Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde - Cantarrana, 50205 Sámara, Costa Rica
#15 of 41 hotels in Sámara
Guests' ChoiceBased on 103 hotel reviews
9.1Cleanliness
9.2
Comfort
9.3
Location
8.7
Facilities
9.2
Staff
9.7
Value for money
8.8
Free WiFi
8.4
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End of dialog contentReviewed: 18 April 2024
Deborah
CanadaEverything was wonderful. Maybe a couple of extra chairs by the pool?
We loved this place. Just outside of Samara town (3-5 minutes drive) in a peaceful spot. It was like arriving in a jungle oasis. Stunning grounds, teaming with wildlife (Howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis, birds, butterflys.... we saw more animals at this hotel than in the national parks!). The sounds were incredible. Our bungalow was private and very comfortable. Rooms were cleaned very well each day. We had a kitchenette which was great. Impeccable trilingual service from Carlos. The pool was marvellous and the dining area next to the pool was a nice covered space for breakfast or just a spot in the shade. Several choices for breakfast, all served with a generous portion of fresh fruit. Samara beach is very nice, but our favourite beach was Carillo beach 15 minutes drive away.
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 9 April 2024
Janet
GreeceNothing bad to say about the property. Hubbie got stung by a scorpion (a Costa Rican unlucky event )and the lady who I think a owns the place went above and beyond to make sure he was ok so lovely
Lovely location , felt like you were on in the middle of the jungle . Quite helpful staff, nice pool area and delicious breakfast .
Stayed in April 2024
Reviewed: 15 March 2024
Catherine
CanadaLiving room furniture could be spruced up. Not a big deal obvs.
Beautiful landscaping, well designed cottages, and unobtrusively gracious and knowledgeable staff give this resort the feeling of an oasis. Activity and dining recommendations were flawlessly on point and each led to experiences we would have missed if staying elsewhere.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 13 March 2024
Mcintosh
United StatesEverything was just right.
Enjoyable spot outside of Samara proper. Great stay, nice pool, visited by the howlers.
Stayed in March 2024
Reviewed: 28 February 2024
Scott
United StatesNothing
It’s just Minutes to drive from Samara beach , has a beautiful secret beach that is about a 20 minute walk through the jungle with only a handful of people at sunset , swimming at 11 pm , well equipped kitchen , outdoor shower, swimming pool and staff.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 12 February 2024
William
CanadaQuiet , we’ll kept , close to Samara and the beach. Breakfasts were great and staff was very helpful and friendly.
Stayed in February 2024
Reviewed: 31 January 2024
Lois
CanadaIt is a bit inconvenient without a car. The walk to town during low tide is lovely going along the beach. During high tide you must take the road the entire way. It isn’t a difficult walk if you’re accustomed to the heat. If you struggle in the heat then the walk is more challenging.
Beautiful setting. Quiet and clean. Excellent breakfast. Hammock and covered porch with ceiling fan. Clothes drying rack was a nice touch.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 25 January 2024
Bruce
United StatesThe only thing I could think of improving would be a few brighter lightbulbs.
Everything was amazing - the lush, well-kept grounds complete with iguanas and coatis (and howler monkeys roaming around), the beautiful pool w/ a waterfall, the spacious bungalow with a gorgeous outdoor shower. The staff and owner were very friendly and helpful. We want to come back to Costa Rica just to stay here!
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 19 January 2024
Chris
CanadaWe had a car so location was ok but a dusty walk to town. Bikes are available for rent. Having them included would be better.
Beautifully lush gardens surround the private bungalows. Howlers visited overhead. Pool was coolly refreshing. Staff were excellent.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 14 January 2024
Kate
United StatesThis was a slice of paradise. Coati strolling down the drive our first morning, stunning gardens, quiet, beautiful pool. Just perfect!
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 11 January 2024
Mariella
ItalyUn pochino distante dal centro
Bungalow top, staff disponibile
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 5 January 2024
Shelley
United StatesWas expecting some animal sounds/animals but not in our cards. Needed afternoon pool clean. My pancake was still raw on inside.
Warm hospitality and easy stay for two nights. Local feel. Note: our shower was outdoors which was neat. Breakfast on site for 10 or 13$. Nice coffee. Cute nooks. Arranged dolphin tour. Easy parking.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 14 December 2023
Daniel
United StatesMoisture / musty sme in the room gave me some respiratory issues.
This place is amazing and full of wildlife and makes you feel like you’re deep in the jungle. We loved it!
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 20 November 2023
Cristina
United StatesIt was far away from the tourist area of Samara Beach. We hiked 10. minutes through forest to get to what felt like our very own beach. There also were other beaches within walking distance that were beautiful . .Buena Vista is one. Waves were amazing. The staff was very personable and helpful. The owner is very accommodating. The grounds, bungalows, and pool were beautiful. I highly recommend this place.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 12 November 2023
Bjstetch
CanadaMosquitoes, but the jungle beauty was worth the bites!
The owners were so personable as well as all the staff! They arranged an amazing turtle excursion for us where we saw hundreds of turtles hatching. Absolutely amazing! We were greeted on the first day of opening after being closed for Sept/Oct, we were surprised with an upgraded room. Our Casita was spectacular with an outdoor shower!The grounds are one of the prettiest we've seen in Costa Rica, lots of animals visiting us, raccoons and coatis. The pool was refreshing and there was a trail from the property to a secret beach.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 15 August 2023
Kirby
United StatesVery clean! Staff was very helpful and kind. Pool was nice to swim in and the grounds and hotel cabins are clean and comfortable. It was nice to have daily breakfast available as well.
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 2 May 2023
Andreas
Germanytolle Lage mitten in der Natur, alles sehr gepflegt
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 9 April 2023
Heather
CanadaLiked everything. One suggestion is offer the excellent breakfast in smaller portions or a la carte.
This is a beautiful jungle location with quiet nights awoken only by the howler monkeys overhead in the morning. The kitchen is outfitted sufficiently for meal prep and the local supermarket is well stocked. The staff were lovely and proudly keep the place in top notch condition. The secret beach was amazing. Cabins are nicely spaced apart. Recommend having a car for this location, since the walk from town is do-able yet dusty.
Stayed in April 2023
Reviewed: 9 March 2023
Sarah
United KingdomPrivate cabin with outdoor space & hammock in beautiful gardens. Lovely pool & dining area, really friendly & helpful staff.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 8 March 2023
Georgiann
United StatesSurprised that shampoo and hair dryer weren’t provided. I probably just didn’t read the details well though…
Room tastefully decorated, personable owner, beautiful setting, excellent breakfast, comfortable bed.
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 7 March 2023
Jan
BelgiumNice jungle experience and surprising walks in the neighborhood.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: 5 March 2023
Julie
United Statesn/a
it was a calm oasis of peace away from the town
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 2 March 2023
Shauna
CanadaThe knives were terrible, would like to see them replaced as we did most of our own cooking.
This was an amazing place to stay, the staff was superb, would recommond staying. I would book directy thru to the hotel in the future. This is my last booking with Booking.com I had a terrible experience back in April, when this booking site would not stand by the customer. So good bye to booking.com
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: 2 March 2023
Burkhart
DenmarkNot a thing
Great experience. Wonderful nature, very well designed and maintained, friendly and competent staff
Stayed in February 2023
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