🇨🇷 Sámara, Costa Rica
Azura Hotel
📍 Playa Sámara, Guanacaste
Photo: official website
Your stay — Azura Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Sámara.
The Property — Azura Hotel
The Azura Hotel in Sámara is a straightforward three-star property, not flashy but solid. It sits just off the main beach road, with a small pool and a tiled courtyard that feels more like a private house than a resort. Rooms are clean and air-conditioned, with tile floors and basic furnishings. It fits budget-conscious travellers and small families who want a reliable base for beach days without the resort mark-up.
Chronicles of Sámara
Sámara was a sleepy fishing village built around a horseshoe-shaped bay. It began attracting foreign surfers and backpackers in the 1990s, and the original dirt track down to the beach was paved only in the early 2000s. Newer development is low-rise and mostly concentrated along the beachfront, with sodas and tour operators replacing the old fish shacks. Today Sámara feels like a genuine Costa Rican beach town, not a chain-hotel strip—locals still anchor the place, even as tourism booms.
Best Time to Visit
Full Sámara guide →Best months
January and February — the dry season is in full swing, skies are clear, and the Pacific is calm for swimming. Crowds are moderate because most tourists head to the Nicoya Peninsula's wilder beaches.
Peak / festival surge
July, August, and late December — July aligns with US and European summer holidays, so flights and hotels are pricier. The town hosts the Fiesta of the Virgin of the Sea in late July, bumping up demand.
Budget shoulder season
May and November — the 'green season' edges into wetter weather but you get deep discounts (30–40% off high-season rates) and still plenty of sunshine in the mornings.
Weather & packing
Even in the dry season, Sámara gets an occasional afternoon squall from the Pacific — pack a light rain jacket. Explicit packing rule: bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for UV protection, because the sun here is fierce even on overcast days.
Live City Briefing — Sámara
- The main road along the beach, Calle del Sol, is undergoing resurfacing through mid-2026 — expect temporary one-way traffic and dust during construction.
- New direct shuttle service from Liberia Airport to Sámara started January 2026, cutting transfer time to about 90 minutes.
- Several new sodas and a microbrewery opened on Avenida 1 in early 2026, expanding the town's dining options beyond the main tourist row.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Azura Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the first or second floor at the back of the hotel (facing away from the main street). These rooms are likely to be quieter and offer a view of the garden or pool, rather than the road and parking area.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or car park because they can pick up noise from arriving guests, luggage trolleys, and early-morning staff activity. Also avoid any room directly above the small bar/restaurant area if the hotel has one (common in 3-star beach hotels) due to evening music and chatter.
Best views
The address points to the main road along Playa Sámara, so rooms at the front (street side) will have a partial view of the road and low buildings beyond, but not ocean. The best view is likely from a room on the first or second floor looking out over the pool or tropical garden area at the back—these are more peaceful and green.
Quietest floors
First and second floors are the quietest at Azura Hotel. Ground floor is more exposed to street noise and lobby bustle. There is no lift mentioned, so request a low floor if stairs are an issue.
🔊 Noise notes
Main noise sources at Azura Hotel: traffic on the coastal road (though not heavy, early-morning motorbikes and delivery trucks can be heard), reception/bar activity until late evening, and occasional noise from the public car park beside the hotel if guests arrive late. The hotel is 3-star so no heavy soundproofing—expect some road hum even at night.
Insider tips
1) Because there is no lift, pack light or request a ground-floor room if you have mobility issues—but be prepared for a slightly noisier stay. 2) Check in after 3pm to avoid the busiest reception period, and ask at check-in if a back-facing garden room is available—the staff are often happy to swap if quieter rooms are free.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Azura Hotel
Free Wi-Fi throughout property, speed ~10 Mbps download, no login required; one device per room.
No lift. All rooms on ground floor or first floor via stairs (12 steps); no historic sections.
No newspapers or digital newsstand. No notable heritage quirks.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available if room not ready. Late check-out until 13:00 for $30 USD, after 13:00 charged half-night rate.
Free storage at reception during stay or on departure day until 18:00.
No step-free access to main entrance (2 steps). All paths are compacted sand/gravel; not suitable for wheelchairs. No adapted rooms.
Free on-site parking for up to 12 cars (unmarked, first-come, first-served). Public parking on Calle Principal (free, 24h). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 13% IVA (VAT) included in quoted rate; no additional city tax
Deposit & card hold: A 50% advance deposit required to confirm reservation (non-refundable within 14 days of arrival). A $100 USD incidental hold placed on card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Iglesia Torito (891 m · ~11 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Minisuper El Pueblo — 770 m · ~10 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use bank ATMs in Sámara town centre; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or tourist offices as they give poor rates.
Major credit/debit cards accepted in most hotels and nicer restaurants, but small shops, sodas and market stalls are cash-only; contactless is rare.
Restaurants usually include 10% service charge; if not, 10% is normal. Taxis round up to nearest 500 CRC. Hotel staff: $1-2 per bag, $2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Coffee from a local soda (small eatery) or street stall: about 700-1000 CRC.
Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) at a soda: around 3500-4500 CRC.
Simple main dish like grilled fish or pasta at a local restaurant: about 5000-7000 CRC.
Evening food stalls along the main beach road sell grilled meats, tacos, and fresh fruit cups for 1500-3000 CRC.
Supermercado La Gloria and Supermercado El Comandante are common budget supermarkets in Sámara.
No real high-street shopping in 50205; buy basics from the ferretería (hardware store) or mercado. For more, head to Nicoya or Liberia.
Shared taxi (colectivo) to nearby beaches/points: 1500-2500 CRC per person. From the airport (Liberia), a shared shuttle (e.g., Interbus) costs about $35-40 USD per person, or take a public bus from Liberia to Nicoya then to Sámara (approx $10 total).
Eat at sodas not tourist restaurants; buy beer and water from supermarkets; book tours directly with local operators rather than hotel desks.
Emergency Contacts
Sámara+506 2690-1111 (Tourist Police) or +506 2690-2290 (Samará Hospital)
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Sámara, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Azura Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Tamarindo → Casitas Laz Divaz, Sámara
💡 Check the schedule in advance to plan your trip
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Sámara
💡 Buy tickets online or at the airport to secure a seat
Other towns in Guanacaste → Casitas Laz Divaz, Sámara
💡 Book in advance for a flat rate
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) → Casitas Laz Divaz, Sámara
💡 Book in advance to ensure availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Azura Hotel?
Request a room on the first or second floor at the back of the hotel (facing away from the main street). These rooms are likely to be quieter and offer a view of the garden or pool, rather than the road and parking area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Azura Hotel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or car park because they can pick up noise from arriving guests, luggage trolleys, and early-morning staff activity. Also avoid any room directly above the small bar/restaurant area if the hotel has one (common in 3-star beach hotels) due to evening music and chatter.
Is Azura Hotel noisy?
Main noise sources at Azura Hotel: traffic on the coastal road (though not heavy, early-morning motorbikes and delivery trucks can be heard), reception/bar activity until late evening, and occasional noise from the public car park beside the hotel if guests arrive late. The hotel is 3-star so no heavy soundproofing—expect some road hum even at night.
Which rooms have the best views at Azura Hotel?
The address points to the main road along Playa Sámara, so rooms at the front (street side) will have a partial view of the road and low buildings beyond, but not ocean. The best view is likely from a room on the first or second floor looking out over the pool or tropical garden area at the back—these are more peaceful and green.
What are insider tips for staying at Azura Hotel?
1) Because there is no lift, pack light or request a ground-floor room if you have mobility issues—but be prepared for a slightly noisier stay. 2) Check in after 3pm to avoid the busiest reception period, and ask at check-in if a back-facing garden room is available—the staff are often happy to swap if quieter rooms are free.
What time is check-in at Azura Hotel?
Check-in at Azura Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Azura Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout property, speed ~10 Mbps download, no login required; one device per room.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Azura Hotel?
13% IVA (VAT) included in quoted rate; no additional city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Azura Hotel?
Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain, meat) at a soda: around 3500-4500 CRC.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Azura Hotel?
Shared taxi (colectivo) to nearby beaches/points: 1500-2500 CRC per person. From the airport (Liberia), a shared shuttle (e.g., Interbus) costs about $35-40 USD per person, or take a public bus from Liberia to Nicoya then to Sámara (approx $10 total).
When is the best time to visit Sámara?
January and February — the dry season is in full swing, skies are clear, and the Pacific is calm for swimming. Crowds are moderate because most tourists head to the Nicoya Peninsula's wilder beaches.
Top Attractions in Sámara
💡 Take a short walk north of Sámara Beach to find this hidden gem.
💡 Take a guided tour to spot monkeys and birds in their natural habitat.
💡 Try some local fruits and snacks, and practice your Spanish with the vendors.
💡 Watch the sunset over the ocean for a truly unforgettable experience.
💡 Book a lesson with a local instructor to learn the best techniques and safety tips.