Hotel Belvedere Review - Samara, Costa Rica

samara guanacaste costa ricabeautiful setting in jungle about 1/4 mile to beach-easy stroll through small town. Good restaurants all within short walk and good breakfast at hotel is part of cost. New businesses opening up incl. Gelato shop and some internet shops for $3 per hour! More to come town growing slowly but steadily. Samara is situated in a bay about 2 miles deep and across fronted by a rock reef which all but disappears at high tide allowing more waves in for good surfing very safe from critters. Wide beach at low tide---shallow warm water and great for little kids too! Surrounded by hills very scenic and hot. Howler monkeys came through the trees around hotel every day about 4 pm feeding. You can sit in the pool and watch them up close. Makes for some great photog. Owners are 40ish German couple with 2 sons teens. Michaela is most involved with guests and speaks German English and Spanish and maybe more. she is very accomodating and efficient. Staff is friendly and consciencious. Hotel is well kept and feels newer. Guests when we were there were mostly older(we are late 50's) and quiet and friendly. Some young couples; no kids were seen during our stay.One drawback unless you love rugged travel is the trip from LIR to Samara. First leg to Nicoya is easy and relatively quick and straight but Nicoya to Samara is twisting and slow and roads are in good repair but not USA standards--bumpy at times. Take dramamine. About 2 hours due to traffic and trucks often in the way. There are set rates for transportation from airport to anywhere. Samara by taxi is set at $100 and some small shuttle buses charge $50/pp up to about 6. Air cond. essential. Advance res. is avail on-line but no trouble getting trans. at airport as they crowd the exit with signs and solicit everyone with transportation as you leave. No a/c at airport--wide open building. Check car rental prob good idea with transp cost to/from LIR so high. We stayed 1 week.