Searching for our favorite 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 visit this area often and have a lot of experience on our favorite places to stay.
So, let’s dive into the top 10 hotels in Samara and start planning your perfect getaway!
Samara Hotels at a Glance
- Our top pick: Beach Front Bahia, right on the sand and a short walk to restaurants.
- Boutique stays: Samara Palm Lodge, Hotel Villas Tangerine and the adults-only Samara Chillout Lodge.
- Splurge: Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, a short drive south of town.
- On a budget: Casa Terra and Surf House are casual and close to the beach.
- Where in town: Downtown is walkable, so it’s our favorite base if you won’t have a car.
- Want peace and quiet? Stay outside town near the beach or in the hills. Some of the smaller roads aren’t paved, so get an SUV or 4×4 for remote spots.
- Book early: Samara is very popular. Search Samara hotels on Booking.com for good prices and cancellation policies.
- Rentals: VRBO is our favorite for private vacation rentals.
- Amenities: A/C is somewhat essential in Samara’s hot, humid climate. Also think about a pool, kitchen and being close to restaurants.
- Water and safety: You can drink the water here, but bottled is safer. Samara is generally safe, but keep your belongings secure.

My Top 3 Picks: Hotels in Samara
⭐️ 9.2/ 10 ⭐️
- Directly on the beach
- Walking distance to restaurants
- A variety of room options
⭐️ 9.5/ 10 Stars ⭐️
- Beautiful pool and gardens
- Perfect peaceful location
- Variety of accommodation sizes
⭐️ 9.5/ 10 Stars ⭐️
- 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 our favorite 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
⭐️ RATING: 9.2/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
Beach Front Bahia is a charming hotel situated right on the beachfront in Sámara. 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.
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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
⭐️ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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.
Plan Your Costa Rica Trip Like a Pro
- 🏨 Find hotels on Booking.com: most with free cancellation.
- 🏡 Search unique homes on VRBO: from villas with pools to beachfront bungalows.
- 💼 Need help planning a high-end trip?: our trusted travel planner can design a custom Costa Rica trip for you.
🛎 Tip: Book early for December to April. The best properties fill up fast!
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
⭐️ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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.
💡 Sarah’s Tip
Some of the smaller roads around Samara aren’t paved. If your hotel is up in the hills, rent a small SUV so the drive isn’t stressful.
4. Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
⭐️ RATING: 8.6/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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.
Check Availability and Book Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
5. Samara Chillout Lodge – Adults only
⭐️ RATING: 9.4/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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
⭐️ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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
⭐️ RATING: 9.5/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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
⭐️ RATING: 9.3/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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 décor 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 Pequeño Gecko Verde
⭐️ RATING: 9.1/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ Book it!
El Pequeño 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 Pequeño 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
⭐️ RATING: 8.9/10 Stars on Booking.com | ✅ 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.
Tours & tickets
Things to Book in Samara
ATV Tour Through the Hills Above Samara
⏱ 3 hours · ⭐ 5 · Free cancellation
Wildlife Mangrove Kayak Tour
⏱ 3 hours · ⭐ 5 · Free cancellation
Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling
⏱ 3 hours · ⭐ 4.5 · Free cancellation
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 our favorite 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.
⤷ 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.
⤷ 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.
⤷ 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 our favorite 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.
You might also be interested in:
- Samara, Costa Rica Weather Guide: What to Expect Every Month
- 6 Tambor Hotels Worth Booking Across Every Price Point on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Nosara Costa Rica: Popular Yoga and Surfing Town
- Costa Rica Shuttle Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Shared and Private Transportation
- The 12 Best Restaurants in Samara, Costa Rica for Every Craving and Budget
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Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.

Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.

