Hotel El Pequeño Gecko Verde

So much better than I had imagined. Everything about the unit we stayed in (3 bedrooms, dip pool, AC in bedrooms) as well as the hotel was perfect! BOOK. You won’t be disappointed. My 11 and 12 year old loved it so much, especially waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys, watching the hermit crabs at the hidden beach a close walk away, and spotting the iguanas around the property. The shared pool was a favorite was well! We swam in it every day.

We stayed in a well-equipped little hut with air-con (necessary), a kitchenette with all you need to make simple meals, and a beautiful porch with chairs and tables and a hammock, all tucked away and seculded in the jungle garden but 2 minutes from the pool. Bautiful beach is 15 mins walk away through the jungle, and Sámara beach - and others - are a short car ride. Breakfast was delicious - tried everything on the menu over our stay - and coffee was the best I've had. The staff were super helpful with everything; via them we booked the whale and dolphin tour with Octopus Tours, which was a superb way to spend a morning.

We loved our stay! We stayed in the family suite with the private pool and it was absolutely perfect. Its a short drive/walk/scoot to town which makes for a nice quiet stay while still being close to all amenities. The staff were amazing and the little soda on the corner was delicious. Thanks!

We were told breakfast was included when we checked in, when we checked out we were billed for it. When I confronted the manager she literally went on their ******* site and changed it to not included breakfast, right in front of me! When I reserved my bungalow I was told only the largest was available, 2 people in a sleep 7, so I reserved it, the property was not sold out. I was told because I had the one that has a kitchen I had to pay for breakfast because I could have cooked my own! I don't vacation and rent the most expensive villa to cook for myself. Also the TV did not work while we were there, could not sign into NetFlix or Prime, NO english channels and staff could not fix it. There is no A/C in living room/kitchen where you want to hang out, only in bedrooms, so you have to just lay in bed when your'e not out or it's raining. I brought up multiple inconsistent immenities and she would just change the wording on their ******* site as I spoke. They would not even offer a discount on breakfast to get a better review, they just ignored me, typical French. They are obviously new to hospitality and are not interested in making a customer a happy or a return customer. Also we are both handicapped and staff were aware of it since we use canes and cannot walk well, not once did staff offer to help us with unloading or loading luggage. We do not recommend this place. If you have reservations I would think twice and rebook somewhere else.

Such a beautiful and sweet little hotel. The garden is a tropical paradise! Muriel is the warmest host! We stayed for 5 nights, took surfing lessons and yoga classes and a nature hike all right in Samara. Carlos helped us arrange everything. Would happily go back again for more pure vida!

We recently stayed here for two nights, we were a group of 5 so we had two different rooms. My family had a larger bungalow with a queen and twin bed, we had a small kitchenette in our room with a large refrigerator. The room was spacious and comfortable. Our bathroom was pretty cool, it had a shower outside (very private). We could see monkey’s in the trees and lots of lizards. The hotel owner and reception staff (Paula and Kevin) are extremely friendly and welcoming. Paula helped us reserve a golf cart to go into town one day and reserved us massages in town. The staff really engaged with us, such a great experience that we love when we travel. The pool was nice and refreshing. There is a private beach about a 10 min walk through the jungle and it is really nice and our husbands had good luck fishing from the shore. Breakfast was included for the smaller rooms and had a variety of choices. The larger room with the kitchenette did not include a free breakfast. There was plenty of assigned parking. We were in Costa Rica for 12 days and stayed at 6 different places throughout the country and this was by far all of favorite place. One thing to note is that the monkey’s like to throw things on the roof of the bungalows in the morning! No need for our alarm clock!

What a great environment. The bungalows enjoy great privacy and are surrounded with a beautiful tropical garden with various local fauna species: coaties, paccas, howling monkeys, iguanas… Muriel is an excellent host, always willing to share her stories, experience and advice at breakfast. The rest of the staff is also super friendly. Kevin, the receptionist, prepared excellent cocktails and brought beers poolside at night. You can walk to the village in 20-25 min, either through town or through the beach at low tide, or drive in 2-3 min. There are several activities at Samara that makes this location the perfect spot: HorseJungle (Amazing 3h horse back ride), Belen waterfall (20 min away), surf lessons, boat trips… Wish I could stay longer!

Fantastic resort and the friendliest staff in Samara! The grounds are impeccable. The lodging is clean, comfortable and well equipped. You literally feel like you are living in a pampered jungle atmosphere. Great pool, with delicious food and drink onsite. The staff are simply amazing. So kind and helpful from the moment you arrive. There is a path to the secret beach and glora and fauna abounds. I felt the price was right on point. It's a 5 minute drive to town but many people walk. Felt very secure and we were definitely impressed! The outdoor shower was very cool but the howler monkeys didn't visit us as they are prone to do! If you can't get a beachfront hotel in Samara definitely go here!

A delightful small hotel - off the beaten track but within easy walking distance of Samara and the local beaches. Breakfasts were good and it was easy to order in food delivery for the evenings and to sit and eat by the pool. The individual cabins gave you your own space and were very comfortable