Guests park at the top of the hill, then access the property through a small gate. Oddly, guests must be buzzed in and out of the lobby throughout the day, which is a bit unsettling. The property is built into a hill, and several two-story stand-alone buildings house the guest rooms. Stairs are prevalent and the garden grounds are lush and thick; monkeys, iguanas, and birds are regular visitors. Fit guests can walk the 214 steps to a private hot tub built into the jungle, or there's a second hot tub next to the infinity-edge pool with beautiful ocean views. This welcoming and friendly hotel advertises as a place for gays, lesbians, and their friends -- but no kids are allowed. 

Like the vast majority of properties in Manuel Antonio, Hotel Villa Roca is built directly off of bustling Route 618 -- however, it's perched on the ocean side of the road. There isn't any access to the water from the hotel, but there are gorgeous views from the rooms, breakfast room, and pool. It's a solid 40-minute walk down Route 618 to get to the beach and national park, though it's less than a 10-minute drive and parking at the hotel is free. Several hotels, restaurants, and bars are within quick walking distance, including Si Como No and The Falls Garden Cafe. 

Rooms are divided among a handful of stand-alone buildings, but thanks to the hillside location, all have ocean views. Size, layout, and how much ocean is visible depends on the room booked. Each is simply decorated in a blue and white color scheme with heavy wooden furniture and abstract art on the walls. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, empty mini-fridges topped with minibar snacks, and private balconies are standard. Bathrooms include nice toiletries, showers, and both pool and bath towels. Cleanliness isn't as issue here. There's also a full villa with more style, space, and amenities than the guest rooms -- but it's pricey. 

As a smaller boutique property, Hotel Villa Roca doesn't offer loads of features but what's available is good quality and convenient. Guests start the day with a made-to-order breakfast: a choice of three from a list of paninis, fruits, pancakes, omelets, and beans and rice, along with juice and strong coffee. It's served in a simple breakfast room that houses the bar in the early evenings. The infinity-edge, clothing-optional swimming pool usually has at least one or two guests swimming and sunbathing. There are ample pool chairs and a hot tub. Guests can also walk down a whole lot of steps to find a completely private hot tub in a jungle setting. The pool doesn't close, but the bar is only open before, during, and after the sunset. Wi-Fi is reliable and free throughout the property.