Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [249]
Posada Matilori (2656-0984; posadamatilori@racsa.co.cr; s/d without bathroom US$25/35, with air-con US$35/45; ) With seven new rooms in a cozy and secure home and annex, Stefano and Yorlenny, the extremely friendly Italian-Tica couple running this inn, provide every comfort – orthopedic beds, flowers and soap on your bed, free laundry, free coffee and tea, free use of the boogie boards, a fully equipped kitchen (with a waffle iron!) and lots of comfy hammocks. Shared bathrooms have hot water. The entire property is absolutely spotless (Yorlenny admits she’s a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning) and on a quiet side street close to the beach.
La Locanda (2656-0036; www.locandasamara.com; d with/without bathroom US$35/30, d with air-con US$70, apt US$110-150; ) These clean, bright rooms are right on the beach, and there’s a bar and cafe out front. Rooms with air-con also have a fridge and cable TV, and the hotel has secure parking.
Hotel Casa del Mar (2656-0264; www.casadelmarsamara.net; d with/without bathroom incl breakfast US$85/34; ) Just east of the Super Sámara Market and close to the beach is this agreeable US-run hotel, which has a good mix of rooms for travelers of all budgets. If you don’t need your own bathroom, rooms here are a steal (and you can still use the Jacuzzi), though those with bathroom are bright, airy and well worth the money.
Tico Adventure Lodge (2656-0628; www.ticoadventurelodge.com; s/d/apt US$34/68/130; ) The US owners are proud of the fact that they built this lodge without cutting down a single tree, and they have every reason to be – it’s stunning. Nine double rooms with bathroom and wood accents are surrounded by lush vegetation and old-growth trees, while the tree-top apartment for four lets you swing on the patio hammock from three stories high. Or you can stay in the poolside house for five (US$151) with a fully equipped kitchen and dining room and dream about a life in the tropics. Cheaper weekly and monthly rates are available.
Casa Valeria (2656-0511; casavaleria_af@hotmail.com; d/tr/q from US$35/52/81; ) This intimate little inn is right on the beach about 100m east of the main road. The rooms and bungalows vary in size and are fairly simple, though it’s the hammock-strung palm trees and tranquil garden setting that make this place a winner. There’s a communal kitchen.
MIDRANGE
All showers are hot unless otherwise stated.
Hotel Belvedere (2656-0213; www.samara-costarica.com; s/d/tr/q US$45/65/75/85, bungalows US$75, all incl breakfast; ) Set in a breezy garden with nice views at the northern end of town, the Belvedere has 24 whitewashed rooms with exposed wooden beams, solar-heated private shower, cable TV and a small private terrace. Two larger bungalows include a kitchenette – perfect for self-caterers looking for a quiet spot in town. The German owners also speak English. Credit cards are accepted.
Entre Dos Aguas B&B (2656-0998; www.hoteldosaguas.com; s/d/tr/q incl breakfast US$47/52/60/70; ) This fantastic little inn, on the way into town, is what one reader accurately describes as ‘Mercedes Benz accommodations on a Toyota budget.’ Seven brightly colored rooms have a private stone shower, vibrant woven linens and homey little touches such as incense and candles. A well-manicured garden surrounds the pool, and the common courtyard is invitingly strung with hammocks and set with heavy tables. There’s an outdoor wood-fired oven if you’re inspired to grill your supper.
Sámara Pacific Lodge (2656-1033; www.samara-pacific-lodge.com; d/tr/q US$85/96/107; ) Located 1.4km west of downtown, this quiet, colonial-style hotel has been returned to its previous glory by the new French owners. Spacious whitewashed, individually decorated