Review appearing on The Tico Times January 14, 2000.
Villas Nicolas is Practically Perfect.
ONE of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio has a glut of hotels, from the inexpensive to the high-end luxury accommodations. Considering the natural beauty of the environment, it is hard to go wrong with any of the available choices. Stick a tourist in a room by the beach, with four walls, a bed and bathroom, surrounded by the rainforest and flying monkeys, and there won’t be many complaints.
But a few hotels elevate the experience. Instead of a standard building on the side of the road or a five-story monstrosity, these blend seamlessly into their surrounding while providing beautiful accommodations.
In Manuel Antonio, one such hostelry is Villas Nicolas. Unassuming and quiet, it is nestled between the famed Si Como No Resort and the sprawling Villas el Parque.
Villas Nicolas consists of several condominiums directly on the edge of the rainforest. Many have spacious balconies that give one the sensation of actually sitting among the trees, from which packs of rust colored mono-titis, or squirrel monkey, hurl themselves from branch to branch. Included in this startling experience is a scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.
The interiors of the condos vary, though all are large, beautifully laid out, have an open-air feel to them and provide a complete sense of privacy. They come with fully equipped kitchens and spacious bathrooms with hot-water showers.
The layout of the hotel is such that the only time you are inside is when you are in your condo. There are no lobbies or hallways to pass through to reach the sun – the condos are connected by stone pathways and stairs. The receptionist’s desk is in a small house by the entrance.
THE hotel does not have a restaurant, only a small bar next to the gorgeous pool. But this works to the advantage of the guest. Many people, when staying at hotels or resorts, become married to them, rarely venturing outside for their meals. Visitors at Villas Nicolas have two choices: Cook their own meals or discover one of the many restaurants in Manuel Antonio or nearby Quepos.
Directly across from the hotel is Byblos, a fine Italian restaurant connected to a huge sports bar with pool tables. Si Como No has a swim-up bar and grill with a menu featuring seafood dishes as well as standard bar fare like sandwiches and nacho, which are especially delicious. The cocktail menu includes a drink called the Rainmaker, an unholy concoction of various liquors. If more than five are consumed, a team of scientists will be needed to piece together the remainder of the night.
The nightlife in Manuel Antonio revolves around the beachside Mar y Sombra, a restaurant by day and a blasting disco on the weekends. The restaurant at Hotel Costa Verde also features nightly live music.
MANUEL Antonio is famous for its national park and the surrounding ecosystem, including the endangered mono-titi, white faced and howler monkeys and many birds, reptiles and flora. But massive development is slowly eroding the natural beauty of the area. As more time passes there will be less to see.
A visit to Villas Nicolas provides the opportunity to see how this small beach town is supposed to appear – environmentally breathtaking and completely peaceful.
There are 10 full-sized suites with kitchens and 20 individual rooms. For two people, depending on the time of season, rooms and suites range from US$50 to US$90 plus tax.
For more information call 2777-0481.
Getting There
ON the main road in Manuel Antonio the hotel is about a 20-minute walk to the beach, or five-minute cab or bus ride. From San Jose, by car, it’s a four-hour drive starting on the General Cañas Highway west, to Orotina, then southeast past Jaco, follow signs to Manuel Antonio.
Buses for Manuel Antonio depart regularly from the Coca Cola Transportes Delio Morales, 2223-5567.
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