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Castillo review

I see why some guys really like this place. It is a good location, clean, and a good value. The price for a standard room was $56, which includes all tax, safe, breakfast, and no guest fees. Compared to the Hemingway next door, I think it is a good upgrade. Hemingway’s slightly better than standard room (which is not nearly as nice as a standard Castillo room) is $36/night and you can pay cash to avoid the tax. A safe key is $3/day. For $17 more (plus breakfast included) a night I’ll take the Castillo.

I had room #4, located right behind the computer terminal. The wireless network was down when I got there but they let me plug into the router in the office so I could check my email. Once the network was back up I had the best signal I’ve had in CR.

The breakfast was good – hard boiled eggs, fresh fruit, bread, juice, gallo pinto, juice and milk. The staff was friendly and the overall appeal of the hotel was very turn-of-the century Barrio Amon. I also like the dining area. It is very tranquil.

I had no AC but didn’t need it. This was probably the quietest hotel I’ve stayed in – even with windows open.

There was a fire the day before I got there – something about bad Christmas lights but I didn’t see any evidence of a fire.

I also like the proximity to the Gardens restaurant/bar and if you tripped on the sidewalk you’d fall down just about in front of NF.

Sportsman Lodge Review

Since I only was able to book two nights at the Castillo I was glad to be able to get a room at the SL, Tranquilidad – right across from the reception desk. I was worried about noise being in the courtyard area but noise was never an issue.

Although I didn’t spend much time in the room I appreciated its classic appeal and CARPET. I also got good wireless signal here.

I did witness two cars parked out front getting parking tickets – so beware if you park there.

CCR,

Nice review of the Castillo. It's my home away from home.

Zebra

I too love the Castillo, had room #4 for last week of November, loved it, Chica's also loved it because they didnt have to climb stairs in those heels.

During my last trip I stayed at the Hemingway and got more familiar with that neighborhood. I was at the Gardens bar and Tom suggested that I give the Castillo a try, so I did.

I was talking to Tom this trip and he suggested that if the Castillo put $20-30K per room for remodeling it would be a really nice place. I my opinion it doesn't really need that.

In fact for overall value, internet access, location, noise, staff, rooms, breakfast, hot water, and general appeal, monger-friendlyness, and price, I'd say this is my favorite of the places I've stayed, which include: Villa Tournon, El Presidente, Del Rey, Hemingyway and the Sportsmen's Lodge (close second). I stayed at the Zona Blue before too but it isn't really appropriate to try to compare ZB and the Castillo.

I like Castillo too, but I thing the breakfast jiuce is actually tang I could also get addicted to mashing up a hardboiled egg with the gallo pinto and then liberally dousing it with hot sauce or salsa lizano. Wish I was there now.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

Hard boiled eggs don't exactly appeal to me for breakfast but El Viejo's got the right idea. Combine with gallo pinto and enough hot sauce and you've got instant breakfast of champions!
Soulcal