Villas Playa Samara Beach Front Resort

Property class: 3.5
All-inclusive hotel with 2 bars/lounges, near Samara Beach

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Villas Playa Samara Beach Front Resort features a rooftop terrace and puts you just steps from Samara Beach. Guests can indulge in beachside massages, body wraps, or facials, and grab a bite to eat at Arrecife, which serves local and international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this all-inclusive hotel include 2 bars/lounges, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar.

Reviews

6.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Airport transfer
  • Internet access
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Garden View Junior Suite Kingbed

A room with a sofa, a dining table, wicker chairs, a window with yellow curtains, and a view of greenery outside.

Garden View Junior Suite Kingbed

  • Garden view
  • 56 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Luxury Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Beachfront

A room with a view of a beach, wicker furniture, and a table with decorative items.

Luxury Villa, 3 Bedrooms, Beachfront

  • Sea view
  • 150 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Garden View Deluxe Room Kingsize bed

A hotel room with a wooden headboard, white bedding, a red throw blanket, and a vibrant abstract painting above the bed.

Garden View Deluxe Room Kingsize bed

  • Garden view
  • 33 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Beach Front Two Bedroom Villa

A kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and a fruit bowl.

Beach Front Two Bedroom Villa

  • Ocean view
  • 121 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed OR 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Garden View Deluxe Room 2 Double Bed

A hotel room with two beds, a wooden headboard, a green bench, and a large window with sheer curtains.

Garden View Deluxe Room 2 Double Bed

  • Garden view
  • 27 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Beach Front Deluxe Room King Bed

A hotel room with a wooden headboard, white bedding, a red throw blanket, and a vibrant abstract painting above the bed.

Beach Front Deluxe Room King Bed

  • Ocean view
  • 300 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Beachfront Junior Suite 2 Double Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a ceiling fan, and artwork on the walls.

Beachfront Junior Suite 2 Double Beds

  • Garden view
  • 450 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Garden View Junior Suite 2 Double Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a ceiling fan, and artwork on the walls.

Garden View Junior Suite 2 Double Beds

  • Garden view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Beachfront Junior Suite King

A compact living space with a kitchenette, a dining area with a sofa and cushions, and a small kitchen island.

Beachfront Junior Suite King

  • Ocean view
  • 56 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free wired internet

View all photos for Garden View Two Bedroom Villa

A room with a sofa, a dining table, wicker chairs, a window with yellow curtains, and a view of greenery outside.

Garden View Two Bedroom Villa

  • Garden view
  • 121 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed
  • Free wired internet

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About the neighborhood

Map
Samara-Guanacaste, Sámara, Guanacaste

What's nearby

  • Samara Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Garza Beach - 26 min drive - 20.4 km
  • Guiones Beach - 30 min drive - 23.9 km
  • Safari Surf School - 35 min drive - 27.4 km
  • Playa Pelada - 41 min drive - 30.8 km

Getting around

  • Nosara (NOB) - 66 min drive
  • Daniel Oduber Intl. Airport (LIR) - 137 min drive
  • Airport pick-up service

Restaurants

  • ‪Bar y Restaurante del Hotel Bahía - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Gusto Beach Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Roots Bakery & Café - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Masala Indian Restaurant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Limey’s Bar & Restaurant - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Villas Playa Samara Beach Front Resort

  • Villas Playa Samara Beach Front Resort features a rooftop terrace and puts you just steps from Samara Beach. Guests can indulge in beachside massages, body wraps, or facials, and grab a bite to eat at Arrecife, which serves local and international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Other highlights at this all-inclusive hotel include 2 bars/lounges, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar.

All inclusive details

  • This hotel is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).

Food and beverages

    • All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and select beverages included
    • Number or type of beverages limited at one or more venues

Lessons/classes/games

  • Dancing

Entertainment

  • Onsite entertainment and activities

At a glance

CHECK-IN
3:00pm
CHECK-OUT
11:00am

Hotel size

    • 116 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Express check-out available
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
    • The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
    • Front desk staffed during limited hours
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • One child (4 years old and younger) stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

    • Free wired internet access in rooms

Parking

    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
    • Electric vehicle charging point on site

Transfers

    • Airport pickup from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM*

Other information

    • Smoke-free property
    • No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties

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Reviews

Villas Playa Samara Beach Front Resort Reviews

6.6

Good

7.0

Cleanliness

7.6

Location

6.8

Staff & service

6.6

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Location
Room
Beach
Food
Buffets
Bar
Service staff
Coffee
Adults
Restaurant

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Swim bar was good, good healthy food
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Clean property and nice beach access.
Verified review

2/10 Poor

The hotel staff was very friendly, but the property description is not realistic. This was an all inclusive stay and the food and restaurant area outside is not up to par, the NYE dinner was much better but still lacking. The hotel is outdated needs many upgrades and the food was TERRIBLE - not worth the money.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Due to a mix up we stayed at Azura but the staff was extremely friendly and helpful and went out of their way to ensure we had a good trip. The food was excellent and we had different options each night! Overall a great experience
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Huge swimming pool with swim up bar is amazing. Buffet meals are excellent. BUT rooms are tired and need updating. ALSO there are no real 2 bedroom units. Instead they are one bedroom units with 2 beds = Big difference!
Verified review

2/10 Poor

We booked a large room at this property so our grandchildren that live in Samara could come visit us there. When we were told no visitors are allowed, we asked for a refund. They refused, So we only stayed for 1/2 our reservation time (10 days). Food was substandard and room was filthy. Ants were everywhere (kitchen, bathroom vanity, etc) due to the large gaps aroboth door jams. We reserved a king—they gave us queen and promised to remedy it—they didn’t. A/C barely kept one room cool (it was 92 outside) Ask any of the Canadians from Toronto about it, they all agreed with us, especially about the weak buffet. Swim-up bar and pool were great but pool was too hot. Be prepared to walk out to the gate in extreme heat as they won’t let soon to pick you up(!)
Verified review

6/10 Good

Resort is right by the beach yes - but so limited only 1 restaurant/buffet for every meal. Wet bar wasn’t open majority of the day. No in house entertainment as much. And our rooms had no telephone to call front desk or for support. And 1 pool
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Bad experience, avoid if you can. Definitely not 4 star, the hotel is not maintained, rooms are smelly, light not working, clotted sink, dripping water as shower. The entrance picture is very nice but all for the new facility being developed next door, the villa playa Samara is let with poor maintenance, cheap foods and cocktails “all inclusive”, almost empty buffet, garden not maintained, feels like a let down facility. The beach and view is very nice which makes the experience even more disappointing. This might have been a nice spot some time ago but let to decline, I’m surprised it is offered by Air Canada, it must leave a feeling of being trapped in a location not worth $500 to $600 and feeling to be ripped-off. We could leverage our stay by going out to other places but it was not the plan for all inclusive villa.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Villas Playa Samara is a lovely property situated on a small bay with a large, rocky island offshore. Beautiful views and sunsets! Our rooms were very clean and well-maintained by housekeeping during our stay. However, we did have some problems with the plumbing -- stopped-up toilets and showers that had very little pressure. These were corrected, but it was a bit frustrating. The villas are roomy and comfortable but a bit outdated. The staff in general was extremely friendly and helpful. Only the front desk attendants were a bit testy when we brought our complaints to them regarding our bathrooms. We also had a lot of problems checking in due to the computer system being down. We were switched from room to room before they figured it all out. And one of our four rooms was NOT the junior suite that we had booked, but a smaller room. We didn't get a good explanation as to why this couldn't be corrected. The pool is beautiful and the beach is quite nice, but they don't seem to have enough towels. We often were told that they are in the dryer and more will be available in 30 minutes. There's not much assistance available for booking activities or tours. We eventually found a boat/snorkeling tour on-line that actually left from the beach right next to the property. It turned out to be great fun. But there's no concierge able to assist guests with activities off-property. We were there over New Year's Eve and they threw a fantastic party for everyone!!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great time etc.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

No controller for the TV and bad shuttle service but overall good
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Beautiful location on the beach. A long 5-hour drive from the San Jose Airport.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Family of 4 (kids 12 and 12). We had a great time, great vibe and had everything we needed. We enjoyed the food (smaller selection but different themes and items everything). Wait staff and bartenders and front desk very helpful. Our room had some things like poor water pressure, one shower was cold. Some ants I. One of the room but they kept to themselves on the wall and didn’t bother us too much. Amazing sunsets and beautiful view. Jigged into town via beach in 20 minutes…walk in 45 minutes. Maybe 1.9 miles? Can also rent bikes in town for $10/day. Beach is very bike-able with packed sand and saw people biking all the time. Hotel tents for $30/day and they are newer and nicer than what we saw in town. We rented a car and 6 minutes to town. Lots of restaurants and shops in town. We enjoyed our stay very much.
My typical breakfast here.
Sunset from hotel beach
Pool view
Night swimming
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Bad service at check-in. Staff was silk - risk to contaminate guests. Not hot water in the room and moisture in the room. Only one buffet with a minimum of product offer as food service. Terrible hotel! Young and Weak staff and no manager to speak avalaible...
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Very misleading and incorrect information in the description on their website. They reuse dirty glass cups and plastic cups for drinks at both bars. Only one buffet style restaurant that was very unsatisfying. The property reeks of sewer. The staff were friendly, but slow with their service. The gift shop was incredibly overpriced. Overall, just not a place I would recommend to spend a vacation.
Verified review

4/10 Fair

The resort was fine and the people were nice but the food is the worst we've ever had at an all-inclusive. We all got so sick, not sure if it was the food or water. The food was never really hot. They made omelets in the morning and used so much Pam cooking spray. The rice and pasta was never fully cooked. Breakfast was supposed to be at 7am but they were never ready and it took forever to get coffee.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The website was completely misleading, but after accepting what they actually had to offer it is a nice resort and we had a great time. The website said the rooms would have sofas, they did not, and it said that there are 2 restaurants, there was 1 and it was buffet only. On multiple days housekeeping left us short on towels. That aside, the food was good, the rooms were clean and the air conditioner worked well to keep our room cool and dry, the pool was clean, the staff were wonderful (especially the servers and bartenders), the grounds were well maintained, and the beach was amazing. They need to update their website so people realistically know what to expect.
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Ants in my bed

I'm usually a backpacker but was there for a business conference... I can take a lot but not ants in my bed... Killed 50 of them, next day told reception, who promised to spray bed and replace sheets... Which were not replaced (just dusted off), despite my repeated complains they were never replaced... Swimming pool was unusable for 5 days... Sometimes had to wait 1.5 hrs to get good at restaurant, etc etc... Def not worth the money, better of at youth hostels or at a decent hotel (nobody in my conference group of 20 people was satisfied, TV didn't work in any room etc etc)
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Do not recommend.

We would not stay here again. Check in took forever and the staff was getting complaints right and left. This is not an all inclusive as advertised. No coffee or coffee maker in room. No phone. No drink glasses. Nothing in minifridge. If you wanted a bottle of water you had to buy it at the gift shop. Buffet was terrible and dirty dishes everywhere. One of the guests even started bussing tables to try and help out the staff I guess. Alcohol for mixed drinks was the cheapest, in plastic bottles… liquor we had never heard of… Just an overall disgusting environment with less than friendly staff. Shame on this hotel.
Verified review

2/10 Poor

This is not a 4 star as they advertise The place is run down They have many of the rooms and villas assigned to full times residences for staff and construction workers Some rooms had been previously renovated but done poorly and it’s already breaking down and not cleaned well We got moved from our room and our new room was in a better location but the door lock was broken and bathroom was dirty They have rocks under the sink for earthy design but it had lots of hair from previous guest in it. We were so disappointed and would have preferred a refund and to stay somewhere else It took all day to get approval to move rooms and since are stay was short we wanted to just leave The buffet for the all inclusive had 6 options in total and a small salad bar, No other food areas It’s really the worst all inclusive I’ve ever seen Maybe a 2.5 star at best The staff were really nice Guest were unhappy and they were apologizing a lot but not their fault Bad management/ownership All I can say to anyone who has a reservation try to get a refund You will be so disappointed
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Almost everything went poorly. They lost our reservation, took almost an hour to straighten it out. Let us get dinner and said to come back afterwards. We did and a different person asked what room we were in. Said we didn’t know yet- hoped he knew. He gave me one key and told me the villa number. By then it was after 9 pm and we had to stumble around in the dark trying to find our villa on the grounds. All the pathway lights were not working, very scary and dangerous. Couldn’t see a thing. Finally found out place and it was not as they advertise on line. We booked a Jr suite villa with a king bed. We got the most worn out villa on the property. No bright inviting colors, and no king size bed. The bedroom had two queen beds and pretty much no other furniture. There was no bedside table for phones, and the light switch was across the room. The bathroom was actually worse. The shower head was not attached to the hose. There was black mold on the shower walls, ant there were dead and live ants crawling all over the floor of the shower. The bathroom floor was grubby. We we&end exhausted so we went too bed. Spoke to reception in the morning. Came back 5 hours later and nothing changed. Went to reception again and they sent us to speak to the service manager. Took a half hour to track him down. Walked to his desk and then he (Larry) disappeared for another 20 minutes. So rude. When he got back I explained, put it in writing and three days later no fixes.
Verified review

4/10 Fair

Las instalaciones del hotel están viejas y descuidadas , la comida muy mala , y para colmo no tenían cerveza
Verified review

4/10 Fair

No recomiendo este hotel para nada, el recepcionista muy malo, no estaba en el lugar, tuvimos que esperar, también no nos indicó nada, ni donde estaban las toallas de piscina, ni la clave de internet. El lugar huele mal en ciertos sectores, en la noche llegaba un olor terrible del baño, los muebles están en terrible condiciòn. No vayan ahí!
Verified review

2/10 Poor

Casi todo mal, no se pudo ingresar por falta de personal en la noche, problemas en la habitación, alimentación y servicios del hotel.