We were fortunate to find this place the 1st time we travelled to Costa Rica. We booked only our flights, no hotels! We were winging it!!! Met some ladies on the beach who directed us to the Fenix. We found 3 rooms for our 2 week stay. Quaint cabinas nestled in the trees, beachfront!! Clean, comfortable & spacious, Pura Vida. Phyllis & Bill treated us like family, giving us friendly advice, like where to buy fish and other local treasures!! So there was no question as to where we were going to bring our friends when we travelled to Samara the 2nd time, Hotel Fenix. Quiet & away from the hustle and bustle! Sure there is no restaurant, but you know what, we didn't miss it. We bought our own fresh fruit, produce, fish from locals & cooked our own. You know what we were fine!! Who goes on holidays to eat anyways!!! We didn't want All Inclusive!! We absolutely love this place. What more could a person want, beautiful weather,being rocked to sleep at night by the waves hitting the beach, feeling safe, but most of all being made to feel like you have known each other for many years. It is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. See you soon!! The Michauds-Cold lake, AB Canada

A wonderful beach haven, complete with comfortable chairs under the palm trees, hammocks, a pool, and a nice kitchen to use. i never nap, but the mood and setting gave me the perfect opportunity to be at peace with the ocean and drift into dreams. we met interesting and friendly people staying at the hotel and the owners were helpful and informed. each night we had a gorgeous sunset, which we shared with other guests. loved walking the beach, strolling to town and watching the fishermen down the beach. several local businesses make deliveries of pastries, vegetables, shrimp and lobster and you can walk a few doors down the road to the small tica grocery. if i am lucky, i will definitely return to this little spot of paradise and stay even longer.

The hotel is extremely comfortable. Only a small swimming pool and coconut grove separate the rooms from the Pacific Ocean, and the coconut grove is a real blessing when you get tired of all the sunshine. The hotel is located a short walk from the busier parts of the beach. Rooms were clean and well maintained. A small kitchen area was included in the room. Big, king-sized bed was great. Felt very safe and secure the entire visit. Hostess Phylis was extremely helpful and had lots of good recommendations to share. Playa Samara is a great stretch of beach with almost an equal mix of Ticos and tourists. We met many repeat clients. Highly recommended. We plan to return next time we're able.

The Fenix is located right on the beach, south of Samara about 15 minutes walk on the beach to fabulous restaurants. When you first arrive by car you pass through a typical Tico neighborhood with simple homes and a bumpy dirt road. The hotel is modest from the front but a walk around to the room side reveals a nice pool and garden.

It has 6 rooms arranged in a semi-circle around the dipping pool looking onto the beach with a shower. We stayed in the deluxe unit, nicely decorated with new tile and full kitchen including a blender. The bedroom had A/C, TV, safe and a comfy bed. The semi-circular arrangement of rooms made for getting to know our neighbors, one couple had been coming to this hotel for 30 days each year (12 years!). An inspiration!

I especially enjoyed laying in a hammock & cushioned loungers in the morning reading a book and connecting with family via Skype and Facebook. Our best internet experience in Costa Rica. Bill and Phyllis were a wealth of info and helped us with restaurants, roads, directions and local beaches. Food trucks brought vegetables, fruits and shrimp for those staying longer term to cook, which saved us having to look for groceries in town.