The Falls Hotel, Manuel Antonio

From the street and entrance, there's little indication that Falls Resort has some of the prettiest garden grounds in Manuel Antonio. The hotel's beige and brown exterior looks straight out of the '70s and guests step down into a partially underground lobby that allows little natural light and is set with heavy dark wood furniture and potted plants. Down another short set of steps is the tiny reception desk, where there's little space to do more than check in or get tour information. However, just next to the reception area is an infinity-edge pool that overflows into gorgeous garden grounds. Guests can wander up steps and down paths that lead to bamboo thickets, massive ferns, herb gardens, and flowering plants. There's a waterfall feature and a small terrace set with patio furniture, where views of the Pacific Ocean across the street can be enjoyed. The back of the property bumps up against natural rain forest so monkeys, sloths, toucans, and toads are regularly spotted. 

Guests are a mix of families and couples, the majority of which are international tourists. As they spend most of the day exploring the area, the hotel is generally quiet. A few guests lounge by the pool, and visitors from neighboring properties come to the Falls Garden Cafe for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is only served to guests of the hotel. 

Falls Resort is located along Route 618, the well-paved and winding road that dead ends at Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel is on the left hand side when driving towards the park, with a vacant lot next door and a small private parking lot across the street. Expect about a 35-minute walk to the park, or a five-minute drive. El Avion restaurant is a one-minute walk from the hotel, and Hotel Si Como No is about a two-minute walk. Pedestrians should note that the road doesn't have sidewalks and drivers tend to speed. Backing out of the small parking lot in front of the hotel can be nerve-wracking for less experienced drivers. 

There are 24 rooms and Casitas at Falls Resort. Standard and Deluxe Rooms are built behind the restaurant, either overlooking the garden grounds and pool, or the less appealing street. These come standard with flat-screen TVs that include English cable channels, stocked minibars (a rarity in Manuel Antonio), air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and free Wi-Fi. Decor varies a bit, but most rooms have tile floors, dark wood furniture, wood ceilings, and a color palette of earthy, natural hues (greens, browns, whites), sometimes offset by a bold orange wall. Some Deluxe Rooms have romantic canopies over the beds and enormous closets, along with overstuffed blue couches. Large bathrooms include tiled showers and single sinks. All rooms have shared balconies set with wicker furniture and glass tables, accessed by wooden double French doors. Casitas are placed at the back of the property: these are the quietest and most private, but require an uphill walk, nothing too strenuous. Decor and amenities are similar to what's available in the rooms. Past guests have reported monkey sightings from their balconies. 

Falls Resort doesn't have loads of features but what's available is convenient and of excellent quality. Free Wi-Fi is fast and reliable throughout the property. There's a medium-size infinity-edge pool and plenty of sun loungers available. An adjacent patio provides tables and chairs. Falls Garden Cafe overlooks the pool and has a full bar that serves Happy Hour and a contemporary semi-indoor dining room set with glass topped tables and wooden chairs. Guests get a free daily breakfast here that consists of serve-yourself coffee, banana bread, fruit, and cheese. A server takes orders of French toast, potatoes, eggs, rice and beans, or pancakes. Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes are available for little ones. Lunch and dinner are open to the public and include a variety of seafood, Western choices, and Costa Rican favorites. Staff is helpful with booking tours and excursions at the front desk.