This family-owned property, Hotel Victoria, is situated on the banks of the jungle-fringed Rio San Juan, a short stroll from the centre of the village. Folksy El Castillo itself - accessible only by river although a new road to Costa Rica passes nearby - consists of a huddle of wooden houses, some on stilts, crouching below the monumental hilltop stone fort built by the Spanish colonists.
The old building has a lovely veranda with river views, warm hospitality and one of only four private generators in town - handy in one of the power cuts which afflict this remote, vehicle-free community. The hotel has recently (2013) been refurbished and the 15 very clean rooms, some with river views, are in very good condition with gleaming wooden walls. There is also a very pleasant al fresco restaurant with river views and a pond with turtles.