When it comes to the beaches in the Puntarenas province, Manuel Antonio is king. It’s home to the country’s most visited national park, picture-card-like beaches, and a lush jungle. In this guide, find the best hostels in Manuel Antonio.
Whether you’re solo backpacking, travelling with family, or anything in between, Manuel Antonio should be a stop on everyone’s itinerary.
Read: We also have a detailed guide on the best hostels in Quepos and the best hostels in Costa Rica.
Our favorite hostels in Manuel Antonio are:
- Hostel Plinio - best for female solo travelers
- Millenium Manuel Antonio - best for couples
- Vista Serena - best for solo travelers
- Extra: Selina Manuel Antonio - best for digital nomads
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Hostel Plinio
2. Millenium Manuel Antonio
3. Vista Serena
The town is teeming with top-notch hostels that’ll put you right next to all the action. As you well know, your accommodation selection can make or break your trip.
So, check out our list of the best hostels in Antonio for the ultimate experience!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Manuel Antonio
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Manuel Antonio cost 13€ – 60€ per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room starts from 37€ up to 127€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Get to the national park early: When you’re in Manuel Antonio, visiting the national park is a must. But(!), there’s a cap on the number of visitors allowed each day. You can buy your tickets online here or arrive early in the morning to ensure you don’t get turned away. Oh, and keep an eye out for monkeys while standing in line to enter the park!
Expect prices to be a bit higher: Manuel Antonio has become one of Costa Rica’s main destinations for tourists, and prices have risen with its popularity. Don’t be alarmed; going out to eat will still be cheaper than restaurants in the United States or Europe. If you’re looking for cheap eats, try out Soda Angel for a local experience!
Most places accept USD: Most restaurants, tour agencies, and hostels accept USD–heck, most places prefer it! Traveling with some Costa Rican Colones is a smart idea, but don’t feel like you need to convert all your USD.
October is the rainiest month: The rainy season on the Pacific side of Costa Rica is between May and November. October is by far the rainiest month, so be prepared with a rain jacket. You can expect daily showers (and downpours), but don’t let that stop you from getting outside and experiencing Manuel Antonio!
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Manuel Antonio.
- Hostel Plinio – best for female solo travelers
- Millenium Manuel Antonio – best for couples
- Vista Serena – best for solo travelers
- Extra: Selina Manuel Antonio - best for digital nomads
These are our favorite hostels in Manuel Antonio. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Hostel Plinio
2. Millenium Manuel Antonio
3. Vista Serena
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Vista Serena |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Hostel Plinio |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Selina Manuel Antonio |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Millenium Manuel Antonio |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Hostel Plinio |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Selina Manuel Antonio |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Millenium Manuel Antonio |
1. Hostel Plinio
Stay in the thicket of Manuel Antonio’s greenery at Hostel Plinio .
The multistory facility is tucked away within the trees and perched up high enough so that you have epic views of the ocean from nearly every room.
Hostel Plinio has built up a wonderful reputation as being a great accommodation option for solo female travellers (security is a top priority).
All types of visitors are welcome, but everyone in your group has to be at least 18 years old.
Choose between spacious dormitories, double rooms, and private rooms with beautiful ocean views.
Each person in the dorm will have access to a locker, and the private rooms include a safe for you to put valuables in.
The hostel has an awesome lounge area to kick back and meet other travelers, or you could jump in the onsite pool and sip on a tasty mixed drink from the hostel’s bar–ahh, paradise!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Hostel Plinio serves a complimentary traditional breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs, bread, and coffee/tea (served from 7am to 9am).
There’s nothing like starting your day with a full belly free of charge!
Location: The hostel is located a 10-minute drive (buses are available) from the center of Manuel Antonio and the national park.
Within walking distance, you’ll have a few restaurants to choose from, like Maracas–delicious Mexican food.
The town of Quepos is just a 15-minute walk away and has plenty of places to eat or buy groceries.
The best choice in Manuel Antonio for
- female solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Millenium Manuel Antonio
Millenium Manuel Antonio checks all the boxes. Lovely rooms with A/C? Check. Within walking distance to the beach and national park? Check. Onsite pool? Check, check, check! The hostel is tailored for couples and single travelers who want a private room with a bathroom and terrace.
So, don’t book here if you’re looking for a young hostel to mingle with fellow backpackers. Millenium is kid-friendly, so bring the little ones along for an epic family vacation experience!
To give you an idea of how close to nature you’ll be at this property, it’s not uncommon for guests to spot monkeys, toucans, and deer!
The pool has a shallow sunbathing section where you can plop down on a lounge chair that’s slightly submerged in the water and relax Costa-Rican style!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Your stay includes a free continental or a la carte breakfast, and the front desk is available to help book tours and answer any questions you might have about the area.
Keep in mind that this is a cash-only facility. If you need to pay by credit card, you can contact Millenium to have your card pre-authorized.
Location: If the lovely rooms and swimming pool haven’t sold you on this property, its location will.
The hostel is 20 meters from the National Park and just a two-minute walk from the beach–booyah!
Everything you could need will be just around the corner, such as restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and bus stops. What more could you ask for?
A great choice for
- couples
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Vista Serena
Manuel Antonio is a hotspot for young backpackers, and if you fall into that category, Vista Serena is the place to stay!
The hostel might not have all the fancy bells and whistles of a luxury hotel, but the affordable beds and onsite amenities make it the perfect spot for solo travelers.
The best feature of Vista Serena is the back terrace that gives you one of the best views in the area of the green jungle and the vibrant Pacific Ocean.
It’s the perfect area to lounge in a hammock while reading a book or setting up shop with your laptop to get a bit of work done.
When you’re ready to get into nature, the hostel can arrange a car to take you to the region’s best hiking.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
You can reserve a bed in a four-bedroom dormitory (female-only rooms are available), a private apartment with an ocean view, or a four-person room.
Each option includes A/C and a lock box to keep your valuables safe. Book your stay with Vista Serena and find out why it’s remained one of Manuel Antonio’s top hostels!
Location: Vista Serena is just 2.5 km from the main beach (Espadilla Beach) and 4 km from the national park.
So, if you want to get into the city center, you could walk, but hopping on one of the frequent buses would be your best bet.
However, from the hostel, you will be within walking distance of restaurants and mini supermarkets to stock up on supplies!
This is one of the best hostels in Manuel Antonio for
- solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
4. Selina Manuel Antonio
Digital nomads looking to post up in Manuel Antonio for a few weeks should make their way to Selina Manuel Antonio.
It’s part of a popular hostel chain that’s built up a reputation for delivering the ultimate accommodation experience every single time.
The facility offers room types of dorms and private rooms, so you’ll be able to find something to match your budget.
The property of Selina is stunning. You’ll be fully submerged in the lush jungle with a rooftop terrace to soak in the 360º view of the surrounding nature and the ocean.
To start your day, head down to the kitchen, where you can get a delicious breakfast at an affordable price (based on the weight of your plate) before heading off for an adventure.
If you just feel like relaxing, get a drink at the bar and chill by the pool with other travelers.
Of course, digital nomads have to squeeze in a little work, but luckily Selina has an onsite coworking space for that very reason!
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
There’s plenty of desk space and outlets for everyone, and you’ll still have a gorgeous view of the outdoors–the ideal working environment.
When you’re done with work, unwind at the daily yoga class in the garden!
Location: Selina is located just off the main road, about 2.5 km from the national park.
Virtually everything can be walked to from the property, and the hostel even has a shuttle service if you’re traveling to other parts of Costa Rica.
This is one of the best hostels in Manuel Antonio for
- digital nomads
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Manuel Antonio for Solo Travelers?
What is seriously the best hostel in Manuel Antonio for solo-travelers?
Vista Serena is the ideal spot for young backpackers looking to explore Manuel Antonio. The hostel offers affordable beds and onsite amenities that are perfect for solo travelers.
Plus, the back terrace offers unbeatable views of the lush jungle and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re in need of a place to relax and recharge, or simply want a beautiful view, Vista Serena is a perfect choice.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Manuel Antonio
If you’re looking to spend some time partying in Manuel Antonio, Selina Manuel Antonio is the place for you.
Start your day off with a delicious, affordable breakfast in the kitchen, or grab a drink at the bar and lounge by the pool with other travelers.
Digital nomads, don’t worry – there’s an onsite coworking space to get your work done. Come experience the unique atmosphere of Selina Manuel Antonio!
Take in the beauty of the area and enjoy the vibrant community of travelers and locals alike.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention soon here if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
Tips for staying in Manuel Antonio
Bring hiking shoes and sandals
When you stay at Manuel Antonio, you’re guaranteed to be spending time on the beach and in the jungle. So, pack your hiking shoes and sandals to cover all your bases.
Some of the hiking trails in the area can trek in sandals, but if you visit during the rainy season, shoes are the preferred option.
Wear sunscreen
Before you head to the beach, the pool, or to the trails, put on sunscreen–your skin will thank you later. The sunshine is strong in Manuel Antonio (and all of Costa Rica), so practice sun safety!
There are plenty of mini supermarkets to pick up sunscreen, and your hostel may even have a few bottles lying around!
The water is safe to drink
If you’ve travelled to Central America before, you’ve probably heard that water isn’t safe to drink. But the water in Manuel Antonio is good for drinking!
Some people still choose to only drink bottled water, so you wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb if you choose to do so.
What about the cheapest hostels in Manuel Antonio?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Manuel Antonio.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Manuel Antonio
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Manuel Antonio best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Manuel Antonio?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Manuel Antonio put on a map + sights
Let us have a look at the map. Below, we list all three best Manuel Antonio hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
In Manuel Antonio we absolutely enjoyed:
- Rainmarker Park
- Savegre River Whitewater Rafting
- Manuel Antinio National Park
- Palay Espadilla Sur Beach
- Canopy / Zip Line Tour
Any questions about hostels in Manuel Antonio? 🤔
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FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Manuel Antonio?
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Manuel Antonio?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to great destinations:
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- best hostels in Quepos
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And other places:
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Manuel Antonio guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
