Hotel Villas Playa Samara is not a four star hotel, at best it is a two star hotel. Our room was not as advertised. There was no premium bedding, no mugs, no plates, no cups and no utensils, nor a sofa or seating area in our room – there were no seats. We were told that there was no guarantee on our room and that it is based on availability. We paid for a Deluxe Room. Several of the Deluxe Rooms were not being used and were given to other guest’s days after we arrived.Our bathroom drain was blocked with previous guest’s hair. The bathroom mirror was broken and covered with previous guests spit. The tap in the sink was broken too.Our sliding doors were broken.There were not enough loungers at the beach, this created several fights amongst the guests and the staff. If you were going for a swim in the ocean and someone came by needing a lounger at the beach the staff could take your lounger away from you including your personal belongings. The owner, Louis, happened to walk by as this was taking place and he could not have cared lessThe septic was oozing out into the grass, it was wet and stank.And finally in order to get into our a la carte dinners we were required to sign a document:“We also promise not to request any refund with any of the companies involved in our vacation package and we will also not post bad or defamatory reviews on the Internet” What does this tell you about this resort?The resort is located on a beautiful beach, it has such potential, but sadly it needs much work. We would like to return back one day but only if there were improvements made. We were made to feel like second class citizens, there was such a divide between Azura Beach Resort and us. We even had guests from Azura Beach Resort steal our chairs with all of our stuff still on them while we went to grab a quick bite to eat. The staff at the buffet and pool try their best, the food at times was not edible although breakfast was always good.
User:onehappyangel
Trip type: Couples
This Resort Experience has Left a Bad Taste as a Travel Destination
23 May 2026
We were originally booked to go to Cuba. However, due to fuel shortages, all Cuba destinations were cancelled. I chose Costa Rica as a destination, and there were mixed reviews about this resort, however the high cost during the March break drove my decision to choose a lower cost resort. We paid a lot of money regardless! The Liberia airport experience was poor at best. When we finally got outside to get our shuttle, it was poorly organized. We waited almost an hour to get onto the bus. The drive to the resort took 2 hours. It was dark by the time we arrived. At arrival, the reception staff welcomed everyone with wine/champagne. We don't use alcohol, so we passed. Guest services spoke to all of us as a group (Like we were travelling together as a group???) and began spouting off rules at us. It was very unprofessional and uninviting. After leaving a deposit of several hundred dollars in U.S. cash, and checking in, a porter walked us across the resort, in the dark, to our Villa. The lighting was very poor everywhere in Costa Rica. Our resort had a lot of broken lights, so it was very dark.The first impression of the Villa was not a good one. The entrance door had large gaps and a large crack. Creatures called our Villa home without any doubt. If you look at photos that I uploaded, there was what was advertised, and what actually was. The rooms are awful "Period." Broken sink, damaged windows, broke down washroom, ants everywhere, old furniture with the exception of the mattresses. This was supposed to be my honeymoon, I noted it in my reservation, and there was absolutely no special welcome. I requested a King bed Villa, as the website said King's and Doubles, but the website chose my bed type for me and the request went unnoticed. I ended up pushing both beds together myself. Poor wi-fi reception, and lots of power outages. One night, the power went out and the room became sweltering hot. It was an awful experience.When you dine, careful what you eat. Presentation was great, but I did get food poisoning. We did notice that used glasses were being rinsed and wiped out, without soap, using a sponge. By the end of the trip, our stool was watery and yellow. Sorry to be graphic. Bring Immodium!!After a week there, we noticed a drastic difference between Hotel Azure and Hotel Villas Playa Samara. They are sister resorts, and they are literally attached at the front reception. Hotel Azure has had all of the attention. It looks upscale, has upscale a la carte restaurants and dining experiences, a nice pool, swim up rooms, nice art (and plenty of it) and a completely different ambience. When we lost power, they did not! Their coffee service had better snacks and better fruit. They had a seating area, cinema setting, with a tv. They had another outdoor seating area with an outdoor fireplace. They had a nice music playing all throughout. Nice water settings all throughout, and the list goes on and on. If you want to feel like a lesser, just wander over to that side. Not like you paid almost ten grand for 2 people right? I figured that if you paid for a room for 2, for a week at the Azure, and bought all the food at the a la carte restaurants, you would end up paying the same amount as you did at Hotel Villas Playa Samara. So why the big difference??? Now they are building a 3rd resort next to the Azure. I see what is happening here! Invest in new builds and milk what you can from everyone else right?But note this, the facility kitchen/bar services were just as poorly maintained. Food and dishes were left out all night, and the bugs were everywhere. Cleanliness was not their expertise. Same owners for both resorts though right? Stay away from Quiva. Spend your hard earned money at a local Air BNB instead. You will be much happier with your private residence, private pool, fantastic views, etc. Beach was a sham. There are dogs and horses on the beach, and there is visible fecal matter all over the place. This is not a lying down beach. It is unkept and very dirty. Vehicles drive back and forth and dominate the beach areas. Ocean tour was a nice experience. The tour operator was kind and professional. We did get to see whales, dolphins and a sea turtle. We used the same operator to kayak to the island. Unfortunately, I had food poisoning the night before and I spent the night and all day very ill. Stay away from the ATV tour. You will eat more dust than you want. There were no animals, fewer birds, and a lot of driving on dusty roads. The guide stopped 3 times to view the ocean and to point out a Guanacaste tree. Would I recommend this location to anyone? No.I'm not even sure that I would recommend Costa Rica. But if I ever did go back, it would not be during the dry season (March break included). I did not see a monkey. That was what I was looking forward to the most. I thought I would see at least 50 bird species. I seen 12 or less. It was just not all it was hyped up to be. I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point. The nice reviews you see here for this resort are either scandalous or the people are very nice and easy going.
User:Adelya1978
Trip type: Solo travel
Nice little hotel with amazing beach
22 Apr 2026
I enjoyed my stay. The beach is fantastic. The location is great. Taxi is available within 5-7 minutes and drive any direction you want. I was a solo woman traveler and I NEVER felt SO SAFE like in Samara and the areas. The hotel itself is tiny and requires a lot of maintenance, everyone who wrote about lighting and mold and bad housekeeping are unfortunately right. I learned what is it Pura Vida ;) that slogan explains why that hotel requires maintenance hahaha and probably it will never be done :)Also, the staff is amazing!!! Everyone who is working in the resto, buffet and the lobby are amazing and helpful people.
Guest Relations, Other at Hotel Villas Playa Samara Beach Front, responded to this review
Thank you for your feedback. We truly appreciate your kind words about our team—they’ll be happy to hear it.We also take your comments about maintenance seriously and are already working on improvements. We hope to welcome you back soon for an even better experience.
User:Barry T
Trip type: Couples
1st time to Costa Rice and we made the right choice.
29 Mar 2026
We just got back and it checked off all the boxes for Brenda and I/Terry. The service was excellent, proximity to the beach and services as well. Lots of things to do, excursions etc and a very laid back atmosphere to relax and enjoy. Wendy at the drop off was so nice and took care of any questions we had and even used her personal phone to help us ensure a pick up on departure from the week. Before we went, I read a review where someone was very negative saying it was 5 hrs from the airport. Wrong! It was only 2hr and a bit. Don't believe everything you read. We will go back.
Guest Relations, Other at Hotel Villas Playa Samara Beach Front, responded to this review
Thank you so much, Terry, for sharing your experience with us!We are truly delighted to know that your first trip to Costa Rica was such a memorable one and that we were able to be part of it. It means a lot to hear that your stay checked all the boxes for both you and Brenda — from the excellent service and relaxing atmosphere to the beach access and excursions.We especially appreciate your kind words about Wendy. She will be very happy to know that her care and dedication made a positive impact on your stay.Thank you as well for mentioning the travel distance, as we know that can be helpful for future guests planning their visit.It was a pleasure having you with us, and we truly hope to welcome you back again for another wonderful Costa Rican getaway!
User:E1614JMjoannak
Trip type: Family
Family getaway!
27 Mar 2026
We just spend a week at this hotel. It was fantastic experience! Great location with beautiful wide beach ( however you need water shoes) We also did few excursions/ big shout out to Alex, George, Jose and Christopher for taking us on a tour for delphine watching and snorkeling. You guys made this trip incredible for us. Also our driver Christian took us on a long tour were he would just stop randomly showing us the beauty of costa rica. Thank you Chef Alessandro for an amazing buffet that he has been preparing with love every day. The food is incredible! We also dine in a restaurant called Nikoa, and the food and beauty were out of this world. Reception is very helpful. People and service are amazing and very attentive! We love our stay! Thank you, Hotel Villas Playa Samara, for the unforgettable experience!
Guest Relations, Other at Hotel Villas Playa Samara Beach Front, responded to this review
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review! 🌴✨We’re truly delighted to know your family getaway was filled with so many memorable moments. It means a lot to hear that our team helped make your stay so special, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with Alex, George, José, Christopher, Christian, and Chef Alessandro.We’re also very happy you enjoyed the culinary experience, the natural beauty around us, and the attentive service throughout your visit. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we sincerely hope to welcome you and your family back again for another unforgettable stay in Costa Rica.
Samara - Nosara, Pacific North Coast / Guanacaste
About Hotel Villas Playa Samara Beachfront Resort
User Rating & Reviews
02 Jun 2026
22 Apr 2026
29 Mar 2026
0204 505 9777