Hostel Mariposas — Hotel in Sámara

Hostel Las Mariposas was a decent place to stay in Samara but not wonderful. The major highlights were excellent common areas: large, nice dining tables, hammocks in several spots, and a large and very well appointed kitchen which made cooking a breeze (a huge plus since meals in touristy-Samara can be expensive!). And, it's a very short walk away from the beach which is wonderful too.||||Some of the downsides included proximity to several bars that blast music well into the night (a fan in the room helped drown out the noise though, and the hostel itself was quiet the nights I stayed there); the bathrooms did not seem very nice (not even a hook to hang your towel or clothes); and maybe it's just the sand and ants that you'll find anywhere in a coastal environment, but cleanliness in the rooms and bathrooms only seemed average at best. The bed seemed cheap, worn, and not too comfortable but it didn't matter after a day in the sun.||||The staff was very friendly but in my brief experience not very knowledgeable about the area when I had questions. However the Samara Info Center nearby is a must-see for arranging your activities, asking about transportation, asking for recommendations, etc.||||Overall, this place was just ok, but maybe it will be a great place for you to stay depending on the vibes and level of comfort you're...

Overall - The hostel infrastructure is in DIRE need of renovation...and sadly it cant be ignored any longer. If the place was renovated then it would be much much better and easily one of the best hostels in Samara.

Bathrooms - The shower in my dorm did not work at all due to water pressure issues so we all had to use the outdoor shower or the other only shower downstairs. The downstairs bathroom piping needs to be fixed as due to the number of people using it means that it's either always filled with shower water or with black sludge that has come up the drains (see photos).

Pillow(s) - Unfortunately, the pillow on my bed wasn't great and just needs to be thrown out. Lots of mould and dirt on it (see photos). Had to remove this and stuff the pillowcase with my clothes as I just didn't think it was sanitary.

AC-No AC in the dorms, just one fan between 8 people which means that it gets incredibly hot and stuffy in the evenings when trying to sleep

On a positive note - The hostel has a pretty good common/social area and it's easy to meet and chill with other travellers. Everyone was pretty friendly and had a good vibe to the hostel. Its also just a minute walk away to the beach and about 5mins walk into town where you can find various resturants, ATMs, supermarket and bus stop to...

Wow, wow and wow that open mic last night was UNBELIEVABLE...... FANTASTIC........ at one point there was a guy playing flute one playing lead guitar, one playing backing guitar, one playing bongos, one playing bass guitar, one playing home made pipe percussion, one playing sax and harmonica and singing and one playIing the wooden block..... there were several comings and goings and changes to the line up which kept it fresh and they just rolled them out....... this happens for sure in high season on a Wednesday night and I don’t think you will find a better place truly mesmerising some serious session musicians.| I have watched open mic and jam sessions many times but straight up this is super special. Everyone has a solo section on each song which is done of the cusp. This was by far the musical experience of Samara not just that Costa Rica. Thank you all so much for doing truly musically fantastic.|A joy and a dream to witness something like this again.|Would come back to Costa Rica again just to see this..... it made my trip..|A pleasure viewing that it was of the chain.|Thank you Las Mariposas jam band you rock...