Cantón Parrita accommodation from NZ$178

We arrived late and got a warm welcome from the night staff. Our room, was downstairs, at the end of the building, huge, and spotlessly clean. The bathroom was a good size and split up from the bedroom by a handy dressing area. We had a balcony, our view was small, with some garden, the jungle and next to the path down to the beach (quite steep, takes 5- 10 minutes to walk down to beach , 10 minutes+ to get back). I was initially disappointed by the view, but grew to love it. We saw squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, at very close range - definitely follow the hotel advice, the monkeys are entertaining but naughty. We also heard and saw so many birds. It was quiet and very relaxing. The restaurant was where we got the best views of the ocean and the jungle, we could spend a long time up here, aided by a good breakfast and lovely staff. The pool areas were great. Not big pools, but they weren't packed. Lovely views. Lovely cocktails (a lot cheaper in the town of Manuel Antonio - but then you weren't lazing by the pool) and attentive staff. The whole hotel is built on a steep hill, they have a trolley-car to take you up to the restaurant, pool or reception. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Booking tours was also very easy. I would happily return to this beautiful spot.

We were supposed to have a 5 night stay. On the 4th day, a guy was following people around the pool and harassing women. Appeared to not only be drunk but on some type of drugs. For a few hours he went unchecked harassing people. This resort has little to no security just so you will know. Included alcohol flowing freely with no security. I finally decided to tell him to stop (harassing women) in the pool. He at times acted like he wanted to fight, other times was apologizing. I know you can’t say it humbly but despite his intoxication he seemed to understand that he couldn’t beat me up, so he eventually started threatening to round up a bunch of people and come after and KILL me etc. I want to emphasize he was mad that I put a stop to him harassing people. This situation was so bad people were clapping and coming up to me to shake my hand when I told him to stop. My wife tried to get security involved, took 20 minutes for a couple of supposed managers to respond. They changed shifts (managers) new one flat out told me he did not care about the problem. Also said “I don’t think he will kill you” and I told him ya but you don’t know. I don’t know if the guy had guns in the room or car etc. Then management tells me he got arrested, then no he left on his own, then they came to my room and told me they not only arrested him but took his car? Later offered a refund for stay and an email apology, but now ghosted, corporate says they can’t even reach these thugs. No refund given.

If we had booked through the hotel directly we could have got free breakfast (I think it was $25 each). Also might have got a balcony but the room was fine. At the edge of Jaco so we had a short taxi or Uber ride to get into town - about $4! Although I don't use the casino another guest commented that there was no way to get money! No ATM in the hotel. Nearest is in the center of Jaco. Tried various restaurants. Pool bar was very good - a bit slow but very nice waiters. Pools are lovely though a bit too warm. Very helpful concierge booking and changing tours. Thank you Aura.