MANUEL ANTONIO (Gay), COSTA RICA
For GENERAL INFORMATION on the Manuel Antonio area check out:
http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/8162605_Lev5v
I haven't really updated this info lately but here's what I have. MOST of the activities listed are for Peak Season which tends to be around U.S. Thanksgiving (the 4th Thurs. in Nov.) till Easter (mainly New Years Week till Easter).
GAY THINGS TO DO:
Playita “Gay Beach” is NO LONGER gay or clothing-optional!! Someone bought the property behind it and it’s now a hotel and they’ve been known to call the police.
Tutu's Gay Bar & Gato Negro Restaurant (tasty Italian-style food) has pretty much been IT for gay things to do in M.A. BUT, they are now going mixed (sadly that's what often happens when the gay community does not support their own! I hear the music is QUITE loud here (hence hard to hear yourself let alone anyone else!! People - go visit M.A.!). HOURS: 8pm-2am.
VILLA ROCA Gay B&B now has their own BAR by the pool from 4-8pm though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
THURSDAYS the Latin Lounge has something Jwatson referred to as “a great dinner table for gays” saying it’s a great way to meet locals and other gay visitors and to ask Jim or Eric for details. He said the food is very good and it is a good value.
Barba Roja Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0331) - Great fish specials. Had been doing Gay Night on Thurs. BUT - they're closed now for low/green season. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of Casino Divisamar
The Lounge no longer has their Gay Night (something about they couldn't get the permits for live music).
La Hacienda Restaurant (2-777-3473) - GF.
DIRECTIONS: Plaza Yara
Mar Luna Restaurant (2-777-5107) - Seafood and meat specialties. GF
DIRECTIONS: Near the School of Manuel Antonio on the main road.
Gato Negro Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0408) - Get`s busy every night around midnight. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of the airplane.
DJ Eleazar & some of the local businesses are trying to promote the low/value/green season more so they are starting a new event that will be happening the last Sat. of every OTHER month
Manuel Antonio Beach Circuit Party
Featuring DJ Eleazar, Tribal Belly Dance Show, Go-Go Dancers, Fire Dancers - Tribalismo Tour II
Next one Saturday,
10pm-3am at Salsipuedes Bar (across from Banco Promerica)
ENTRANCE: 1,500-c. 3,000-c VIP (VIP members have a special lounge area with VIP services but it is already sold out for this event)
CONTACT: 8-869-5908 / 2-777-0543-DJ Eleazar (ManuelAntonioBoy@hotmail. com)
They are doing van transport there on Fri. & Sat. at 7pm - meeting at Teatro Nacional & returning on Sun. at 5pm. BUT the Fri. & Sat. van books up early and they will try to get another if they can get commitments (pre-paid). $20/round trip.
Del Mar, Villa Rocca, Casa Blanca all will be offering lower rates for the weekend for Nationals & Residents (tourist pay full price in the hotels).
Add this to the Gay Party that happens the 3rd Sat. of each month at Palo Verde Resort in the Arenal Volcano area (in La Fortuna de San Carlos - http://PaloVerdeResort.com / 2-460-9791 / GenesTours@hotmail. com) - you can do a FUN 7-10 night trip to CR - starting with at least 1-2 days in San Jose, a few days in Arenal doing the canopy tour, white water rafting, rappelling, hot springs, etc. - then a few days in M.A. & if you have more time - over to the Caribbean side where there is a nice gay guesthouse [I SOOOO like the Caribbean side better as it is more funky/cool - VERY "Caribbean"/Jamaican-ish]).
Jose with Gay Tours Costa Rica http://GayToursCR.com / gaytours@costarricense.cr) does some FUN gay activities (sunset cruise, canopy tour, horseback riding) but ONLY in Peak season (around U.S. Thanksgiving till Easter. He is in Chicago for low season). He also does some gay events from time to time & he produces "Playita" - a little gay guide for M.A.
Dec. - Opening Season Party - Tutu
New Years Eve - Tutu
Valentine's Day - Red Party - Salsipuedes
Easter Sat. - End of Season Party - The Lounge
Villa Rocco - charity event (3 times a year)
THINGS TO DO DURING THE DAY
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK is a MUST MUST MUST SEE/DO!!! You WILL see all sorts of wildlife here – ESPECIALLY if you are with the right guide!! HOURS: Tues.-Sun. 7am-4pm (you MUST leave BY 4pm as often the incoming tide cuts off the parks exit and in come the crocodiles!) - CLOSED on Mon. ENTRANCE: $10pp. It is at the Southern end of this area.
Hire your own Personal Guide – I hear GREAT things about Gama (8-818-8207 / HolaGama@yahoo.com) who is $45/per person(includes tickets, water & fruit) for about 3 hours (discounts for groups). Hire a Tour Guide within the park for about 2 hours - $25 (I have also seen $39) + the entrance fee (2 person minimum). It is high but WELL worth it!!
Better yet – hire Oscar to drive you from wherever to Manuel Antonio & get an EARLY start so he can lead you into the park. I have had MANY Guests do this and each time they said that the OTHER “official” park guides were jumping in on Oscar’s tours!!! He has AMAZING knowledge (but if you go every so often to live in the jungles to learn more – you would be pretty darn AMAZING also!!!). To reach Oscar call Vicki at 1-619-819-2726 (from the U.S.) or email her at CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com
Parking Hint: Though people will try to tell you otherwise, the closest parking lot IS VERY CLOSE to the park entrance. When you come across a circle, go around the loop where there’s a parking lot. When you are driving down the road towards this parking lot, people try to stop you and tell you the parking lot is full, insist on driving towards the lot near the entrance (ESPECIALLY if it’s later in the day when people come and go).
EVENTS
BEARS UNDER THE SUN in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Nov. 28-30, ’08 - http://ticosos.com/ososalsol/index.htm / rafelo@TicoSos.com)
2 nights at Hotel Casa Blanco, Fri. afternoon Welcome Cocktail Party, breakfast daily, Fri. night Pool Party, Sat. night Dinner, Souvenirs & Bear Soup (swimming in the pool). RATE: Just $140/per person if paid before Oct. 31, $160/pp after
GAY / HONESTLY-GAY-FRIENDLY &/OR GAY-OWNED PLACES TO STAY IN MANUEL ANTONIO
Note: Many places won’t charge you tax if you pay by cash.
WAS - LA PLANTACION (aka BIG RUBY’s) - NEW OWNERS / NEW NAME – “THE FALLS”
(NOW http://FallsResortCR.com / 2-777-1332)
NO LONGER GAY-OWNED or GAY EXCLUSIVE bought by a straight family with 2 young kids (which I hear are VERY well behaved. I hear they’re going to be improving it even more but their website seems geared towards families).
It WAS the most Upscale gay-exclusive guesthouse in M.A. It has a pool & Jacuzzi, WiFi in pool area, higher quality linens & towels than most, 24 rooms, some rooms with just a few stairs. Tropical paradise in secondary rainforest above the Pacific. An easy walk to TuTu’s.
HOTEL MANDARINA
http://HotelMandarina.com / 2-77-5205 / contact@HotelMandarina.com)
Formerly the gay hotel Kekoldi, the Mandarina now welcomes everyone in the 12 newly renovated with nice detailed décor rooms with new mattresses & new air conditioners. Some rooms have OPEN AIR SHOWERS. Cable TV, coffee makers and small refrigerators are in each room. LCD TV's with DVD players are available in select units. Breakfast Include. They have a nice pool but no views. They are on this hill/east side. GF
5/1-11/30. 12/1-4/30
Standard – 1 King - $69/$95
Standard - Q - $65/$85
Studio - Q plus Twin Sofabed - $89/$120
Studio - K & Twin Sofabed - $85/$110
Apartment - $120/$150 (+$20pp 3+)
HOTEL DEL MAR
http://GoHotelDelMar.com / 2-777-0543)
12 Ultra-Basic rooms with private baths, safe at office, park, small pet ok, no pool (for now). Lots of stairs in all but 3 rooms. 200 meters/2 block from the beach & Mar y Sombra Restaurant – though they are further from the action. Continental Breakfast (fresh local fruits, coffee, tea, pastries+ 7-10am). Credit Cards (AmEx, MC, V, Diners, JCB). (I have NOT inspected) Seasons: Green/low: 5/1-11/30. Peak: 12/1-4/30. 3rd price is Holidays. OWNER on site – David. Say Hola to Eleazar GO/SF
2 D beds with Fan $50 / $70 / $90 (12/20-1/3)
2 D beds with A/C $60 / $80 / $100 (12/20-1/3)
K Bed, Private Balcony, A/C $65 / $85 / $110 (12/20-1/3) + 16.39% tax
Check-In: 1pm. Check-Out: Noon
CASA BLANCA
http://HotelCasaBlanca.com / 2-777-0253 / CBlanca@racsa.co.cr)
Unless they have done some pretty drastic work, from what I have heard & saw for myself 2 years ago, it was pretty worn. There are a fair amount of stairs. Note - some people have recently shared with me some problems they had here. I have inspected.
GO/GAY (though family and friends are welcome). Manager – Olga is nice. Owners NOT in area.
RATES: $80-$180/n + 16.39% tax.
VILLA ROCA
http://VillaRoca.com / 2-777-1349 / 2-777-2335 / info@VillaRoca.com)
11 different kinds of rooms and 3 apartments. Rooms have private bathrooms, telephone, fridge, private terraces with a spectacular view overlook the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, some are air-conditioned. Infinity swimming pool, big Jacuzzi. LOTS of stairs. Some have expressed that some staff can give off some attitude (hey, some people like that!). WAS near to the now former gay beach. Near Si Como No so you have their spa & art gallery nearby. FULL BREAKFAST INCLUDED. I have inspected. They now have their BAR by the pool from 4-8pm though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)(to make up for there not being anything gay to do at night)!!
GO/GAY. Owners not in country.
RATES: 11/15-4/15 - $95-$190. 4/15-11/15-$49-$105 + 16.39% tax
COSTA VERDE
http://CostaVerde.com / 2-777-0584 / 2-777-0187 / 1-866-854-7958 / reservations@CostaVerde.com)
BEAUTIFUL, nice views, jungly with monkey’s running around. RATES: Peak - Jan. 2-April 30, '08. Green/Low - May 1-Nov. 17.
Efficiency - jungle and ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Q/Q beds, A/C, ceiling fans, post & beam hardwood construction. Max 4 people. $79/$104.
Studio - 520 sq feet, jungle and ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Q, cable TV, A/C and ceiling fans, larger than efficiencies. Max 4. or CV II - 750 sq feet, jungle and ocean vistas, kitchenette, 2 Qs, ceiling fans. Max 4. $115-$135.
Studio+ $125/$149 - 520 sq feet, panoramic ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Qs, cable TV, A/C and ceiling fans, larger than efficiencies. Max 4. Studio Plus CV II - 750 sq feet, panoramic ocean vistas, kitchenette, 2 Qs, ceiling fans. Max 4.
Penthouse - Panoramic ocean views, kitchen, 2 Ks, 4 ceiling fans, master bathroom . $150/$185
Casa Quinta - separates entrances, 2 1/2 bedrooms, 2 F baths, a big living room with cable TV, a huge terrace, dining area and an ocean view. 2 bedrooms, each with Q, as well as living room with an extra Q. 1 bedroom has an air-conditioner. A small, 1/2 bedroom has a T bed. $150/$185
Bungalow A-13 - bedrooms with separate entrances and balconies for each bedroom. The main room contains 2 Qs, kitchenette, F bath, AC, cable TV and WiFi. 2nd room - 2 Ts and F bath. 5 ceiling fans, one balcony has a small ocean view. $150/$185
Bungalow A-11 - large studio containing 3 Qs, a kitchenette & 2 F bathrooms (one is quite small). 4 ceiling fans cool the room. $115/$135 (all PLUS 16.39% tax)
Costa Verde features 3 different Restaurants!! Across the street you have La Cantina Bar/Restaurant featuring seafood, chicken, steaks and ribs on an open wood fire and LIVE MUSIC (Reggae with The Jungle Boys) nightly from 7-11pm!! El Avion is set in a 1954 model C-123 airplane and features informal dining and great for sunsets! Anaconda features jungle and ocean views and Tipico CR and international cuisine, fresh fruits and seafood. OWNER: GO/GF
HOTEL VERDE MAR / La Casa del Sol
(2-777-1805 / 2-777-2122 / 1-877-872-0459 / http://VerdeMar.com / http://maqbeach.com/verdemar.html)
MY FAV as it’s one of the few hotels in the WHOLE area that is closest to the beach (practically on THE MAIN BEACH - Playa Espidillas [aka Playa Manuel Antonio!!]) - hence EASY ACCESS to the beach without a huge hike/tons of stairs like MOST hotels in M.A. (especially the ones on the hill side!!) where there’s a little restaurant on the beach PLUS they’re on the highway & in the heart of most things! All of the 22 funky rooms have A/C AND a fan, they have Hot Water & a Solar-Heated POOL. A bit up from basic but I LOVE IT!! Nice staff when I’ve been there & input from others! CC: AmEx, MC, V
SEASON: 4/16-12/14 $60-$90. 12/15-4/15 $90-$120 +16.4% tax
Economy w/ Queen bed - $60 / $90
Loft - bedroom with King bed & 3-piece couch & Kitchenette - $85 / $95
Standard w/ Queen bed w/ Kitchenette - $70 / $100
Suite w/ 2 Queen beds w/ Kitchenette - $80 / $110
Suite with separate bedroom w/ Queen bed & Queen Sofabed w/ Kitchenette - $90 / $120
SO/GF
CASITAS ECLIPSE, Restaurant & Spa
http://CasitasEclipse.org / 2-777-0408 / eclipseh@racsa.co.cr)
Large (30 spacious detached casitas), mainstream stark (to me – sort of South Beachy) Mediterranean-style hotel/casitas perched on a hilltop a kilometer from the beach (GREAT views!). Each villa has hot water, fan, a/c, phone, cable tv, mini-fridge, safety box, balcony or terrace. I believe they have a few pools. They are home to THE Gay (though turning more mixed) Bar Tutu & Gato Negro Restaurant.
SO/GF
RATES: 12/16-4/15 & Easter – Standard $112 / Suite – D $155 / Suite – Triple $172. Casita (max 5) $275. April 16-Dec. 15 - $86 / $103 / $116 / $172 + 16.39% tax. GF.
SI COMO NO
http://SiComoNo.com / 2-777-0777 / information@ SiComoNo.com)
BEAUTIFUL! Large - Mainstream, Serenity Spa, Family & Adult Pools (Family Pool includes a whirlpool spa, cascading waterfall, a 30’ water slide & swim-up bar. Adult Pool 80,000 gal., swim-up pool), MultiMedia THX/DTS Theatre (for 46) with nightly movies/ documentaries. Restaurants - Rico Tico Bar ‘n Grill (their own version of Tico/Tex-Mex (lunch/dinner). Claro Que Si Seafood restaurant featuring authentic Caribbean dishes. LIVE Acoustic MUSIC by Tres Caciques. Includes a F Buffet Breakfast, Free entrance to the Butterfly Garden, 1 hour free internet gift certificate. Seasons - Green/Low – May 1-June 30 and September 1-November 14.
GO/GF
Standard - Jungle view, bath with shower, kitchen or wet bar, stocked mini-bar, K or Q size bed, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4 $165/$190.
Superior - Ocean and jungle view balconies, bath with shower, kitchen or wet bar, stocked mini-bar, K or Q size beds, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4. $195/$225
Deluxe Room - Panoramic ocean and jungle view balconies, high beam ceiling, bath with shower, kitchen or wet-bar, stocked mini-bar, K size beds, sitting room or extra bed, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4. $220/$240.
Deluxe Suite - Spacious D size room with large balcony, sitting area with sofa bed and large bathroom with F amenities overlook panoramic jungle coastline. Max 4. $260/$275.
Honeymoon Suite - Spacious D size room with deluxe amenities, sitting area, private Jacuzzi and large balcony with panoramic jungle and ocean view. $290/$310. (all plus 16.39% tax)
LA MANSION HOTEL & Jacques Cousteau Restaurant (they have REAL MAIN lobster all the time), The Cave Bar & VIP Room
http://LaMansionInn.com / 2-777-3489 / 2-777-5011 / 1-800-360-2071 / reservations@lamansioninn. Com)
ULTRA Luxury, VERY EXPENSIVE set high on a hill in a jungle setting (with such daily visitors as monkeys, sloths, anteaters, large iguanas, over 200 species of birds & pizotes!! 18 VERY elegantly appointed guestrooms http://LaMansionInn.com/roomrates.asp.htm
GO (owner lives ON premise)/GF
RATES:
Presidential Suite (has a Jacuzzi with 24-carat gold faucets, D-headed shower, bidet, dining & living room - $1250 / $1500 / $1600)
2 Penthouse Suites - (Penthouse #1 - $650 / $750 / $850
Penthouse #2 - $550 / $650 / $750 [for up to 4 people])
Romanoff Suite (no view - $550 / $650 / $750),
3 Junior Suites ($225 / $325 / $425), the Garden Suite ($200 / $300 / $400)
10 Deluxe Rooms ($150 / $250 / $350), Standard Deluxe with Ocean View ($125 / $187.50 / $287.50).
All suites/rooms have a/c, tv, telephone, outside sitting area, desk, hair dryer, iron, mini-bar, electronic safe. REALLY unique & Common areas include a patio with b’bque, Infinity Pool with Jacuzzi. A Continental Breakfast is included. Water is heated by Solar Energy!
Jacques Cousteau Restaurant has REAL Lobster & other FRESH seafood! Their Cave Bar is a REAL underground Bat Cave with an in-cave waterfall & bats hang from the ceiling while sipping their specialty cocktails (& check out their hunky waiters!!)!! Now this is a MUST SEE/DO!! MANY MANY famous people have been guests here!! OWNER: Harry holds court here!!
I have some pics from my first trip at http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/4402347_nrNPk with some Site Inspections I did in Manuel Antonio (to add later)
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Read Morehttp://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/8162605_Lev5v
I haven't really updated this info lately but here's what I have. MOST of the activities listed are for Peak Season which tends to be around U.S. Thanksgiving (the 4th Thurs. in Nov.) till Easter (mainly New Years Week till Easter).
GAY THINGS TO DO:
Playita “Gay Beach” is NO LONGER gay or clothing-optional!! Someone bought the property behind it and it’s now a hotel and they’ve been known to call the police.
Tutu's Gay Bar & Gato Negro Restaurant (tasty Italian-style food) has pretty much been IT for gay things to do in M.A. BUT, they are now going mixed (sadly that's what often happens when the gay community does not support their own! I hear the music is QUITE loud here (hence hard to hear yourself let alone anyone else!! People - go visit M.A.!). HOURS: 8pm-2am.
VILLA ROCA Gay B&B now has their own BAR by the pool from 4-8pm though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
THURSDAYS the Latin Lounge has something Jwatson referred to as “a great dinner table for gays” saying it’s a great way to meet locals and other gay visitors and to ask Jim or Eric for details. He said the food is very good and it is a good value.
Barba Roja Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0331) - Great fish specials. Had been doing Gay Night on Thurs. BUT - they're closed now for low/green season. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of Casino Divisamar
The Lounge no longer has their Gay Night (something about they couldn't get the permits for live music).
La Hacienda Restaurant (2-777-3473) - GF.
DIRECTIONS: Plaza Yara
Mar Luna Restaurant (2-777-5107) - Seafood and meat specialties. GF
DIRECTIONS: Near the School of Manuel Antonio on the main road.
Gato Negro Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0408) - Get`s busy every night around midnight. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of the airplane.
DJ Eleazar & some of the local businesses are trying to promote the low/value/green season more so they are starting a new event that will be happening the last Sat. of every OTHER month
Manuel Antonio Beach Circuit Party
Featuring DJ Eleazar, Tribal Belly Dance Show, Go-Go Dancers, Fire Dancers - Tribalismo Tour II
Next one Saturday,
10pm-3am at Salsipuedes Bar (across from Banco Promerica)
ENTRANCE: 1,500-c. 3,000-c VIP (VIP members have a special lounge area with VIP services but it is already sold out for this event)
CONTACT: 8-869-5908 / 2-777-0543-DJ Eleazar (ManuelAntonioBoy@hotmail. com)
They are doing van transport there on Fri. & Sat. at 7pm - meeting at Teatro Nacional & returning on Sun. at 5pm. BUT the Fri. & Sat. van books up early and they will try to get another if they can get commitments (pre-paid). $20/round trip.
Del Mar, Villa Rocca, Casa Blanca all will be offering lower rates for the weekend for Nationals & Residents (tourist pay full price in the hotels).
Add this to the Gay Party that happens the 3rd Sat. of each month at Palo Verde Resort in the Arenal Volcano area (in La Fortuna de San Carlos - http://PaloVerdeResort.com / 2-460-9791 / GenesTours@hotmail. com) - you can do a FUN 7-10 night trip to CR - starting with at least 1-2 days in San Jose, a few days in Arenal doing the canopy tour, white water rafting, rappelling, hot springs, etc. - then a few days in M.A. & if you have more time - over to the Caribbean side where there is a nice gay guesthouse [I SOOOO like the Caribbean side better as it is more funky/cool - VERY "Caribbean"/Jamaican-ish]).
Jose with Gay Tours Costa Rica http://GayToursCR.com / gaytours@costarricense.cr) does some FUN gay activities (sunset cruise, canopy tour, horseback riding) but ONLY in Peak season (around U.S. Thanksgiving till Easter. He is in Chicago for low season). He also does some gay events from time to time & he produces "Playita" - a little gay guide for M.A.
Dec. - Opening Season Party - Tutu
New Years Eve - Tutu
Valentine's Day - Red Party - Salsipuedes
Easter Sat. - End of Season Party - The Lounge
Villa Rocco - charity event (3 times a year)
THINGS TO DO DURING THE DAY
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK is a MUST MUST MUST SEE/DO!!! You WILL see all sorts of wildlife here – ESPECIALLY if you are with the right guide!! HOURS: Tues.-Sun. 7am-4pm (you MUST leave BY 4pm as often the incoming tide cuts off the parks exit and in come the crocodiles!) - CLOSED on Mon. ENTRANCE: $10pp. It is at the Southern end of this area.
Hire your own Personal Guide – I hear GREAT things about Gama (8-818-8207 / HolaGama@yahoo.com) who is $45/per person(includes tickets, water & fruit) for about 3 hours (discounts for groups). Hire a Tour Guide within the park for about 2 hours - $25 (I have also seen $39) + the entrance fee (2 person minimum). It is high but WELL worth it!!
Better yet – hire Oscar to drive you from wherever to Manuel Antonio & get an EARLY start so he can lead you into the park. I have had MANY Guests do this and each time they said that the OTHER “official” park guides were jumping in on Oscar’s tours!!! He has AMAZING knowledge (but if you go every so often to live in the jungles to learn more – you would be pretty darn AMAZING also!!!). To reach Oscar call Vicki at 1-619-819-2726 (from the U.S.) or email her at CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com
Parking Hint: Though people will try to tell you otherwise, the closest parking lot IS VERY CLOSE to the park entrance. When you come across a circle, go around the loop where there’s a parking lot. When you are driving down the road towards this parking lot, people try to stop you and tell you the parking lot is full, insist on driving towards the lot near the entrance (ESPECIALLY if it’s later in the day when people come and go).
EVENTS
BEARS UNDER THE SUN in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Nov. 28-30, ’08 - http://ticosos.com/ososalsol/index.htm / rafelo@TicoSos.com)
2 nights at Hotel Casa Blanco, Fri. afternoon Welcome Cocktail Party, breakfast daily, Fri. night Pool Party, Sat. night Dinner, Souvenirs & Bear Soup (swimming in the pool). RATE: Just $140/per person if paid before Oct. 31, $160/pp after
GAY / HONESTLY-GAY-FRIENDLY &/OR GAY-OWNED PLACES TO STAY IN MANUEL ANTONIO
Note: Many places won’t charge you tax if you pay by cash.
WAS - LA PLANTACION (aka BIG RUBY’s) - NEW OWNERS / NEW NAME – “THE FALLS”
(NOW http://FallsResortCR.com / 2-777-1332)
NO LONGER GAY-OWNED or GAY EXCLUSIVE bought by a straight family with 2 young kids (which I hear are VERY well behaved. I hear they’re going to be improving it even more but their website seems geared towards families).
It WAS the most Upscale gay-exclusive guesthouse in M.A. It has a pool & Jacuzzi, WiFi in pool area, higher quality linens & towels than most, 24 rooms, some rooms with just a few stairs. Tropical paradise in secondary rainforest above the Pacific. An easy walk to TuTu’s.
HOTEL MANDARINA
http://HotelMandarina.com / 2-77-5205 / contact@HotelMandarina.com)
Formerly the gay hotel Kekoldi, the Mandarina now welcomes everyone in the 12 newly renovated with nice detailed décor rooms with new mattresses & new air conditioners. Some rooms have OPEN AIR SHOWERS. Cable TV, coffee makers and small refrigerators are in each room. LCD TV's with DVD players are available in select units. Breakfast Include. They have a nice pool but no views. They are on this hill/east side. GF
5/1-11/30. 12/1-4/30
Standard – 1 King - $69/$95
Standard - Q - $65/$85
Studio - Q plus Twin Sofabed - $89/$120
Studio - K & Twin Sofabed - $85/$110
Apartment - $120/$150 (+$20pp 3+)
HOTEL DEL MAR
http://GoHotelDelMar.com / 2-777-0543)
12 Ultra-Basic rooms with private baths, safe at office, park, small pet ok, no pool (for now). Lots of stairs in all but 3 rooms. 200 meters/2 block from the beach & Mar y Sombra Restaurant – though they are further from the action. Continental Breakfast (fresh local fruits, coffee, tea, pastries+ 7-10am). Credit Cards (AmEx, MC, V, Diners, JCB). (I have NOT inspected) Seasons: Green/low: 5/1-11/30. Peak: 12/1-4/30. 3rd price is Holidays. OWNER on site – David. Say Hola to Eleazar GO/SF
2 D beds with Fan $50 / $70 / $90 (12/20-1/3)
2 D beds with A/C $60 / $80 / $100 (12/20-1/3)
K Bed, Private Balcony, A/C $65 / $85 / $110 (12/20-1/3) + 16.39% tax
Check-In: 1pm. Check-Out: Noon
CASA BLANCA
http://HotelCasaBlanca.com / 2-777-0253 / CBlanca@racsa.co.cr)
Unless they have done some pretty drastic work, from what I have heard & saw for myself 2 years ago, it was pretty worn. There are a fair amount of stairs. Note - some people have recently shared with me some problems they had here. I have inspected.
GO/GAY (though family and friends are welcome). Manager – Olga is nice. Owners NOT in area.
RATES: $80-$180/n + 16.39% tax.
VILLA ROCA
http://VillaRoca.com / 2-777-1349 / 2-777-2335 / info@VillaRoca.com)
11 different kinds of rooms and 3 apartments. Rooms have private bathrooms, telephone, fridge, private terraces with a spectacular view overlook the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, some are air-conditioned. Infinity swimming pool, big Jacuzzi. LOTS of stairs. Some have expressed that some staff can give off some attitude (hey, some people like that!). WAS near to the now former gay beach. Near Si Como No so you have their spa & art gallery nearby. FULL BREAKFAST INCLUDED. I have inspected. They now have their BAR by the pool from 4-8pm though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)(to make up for there not being anything gay to do at night)!!
GO/GAY. Owners not in country.
RATES: 11/15-4/15 - $95-$190. 4/15-11/15-$49-$105 + 16.39% tax
COSTA VERDE
http://CostaVerde.com / 2-777-0584 / 2-777-0187 / 1-866-854-7958 / reservations@CostaVerde.com)
BEAUTIFUL, nice views, jungly with monkey’s running around. RATES: Peak - Jan. 2-April 30, '08. Green/Low - May 1-Nov. 17.
Efficiency - jungle and ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Q/Q beds, A/C, ceiling fans, post & beam hardwood construction. Max 4 people. $79/$104.
Studio - 520 sq feet, jungle and ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Q, cable TV, A/C and ceiling fans, larger than efficiencies. Max 4. or CV II - 750 sq feet, jungle and ocean vistas, kitchenette, 2 Qs, ceiling fans. Max 4. $115-$135.
Studio+ $125/$149 - 520 sq feet, panoramic ocean views, kitchenette, 2 Qs, cable TV, A/C and ceiling fans, larger than efficiencies. Max 4. Studio Plus CV II - 750 sq feet, panoramic ocean vistas, kitchenette, 2 Qs, ceiling fans. Max 4.
Penthouse - Panoramic ocean views, kitchen, 2 Ks, 4 ceiling fans, master bathroom . $150/$185
Casa Quinta - separates entrances, 2 1/2 bedrooms, 2 F baths, a big living room with cable TV, a huge terrace, dining area and an ocean view. 2 bedrooms, each with Q, as well as living room with an extra Q. 1 bedroom has an air-conditioner. A small, 1/2 bedroom has a T bed. $150/$185
Bungalow A-13 - bedrooms with separate entrances and balconies for each bedroom. The main room contains 2 Qs, kitchenette, F bath, AC, cable TV and WiFi. 2nd room - 2 Ts and F bath. 5 ceiling fans, one balcony has a small ocean view. $150/$185
Bungalow A-11 - large studio containing 3 Qs, a kitchenette & 2 F bathrooms (one is quite small). 4 ceiling fans cool the room. $115/$135 (all PLUS 16.39% tax)
Costa Verde features 3 different Restaurants!! Across the street you have La Cantina Bar/Restaurant featuring seafood, chicken, steaks and ribs on an open wood fire and LIVE MUSIC (Reggae with The Jungle Boys) nightly from 7-11pm!! El Avion is set in a 1954 model C-123 airplane and features informal dining and great for sunsets! Anaconda features jungle and ocean views and Tipico CR and international cuisine, fresh fruits and seafood. OWNER: GO/GF
HOTEL VERDE MAR / La Casa del Sol
(2-777-1805 / 2-777-2122 / 1-877-872-0459 / http://VerdeMar.com / http://maqbeach.com/verdemar.html)
MY FAV as it’s one of the few hotels in the WHOLE area that is closest to the beach (practically on THE MAIN BEACH - Playa Espidillas [aka Playa Manuel Antonio!!]) - hence EASY ACCESS to the beach without a huge hike/tons of stairs like MOST hotels in M.A. (especially the ones on the hill side!!) where there’s a little restaurant on the beach PLUS they’re on the highway & in the heart of most things! All of the 22 funky rooms have A/C AND a fan, they have Hot Water & a Solar-Heated POOL. A bit up from basic but I LOVE IT!! Nice staff when I’ve been there & input from others! CC: AmEx, MC, V
SEASON: 4/16-12/14 $60-$90. 12/15-4/15 $90-$120 +16.4% tax
Economy w/ Queen bed - $60 / $90
Loft - bedroom with King bed & 3-piece couch & Kitchenette - $85 / $95
Standard w/ Queen bed w/ Kitchenette - $70 / $100
Suite w/ 2 Queen beds w/ Kitchenette - $80 / $110
Suite with separate bedroom w/ Queen bed & Queen Sofabed w/ Kitchenette - $90 / $120
SO/GF
CASITAS ECLIPSE, Restaurant & Spa
http://CasitasEclipse.org / 2-777-0408 / eclipseh@racsa.co.cr)
Large (30 spacious detached casitas), mainstream stark (to me – sort of South Beachy) Mediterranean-style hotel/casitas perched on a hilltop a kilometer from the beach (GREAT views!). Each villa has hot water, fan, a/c, phone, cable tv, mini-fridge, safety box, balcony or terrace. I believe they have a few pools. They are home to THE Gay (though turning more mixed) Bar Tutu & Gato Negro Restaurant.
SO/GF
RATES: 12/16-4/15 & Easter – Standard $112 / Suite – D $155 / Suite – Triple $172. Casita (max 5) $275. April 16-Dec. 15 - $86 / $103 / $116 / $172 + 16.39% tax. GF.
SI COMO NO
http://SiComoNo.com / 2-777-0777 / information@ SiComoNo.com)
BEAUTIFUL! Large - Mainstream, Serenity Spa, Family & Adult Pools (Family Pool includes a whirlpool spa, cascading waterfall, a 30’ water slide & swim-up bar. Adult Pool 80,000 gal., swim-up pool), MultiMedia THX/DTS Theatre (for 46) with nightly movies/ documentaries. Restaurants - Rico Tico Bar ‘n Grill (their own version of Tico/Tex-Mex (lunch/dinner). Claro Que Si Seafood restaurant featuring authentic Caribbean dishes. LIVE Acoustic MUSIC by Tres Caciques. Includes a F Buffet Breakfast, Free entrance to the Butterfly Garden, 1 hour free internet gift certificate. Seasons - Green/Low – May 1-June 30 and September 1-November 14.
GO/GF
Standard - Jungle view, bath with shower, kitchen or wet bar, stocked mini-bar, K or Q size bed, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4 $165/$190.
Superior - Ocean and jungle view balconies, bath with shower, kitchen or wet bar, stocked mini-bar, K or Q size beds, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4. $195/$225
Deluxe Room - Panoramic ocean and jungle view balconies, high beam ceiling, bath with shower, kitchen or wet-bar, stocked mini-bar, K size beds, sitting room or extra bed, A/C, ceiling fans, telephone and security box. Max 4. $220/$240.
Deluxe Suite - Spacious D size room with large balcony, sitting area with sofa bed and large bathroom with F amenities overlook panoramic jungle coastline. Max 4. $260/$275.
Honeymoon Suite - Spacious D size room with deluxe amenities, sitting area, private Jacuzzi and large balcony with panoramic jungle and ocean view. $290/$310. (all plus 16.39% tax)
LA MANSION HOTEL & Jacques Cousteau Restaurant (they have REAL MAIN lobster all the time), The Cave Bar & VIP Room
http://LaMansionInn.com / 2-777-3489 / 2-777-5011 / 1-800-360-2071 / reservations@lamansioninn. Com)
ULTRA Luxury, VERY EXPENSIVE set high on a hill in a jungle setting (with such daily visitors as monkeys, sloths, anteaters, large iguanas, over 200 species of birds & pizotes!! 18 VERY elegantly appointed guestrooms http://LaMansionInn.com/roomrates.asp.htm
GO (owner lives ON premise)/GF
RATES:
Presidential Suite (has a Jacuzzi with 24-carat gold faucets, D-headed shower, bidet, dining & living room - $1250 / $1500 / $1600)
2 Penthouse Suites - (Penthouse #1 - $650 / $750 / $850
Penthouse #2 - $550 / $650 / $750 [for up to 4 people])
Romanoff Suite (no view - $550 / $650 / $750),
3 Junior Suites ($225 / $325 / $425), the Garden Suite ($200 / $300 / $400)
10 Deluxe Rooms ($150 / $250 / $350), Standard Deluxe with Ocean View ($125 / $187.50 / $287.50).
All suites/rooms have a/c, tv, telephone, outside sitting area, desk, hair dryer, iron, mini-bar, electronic safe. REALLY unique & Common areas include a patio with b’bque, Infinity Pool with Jacuzzi. A Continental Breakfast is included. Water is heated by Solar Energy!
Jacques Cousteau Restaurant has REAL Lobster & other FRESH seafood! Their Cave Bar is a REAL underground Bat Cave with an in-cave waterfall & bats hang from the ceiling while sipping their specialty cocktails (& check out their hunky waiters!!)!! Now this is a MUST SEE/DO!! MANY MANY famous people have been guests here!! OWNER: Harry holds court here!!
I have some pics from my first trip at http://SarongGoddess.com/gallery/4402347_nrNPk with some Site Inspections I did in Manuel Antonio (to add later)
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