Samara

The site is beside a long beautiful beach with hard sand. The hotel grounds are very attractive with flowering shrubbery, trees, paving stones and pathways. The cabins (villas) are also attractive. The restaurant (only one) was covered but "outdoors" which was very pleasant. The food (3 meals a day included in the price) was plentiful and I would rate 7.5/10. I would say the kitchen staff weren't always watchful for such things as missing plates or cutlery, but nothing that wasn't corrected when brought to their attention. I wouldn't though advise going there if you are a foody and that's part of the overall experience that makes you want to vist there. The drinks were included in the price and I enjoyed the pinacolada from the pool bar and the Imperial beer. The pool itself was great for swimming lenghts or just lounging as it was long. The staff was by and large reserved, but always helpful if asked. The reception area staff spoke English, French and Spanish. The other staff mostly spanish with a some having a smattering of English or French. The week we were there the place was tranquil except the weekend when my sense was Ticos came with their kids, which certainly livened the pool area up.Themusic playing in the restaurant and pool was not too intrusive so as to be bothersome. There was no entertainment except on a couple of occasions a guitarist singer at the restaurant at dinnertime. We had a significant problem with our spacious accomodations in that there was no blind on the front room window so early sun came in and as no a/c in that large room, got extrememly hot. Finally had a sun blocking curtain installed over the sheers that helped and a fan that could circulate cool air from the separate bedroom. Bed was kingsize and fairly comfortable.Refrigerator didn't work and that was replaced, faucet in bathroom needed to be fixed which it was. Cleaning happened 2 days out of the 7 we were there. We didn't ask for more, when needed fresh towels they were brought. Overall for the price we paid in this shoulder season I felt it was good value for the cost. Had it not been for the terriific heat during the day that kept us much less active than usual, I would have highly recommended the place for the price at that time of year (Dec). If you love hot hot weather, this is the place for you if you aren't looking for a higher end kind of resort. Oh yes, the trip from Liberia to the resort was awful because of the traffic and a driver who was constantly taking his foot on and off the gas. The trip back was very enjoyable with a great driver and daytime interesting scenery. Easy going through customs on arrival although long line up that moved relatively quickly. Exchange rate at the currency exchange in the airport was terrible 440c for 1US$. Usually can get 500-520c elsewhere. But if give $ get change in C. Leaving go through security when you get there as main level has little seating, has no a/c and no worthwhile shops. Duty Free shop on departure level was quite good. And many other shops. Overall, would encourage anyone who likes heat and tropical scenery etc go to CR. One last word, birdwatching not great here, best go elsewhere for that!