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Reviews of Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde

Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde - Cantarrana, 50205 Sámara, Costa Rica

#15 of 41 hotels in Sámara

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 103 hotel reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    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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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2024

    10
    Unique setting - very comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Room queen size bed kitchenette
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Everything 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

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe bungalow 1 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing 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

    9.0
    We travel for memorable experiences not hotels but Gecko Verde was both.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Villa private pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Living 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

    10
    Great place to stay a bit away from town.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Room queen size bed kitchenette
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything 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

    10
    Beautiful, relaxing and we’ll be back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe bungalow 1 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    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

    9.0
    Enjoyable, quiet, peaceful spot.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Room queen size bed kitchenette
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Quiet , 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

    10
    A lovely little resort in a very quiet location.
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Room king size bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It 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

    10
    Gorgeous bungalows in lush jungle surroundings with friendly staff, couldn't have been better!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe bungalow 1 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 5 nights

    The 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

    9.0
    Verde Verde Verde!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We 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

    10
    I want to come back and stay longer
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Room king size bed
    • Stayed 2 nights

    This 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

    9.0
    Ottimo
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Un pochino distante dal centro

    Bungalow top, staff disponibile

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 January 2024

    9.0
    Neat lodge and cabins and warm local feel
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow 2 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Was 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

    9.0
    This place is amazing… the wildlife experience was like none I’ve ever had. I loved it.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Family Villa private pool
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Moisture / 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

    10
    It was amazing. I felt like I had won the lottery to find this place.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow 2 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 3 nights

    It 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

    10
    Beautiful gardens!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Mosquitoes, 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

    10
    Beautiful property & friendly staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very 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

    10
    beautiful place in the middle of nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow 2 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    tolle Lage mitten in der Natur, alles sehr gepflegt

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe bungalow 1 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 4 nights

    Liked 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

    10
    Beautiful green oasis, we would recommend the walk to the secret beach.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe bungalow 1 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Private cabin with outdoor space & hammock in beautiful gardens. Lovely pool & dining area, really friendly & helpful staff.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 March 2023

    9.0
    Totally enjoyed our one last day near the beach. Hope to return on another trip!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Surprised 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

    8.0
    Jungle stay close to Playa Samara
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Room king size bed
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nice jungle experience and surprising walks in the neighborhood.

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2023

    10
    just what we were hoping for. happy we had a car to get to the beaches in the area.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow 2 bedroom kitchen
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    n/a

    it was a calm oasis of peace away from the town

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 2 March 2023

    9.0
    Fantastica and will book again but direct not thru any booking site!
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Family Villa private pool
    • Stayed 7 nights

    The 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

    10
    Fantastic hide-out away from the hustle and bustle of Samara
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Bungalow queen size bed
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Not a thing

    Great experience. Wonderful nature, very well designed and maintained, friendly and competent staff

    Stayed in February 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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