Costa Rica - Playa Hermosa vs. Samara
 

hello there-I am planning the last five night of a Costa Rica trip for April of next year-we will definitely be staying somewhere on the west/north west coast, Guanacaste. I have narrowed it down to Playa Hermosa (Villas del Sueno) and Playa Samara (possibly Villas Kalimba). We are active but also like to sit on the beach and watch the water. Both accommodations sound good-but any opinions on what each area has to offer? Thank you!

Hi, Just returned from touring Rincon de la Vieja,(Posada el Encuentro was wonderful as was the volcano), Palo Verde at the OTS and Playas Samara, Carrillo, and Nosara. I found Playa Samara rather crowded and somewhat dirtier that Playa Carrillo, which was a beautiful beach. We stayed 4 nights at El Sueno Tropical and loved it. Playa Pelada, near Nosara was gorgeous with great tide pools. The view from the Lagarta Lodge in Nosara was amazing.
I have not been to Playa Hermosa so can't compare. Have fun!

stackof5,

We weer considering staying 2 nights in Samara and another 2 nights in Nosara. If Samara was dirty and crowded, would you suggest that we just spend the entire time in Nosara?

you´ve chosen well, villas del sueno is lovely as is villas kalimba.
villas del sueno is about 5 mins walk to the beach, kalimba is accross the road from the beach.
when in samara spend an afternoon on the next beach south of playa carrillo,-about 5km- great sunsets and quieter than samara.
i was there 3 months ago and i live in playa hermosa.
check out there blogs for more info:

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html
http://costa-rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html
http://costa.rica.typepad.com/playa_...ome/index.html

My only complaint about Playa Hermosa is that when I was there, I saw a HUGE amount of construction. It was noisy and crowded.

I would go to Mal Pais, no question. Better beaches, more unspoilt. Stay at Hotel Tropico Latino if they have room or Hotel Milarepa!