We have just returned from the most wonderful 8-day stay at Hotel Fenix on Playa Samara. We gathered for a family reunion and Hotel Fenix offered something for all the kids, parents, and grandparents: hammocks and easy chairs under the shade of the palm trees, small pool right outside the doors of our rooms, boogie boards for the Pacific waves, and all just an easy stroll down the beach from the town of Samara. Phyllis was a gracious host, and gave us great tips on local attractions and activities (where to go snorkeling and fishing, and where to see crocodiles by the side of the road). The casual and intimate atmosphere of the Hotel Fenix helped us all relax and enjoy our vacation.

My husband and I are recently retired and are enjoying retirement in Costa Rica! We have just returned from spending 7 days in the Tortuguero area and 14 days at the Fenix Hotel in Samara. We spent our days walking on the beach, fishing, swimming, shelling and going on day trips up and down the coast. Samara Bay als offers wind surfacing, surfboarding, sunset cruising, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. The Fenix is a very central location on the best beach in Costa Rica--no sharks and no dangerous currents. We were able to walk for meals, groceries, banking, entertainment or solitude with ease; Phyllis and Bill are available to provide information, advice, directions, trip planning, etc. any hour of the day. We love the open air ventilation and ceiling fan which provides a pleasant temperature throughout the day and night. The Fenix is tucked away among the coconut and mango trees for constant cooling shade with a wide beach in front for sun worshipping, meditation, yogo, massage, etc. The outdoor shower and swimming pool offer an oasis for exiting the beach and leaving the sand and salt out of the living quarters. We like to catch and eat fish when we are at the beach; the kitchen at the Fenix is well equipped for preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is always hot water on demand for a shower and the staff makes up the rooms every day. My husband and I were very comfortable at the Fenix and can recommend this hotel for anyone who might like to stay in paradise. All is well in Costa Rica.

We had a relaxing, wonderful stay at the Fenix. Phyllis could not have been more friendly and helpful with lots of "local" advice. The design of the place with the 6 units facing the pool with the beach beyond lent itself to friendly interactions among the other guests. As mentioned by others, the rooms are spotless and cooler than we anticipated at night. We really appreciated having the kitchenette and feasting every morning on homemade pastries from Phyllis' daughter. Hopefully we will make it back to Samara and the Fenix for another winter respite!

Just home from our stay and wanted to post before we got too busy. I'm going to do 5stars because of the whole experience. The accommodations were Average. While it was "older", everything was very clean. The bedding was comfortable. We had plenty of hot water. There are only 6 rooms so it is pretty intimate. The grounds & beach are very well taken care of. I know beach locations are hard to maintain because of the elements but we were impressed with the way they cared for everything.
We were surprised that so many of the guests did use the kitchenettes for meals. We just walked 15 minutes up the beach. If It were me, I'd make all the rooms Deluxe and only have a fridge & microwave. BUT, if I were Phyllis & Bill, I'd leave it just the way it is and keep welcoming back all the happy, satisfied guests that are return visitors.
What raised our opinion is simply the owners & staff. Phyllis & Bill make this hotel. Very welcoming, good people. The staff always greeted us with a smile and "Hola".
I will do a forum post about this but thought it should be in my review also:
We left a camera & lens in our room :-(. By the time we were in Nicoya our phone was ringing and ringing. Phyllis had been trying to reach us (there are dead spots in cell coverage)
The housekeeper had found the camera & lens and promptly brought them to Phyllis. Talk about the notorious "crime of opportunity" The camera could have just gone missing--who would know? We would not have missed this until we were home & long gone. This just shows what good people they have working for them!
When we go back, we hope they have a room available. Now if they could just do something about the roosters...;o)