Fenix Hotel Review: Beachfront Paradise in Playa Samara, Costa Rica
The cool tiles underfoot greet me as I brew green tea on this crisp morning. The kettle's whistle soon overtakes the rhythmic crash of waves visible from our window. My partner Dani and I sit at the kitchen table, just 100 feet from the ocean, at Fenix Hotel in Playa Samara, Costa Rica, using the rainy weather to catch up on work.
We adore our room even on rainy days, but sunny weather transforms Playa Samara into paradise, with Fenix Hotel as the ideal base. Designed for relaxation, all six rooms open onto a petite pool, flanked by hammocks and sun loungers atop the beach. Horses trot by occasionally, alongside a few tourists, yet Samara remains serenely uncrowded—even in high season during our visit last year (when we urged you to skip it).
Fenix is among the closest hotels to the water, but all accommodations along Playa Samara's 4.5-mile bay coastline nestle amid trees, offering views of palm-fringed sands and gentle waves ideal for beginner surfers.
Our room feels like a private beachfront condo. Originally built as six condos, the property was purchased over a decade ago by American owner Bill, his wife Phyllis, their children, his mother, a dog, cats, and a rescued partly-paralyzed squirrel. They’ve lovingly run it since.
The spacious bedroom features a comfy queen bed with vibrant, crisp linens. Adjacent are separate toilet and shower areas. The full kitchen includes an oven, fridge, dishes, utensils, blender, dish soap, ample towels, and a traditional Costa Rican chorreador coffee maker. We prepared most meals here—not due to distant dining, but for the joy of home cooking after months on the road. Town center is a 15-minute beach walk or 5-minute cab away, with abundant eateries. The deluxe room elevates luxury with a larger bed and bedroom, couch, extra futon (great for families/groups), full fridge, flat-screen TV, and A/C.
Daily housekeeping rivals top hotels: beds made, sand swept, floors mopped, dishes washed and stored. Returning from outings feels like check-in day.
Open design with screened windows invites breezes and morning waves/birdsong, though it offers little soundproofing—minor, as guests prioritize relaxation.
Standout Feature: The Bodega
This unassuming storage room embodies Fenix’s home-away-from-home vibe. It houses a shared microwave, honor-system fridges with affordable beer/drinks (local prices, not mini-bar markups), a lending library, games, free boogie boards, tour info, and guest restaurant recommendations.
Room for Improvement: A Refresh
Beachfront wear from jungle humidity, sand, sea air, and rains demands upkeep. Updating window screens and kitchenware (utensils, storage, boards) would polish it further.
Overall Verdict
Fenix Hotel blends beachfront apartment comforts with professional hotel service, delivering the quintessential Costa Rican beach escape. Utterly relaxing, with prime sunset views over Samara.
Location: Samara Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Price: From $85 double low season / $110 high season
LGBT Friendly: Yes
Digital Nomad Friendly: Strong Wi-Fi everywhere, including poolside; monthly rates available.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pool, full kitchen per unit, laundry, tour/transport booking.
Website: www.fenixhotel.com
