Reviews of Hotel El Manglar 3 stars
Palm Beach Estates, 60011 Playa Grande, Costa Rica
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Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe beach is less than a 3 min walk! You can’t beat that!! The beach is amazing, lots of waves, also calm during low tide. The hotel has relaxing environment, clean and excellent service by the staff. The 5 person Villa was perfect, lots of space, equipped kitchen, AC, big bathroom, comfy beds. All in all, the Villa was exquisite. Would definitively return and stay at a villa.
It could seem a bit crowded if all the whole of the hotel were booked. Even though there lots of vegetation in between to compensate.
Thank you so much for your lovely words Natasha! We're really happy you enjoyed your stay and that the villa was a great fit for you. Being so close to the beach is definitely a highlight, and it's great to hear you appreciated the atmosphere and service. We'd love to have you back anytime! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for your lovely words Natasha! We're really happy you enjoyed your stay and that the villa was a great fit for you. Being so close to the beach is definitely a highlight, and it's great to hear you appreciated the … Show more
Reviewed: 8 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe property itself is beautiful! Amazing common spaces, with a fantastic shared kitchen and eating area. Tastefully landscaped and many different areas to sit. The beds are super comfortable and great pillows!!! The staff were so friendly and accommodating!
The standard rooms are very small . We are not picky, but for a family of four, we had nowhere to put our bags - we had to step over them while getting out of bed and going to the washroom.
Thank you so much for your kind words Stephanie! We're really glad you enjoyed the property and that our team made you feel welcome. We're sorry to hear the room felt a bit tight for your family — we understand how important comfort is. For future stays, we’d be happy to recommend more spacious options that might suit your needs better. We'd love to welcome you back anytime! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for your kind words Stephanie! We're really glad you enjoyed the property and that our team made you feel welcome. We're sorry to hear the room felt a bit tight for your family — we understand how important comfort… Show more
Reviewed: 29 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewthe pool and surrounding areas.
The road, but it’s not the hotel’s responsibility.
Thank you so much for your comment Cristian! We're really happy you enjoyed the installations, it's a space we love sharing with our guests. And yes, the road can be a bit rough sometimes, but we truly appreciate your understanding. We'd love to have you back anytime! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for your comment Cristian! We're really happy you enjoyed the installations, it's a space we love sharing with our guests. And yes, the road can be a bit rough sometimes, but we truly appreciate your understanding.… Show more
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewVery nice
Thank you for your kind review Maciek! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us! It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to welcome you back soon! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Reviewed: 19 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewIt's always an incredible pleasure to stay at Manglar and Cantarana (the sister hotel). My husband surfs, and the beach is literally steps away. Also, the hotels are walking distance to two great eateries, one at Cantarrana and also Cafe Mar Azul.There are yoga classes, surfboards and boogie boards, and even surf lessons (for a fee). Finally, the staff is incredibly sweet, and they remember your name and greet you as friends. Manglar can be a bit busier, as there are more rooms/people. Cantarrana is less busy. We love and have stayed at both place, @ 6 or 7 times in the last few years. I highly recommend!
Can't think of a thing;)
Thank you so much for this wonderful review Linda! It’s always a true pleasure to welcome you both back to Manglar and Cantarana. Having returning guests like you, who feel more like friends each time, is one of the most special parts of what we do. We're so happy to hear that you continue to enjoy the beach, the food, the yoga, and all the little details that make this place home for you. Your kind words mean the world to our team, and we’re always here with open arms, ready to welcome you back again and again! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review Linda! It’s always a true pleasure to welcome you both back to Manglar and Cantarana. Having returning guests like you, who feel more like friends each time, is one of the most special parts of wh… Show more
Reviewed: 15 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 6 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewGood location very close to the beach. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings. Hotel reception staff are very friendly and welcoming. The pool area is nice and looked like there used to be a swim up bar or something like that but maybe due to shoulder season it was closed. The premises were kept clean and tidy. Short walk to a cafe, coffee shop, surf rentals and a small grocery shop. Heads up the grocery store carries only small amount of necessities like toothpaste, some beverages, hygiene products, small snacks. You won’t be able to find much there and hours vary.
The rooms are nicely decorated but a bit too basic. I think guests can benefit from a few more hangers and shelving on the walls, especially in the bathroom. We struggled drying our clothes for three people with very minimum hanging space. A bit disappointing that they don’t provide hair dryers. It’s very handy especially in the rainy season when your hair may not dry during the day because of dampness and lower temperatures.
Thanks for taking the time to leave your review Leyla. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the peaceful location, our friendly staff, and the proximity to the beach and local spots. We'd like to clarify that hair dryers are not listed as part of the in-room amenities, so guests can know in advance and plan accordingly. Thank you for staying with us. We hope to welcome you back again! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thanks for taking the time to leave your review Leyla. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed the peaceful location, our friendly staff, and the proximity to the beach and local spots. We'd like to clarify that hair dryers are not … Show more
Reviewed: 16 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewLocation
Everything than location.. Dirty pool,kitchen..ants..the list is long
Thank you for your comment Petra. We're genuinely sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. That said, we do want to kindly note that staying so close to nature in a National Park offers a very unique and rustic environment, something that isn't for everyone. While we do our best to maintain cleanliness and comfort, the natural setting can sometimes bring challenges like insects or humidity due to the transition to the raining season and other things out of our control. We always strive to offer our guests a warm and welcoming stay, and we’re sorry we couldn’t meet your preferences this time. We wish you the best in your future travels and hope you find destinations more aligned with what you were looking for. Thanks for visiting us in the jungle at our little piece of paradise! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you for your comment Petra. We're genuinely sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations. That said, we do want to kindly note that staying so close to nature in a National Park offers a very unique and rustic… Show more
Reviewed: 14 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewLocation was amazing. You get your own private access to the beach just a 2 minute walk from the hotel. Staff was incredible and friendly. Great vibes at the pool/garden.
They could stock the shared kitchen better with basics like oil and better cooking utensils. A way to make ice in our room would have been nice.
Thank you so much for your kind words and high rating Lukas! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the amazing location and that you had a great time at the pool and garden. Our team truly strives to provide the best experience possible for our guests, so it means a lot to know you felt well taken care of. We also really appreciate your suggestions about the shared kitchen and the ice – your feedback helps us continue to improve. We hope to welcome you back soon! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Dylan!
Thank you so much for your kind words and high rating Lukas! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the amazing location and that you had a great time at the pool and garden. Our team truly strives to provide the best experience possible fo… Show more
Reviewed: 11 May 2025 · Stayed in May 2025
Verified reviewStaff were amazing, room was spacious. Kitchen was great. 2bed villa had a nice space/terrace
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience Aissa! We're very happy to hear you enjoyed our spacious villa, the kitchen, and especially the service from our amazing staff members, they’ll be thrilled to know they made a positive impact. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you and your family back again soon for an even better stay! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience Aissa! We're very happy to hear you enjoyed our spacious villa, the kitchen, and especially the service from our amazing staff members, they’ll be t… Show more
Reviewed: 19 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewEverything good the property
Everything good the property but the staff should be more empathetic and care about any situation
Thank you for your review Francine! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the property during your recent stay! We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience with our staff didn’t meet your expectations. From our side, we did see that the team was attentive and responsive to your requests throughout your stay. That said, we appreciate your comments and we truly hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future and provide you with a much improved experience! For all of us it was a pleasure to have you with us! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you for your review Francine! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the property during your recent stay! We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience with our staff didn’t meet your expectations. From our side, we did see that the team wa… Show more
Reviewed: 12 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 2 April 2025 · Stayed in April 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewLovely hotel and great staff. Was really comfortable and the grounds and access to the beach were fantastic.
Thank you so much for your kind words Jason! We're very happy to hear you had a comfortable stay and enjoyed the beautiful grounds and private beach access. Our amazing team truly appreciates your feedback, it means a lot to us! We hope to welcome you back again soon! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your kind words Jason! We're very happy to hear you had a comfortable stay and enjoyed the beautiful grounds and private beach access. Our amazing team truly appreciates your feedback, it means a lot to us! We hope… Show more
Reviewed: 17 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewVery nice complex with good facilities. Great location, separated from Tamarindo busyness and messiness. By an inlet. Thanks to that, the very long beach/bay is not busy at all, clean, very relaxing. Watching the pelicans fishing just a few meters from me swimming was very special. There were waves but not large enough for surfing in the morning so it was fine for swimming. Our room had a fridge and was clean and nice, bathroom as well.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Ondrej! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our facilities, your room and the peaceful location in our little piece of paradise! As for the waves, they can actually get even better depending on the tides, so we’re crossing our fingers that next time you visit, the surf will be just perfect for you! We can't wait to seeing you again! Always welcome! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your wonderful review Ondrej! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our facilities, your room and the peaceful location in our little piece of paradise! As for the waves, they can actually get even better depending … Show more
Reviewed: 12 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewQuiet location, with private access to the Playa
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us Bernhard! It's always wonderful to hear that our guests are enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of our unique location! We look forward to hosting you again soon! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us Bernhard! It's always wonderful to hear that our guests are enjoying the peacefulness and beauty of our unique location! We look forward to hosting you again soon… Show more
Reviewed: 10 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewEverything, staff very helpful and friendly. Place is nice and tidy. Beach near. Beds very confartable Fantastic
Will be nice if will be salt in the kitchen.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled that you enjoyed everything staying with us! It's always wonderful to hear that our guests are enjoying the peacefulness, our closeness to the beach, and our rooms! Thanks a lot for pointing out our amazing staff members, they’ll be thrilled to hear your compliments! It’s always great to hear how we can make our guests' experience even better. We value your input and hope to have you back with us in the future! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled that you enjoyed everything staying with us! It's always wonderful to hear that our guests are enjoying the peacefulness, our closeness to the beach, and our rooms! Thanks a lot… Show more
Reviewed: 8 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewLocation, Location, Location.
Staff were very friendly but followed everything by the books. Had a TV that did not work and had to wait for supervisor to decide what to do.
Thanks Michael for your comment. We are glad you enjoyed our closeness to the beach! We’d like to clarify our amazing staff members, always strive to provide the best service and assist our guests in any way we can. However, some decisions, are beyond their role and require approval from management, like every other business. We are happy we always helped you whenever you needed! Thanks so much for visiting us in this little piece of paradise! Pura vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thanks Michael for your comment. We are glad you enjoyed our closeness to the beach! We’d like to clarify our amazing staff members, always strive to provide the best service and assist our guests in any way we can. However, some decisions… Show more
Reviewed: 4 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewTheir staff is amazing, incredibly friendly and accommodating. This will be our new go to spot in playa grande.
Thanks a bunch for such incredible review Brian! We are very happy and honored you had an incredible experience staying with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our amazing staff members. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to staff members. It’s guests like you that make our work so rewarding, and we'll be very happy to welcoming you in your next visit. Pura Vida! Manglar Team & Yorya
Thanks a bunch for such incredible review Brian! We are very happy and honored you had an incredible experience staying with us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with our amazing staff members. We'll be sure to… Show more
Reviewed: 1 March 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewAndrea and her team were very careful and always available with an awesome smile ;)
Thanks a lot for your great comment Fabien! Thank you for sharing your feedback, we truly appreciate. We're thrilled to hear that Andrea our Manager, and the rest of the team provided excellent service at reception. It's wonderful to know that their efforts made your stay memorable. We hope to welcome you back in a not so far future! Pura Vida! El Manglar Team & Yorya
Thanks a lot for your great comment Fabien! Thank you for sharing your feedback, we truly appreciate. We're thrilled to hear that Andrea our Manager, and the rest of the team provided excellent service at reception. It's wonderful t… Show more
Reviewed: 8 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 February 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewLoved the place , great staff, and amazing value for money. Just a minute walk from the beach.
Just a small thing, the TV needs netflix to be updated, as the current version on the TV was not working.
Thank you so much Meliniotis! Thank you for sharing your feedback. It was an honor to have you with us! We appreciate you mentioned our amazing staff members! We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and are so happy that it showed. The TV was upgraded to a brand new one as soon we knew it stoped working! We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back soon! Always welcome! Pura vida! Manglar Team & Yorya
Thank you so much Meliniotis! Thank you for sharing your feedback. It was an honor to have you with us! We appreciate you mentioned our amazing staff members! We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and are so happy that it showed… Show more
Reviewed: 23 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified review