Hotel Plinio in Manuel Antonio

Teak walls and panels gleam in the Manuel Antonio moonlight. The soft cinnammon breeze caresses tropical flowers that grace the tables and bar.

A longtime favorite, Hotel Plinio has more local color than the vivid red and yellow frogs in the rain forest behind the hotel. Just two minutes up the hill from downtown Quepos, it is near the public beach and Manuel Antonio National Park, and convenient to the dock for fishing and snorkeling tours.

Exact replicas of ancient stone idols of the elusive Guaro Indians and other lost tribes dot the pool and other outdoor spaces. Comfortable hammocks are everywhere. There is even one in the pool side tiki bar, which serves lunch.

The tree-lined pool is a refreshing place to spend the day, either under the sun or beneath a shaded table

Room, Suite or Jungle House?

Choose from thirteen individual rooms or a two- or three-story suites with a private observation deck on top (great for watching birds and monkeys). Some are air-conditioned. All rooms feature creative use and extensive of exotic woods and indigenous art that make Plinio seem like a natural extension of the rainforest.

The Jungle House affords more privacy than the rooms and suites, as this two-story affair is set behind the main building and on the edge of the rainforest. The huge shower has several strong jets that give you a virtual massage

Restaurant and Bar

Ferns and vines festoon the open air restaurant, enormous arrowhead-shaped leaves hang in the air just beyond the railing. In the evening, it almost becomes a ship sailing thirty feet high amid the branches of the rain forest.

The specialty is Thai food, with the Thai Chicken with Cashews standing out as the most popular dish. Other styles of Asian cuisine include Indian, Vietnamese and Korean.

In addition, seafood such as lobster and dorado, great pizza and other international fare are on the menu. All offerings benefit from organically grown herbs by Plinio’s owners.

The wine list is staggering, the bar among the best-stocked in Costa Rica. And the charm of Japanese lanterns glowing orange in the restaurant makes this a regular dining choice for locals as well as tourists in the know

For the Nature Lover

Behind the main building, Plinio’s private nature reserve awaits the intrepid explorer. Parrots, sloths, hawks, armadillos, possum and a variety of monkeys dwell in this near mystic setting. They can be seen from several nature trails or the observation tower (with a unique view of the Pacific).

The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make Plinio a fun place to relax, to just hang out. It attracts an electic crowd of couples, singles and families from Europe, the States and Canada. Even if staying elsewhere, don’t miss the two restaurants.

Rates run from $40 up to over $100 during high season. For more information, see Hotel Plinio.

Hotel Plinio
Costa Rica Hotels: San Jose and the Beaches