Castillo Beach

“5 STARS from us!!!”

The 2-Star Hotel That We Keep Coming Back To ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5 stars from us, despite it only being 2 stars! Okay, let’s get one thing straight… IT IS A 2-STAR HOTEL We’ve now stayed here twice, including four weeks this time, and honestly, we absolutely love it. We stayed in December and again in July… more

The 2-Star Hotel That We Keep Coming Back To ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 5 stars from us, despite it only being 2 stars! Okay, let’s get one thing straight… IT IS A 2-STAR HOTEL We’ve now stayed here twice, including four weeks this time, and honestly, we absolutely love it. We stayed in December and again in July, and for us it is exactly what we want from a holiday. The first time we tried all-inclusive and quickly realised it wasn’t really for us, so this time we went self-catering — and honestly, it was perfect. You’re somewhere with loads around you, so why sit in a hotel eating the same food when you can get out and explore? Its cheap enough. I’ve seen some of the reviews and genuinely think some people need to remember what 2 stars + a cheaper price actually means. If you book a 2-star hotel expecting marble floors, air conditioning, room service, a Michelin-starred buffet and someone to fan you while you sunbathe… you may need to rethink your booking strategy. BUT… I actually saw some really positive changes while we were there this time. During our four weeks, I personally saw around 8 rooms having their doors replaced with glass doors, rooms being fitted with new wooden flooring, and air conditioning being installed. I also asked about the work and was told that the rooms are gradually being renovated and updated. So yes, right now it is a 2-star hotel — but it certainly looks like they're investing in bringing the rooms up and improving things. No air conditioning in our room? Did we survive? Absolutely. We went to the Chinese shop and bought a HUGE fan for around €80. It was honestly more powerful than some air con units I’ve used, and because we were there for four weeks, it worked out much cheaper than hiring one. I’ve also seen comments about burglaries. Obviously, nobody wants that and I’m not dismissing anyone’s experience, BUT a lot of what we heard about was people leaving doors/windows open, leaving belongings/cards out and even falling asleep on the sofa with everything open. Come on people… you’re practically sending the invitation yourself! Obviously, you should always be sensible with your belongings wherever you stay, but don't make a cheap hotel responsible for your own lack of common sense. And please, don’t waste your money on airport transfers! A taxi from the airport was around €18 for us, so much easier and quicker. For us, this place is PERFECT. There is so much to do, loads to explore, and if you go with the right attitude you can have an absolutely brilliant holiday without spending a fortune. So if you’re looking at the reviews thinking “Oh my God, this place sounds terrible” — honestly, please don't let them put you off. Just remember: It’s 2 stars. You paid 2-star prices. You are not booking the Ritz. If you want luxury, book luxury. If you want a cheap base, good location, somewhere to sleep, get out, explore, eat, drink and have an amazing holiday… this place is bloody brilliant. And the best part? They're clearly working on improving it. I saw the renovations happening with my own eyes over the four weeks we were there. We’ve been twice now, stayed four weeks this time, and I’d happily go back again. 5 stars from me… because I understand what I actually booked. To the people leaving 1-star reviews because a 2-star hotel isn't a 5-star hotel… I genuinely don't know what to tell you.

less