Hotel in Sámara, Guanacaste, Guanacaste
Sámara Treehouse Inn
A unique budget property offering treehouse-style rooms and simple cabins in the trees above Sámara village. The magical setting amid tropical vegetation creates an unforgettable budget experience. A short walk to the beach.
Sámara Treehouse Inn is a distinctive small property on the edge of Sámara village, the laid-back Pacific beach town situated on the Nicoya Peninsula coast in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The property offers treehouse-style rooms and simple cabin accommodations set within a lush tropical garden, creating an immersive experience that appeals to travelers seeking something more memorable than standard hotel rooms. The canopy setting, with hammocks strung between trees and rooms elevated above the garden floor on wooden platforms, captures the essence of Costa Rica's surrounding tropical landscape.
Sámara is one of Guanacaste's most consistently recommended beach towns, valued for its calm bay — protected by an offshore reef that creates safe swimming and beginner-friendly surfing conditions — combined with a village atmosphere that remains more locally oriented than tourist centers such as Tamarindo or Playa del Coco. The beach itself is a 5–10 minute walk from the inn, passing through quiet village streets lined with small restaurants, bakeries, surf shops, and convenience stores.
The property provides a communal kitchen for self-catering, WiFi access, and a garden environment with hammocks and natural shade. Treehouse rooms are built within the tree canopy at varying heights; sleeping aloft in tropical forest, with the sounds of birds and insects filtering through the structure, makes the inn popular with couples seeking a romantic quirky experience and with independent travelers interested in nature-oriented accommodation. Treehouse rooms are limited in number and book out well ahead of the high season.
Sámara's activity scene includes surfing lessons for all levels, kayaking on the protected bay, snorkeling tours, cycling along the coastal road to Playa Carrillo (5 km south), dolphin-watching excursions, and day tours to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge — one of the world's most important olive ridley sea turtle nesting sites — located approximately 18 km north along the coast.
Amenities
- Treehouse rooms
- Garden
- WiFi
- Hammocks
- Beach access (nearby)
- Communal kitchen
Location
Sámara, Guanacaste
9.8827, -85.5278 — View on map
Highlights
- Unique treehouse-style rooms set within a tropical garden canopy, offering a rare immersive lodging experience
- Short walk to Sámara beach, one of Guanacaste's calmest and most swimming-friendly bays on the Nicoya coast
- Communal kitchen, garden hammocks, and a nature-oriented atmosphere ideal for budget eco-travelers
- Close to Sámara village's relaxed restaurant scene, surf schools, kayak rentals, and wildlife tour operators
- Popular with couples and nature lovers seeking character-filled budget accommodation with a genuine tropical atmosphere
Tips
- Treehouse rooms are limited — book at least 2–3 months ahead for December–April peak season to secure one
- Bring insect repellent for evening garden use; the lush vegetation, while beautiful, attracts mosquitoes after sunset
- Sámara's beach is calm and excellent for swimming; taking a surfing lesson at one of the village schools is worth a half-day
- A bicycle rental from town lets guests cycle the coastal road to Playa Carrillo, 5 km south, without needing a car
- The communal kitchen is well-equipped; stock up at Sámara's small supermercado for provisions on the day of arrival
FAQ
What are the treehouse rooms like at Sámara Treehouse Inn?
The treehouse rooms are elevated structures built into or above the tropical garden canopy, accessible by stairs or ladders. They vary in size and height but feature basic amenities in wooden structures designed to integrate with the surrounding vegetation, prioritizing experience over luxury.
Is Sámara Treehouse Inn family-friendly?
The inn is suitable for families with older children and teenagers who can manage elevated access to treehouse rooms. Families with toddlers or very young children should consider the ladder-access nature of some rooms carefully. Ground-level cabin options may be more suitable for younger children.
How far is the inn from Sámara beach?
The beach is a 5–10 minute walk from the inn through Sámara village. The route passes local restaurants and shops, making the walk a pleasant part of the daily routine rather than an inconvenience.
What activities can guests arrange from Sámara?
Sámara offers surfing lessons for beginners, kayaking on the protected bay, snorkeling tours, cycling excursions to Playa Carrillo, dolphin-watching trips, and day tours to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge — a major olive ridley sea turtle nesting site about 18 km north of Sámara.
Accessibility
Sámara Treehouse Inn's treehouse rooms require climbing stairs or ladders and are not accessible to guests with significant mobility limitations. Ground-level cabin options may offer better accessibility; guests with specific needs should contact the property before booking.