Castles in Esmeraldas

"The seamless integration of nature, sustainability, and luxury is what truly sets Mashpi Lodge apart. From immersive guided experiences in the Chocó rainforest to thoughtfully curated cuisine rooted in local sourcing and Ecuadorian traditions, every aspect of the stay felt intentional and enriching. The level of personalization throughout—from dining and excursions to wellness offerings—created a sense of ease and connection, allowing us to fully engage with the environment without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The balance between adventure and restoration was exceptional, particularly the guided walks and the tranquil spa experiences set within the rainforest itself. Above all, the lodge fosters a deep appreciation for conservation and biodiversity, transforming the visit into not just a stay, but a meaningful and memorable journey."

"The rooms are in terrible shape. They smell funny and overall the whole room is old. The showers did not work properly, and the layout is awful. We had a column in the shower and couldn't take a proper shower. The garage is an open space on the back of the hotel with no guard. Even though it was said that it included Breakfast it was told to us by the staff that it was not included. Finally a 100 dolar bill disappeared from my wife's purse and we know it happened in that hotel."

"This was by far the worst hotel experience I’ve ever had. The place is located in one of the most dangerous parts of Ecuador, surrounded by crime and complete neglect. The hotel itself looks abandoned — the building is falling apart, dirty, and feels more like a forgotten ruin than a place to stay. The staff were shockingly rude and unprofessional. They simply ignored any requests or complaints and treated guests with disrespect. Many travelers, including myself, were forced to leave the hotel in the middle of the night just to find a safer and cleaner place to stay. The rooms were filthy, with wet and stained bed sheets, and everything seemed broken or unrepaired for years. The hotel is far away from town, and there’s no way to reach any stores or restaurants in Mompiche. The only small shop nearby is inside the hotel itself — and the prices there are outrageously high, at least two or three times more expensive than in town. I strongly advise everyone not to consider this place at all. It’s dirty, unsafe, and completely mismanaged. Honestly, I would rather sleep by the roadside than spend another night here."

"Property is located in the center of the city of Esmeraldas in easy walk to restaurants and other facilities. We had a feel of being in the Caribbean. Our room was pleasant, comfortable and included a sitting area. Breakfast was good and the lady that prepared and served it was quite pleasant. "