Hotel ManGaby

Owned and operated by a father and son team, Hotel ManGaby is a family affair. You’ll find dad in the bright green front office, son around the pool, cousins in the kitchen, and grandchildren entertaining guests in the restaurant. Even the hotel’s name is an homage to family -- ManGaby is the combination of the grandparents’ names, Manuel and Gabina. Overall, the atmosphere around ManGaby is relaxed, laid-back, and quiet -- much like the town of Playa Hermosa itself. Guests generally spend their days off property, either lounging on the beach or exploring other parts of Guanacaste. But those who choose to stick around can usually be found hanging out by the pool or in the restaurant. 

Situated on Calle Principal in Playa Hermosa, Hotel ManGaby is within walking distance of most Hermosa attractions. Calle Principal is lined with a handful of restaurants and hotels, and there are a few convenience and grocery stores within walking distance. Otherwise, there’s not much else to do but hit the beach. Luckily for guests at ManGaby, the beach is a short two-minute walk from the hotel. Playa Hermosa is recognized as a Blue Flag beach, meaning it has achieved the highest standards of beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility in Costa Rica. It is without a doubt more beautiful than nearby Playas del Coco or Playa Panama, but some people may find the town itself to be a bit boring. Playas del Coco, which has more shops, restaurants, and touristy attractions, is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Liberia Airport is about a 35-minute drive. Major roads and highways in this part of Guanacaste are generally well paved, but side streets like Calle Principal are typically unpaved and riddled with potholes.   

Rooms at ManGaby are bland. Some might find the decor dated, while others may find it charming, or authentically Costa Rican. Beds are dressed in green and soft yellow striped comforters, but otherwise rooms lack color. Cream walls and tile floors are offset by worn dark wood furniture and moldings. Local paintings, presumably of Playa Hermosa, hang from the walls, along with hospital-style tube TVs. Each room is equipped with a mirrored vanity, a small safety deposit box, and a mini-fridge. Only suites have microwaves and coffeemakers. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers, but there’s not much space around the sink for storage. All rooms are air-conditioned. 

Because the owner has many friends with disabilities, he is passionate about making his hotel completely accessible. There are several accessible ground-floor rooms available, all of which have spacious floor plans, widened doorways, and level showers and bathrooms. All ground-floor rooms have large patios, while second-floor rooms have spacious balconies. 

Hotel ManGaby has a beautiful blue mosaic tile pool at the center of its property. The pool has several seating alcoves and a small waterfall, and is also completely accessible thanks to its ramp-like entrance. The pool is surrounded by a few bright yellow lounge chairs, but guests are expected to provide their own towels. 

Behind the pool is the hotel’s restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for reasonable prices. Menu items consist of Costa Rican specialities such as arroz con pollo, casado, and gallo pinto, but international dishes like hamburgers and pasta are also available. Breakfast is free for all hotel guests and includes coffee or juice and a choice of “Continental” or “Tipico.” Continental breakfast consists of toast and fresh fruit, while the typical Costa Rican breakfast includes gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs, fresh cheese, plantains, and corn tortillas.  Besides free breakfast, the hotel also offers free parking in its tiny gated lot and free Wi-Fi, but the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty.