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Summary of reviewsBambuda Castle, perched on a small hill offering breathtaking views of the Baru volcano and lush coffee plantations, offers a tranquil retreat enveloped in nature. Despite its somewhat remote location, which might pose a challenge without a car, the stunning scenery and serene atmosphere make it an ideal getaway, highly appreciated by guests.
The culinary experience at Bambuda Castle is generally positive. Breakfast features delicious, generous portions with fresh fruits and quality coffee, though wait times and the additional cost can be drawbacks. Dinner, prepared by Chef Wilmer, receives high praise for its excellent taste and value, although the menu is not extensive and service can sometimes be slow. The beautiful setting of the dining areas significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
Guests commend the diverse and uniquely charming room options, highlighting the appeal of Hobbit houses, spacious cabin rooms and family apartments. Cleanliness is generally satisfactory with bathrooms and many rooms maintained to a high standard. However, isolated issues such as dust, black mold and occasional noise indicate room for improvement. Beds receive mixed reviews with some guests finding them comfortable, while others face issues like hard mattresses and unstable bunks.
Staff at Bambuda Castle are consistently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness and helpful nature, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. There are occasional mentions of slower or less attentive service, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive with many guests feeling well-cared-for and at home.
The castle’s amenities receive various reactions. The pool area, though appreciated for its scenic views and added relaxation after a day of hiking, is often noted for its cold temperature and occasional cleanliness issues. The indoor pool and jacuzzi enjoy some popularity, especially among kids. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi is generally unstable, fluctuating in speed and reliability, impacting the guest experience unevenly across the property.
Parking is available but can be limited and disorganized, requiring patience during peak times. Despite these challenges, the staff's willingness to assist with transport arrangements mitigates potential inconveniences.
In summary, Bambuda Castle offers a unique and memorable stay with its stunning location, delightful breakfast and dinner experiences and charming accommodations. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of Wi-Fi stability and room maintenance, the exceptional staff and overall ambiance make it a cherished retreat for many guests. Show more
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Categories
Hostel with Swimming Pool
This hostel features an indoor swimming pool, a bar, and a hot tub. It provides both dorms and private rooms, making it a budget-friendly option with recreational facilities.
Indoor Pool
Hostel with Parking
Provides parking, a restaurant, and a bar, which enhances the overall experience for guests. The presence of a swimming pool and hot tub are value added.
Hostel with Indoor Pool
This hostel features an indoor pool and an indoor jacuzzi. The pool is noted for being neat and well-maintained, offering a refreshing indoor swimming option for guests. Children particularly enjoy the pool and jacuzzi facilities.
Small Hostel
Room Types
Bed in 6-Bed DormThis bed in dormitory features a view, private entrance and tile/marble floor.
Cabin RoomThis double room is a private cabin with a private entrance and balcony
Tower RoomThis double private room is in the castle tower. It has two levels and a round stair up to the master bedroom.
Garden BungalowFeaturing a private entrance, this bungalow also comprises 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower. The bungalow is furnished with a desk and a seating area and features garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Hobbit HouseBoasting a private entrance, this bungalow also comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower. The bungalow has parquet floors, a patio and garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Family RoomThe family room features a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 6 beds.
Bed in Deluxe 6-Bed DormThis bed in dormitory features a private entrance.
Friends & FamilyThe quadruple room features private bathroom equipped with a bath and a shower.
Premium TwinThe twin room has a private bathroom fitted with a bath and a shower.
Just Right HobbitThe spacious double room offers a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.6
Very Good
Location
Bambuda Castle boasts an incredible location on a small hill, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes, including the stunning Baru volcano and lush green coffee plantations. The location provides a peaceful retreat immersed in nature with tranquility and beautiful scenery being standout features. Guests particularly appreciate the breathtaking views from the tower, dining areas and rooms, describing them as extraordinary and unbelievable.
While the secluded setting offers a serene atmosphere, it is somewhat remote and can be challenging to access without a car. However, taxis and buses are available for those who need to reach the nearby town of Boquete, which is a short drive away. The location’s privacy and peace make it a perfect getaway, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and quiet surroundings away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Despite being a bit farther from the town center, the castle’s unique and charming environment, combined with its gorgeous views and beautiful gardens, make it a highly special place to stay. Whether relaxing in one of the many chill spots or exploring the picturesque landscapes, Bambuda Castle offers an idyllic escape with amazing views that are highly praised by its guests.
Breakfast
Bambuda Castle offers a delightful breakfast experience that receives high praise for its delicious taste and generous portions. Guests often commend the superb quality and variety of breakfast options, highlighting the fresh fruits and tasty coffee as notable highlights. The hearty breakfast and good value for money are frequently mentioned, making it a satisfying start to the day.
However, the breakfast service isn't without its drawbacks. Some guests have noted the occasional long wait times and limited menu options. Others have also pointed out that breakfast is not included in the room rate and can be expensive with some feeling that the overall price-quality ratio could be improved. Additionally, the hours of availability have been a topic of concern for those who prefer an early start.
Despite these issues, the warm and attentive staff, particularly during breakfast hours, contribute positively to the overall dining experience. Bambuda Castle’s breakfast remains a highlight for many guests with its delicious offerings and the lovely atmosphere of the on-site restaurant.
Dinner
Bambuda Castle offers a dining experience that many guests find highly satisfying. The restaurant is frequently praised for its delicious food with several visitors describing their meals as excellent, amazing and honest. The menu, despite not being very extensive, presents a selection of tasty and well-prepared dishes, including standout options like chicken, steak sandwiches and special dinners by Chef Wilmer.
The food is noted for its good value and quality, even though some guests felt that the prices for breakfast, lunch and dinner could be excessive. Drinks at the bar are also highly appreciated with many guests enjoying the tasty and reasonably priced beverages.
However, the service can be a bit slow with some guests experiencing long waiting times for their meals and drinks. Despite this minor drawback, the overall dining experience is positively highlighted by the beautiful surroundings and the unique atmosphere of the castle, which features panoramic views of the mountains and volcano, adding to the charm of dining at Bambuda Castle.
In summary, while the restaurant service might require some patience, the quality of the food and drinks, coupled with the stunning location and view, make it a worthwhile dining option for guests.
Rooms
Bambuda Castle offers an enchanting array of room options, each with its unique charm and character. Guests frequently highlight the appeal of the Hobbit houses, noted for their cuteness, lovely views and overall unique experience. The cabin rooms, family apartments and bungalows are praised for their spaciousness and comfort with some even featuring small terraces for added relaxation. Many reviews commend the cleanliness and size of the rooms with several guests noting them as being larger than expected and super clean.
The suite cabins with separate entrances and bathrooms with hot water are mentioned positively. Clean and spacious bathrooms also earn high marks. Several rooms boast great views, particularly from the tower rooms and private terraces.
However, not all feedback is entirely complimentary. There are mentions of rooms being hot and lacking air conditioning or proper ventilation. Some rooms need renovation and cleanliness could sometimes be improved. There were isolated issues of noise, particularly in rooms close to the entrance or near disrespectful neighbors. Beds received mixed reviews with some guests finding them extremely comfortable, while others experienced discomfort and instability.
Overall, the unique castle setting, combined with varied and generally spacious accommodation options, make Bambuda Castle a memorable stay for many, marred only occasionally by minor inconveniences.
Beds
At Bambuda Castle, the bed experience is largely mixed, reflecting a range of guest impressions. Many have highlighted the beds as super comfortable, very comfortable and overall comfy, often noting comfortable mattresses and pillows. Some also appreciated the added details in dorm beds, such as curtains, fans, electrical outlets and reading lights, which contributed to a generally positive sleep environment.
However, a significant number of guests reported issues with bed quality. Complaints ranged from hard mattresses to unstable and noisy bunk beds in the dorms with dorm bed frame construction described as cheap, leading to creaking and discomfort. Some also mentioned difficulty fitting well in the beds and the low height of the upper bunk beds, which prevented sitting upright. Several reviews specifically pointed out the presence of ants in the beds, sheets and pillows, which certainly impacted their stay negatively.
Despite varied opinions on the beds, the cleanliness of the location and well-maintained facilities were acknowledged. Nonetheless, there were concerns about the deceptive advertisement of the quality with mentions of sparse rooms and uncomfortable atmospheres. It seems that while some guests found comfort and satisfaction in their accommodations, others faced notable challenges that detracted from their experience.
Cleanliness
Bambuda Castle receives mixed reviews regarding cleanliness. Many guests praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, describing them as some of the cleanest they have ever seen in a hostel. The property, rooms and facilities are often described as very clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant, calm and safe environment. Regular cleaning is a notable feature with rooms and common areas frequently tidied. The castle's beautiful architecture and surrounding area are kept pristine, enhancing the overall guest experience.
However, some guests encountered issues, such as dust under beds and on tables, as well as instances of black mold, dirty pools and ants in various places. These issues highlight the need for more consistent cleaning in certain areas. Additionally, some communal spaces, like the kitchen and common areas, were reported as needing more attention to cleanliness.
Overall, while Bambuda Castle generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness, there are isolated cases where improvements could be made. The staff are often commended for their friendliness and efforts in maintaining the property's cleanliness and assisting guests. The combination of a beautiful setting and mostly well-kept facilities makes it a notable destination, albeit with room for improvement in specific areas.
Staff
Bambuda Castle is praised for its exceptional staff who consistently deliver friendly, attentive and helpful service. Guests frequently commend the staff for their kindness, courtesy and willingness to assist with a smile. The team's ability to speak English and facilitate various activities, such as organizing tours and shuttles, enhances the overall guest experience. Specific mentions of staff members like Daymoon and Elizabeth highlight their dedication to making each stay comfortable.
Reviews suggest that the front desk and reception team are particularly responsive and supportive, often going out of their way to ensure guests' specific needs are met. The staff in the restaurant and bar generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness and quick service, although a few instances of slow or inattentive service are noted.
Despite some minor issues and occasional complaints about rudeness or lack of interest from certain staff members, the overall sentiment towards the staff at Bambuda Castle is overwhelmingly positive. The exceptional service and personal attention provided by the majority of the team make guests feel at home, contributing significantly to the hotel's welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
The wifi at Bambuda Castle garnered mixed opinions from its guests. Despite some mentions of fast internet and stable connections, several guests encountered issues with Wi-Fi availability and stability, particularly in specific areas such as bungalows and common areas. For some, the connectivity varied in speed and occasionally cut in and out, making it quite unstable. Weather conditions also appeared to impact the service, rendering Wi-Fi and TV usage ineffective at times. Guests also pointed out that the internet was poor and inconsistent in several occasions. However, there were instances where the Wi-Fi was described as good, suggesting that the experience might depend on specific circumstances and locations within the hotel.
Pool
The pool area at Bambuda Castle receives mixed feedback from its guests. Many appreciate the presence of both a pool and a jacuzzi, considering them pleasant additions that add value after a day of hiking or other activities. The pool and garden views are often described as magnificent and several guests mentioned the pool being clean, tidy and well-maintained at times.
However, there are notable concerns regarding the pool's temperature with numerous reviewers mentioning that the water is too cold, deterring use. Some guests also noted issues with cleanliness, describing the pool water as cloudy or green and sometimes excessively chlorinated. Despite these drawbacks, the inclusion of the pool and jacuzzi is still seen as a positive feature, offering relaxation opportunities and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the stay.
Parking
Bambuda Castle offers a unique experience but comes with some parking challenges. Guests note that while it is possible to park a car at the property, the parking area is limited and small, often filling up with jeeps. There can be instances where parking gets crowded and a bit disorganized. Despite this, the staff is very accommodating and willing to arrange taxis for a reasonable fee, ensuring mobility is not an issue. Potential guests should be aware that parking might get noisy and there’s a chance of getting wet in the rain when accessing the parking areas. Overall, while parking at Bambuda Castle is available and manageable, it may require some patience and planning during peak times.
Indoor Pool
Nestled within the historical ambiance of Bambuda Castle is an indoor pool that has garnered varied reactions from its guests. While some visitors didn’t find the indoor setting particularly appealing, many others appreciated its unique charm and cleanliness. The pool is often highlighted as neat and well-maintained, providing a refreshing retreat after a day of exploration. Kids particularly seem to enjoy the pool, along with the indoor jacuzzi, as a fun and relaxing activity. The whirlpool has also been praised for its relaxing qualities. Despite the pool being non-heated, its availability adds to the overall charm and offers a cool, unique experience for those staying at this hostel known for its hiking and relaxation opportunities.
Yes, Bambuda Castle has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Bambuda Castle.
No, Bambuda Castle doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Bambuda Castle.