makanda by the sea hotel manuel antonio national park
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasQueposManuel Antonio
NUMBER OF ROOMS
33
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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