Hotel Casa Alcestre

My family and I felt at home here. The hotel is clean and comfortable, an architectural gem more than 450 years old, lovingly renovated and beautifully preserved. We got to switch off from our usual routines and enjoy a spectacular week together. The staff were wonderful. Ignacio, Catalina & Monica at the front desk were so helpful and friendly, and the general manager was kind and always ready to help. The waiters and housekeeping ladies were lovely too. After checkout, on my way back to New York, I realized I’d left my wallet in the room safe. I contacted the hotel from Bogotá, and they arranged to have it delivered within a few hours. Their quick help meant I caught my flight without worrying about losing a lot of money. I wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful hotel to anyone visiting Villa de Leyva. Thanks so much, I can’t wait to see you all again soon! Warm regards, Javier Gonzalez

Hotel Casa Alcestre has a lovely look and a great location in Villa de Leyva, with a beautiful exterior that suits the peaceful surroundings. But inside, the rooms were disappointing. The bathroom was dirty, with mold in several corners and hairs left by previous guests. The room was dusty, and I found trash under the bed. The cleaning also seemed to miss basic things. Towels left on the floor weren’t replaced, just put back in place. For the price, and for a place meant to offer comfort and relaxation, the lack of cleanliness made the stay unpleasant. It’s a shame, because the design and location give Hotel Casa Alcestre a lot of potential. I can’t recommend it unless they improve the cleaning and upkeep considerably.

The restaurant let the experience down. Service was inattentive and disorganized, and the wait staff seemed unsure where dishes should go. They’d ask us something and walk away before we could answer. More than once, they talked among themselves, and they even argued in front of guests instead of looking after the tables. Some dishes were undercooked and had to be sent back. The rest of the hotel was delightful, and we’ll definitely return, largely because of German’s hospitality. He was attentive, handled small problems quickly, and made a lasting impression. The staff in general were polite and eager to help. Our room was spacious, spotless, comfortable, and charming, and the outdoor areas were well kept and peaceful. The spa was a nice place to unwind for an hour or so. It’s also a short walk from the main square, handy for exploring Villa de Leyva. With some work on the restaurant, the place would be perfect.

The rooms are spacious and clean, and the location is great. It was surprisingly calm at night, and breakfast was delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful. It did get a bit too hot in the room, though, and leaving the balcony door open meant mosquitoes kept us from sleeping. So it was either sweating all night or dealing with mosquitoes. I hope they keep this beautiful hotel in good shape. I’d stay again and recommend it.