El Castillo Luxury Boutique Hotel-
4.6
Outstanding(173 Reviews)Hotel in Bahía Ballena
4-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
About this hotel
El Castillo is a stylish adults-only boutique hotel set high above the Pacific Ocean in Ojochal. It offers an outdoor pool, spa treatments and air-conditioned rooms overlooking the lush gardens and nearby Garza Island.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Hot tub or spa
Wheelchair accessible
Beachfront or waterfront
Garden
Map of Bahía Ballena
Available Rooms
1 King • 279 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 570 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 258 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 1 King • 516 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
1 King • 419 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
$$$$
Reviews
4.6
Outstanding(173 Reviews)100% verified reviews
4.6
It’s even more beautiful in person. Rebecca and Jorge treat guests like they’re staying in the their home. The staff is wonderful and super friendly. Can’t recommend enough.
4.6
Top notch hotel with super friendly and attentive staff. We had a room with ocean view - on the first floor of the main building - we loved it. High ceilings, nice decoration, air con, safe, small fridge, closet with some shelves, balcony spacious (enough). The walk through the lobby into the infinity pool is breathtaking. Great breakfast. Also had dinner twice in El Castillo kitchen (as some other restaurants are not really in walkable distance (also due to the steep and dusty 300 meters) way up to the hotel)), we liked it much (Tuna, Mahi Mahi, veggie Quesadillas).
For TV lovers: there was none in our room (we did not mind).
For outside foodies: please make yourself conscious that the hotel is on a hill and, like in many places in Costa Rica we have been to, the shortest walk can be quite strenuous.
For car drivers: the 300m up to the hotel on an unpaved road - you can make it, too.
4.6
Beautiful location and the staff was top notch
4.6
lovely welcoming staff. Great room and fantastic views
the road up to the property was interesting
4.6
- amazing view (ocean view from the infitinity pool during sunset is breathtaking)
- very good drinks
- we didn’t have luck with dinner as food was undercooked
4.6
The accommodations were great. Neat and clean. The food was always good. All staff were kind and friendly
Have stayed there a couple times. Love the place, however, they still don't have well trained staff that know how to make drinks correctly and quickly. It can take up to a half hour to get an ordered drink, cappuccino, etc. even if there are only a few guests there. They cant seem to multi task nor lend a hand to each other to get orders out quickly. For instance, I waited 30 min for a glass of wine even though the waiter was just standing at the bar watching the bartender although the same waiter had 5 min prior just poured a glass for another guest. They most often have to google how to make a mixed drink which then takes longer. Each bartender makes drinks and cappuccino differently. There is often a language barrier which can jeopardize what you order or not even get the meal you ordered so it's prudent to either order in Spanish or have them repeat the order back and not trust they heard you correctly. Both my husband and I ordered a dinner and they brought out one. The waiter said he didnt know my husband ordered one (?) so we had to wait another 20 minutes before he got it and the steak was very under cooked due to having to rush that meal prep. Its hard to enjoy a meal when that happens. Meals seem to be made to order so its one table at a time and when we wanted to order desert we were asked if we could wait a while because they had another table come in and they had to wait till those meals were brought out. There were only 4 other tables there. Just have to be patient I guess... or eat and drink elsewhere
4.6
Excellent! Gorgeous property, outstanding service and stunning views! Rebeca and her team have been very welcoming and helpful! Recommend it to everyone who wants to relax, enjoy beautiful views and have a great dining experience! Thanks Rebeca & team for everything!
4.6
Everything is just perfect. Infinity pool and views of ocean are second to none. Wauw
4.6
Beautiful property in a secluded location with stunning sea views. The rooms are very comfortable and a reasonable size and the pool area is really nice with a gorgeous view (especially at sunset). The staff were friendly and helpful and the Masseuse was excellent. The food was also good.
4.6
We stopped there for one night on our drive to Drake Bay. It's a really exquisite and small hotel. I think it has only nine rooms. We got a free room upgrade to a suite. The suite was big and luxurious.
We arrived just before sunset, the view from the pool is absolutely incredible. We sat on the terrace with our welcome drink and enjoyed the sunset for almost an hour. We also had dinner there and the food was very delicious.
If you come by this place in Costa Rica, we recommend it without any hesitation. You should stay there for more than one night, to enjoy it even more.
Nothing
4.6
Very nice rooms. Everything was clean and they have nice views.
This place is too close to the highway and you constantly hear the loud trucks going by. It doesn't create the vibe I was looking for in Costa Rica; especially given the price you pay here.
4.6
The view is just amazing, overlooking the ocean! The pool and the bar area are very pleasant. The room (we were upgraded I think) was nice, with this balcony and the ocean view. The breakfast is very good and so well presented!! And the staff was so friendly and helpful!! We would have stayed more!
4.6
absolutely everything was amazing, the view. the room, the food, the staff!
N/A
4.6
Nothing.
Stay anywhere else. I booked 4-nights at Castillo Azul in one of the new romantic half-moon jacuzzi oceanview rooms. When we arrived at about 3:30 PM, the manager, Rebecca, said they only had two of the half-moon jacuzzi rooms, and our room was unfortunately given to another guest. She promised us the room for our 2nd night. The first night we had to stay in their old moldy room #3 and left the door open so we could breathe. The next morning Rebecca was nowhere to be found, and I was told our reserved room again went to another guest.
The parking is very bad (I was blocked in), and the place is run-down and poorly staffed. After one night, my partner and I left for the nearby Hotel Three-Sixty, a wow-amazing hotel. Rebecca said she would refund my money, but she never did.
4.6
We felt as if we had rented an exclusive private villa including exquisite, warm-hearted service staff. We stayed twice, first for 2 nights then for another 3 nights. In between, we went to Drake Bay for Corcovado and Cano Island trips. Only afterwards we realized that it had been a favourable option to go on the same trips starting from Uvita or Sierpe (as one-day trips). Trips would have taken a little longer - but would have saved us lots of hazzle and added more comfort, e.g. at El Castillo. Drake Bay itsself is not really nicer or more impressive than the Uvita/ Ojochal region. By the way: We saw Scarlet Macaws both in Drake Bay and in Ojochal; in Ojochal we had them in considerable numbers right in front of our room at the Castillo! Reading older Castillo evaluations we were prepared for hefty prices for on-site dinners, drinks, etc. But actually, we found that respective Castillo prices were adequate and rather moderate given the superb service. Can highly recommend.
---
4.6
Very cute hotel. Great view from the pool and love how quiet and relaxing it was.
4.6
We had the most relaxing and beautiful time here. From the time of booking, until we left, we were taken well care of and all our needs were met. Also, the view, can we talk about this view. Just incredible. This place may seem out of the way for some, but the view and staff make up for it. Definitely a place for couples looking for romance.
4.6
stunning views. wonderful infinity pool
4.6
stunning view on the ocean an sunset, lovely rooms (we liked it so much that we extended our initial 1day stay to a 5day stay. we stayed in 4 different rooms and liked those on the upper level of the main house the most. Rebecca the hotel manager was amazing, very friendly and supportive. food was great as well. the pool is amazing as well one of the best hotel pools I experienced.
only minor issues: the parking lot is kind of complicated, especially with larger vehicles. staff could slightly improve their English skills.
4.6
Extraordinary little hotel with one of the best ocean views a hotel can offer, including mind-blowing sunsets. Staff was lovely and very attentive. Breakfast and dinner were amazing. One of the best hotels we stayed in Costa Rica, very recommended for relaxing. Another (temporary) plus is the possibility to have an in-house corona test so you don't have to worry at the airport.
4.6
The view is beautiful.
It is essentially a couples retreat or a honey moon spot only. Nobody wants to talk to other guests, there is a curfew at 10 pm. You are treated like a “party person” if you simply want to enjoy yourself on vacation. It is not close to any local restaurants. No taxis so even if you travel by booked car for ten minutes it will cost you $40 usd.
4.6
Fee charges when reservation was canceled 2 days prior to check in.! Not accommodating at all. I expect a full refund
4.6
Spectacular view, both from our room and the common area. Great breakfast, friendly and service minded staff. Overall a very recommendable place.
The restaurant is decent, but totally overpriced compared to the price level of Costa Rica and the alternatives to be found nearby, so the value for money is far off in this aspect. However it is a nice convenience if you just want to relax at the hotel the entire day.
4.6
we loved the views onto the ocean and the infinity pool!
the dinner was ok but in my opinion the price was too high for what it was. the desert gets 5 stars the main dish around 3 stars.
4.6
None, it was perfect.
The staff was incredibly friendly and kind. They did their best and even more to make our trip unforgettable.
4.6
very good location, amazing room, amazing women who manage this place!
the women in this place make an amazing job - thank you!
we felt very good there.
the only place with NO water in the room... and the two waiter did not speak englisch, so we endet up wit a wrong bill, but this was corrected immediately, very nice.
we loved the place! thank you!
4.6
The staff are so personable and love their job.
The only thing I can say negative was that there isn’t much lighting in the bathroom. Such a minor thing.
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Bahía Ballena?
The average price for a rental in Bahía Ballena is $221 per night. This rental is $75 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at El Castillo Luxury Boutique Hotel-. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at El Castillo Luxury Boutique Hotel-. Enjoy the water!
Is El Castillo Luxury Boutique Hotel- pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at El Castillo Luxury Boutique Hotel-?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and smoking allowed.
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