El Castillo Bed and Breakfast

We stayed with family last year and had a lovely time. I’m only posting now because it took me a while to find the place on the map, but the stay was worth it. It’s one of those houses where you can settle in and relax like you’re at home. The host was great and the staff were friendly. There’s enough parking either on the property or along the street, and the road is decent for jogging or biking at any time of day. The breeze is cool and refreshing.

The two issues we noticed were the shower heater, which didn’t work, and the thin curtains over the front window, so the room got bright early. I probably should’ve asked them to fix the heater. Even with those things, it’s a really beautiful place, and the listing photos matched what we got for the price. I just forgot to take pictures of the room and bathroom. Kudos to Ms. Sheryl and Mam Elena for welcoming us so warmly. We picked the Deluxe Room at El Castillo. It had a full vanity kit, slippers, two tissue rolls, coffee sticks, and bath towels. There’s a water dispenser right outside the door, and we had direct access to the balcony, though it was raining so we didn’t use it. Inside it’s cozy, and just about every corner of the house looks IG worthy. They also leave a laminated breakfast menu and guides to places around Angono, which helped since my girlfriend and I had only half a clue what to do on our last-minute long weekend. I came across this BNB by chance on Google Maps and Bookingdotcom and don’t regret booking it. It’s close to the well-known cafes we visited, all with great views over the Bay. Art Sector is my pick for artists, while Kabesera Cafe seemed newer and had fewer people. The food and drinks were pricey, but I understood we were paying for the view and ambiance. For a cheaper meal, drive about five minutes down for fast food or other places, like Kanto Freestyle Breakfast. It was a relief that takeout is allowed.

The roofdeck is a lovely spot to catch sunrise or sunset, and you can stargaze there after dinner at Escalera or Art Sector. There’s some light pollution, but I still saw constellations I wouldn’t normally spot in the city. The nearby restaurants have astonishing sunset and nighttime city views. It gets a little warm around noon. I celebrated my 35th birthday here and couldn’t have picked a better place. The house is up on a hill in Eastridge, surrounded by other hills and trees. It’s peaceful, with birds singing in the morning. There are restaurants within walking distance, yet the house is far enough from nearby lights to enjoy the stars from the roofdeck. It has lots of Instagrammable corners, and since nobody else was checked in, I felt like I had the magical place to myself. Elena upgraded my room, and it was perfect: spotlessly clean, comfortable, with very soft sheets and a wonderful smell. There were fresh flowers on the side table and a scented candle in the bathroom. In the morning, kind and attentive Ate Cheryl brought me hot water for coffee. Elena was warm and welcoming, and she and her husband Henry shared tips on what to do nearby. They even gave me a ride when we were both heading down to town. A few practical things: stock up on groceries and extra toiletries before check-in. Google Maps doesn’t show the steep drive up from town, and you won’t want to make that trip repeatedly. A four-wheel drive would be best. I was commuting solo, and tricycles outside SM took me up for P250, which seemed fair given how hard their motors worked. It’s also easy to get a Grab driver, but I tipped a bit since the uphill drive to pick me up was inconvenient for them. It was an unforgettable stay, though part of me hesitates to share this hidden gem. It’s great for solo travelers who like tranquility and a touch of whimsy, with castle vibes and selfie spots, as well as couples wanting a romantic getaway.

The terrace view was amazing. Our room was clean, and the place felt quiet and peaceful. The host was gracious and took care of our needs.