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10 Best Hotels in Samara, Costa Rica: All Budgets
Searching for the best hotels in Samara, Costa Rica, for your next trip?
Samara is a laid-back beach town known for its calm waters, friendly locals, and vibrant community. It’s an excellent spot for families, surfers, and those looking to relax. From budget-friendly hostels to comfortable hotels, Samara has a range of options for every traveler.
We get it, finding the right place to stay in Samara can make all the difference in your trip. We viist this area often and have a lot of experience on the best places to stay.
So, letโs dive into the top 10 hotels in Samara and start planning your perfect getaway!

My Top 3 Picks: Hotels in Samara
โญ๏ธ 9.2/ 10 โญ๏ธ
- Directly on the beach
- Walking distance to restaurants
- A variety of room options
โญ๏ธ 9.5/ 10 Stars โญ๏ธ
- Beautiful pool and gardens
- Perfect peaceful location
- Variety of accommodation sizes
โญ๏ธ 9.5/ 10 Stars โญ๏ธ
- Great value
- Swimming pool and nice gardens
- Within walking distance of beach
Map of Samara Hotels
The downtown area of Samara is very walkable. If you will not have a rental car, this is the best place to stay. If you are looking for more peaceful vibes you might consider staying a bit outside of town, either near the beach or in the hills.
Just keep in mind that some of the smaller roads around here are not paved. You will likely want an SUV or a 4×4 if staying in a remote spot.
You can also open this map in Google Maps here
1. Beach Front Bahia

โญ๏ธย RATING:ย 9.2/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ ย Book it!
Beach Front Bahia is a charming hotel situated right on the beachfront in Sรกmara. Yes, you can walk directly out of the hotel onto the beach!
The hotel features cozy, air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
If you want a break from swimming in the ocean, there is an outdoor swimming pool, a beachfront restaurant, and a bar serving drinks throughout the day.
Breakfast is also included in the stay.
My Opinion: I think Beach Front Bahia is perfect for those who want to stay right on the beach and enjoy the convenience of walking straight out to the ocean. I love the laid-back atmosphere and comfortable rooms.
It is slightly more expensive than some other options in the area, but I feel the location and amenities make it worth the price. It’s a really great place in my opinion.
2. Samara Palm Lodge

โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Samara Palm Lodge is a boutique hotel located just a short walk from the beach in Samara.
This cozy lodge offers comfortable rooms with private terraces or patios, overlooking a lush garden and an outdoor pool.
My Opinion: I really only have positive things to say about this place. The rooms are comfortable, the pool is great, and you can’t beat the location.
3. Hotel Villas Tangerine

โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Located close to the beach, Hotel Villas Tangerine offers a comfortable stay with spacious rooms designed as bungalows and beautiful surroundings. The hotel features a lush garden and an outdoor pool.
Breakfast is included in the stay.
Keep in mind that this hotel is located just south of the downtown area. This is nice for more peaceful vibes, but you will have to walk a few minute to get to most restaurants and shops.
My Opinion: I feel like Hotel Villas Tangerine provides great value for mid-range travelers. This place just feels like home. It’s comfortable, clean, modern, and the staff is excellent. Plus, the breakfast here is top notch.
4. Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

โญ๏ธ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection is a luxurious eco-resort set on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
This hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including rooms, suites, and private villas with breathtaking ocean views.
The property features an infinity pool, a wellness spa, multiple dining options, and the possibility to book a range of activities.
It is possible to add a package to include all meals in your stay.
My Opinion: I feel Hotel Punta Islita is a great choice for a luxury stay. This hotel is run by Marriott, so you can expect the level of service they typically deliver.
However, I think the price is a bit high for what the hotel delivers. For example, the rooms are a bit outdated.
This is the only high end resort of this caliber in this area, though. If you are looking for a luxury resort experience, this is the place to go.
5. Samara Chillout Lodge – Adults only

โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Samara Chillout Lodge is a cozy, adult-only retreat located in a lush tropical garden.
The lodge offers comfortable bungalows that sleep two guests. each bungalow has private terraces, air conditioning, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
There is also an outdoor pool on the property.
My Opinion: I think this place is perfect if you want an adult-only experience. In general, Samara is a very family-friendly town, which I think is great. However, sometimes you just want a place where you can relax at the pool without kids around. Samara Chill Out Lodge fills that need.
I also love that this hotel is very nice, but not luxury. In other words, the price point is reasonable. Often when you find and adults-only place it is a resort with a much higher price point.
6. Lodge Las Estrellas de Samara

โญ๏ธย RATING:ย 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ ย Book it!
Lodge Las Estrellas de Samara is located in the hills above Samara. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding jungle.
The lodge features spacious, rustic-style bungalows with private terraces.
The property includes an outdoor pool and a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.
It is also possible to purchase breakfast at the hotel.
My Opinion: I think Lodge Las Estrellas de Samara is a fantastic option if you are a nature lover looking for tranquility. The property and rooms are simply designed, but beautiful.
The biggest negative is that this place is not located directly in downtown Samara. You will need to drive to the beach or to restaurants.
However, if you are looking for total seclusion, this is the perfect option.
7. Eco-Turismo Guayacanes

โญ๏ธ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Eco-Turismo Guayacanes offers a unique eco-friendly retreat just outside Samara, Costa Rica. The property features rustic accommodations surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere. There is also a pool on the property.
The hotel is designed as private cabins which are equipped with basic amenities, including kitchen facilities.
Keep in mind that this hotel is located in the jungle in the hills above samara. You will need a rental car to get into town.
My Opinion: I love this place! The cabins are such a unique way to experience this area. I think the rustic charm is amazing, but this place is not the best option if you want to be near several restaurants and the beach. This is much more of a jungle retreat.
8. Casa Terra

โญ๏ธย RATING:ย 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ ย Book it!
Casa Terra Samara is a hostel located just a short walk from Samara Beach. This hostel offers 4 bed mixed dorms that are all designed with minimalist dรฉcor and natural materials.
There is a garden, shared lounge, terrace, shared kitchen, and barbecue that guests can use.
My Opinion: I think very highly of this hostel (and that is not something I say about hostels often). The owners here are amazing and make sure that the whole place just exudes chill vibes. The price is very reasonable as well.
9. Hotel El Pequeรฑo Gecko Verde

โญ๏ธย RATING:ย 9.1/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ ย Book it!
El Pequeรฑo Gecko Verde is a boutique hotel located just outside Samara in a jungle setting (but close to the beach).
The hotel offers a selection of bungalows and villas. Each one is uniquely designed with rustic elegance and modern amenities.
Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool, relax in the serene garden surroundings, or take a short walk to the nearby secluded beaches.
My Opinion: I like the design of El Pequeรฑo Gecko Verde a lot. I like that there is a variety of rooms to choose from including places with private kitchens. All of the rooms provide seclusion and feel like a jungle oasis.
The one downside is that this place is not located directly in the downtown area. You will need a car to get to most restaurants, however there is a peaceful beach within walking distance.
10. Surf House

โญ๏ธ RATING: 8.9/10 Stars on Booking.com | โ Book it!
Surf House is a casual and laid-back hotel catering to surfing enthusiasts. This is a budget friendly accommodation option in a house. Guests have access to the shared kitchen area, dining area, and outdoor patio. It is less than a 10 minute walk to the beach.
My Opinion: I think this is a great spot to stay if you are on a tight budget. The rooms are very basic, but I like that you can choose between a room with a shared bathroom or pay a bit more for a private bathroom.
Keep in mind that this is a homestay. So, you will likely have to interact with other people including the host, Alex. However, I think he is a really nice guy and super helpful. The major perk of this is you can get all the insider tips from someone who actually lives in the town.
Tips for Finding the Best Place to Stay in Samara
- Book Early: Samara is a very popular beach town. It is always a good idea to book early to secure the best places at great price points.
- Check Booking.com: Booking.com is our go-to website for booking hotels. We typically always find great prices here. Plus, most hotels offer excellent cancellation policies.
โคท Search Samara hotels on Booking.com here - Check VRBO: VRBO is our favorite site for finding private vacation rentals throughout Costa Rica. In Cahuita, you can find a lot of nice houses with private pools, cozy bungalows, etc.
โคท Search Cahuita vacation rentals on VRBO here - Pay Attention to Amenities: I think air conditioning is somewhat essential in the hot and humid climate of Samara. Other amenities to consider include kitchen facilities, swimming pools, and proximity to restaurants and shops.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting Samara

- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling to Costa Rica. It can cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. We like HeyMondo for comprehensive coverage.
โคท Get a travel insurance price quote - Things to Do: There are tons of fun things to do in this area. Check out our guide to activities in Samara for great ideas.
- Restaurants: Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Samara for great places to eat.
- Local Amenities: Samara is a small town, but it has all the essential amenities you might need. There are several restaurants, grocery stores, and a few shops selling souvenirs and essentials.
- Safety and Health: Samara is generally safe, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions. Keep your belongings secure, be mindful of your surroundings, and avoid isolated areas at night. In terms of health, make sure to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and protect yourself from mosquitoes. Also, you can drink the water here, but it is best to buy bottled water just to be extra safe.
For more info, check out our complete guide to Samara
Conclusion: Hotel in Samara
I hope this guide to the best hotels in Samara, Costa Rica, helps you find the perfect spot for your vacation!
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat, a cozy mid-range hotel, or a budget-friendly lodge, Samara offers a range of options.
If you have any questions about visiting Samara don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
๐ Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
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- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
๐๐ฝ How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
๐ I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
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Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
๐๏ธ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
๐ฃ๏ธWhat is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
๐ฐ What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colรณn (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
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An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
๐ด Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
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Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

Hi! Weโre Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
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Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.ย
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.ย
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