ENCANTADA GUEST HOUSE (El Castillo) - Lodge Reviews, Photos, Rate Comparison

About

4.5

Excellent

42 reviews

#4 of 11 Specialty lodging in El Castillo

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Our Lovely Vacation Rental Cottage offers Two Guestrooms and a generously Equipped Kitchen. Great for Couples or Families. Sleeps up to 5 Persons plus one infant. (Crib and High Chair are available) Enjoy total Peace and Tranquility, a Private Rain Forest Trail, Lush Tropical Gardens and Incredible Views. Take a relaxing soak in the Hot Tub Spa for a perfect way to end the day. Encantada Guest House is located within 5-25 minutes from the most Popular Adventure Activities: Hiking, Zip lines, Horseback Rides, Eco Zoo, Butterfly Garden, Hot Springs, Volcano National Park & More! Close to Restaurants and Small Markets. FREE WiFi, Covered Outdoor Patios with Hammocks, Be next to Nature with lots of wildlife, Birds, & Monkeys! TWO NIGHT MINIMUM PER RESERVATION. A 4X4 SUV is STRONGLY SUGGESTED for clearance on rustic roads in the Arenal/Monteverde Areas. Note: this is not a shared space and we only rent to one party per reservation. This home is also available as a 1 bedroom, entire home booking option.

Property amenities

Free parking

Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)

Hot bath

Complimentary Instant Coffee

Hiking

Horseback riding

Kids stay free

Books, DVDs, music for children

Parking

Wifi

Complimentary tea

Complimentary welcome drink

Outdoor dining area

Bicycle tours

Canoeing offsite

Fishing

Patio

Water park offsite

Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)

Highchairs available

Car hire

Full body massage

Hot spring bath

Massage

BBQ facilities

Baggage storage

Concierge

Non-smoking hotel

Outdoor furniture

First aid kit

Umbrella

Express check-in / check-out

Private check-in / check-out

Laundry service

Room features

Blackout curtains

Air conditioning

Desk

Dining area

Safe

Coffee / tea maker

Flatscreen TV

Walk-in shower

Seating area

Separate dining area

Separate living room

Sofa

Telephone

Wardrobe / wardrobe

Iron

Tile / marble floor

Kitchenette

Microwave

Oven

Refrigerator

Stovetop

Electric kettle

Kitchenware

Radio

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Mountain view

Landmark view

Non-smoking rooms

Family rooms

Good to know

HOTEL STYLE

Mid-range

Languages Spoken

English, Spanish

Location

Full view

42Car recommended

Grade: 42 out of 100

10Restaurantswithin 1 km

1Attractionwithin 1 km

Contact

# 1 Via Encantada Via Encantada, El Castillo, Arenal Volcano National Park 21007 Costa Rica

Getting there

Juan Santamaria Intl Airport76 kmSee all flights

See all nearby hotels

Nearby restaurants

Essence Arenal Restaurant

Fusion Grill Restaurant.

654 reviews

9 minFusion

See all nearby restaurants

Nearby attractions

Butterfly Conservatory - Arenal

683 reviews

11 minNature & Wildlife Areas

See all nearby attractions

42Reviews0Q+A5Room tips

Reviews

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Broan K wrote a review Jul 2021

7 contributions

+1

Wonderful Location with Beautiful Views, Sights & Sounds!

My family of 5 stayed here for 5 nights and had an amazing time. Marty and Nita, the owners, were very hospitable and extremely helpful with recommendations and directions. There was plenty of space for my family and luggage. Everything was clean and neatly organized. The water pressure and temperature were both adequate and steady (My #1). The beds were comfortable (Wife's #1). There was a nice basket with some coffee, fruit, pancake mix and some other treats in it. We felt very safe and that our belongings were safe while we were away. When we weren't out on adventures the kids loved getting in the pool just outside the guest house. Evey night and morning there were beautiful sounds coming from the forest. In the mornings we were lucky to see monkeys move through the trees just outside our bedroom's window. There are so many beautiful plants to see around the property and awesome views everywhere. My family and I would recommend this location to anyone looking for a comfortable place to stay, it was accommodating and a great value. Thank you for a terrific stay. We hope we can return one day!…

Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family

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Response from Nita Kemsley, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 27 Jul 2021

Thank you so much for your kind review, we really enjoyed your visit and hope to host your family at Encantada again soon.

Toucan Lane Hotel and Restaurant wrote a review Jul 2021

Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica3 contributions

A Perfect Place to Relax

I had the pleasure of staying with Nita Kemsley and her husband at their perfect guest house last night and I must say that they have nailed it. The place is immaculate, the views are beautiful, the breakfast is perfect. If you find yourself wanting to avoid the busy area of Nuevo Arenal, if you love nature and beautiful finishes surrounding yourself, visit this wonderful place. You won't be disappointed!

Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled on business

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Response from Nita Kemsley, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 16 Jul 2021

Thank you so much for the Kind review. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit! Come back anytime!

Melanie M wrote a review Jul 2021

Santa Cruz2 contributions

Uncomfortable

My family of 4 stayed at this cottage for 2 nights, ZERO PRIVACY to say the least!!! Our shower was not working so I was directed up stairs to the main house where I was able to use the shower at another guest room, as I was in the middle of my shower, I heard a mans voice outside the window asking if my shower was going ok?? Uuuummmm excuse me? I was Instantly creeped out and felt extremely uncomfortable while finishing my shower, I felt like the whole time I was being watched. Meanwhile while I was showering Marty went downstairs to our cottage and walked right in while my husband was taking a dump without knocking or announcing himself. As a woman I felt uneasy and uncomfortable the whole stay!! We had scheduled a massage the morning we were leaving but Instead of contacting us via phone we got a hard knock on the door to tell us that our massage was here early at 8:40am, our massage was at 9am, the tone in Marty’s voice was unpleasant because he was worried we would not be out by 10am because other guests were coming, we felt scolded like children. We left the place very clean and organized!!…

Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family

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Response from Nita Kemsley, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 14 Jul 2021

Thank you for taking the time to review my property...oh wait! You didn't! Instead you and your husband have submitted a slanderous, vile and offensive character assignation of my husband and have gone to great lengths to harm our business reputation, with a scathing review rooted in childish perceptions and temper tantrums. Most of what you say here is either a flat out lie or only a simple misunderstanding. When the new shower suddenly stopped working in the guesthouse, you contacted us and Marty went down to see what was wrong. It was YOU who invited him to enter the house, he did not enter unannounced. Your husband said his shower was fine, so we had no idea what had happened between his shower and yours, but Marty offered you an alternative place to shower and brought you up to our home, to use a shower the BnB. When you arrived up here you were wearing nothing but a skimpy towel and I graciously gave you a bathrobe to use, so that our Care taker and Gardner, would not get an eye-full, when you went back down to the guesthouse. Once you were in the shower, Marty got his tools and was on his way back down to go fix the shower. As he passed under the very high bathroom window, that borders the corridor, He casually remarked "How is the shower?", it was just an off the cuff remark, made in the spirit of good hosting. I was in the room next door and I heard you answer him back, saying that it was "Great!". In hind sight, he sees how that could have made you feel uncomfortable, and he apologizes for that. As for you feeling uneasy because you felt that Marty was creeping on you during your whole stay, that's such BS, I won't even address it other than to say that I have several communications from you, stating how much you were loving your stay here and enjoying the area, and when you came up here to shower, you even old me, how you were going to recommend it to your Mother-in Law. Marty continued down to the guesthouse and since the door was still open, and he was expected, he went in and started toward the bathroom, to go fix the shower. Yes, your husband was in the bathroom, but to be fair, he had not closed the bathroom door and so, yes there was an unintentional breach of privacy. Marty, apologized and waited, as your husband got up and closed the door, while making some unnecessary remark about "having to take a Dump". Afterward, Marty examined the shower and also had to unclog the toilet, because contrary to our posted rules, you guys had used too much paper. As for pounding on the door, your husband had invited someone unknown to us, to come onto our property, to give you a massage. When they showed up for the 9:00 am appointment, they wanted to know where to go to set up. Marty went down and knocked on your door, but there was no response, so he knocked a little louder. It was 8:41 am, when your husband came to the door in a rage and yelled and cursed at him for waking you guys up! And then he resorted to throwing F-Bombs and name calling to communicate, much like a cranky teenager. As the verbal assault and tirade continued, Marty feared that it would turn violent ! But he held his temper and simply remarked that he "Meant no offense man", and then remarked that check-out time was 10 am. To which your husband screamed "TOO LATE MO*&%-FU*&%^! your listing says check-out is at 11 am!" ( But it doesn't) Your husband had scheduled a 90 minute massage, with only an hour left before check out time and had not arranged or requested a late check-out. Since we had new guests coming in that afternoon, an on time check-out, was important. The encounter left Marty shaken and confused. He sheepishly apologized for your husbands abhorrent behavior, to the lady and her driver, who had come up to do the massage because they had witnessed the whole torrid mess. We have had dozens and dozens of 5 star reviews, gained over the last 11 years, with very few negative comments. Our reputation for excellence and strong hosting skills stands proud against your vicious and unsubstantiated assault. But I do I have to say that you guys were by far the worst guests, we have ever hosted. Had you not left immediately in a fury, I would have called the Police to have you removed from my home.

Nick M wrote a review Jul 2021

1 contribution

If you value privacy this is NOT the place for you.

Good- The Arenal / Fortuna area is beautiful, a must visit. Hot springs, zip lines, water slides and lush jungle. A real slice of beauty. Bad- All True The host Marty walked into our cabina multiple times unannounced. He walked into the house then came into the bathroom while I was taking a dump. No lie. He then lurked around my wife’s shower and even tried talking to her through the bathroom windows. Not cool, my wife felt extremely uncomfortable. Lastly, Marty POUNDED on our door at 841 in the morning on the last day of our trip telling us we needed to be out by 10 sharp as other people were coming in and they needed to clean. In my wife’s own words “Marty creeped me out “ No lies, all truth. My wife said she met the other host Nita who she said was nice. Unless you enjoy hovering by an older man and the feeling Marty is watching you, you might find a better more private cottage.…

Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled with family

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Response from Nita Kemsley, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 14 Jul 2021

Thank you for taking the time to review my property...oh wait! You didn't! Instead you have submitted a slanderous, vile and offensive character assignation of my husband and have gone to great lengths to harm our business reputation, with a scathing review rooted in childish perceptions and temper tantrums. Most of what you say here is either a flat out lie or only a simple misunderstanding. When the new shower suddenly stopped working in the guesthouse, you contacted us and Marty went down to see what was wrong. It was YOUR WIFE who invited him to enter the house, he did not enter unannounced. You said your shower was fine, so we had no idea what had happened between your shower and your wife's attempted shower, but Marty offered your wife an alternative place to shower and brought her up to our home, to use a shower the BnB. When she arrived up here you were wearing nothing but a skimpy towel, I graciously gave her a bathrobe to use, so that our Care taker and Gardner, would not get an eye-full, when she went back down to the guesthouse. Once she was settled in the shower, Marty got his tools and was on his way back down to go fix the other shower, as he passed under the very high bathroom window, that borders the corridor, He casually remarked "How is the shower?", it was just an off the cuff remark, made in the spirit of good hosting. I was in the room next door and I heard her answer him back, saying that it was "Great!". In hind sight, he sees how that could have made her feel uncomfortable, and he apologizes for that. As for her feeling uneasy because she felt that Marty was creeping on her during your whole stay, that's such BS, I won't even address it other than to say that I have several communications from you, stating how much you were loving your stay here and enjoying the area, and when you came up here to shower, you even old me, how you were going to recommend it to your Mother-in Law. Marty continued down to the guesthouse and since the door was still open, and he was expected, he went in and started toward the bathroom, to go fix the shower. Yes, you were in the bathroom, but to be fair, you had not closed the bathroom door and so, yes there was an unintentional breach of privacy. Marty, apologized and waited, as you got up and closed the door, while making some unnecessary remark about "having to take a Dump". Afterward, Marty examined the shower and also had to unclog the toilet, because contrary to our posted rules, you guys had used too much paper. As for pounding on the door, you had invited someone unknown to us, to come onto our property, to give you a massage. When they showed up for the 9:00 am appointment, they wanted to know where to go to set up. Marty went down and knocked on your door, but there was no response, so he knocked a little louder. It was 8:41 am, when you came to the door in a rage and yelled and cursed at him for waking you guys up! And then resorted to throwing F-Bombs and name calling to communicate, much like a cranky teenager. As the verbal assault and tirade continued, Marty feared that it would turn violent ! But he held his temper and simply remarked that he "Meant you no offense man", and then remarked that check-out time was 10 am. To which you screamed "TOO LATE MO*&%-FU*&%^! your listing says check-out is at 11 am!" ( But it doesn't) You had scheduled a 90 minute massage, with only an hour left before check out time and had not arranged or requested a late check-out. Since we had new guests coming in that afternoon, an on time check-out, was important. The encounter left Marty shaken and confused. He sheepishly apologized for your abhorrent behavior, to the lady and her driver, who had come up to do the massage, because they had witnessed the whole torrid mess. We have had dozens and dozens of 5 star reviews, gained over the last 11 years, with very few negative comments. Our reputation for excellence and strong hosting skills stands proud against your vicious and unsubstantiated assault. But I do I have to say that you guys were by far the worst guests, we have ever hosted. Had you not left immediately in a fury, I would have called the Police to have you removed from my home.

redcaw wrote a review Jan 2021

Baltimore, Maryland109 contributions68 helpful votes

Very nice guest house with amazing hosts and beautiful location

We had a wonderful stay at the Encantada Guest house. Nita and Marty were exceptional hosts. Nita had thought of everything and they went above and beyond as a hosts. The house is really nice with plenty of room and beautiful views of the lush jungle out of the bedroom windows (where else could I sit in bed and have some of the best bird watching ever?) and of the gardens on all sides. We enjoyed the panoramic views of the lake and volcano from the property as well. One evening the skies cleared completely and the stars were absolutely spectacular since there is no light pollution. I mentioned that we are bird watchers, and you can't find a better place for that than here. We watched a laughing falcon perched nearby for 30 minutes. And there is a fleet of resident hummingbirds who "own" the garden and entertain. The house sits on the same property as the larger B & B home, but the way the property is situated, your space feels totally private. And the house has its own pool that is not shared by the B &B. The house was spotless and had a totally outfitted kitchen with lots of thoughtful items like sugar, spices and tea bags available. There is a small grocery store nearby and we stocked up there with breakfast items, then had dinner each night in El Castillo. This is a small town, but still had some great places to eat including Amigos, La Ventanita, and Essence. La Fortuna with all of its attractions was also easy to get to. I do recommend an SUV for getting to the house as it is up a partly dirt road drive. The views of the valley on one side and the lake on the other make the drive well worth it. Our thanks to Marti and Nita for a great stay in the Arenal area!…

Date of stay: January 2021

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Room Tip: This is a guest house and you don't have to choose a room. But the luxury rooms in the...

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Amy O wrote a review Jan 2021

Yorktown, Virginia11 contributions

Encantada

After over a year of planning and waiting, our vacation at Encantada Guest House in El Castillo, near La Fortuna was magical! Nita and Marty are wonderful and helped us each step of the way - reserving excursions, answering questions as it was our first time in Costa Rica, emailing us clear maps and directions before arrival, meeting us on arrival and even left a basket of breakfast basics (eggs, bread, juice, etc). The home is remote and in a beautiful area with views of the lake and volcano, yet it is still convenient to all the attractions - Sky Adventures, hiking and less than 30 minutes into La Fortuna. It has its own pool, can use the hot tub, a hike down to the river, gorgeous flower gardens with lots of humming birds. The beds are comfortable and the home has movies and games for families. Definitely recommend!…

Date of stay: January 2021Trip type: Travelled with family

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Maria L wrote a review Jan 2021

1 contribution

Outstanding Luxury Accommodations with Lake and Volcano Views

I recently spent the weekend in the newly opened Parrot Suite, and what an amazing experience it was! This is five-star pampering at its best. The suite was warm and welcoming, with every imaginable detail attended to and peace, quite and unparalleled tranquility. This incredible property has it all: outstanding lake and volcano views, lush walking trails, multiple swimming pools, jacuzzi, an onsite masseuse in the garden spa as well as a beautiful outdoor dining kitchen/patio. There is even a movie theatre where I was delighted to watch a live -streamed concert of Andrea Bocelli! After an incredibly comfortable sleep, I was lucky enough to be served one of Marty's outstanding breakfasts, which constituted a meal for nearly the entire day. Besides the striking color combinations, Nita has outdone herself with such lovely touches as plentiful books, personal necessities, fresh carafed water, coffee, tea and even a miniature zen garden for that added measure of peace. From the moment I arrived until my (very regretful) departure, all I felt at the Encantada Guest House was unparalleled peace which gave rise to an unmistakable sense of calm and well-being. If you want to experience luxury pampering around the Arenal area, this is the place for you. Pura Vida!…

Date of stay: December 2020

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Room Tip: Parrott Suite

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Laser C wrote a review Mar 2020

10 contributions

Amazing place to stay & great hosts!

Had an incredible time staying at the guest house. Wonderful location and a beautiful well decorated home. So many activities to do on property with a pool and jacuzzi for some down time. A great trail to walk on and the hosts were extremely hospitable and helpful. They provided us with a huge variety of movies to watch and the beds were so comfy. They helped us find the Toucans in the trees and identified the sounds of the animals we heard. Everything exceeded our expectations including our hosts.

Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

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Response from Encantadaguesthouse, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 25 Mar 2020

HI We are SO glad you enjoyed your stay and made it home safely. Stay Safe & Stay Healthy Nita

LGorecki wrote a review Mar 2020

Haines Junction, Canada37 contributions14 helpful votes

Cozy comfortable home in the hills

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Encantada guest house. We have 2 small kids and it was nice to have the games and books for the kids. The kitchen was very well outfitted and the beds were comfortable.The place was very clean and lots of space for our family. Be prepared to drive a steep dirt road to get to the house. The owners were very friendly and kind.

Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

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Response from Encantadaguesthouse, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 4 Mar 2020

Thanks you for the kind review we are so glad you enjoyed your stay!

mhboise wrote a review Jan 2020

Playa Samara, Costa Rica1 contribution

Enchanting hideaway

I spent two nights in the two bedroom Casita and although the weather was a bit soggy we had a delightful time enjoying the Rainforest surrounding the property. Marty and Nita were very gracious and helpful during our stay. The location is very close to many activities in the area and we had no problem finding excellent food close by. Unlike a typical hotel room, the Casita has all the amenities of home (and a very comfy bed) it is very easy to relax and unwind if you are not up to adventure and just want to "chill out". A truly beautiful setting.

Review collected in partnership with this hotel

Date of stay: January 2020

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Response from Encantadaguesthouse, Owner at Encantada Guest House

Responded 25 Jan 2020

Thank you so much for your lovely review. I hope you can come back soon! Our new Adults Only B&B, Encantada Arenal, will be open for bookings in the fall!

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