Reviews of Fenix Hotel - On the Beach
100 meters south of the Wingnuts, 50205 Sámara, Costa Rica

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Reviewed: 24 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewIt is a charming place with an ideal location, right on the beachfront. The hotel staff was very friendly and welcoming. Lorena gave us lots of recommendations for neighbouring restaurants, activities and bars. The hotel is within walking distance from the town’s beachfront. Parking was convenient. Fenix Hotel is also very conveniently furnished with paddle boards and floaters for the pool. Towels for use on the beach are kindly provided and sunbeds/hamocs are available free of charge.
Nothing we didn’t like but just one recommendation for future guests - make sure to liaise with the hotel through WhatsApp a few hours before the check in to make sure all formalities can be completed smoothly!
Reviewed: 22 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewEverything! Facilities very clean & beautiful!
Unfortunately, looking at the neglected horse across the street that was very minimally taken care of. The poor thing did not exercise the whole week we were there. Kept in a small space that was not clean. Received food and water and attention rarely. So sad. People should not own a horse if they can not take care of it. I think for most people , seeing this neglected horse daily is disheartening and disturbing.
Reviewed: 18 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe staff was outstanding-warm, attentive and welcoming. A special shout out to the manager, Lorena, who went above and beyond to make sure guests felt comfortable and cared for. You can tell they put thought in every detail from small decorative touches in the room to personal service thoughout the stay. The location was a big plus. It had a local, relaxed vibe.
The one downside for me was the lack of air-conditioning in the space except the bedroom. Also, it would have been nice to have had a ceiling fan outside our door over our seating area. Oh and be sure to bring your own bath soap.
Reviewed: 30 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 6 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewCasual atmosphere right on the beach.
Cold shower
The showers are hot! I wish we had known & we could have shown you how to turn the shower to hot! I'm glad you loved everything else. xo
Reviewed: 26 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewA magical place. It is on the beach so you can hear the waves and see the sunset from the property. My kids loved the small pool and surfing, going to the beach at will. It is simple and down to earth, reminded me of Kho Pangan in thailand 20 years ago. The town is within a walking distance. The team - Lorena and Kim are great! Helping us booking whales tour, answering every question we had. Very accomodating and freindly. Great relaxed atmosphere. Chill.
The facilities are simple as mentioned. Cleaning could be better.
I'm glad you loved your stay! We would love to have you back. xo
Reviewed: 18 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewThe property has SO much potential! Unfortunately, potential is not a current factor for me now. The property is clean and well maintained. The landscaping is beautiful. The decor in our room was well executed. Our shower was warm, with good water pressure, as long as no other showers were running. Clean, small pool.
The beds are extremely uncomfortable. The noise from outside is unavoidable due to their only being netting on half the windows. And by noise, I mean the volume of the night guards phone as he watches shows, the talking of other guests as though you’re all on top of each other and the bar next door that plays music all day.
Hi Kimberly! Thank you for your feedback. As you know, we are under new ownership. Since your stay we replaced all of the beds, upgraded the landscaping even more, and talked to our night guards about volume! The bar next door plays music on Friday nights. We would love to have you back!
Hi Kimberly! Thank you for your feedback. As you know, we are under new ownership. Since your stay we replaced all of the beds, upgraded the landscaping even more, and talked to our night guards about volume! The bar next door plays music o… Show more
Reviewed: 26 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewLocation was great. 15 steps to the beach. We Intimate and quiet. The facilities are a bit rustic, but very accommodating. Kim is great…friendly and helpful.
WiFi was very sporadic and not available for a large periods of time. You need to bring your own soap and shampoo. Kitchen could use a little extra cleaning.
Hi Sean. I am so happy you loved your stay! Since your visit we have upgraded our wifi so this won't happen again! We are also extra attentive on cleaning. We are right on the beach, so sand blows in the rooms frequently. We are even more vigilant! Glad you enjoyed your stay. We would love to have you back!
Hi Sean. I am so happy you loved your stay! Since your visit we have upgraded our wifi so this won't happen again! We are also extra attentive on cleaning. We are right on the beach, so sand blows in the rooms frequently. We are even mo… Show more
Reviewed: 18 April 2024 · Stayed in April 2024
Verified reviewThe staff, Lorena the manager and Kim the owner were so nice and welcoming. The grounds were absolutely beautiful right on the beach. There were plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks on the grounds. A great pool to soak in.
Samara beach is beautiful. The property is beach front and a short 15 minute walk to town. The beach is protected by a reef and there is no undertow and is great for kids.
Erin, I'm so glad you loved your stay! We would love to have you back! xo
Reviewed: 27 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 25 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewIn the beach, beautiful views, friendly and helpful staff and owners, carefully decorated and maintained, store and restaurant in close proximity, and overall pleasant vibe.
There is no AC however the ocean breeze made it comfortable to sleep well at night.
Thank you for your great review Jason! We have since added a/c to all rooms. Yay!
Reviewed: 10 January 2024 · Stayed in December 2023
Verified reviewLocation by the beach
Too hot with air conditioning. Dogs barking at night. Roosters crowing in the early morning
Hello Carlos. Thank you for your positive reviews! We have since put a/c in all the rooms so you will be more comfy with the temperature as welll!
Reviewed: 17 December 2023 · Stayed in December 2023
Verified reviewHotel was clean with an enjoyable host. Location is top-notch, can't be any closer to the beach. Restaurants are available along the beach. Quiet and non-touristy beach. A perfect place to unplug and relax. The kitchenette is a great bonus for those who choose to prepare their own food.
Although there is room for lodging 3 people, it would be crowded. Perfect for a couple's retreat.
Reviewed: 14 June 2023 · Stayed in June 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 May 2023 · Stayed in May 2023
Verified reviewBeachfront location doesn’t get much better. Wonderful staff.
Beds could have been more comfortable. No AC in rooms.
Reviewed: 26 March 2023 · Stayed in March 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 March 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 1 March 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewHonestly, not much Not the caliber of property we are accustomed to.
The property is run down. The bar located next door to the property was loud each night until 12:00 midnight. Made sleeping nearly impossible.
Reviewed: 19 February 2023 · Stayed in February 2023
Verified reviewReviewed: 27 January 2023 · Stayed in December 2022
Verified reviewReviewed: 11 January 2023 · Stayed in January 2023
Verified reviewThe location is perfect, it feels quiet and secluded but is a simple walk down the beach to the rest of town.
Reviewed: 13 September 2022 · Stayed in August 2022
Verified reviewlocation and quite
the bed in the kitchen