The Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast
at La Place 'd Evangeline

Bayou Hospitality at its Best!

The Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast, located 10 miles from Lafayette, LA, was built circa 1827 by Captain Edmond Castillo. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Homes since 1978. The building is nestled along the lazy Bayou Teche, beneath the branches of the legendary Evangeline Oak.

The Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast has been written up in Southern Living Magazine & USA Today. Also recommended and approved by AAA and Mobile Guide. Chili Pepper Magazine "The rooms were the biggest we had ever seen, and furnished with beautiful antiques - rates in our opinion is a steal - truly elegant, with wonderful food and great coffee. American Way magazine (author Robert Draper) "My personal favorite, with its vast rooms and its dreamy view of the Bayou Teche".

NEW! Free Wireless Internet Access is Available for Guests!

Throughout the 19th century, steamboats sailed up and down Bayou Teche bringing travelers and goods to Acadiana. Those who stopped in St. Martinville found lodging and hospitality in a large brick building that came to be called the Castillo Hotel. It had one of the area's most luxurious ballrooms and was the setting for decades of community activities. When steamboat travel gave way to the railroads, the old hotel was sold to the Sisters of Mercy, who operated the Convent of Mercy School there for almost 90 years.

Through the hard work and persistence of Peggy and Clayt Hulin, the old hotel again offers visitors lodging and hospitality along with 175 years of history. It is said to be the only surviving example of the type hotel that served the trade along Bayou Teche during the era of steamboat transportation. With Peggy's recipes and love of entertaining, a special treat awaits those who cherish good food, good company and a relaxing time spent leisurely beside the slow-moving water of Bayou Teche.

• The Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast offers seven guestrooms beautifully furnished in period antiques and reproductions with private baths and balcony (Bayou side or beneath Evangeline Oak).
• Read Excerpts from Harpers New Weekly Magazine about the Old Castillo B&B written in 1887
• Breakfast is offered in the inn's breakfast room each morning. 
•  Cajun Days a suggestion for the most memorable Cajun Experience
• Center of it all, St. Martinville is considered the "hub" of Cajun Country. Easily access all of the surrounding culture while a guest at this historic Bed and Breakfast.
• "New addition": Parlor complete with fireplace and TV for your relaxation and enjoyment.

View our Saint Martinville Louisiana listing

Excerpts from the American classic "Harpers New Monthly Magazine",

Volume 74, issue 441, 1887

Written by Charles Dudley Moore, who spent time in the St. Martinville area, and also at the then "Castillo Hotel", which is the now "Old Castillo Bed and Breakfast.

Of his stay at the "Castillo Hotel", he writes:

"...I went to breakfast at a French Inn kept by Madam Castillo, a large red brick house on the banks of the Teche, where the live oaks cast shadows on the silvery stream. It had, of course, a double gallery. Below, the waiting room, dining room, and general assembly room were paved with brick, and instead of a door, turkey red curtains hung in the entrance, and blowing aside, hospitality invited the stranger within. The breakfast was neatly served, the house was scrupulously clean, and the guest felt the influence of that personal hospitality which is always so pleasing..."

he goes on:

"...In that fresh morning, I thought I had never seen a more sweet and peaceful place than this gallery. Close to it grew graceful China trees in full blossom and odor..."

"...I felt that I should like to linger there a week in absolute forgetfulness of the world..."

Of his voyage on the Bayou Teche, he writes: "...The voyage on it is one of the most romantic entertainments offered to the traveler. The scenery is peaceful and exceedingly pretty..."

Evangeline and Gabriel (America's Romeo and Juliet)
Longfellow's Evangeline - the Epic Poem

Immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1847 poem "Evangeline", Evangeline and Gabriel, a betrothed Acadian couple, are separated when forced out of their homeland (Nova Scotia). Evangeline's long and meandering search for Gabriel brings her to the Atchafalaya Basin, where at one point, the lovers' boats unwittingly glide past one another. Arriving in the Poste des Attakapas, or the area of present-day St. Martinville, Evangeline is reunited with Gabriel's father, only to be "irrevocably barred from this pastoral paradise" when she learns of Gabriel's recent departure and marriage. According to legend, after hearing this news, she is said to have died of a broken heart beneath the moss laden branches of the Evangeline Oak. For more information about the Evangeline Oak please, click here.

• Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Association
• Rip Van Winkle Gardens/ Jefferson Island
• Acadian Village
• Longfellow-Evangeline State Park/St. Martinville
• Acadian Memorial /St. Martinville
• Cajun swamp tours
  Champagne's swamp tours
• Lafayette Travel
• Cajun Country
• Atchafalaya Welcome Center

• St. Martin de Tours Church(mother church of Acadians)/St Martinville
• Petit Paris Museum (display Mardi Gras Costumes)/St. Martinville
• Maison Duchamp/St. Martinville
• Duchamp Opera House (antiques/plays)/St. Martinville
• Lake Fausse Point/Coteau Holmes
• Avery Island/New Iberia
• Jefferson Island/New Iberia
• Konrico Rice Factory/New Iberia

• Shadows on the Teche Plantaion house/New Iberia.
• Evangeline Downs/Lafayette
• Cashatta Casino/Cherinton
• Vermillionville/Lafayette
• Baton Rouge Casino
• Lake Martin bird rookery/St. Martinville
• Atchafalaya/Henderson
• Pine & Oak Alley
• Jean Lafitte Nat'l Park
• Acadien villiage, Lafayette, LA

• Numerous Cajun restaurants

St. Martinville, in the 19th century, was a fashionable resort attracting affluent residents of New Orleans seeking a summertime escape from the heat and yellow fever of the city. It was also a place of refuge for French Royalists during and after the French Revolution. And what better place to show off their finery than in the Union Ballroom of the hotel believed to have been built by Jean Pierre Vasseur between 1835 and 1840.

During the Civil War, the building remained open to serve as a meeting place for community activities. Brother's Anton and Wilhelm Hesse operated the Maison des Allemands in the building from 1858 to 1876. From 1876 to 1899, Charles Gauthier, the Charles Gauthier Estate and Stanislas Dabadie owned the building in succession. During that time, Delia Greig Castillo, widow of Edmond Castillo, a well-known steamboat captain, operated the Castillo Hotel in the building. Although she never actually owned the hotel, she ran it extremely well, and it became known throughout the area for its fine hospitality.

In 1885, Castillo's granddaughter, Eva Bonin, married Alphonse Guerin, who was later appointed librarian for a subscription library established in the hotel. Guerin a native of France and a gourmet cook brought fame to the hotel for his banquets and dinners.

Castillo died in 1899, and the building was sold to the Sisters of Mercy to expand a school established in 1881. The nuns maintained the building, although they were unable to make major improvements. Climate and weather took a heavy toll. The Convent of Mercy School, then called Mercy High School, closed in 1986. The following year, Peggy Hulin bought the property.

DAY 1
After a long day of traveling, we recommend taking it easy and relaxing with a good book on the balcony of the B&B beneath the cool branches of the Evangeline oak. Watch the slow moving waters of the Bayou Teche flow from this historic building.

Take a stroll down the quiet sidewalks of our quaint, historic district to visit the Acadian Memorial Museum, Petit Paris Museum, and Arts and Crafts shops. Cross the street and visit the St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church, considered the mother church of the Acadians, and the third oldest in the State. Have dinner at one of the many locations within 10-20 minutes from your B&B. And who knows, you might be here when The Old Duchamp Opera house (restored opera house) is putting on a play.

DAY 2
After a hearty Cajun breakfast, take the short drive to nearby New Iberia for a tour of the well known Avery Island, home of world famous Tobasco sauce. For Lunch, have boiled crawfish at one of the many seafood restaurants in New Iberia. A late afternoon visit to the Old Plantation house at "Shadows on the Teche" will surely leave a memorable impression. If you're still in the mood to go, visit the Indian reservation casino at Charington, LA.

DAY 3
Get an early start, and be at Lake Martin for a gorgeous sunrise overlooking this well known bird rookery. Whether you opt for a guided tour, or brave it alone, you're virtually guaranteed to see most Louisiana wildlife in its natural habitat, to include alligators and nutria! Drive 15 minutes from here to nearby Lafayette for a tour of Vermillion Ville and Jean Lafitte National Park. If you still have a pep in your step at the end of the day, try a Cajun two-step at the world famous Mulates, where you can enjoy a great Cajun meal as well as Live Cajun Music 7 days a week.

I recently attended my class reunion and 13 of our classmates were all accommodated in complete comfort at this gem of a bed & breakfast. Built in1827 and once home to a girls' academy, the inn is situated on the banks of the stunning Bayou Teche and is adjacent to the historic Evangeline oak/monument. Every room is spacious and well appointed, with beautiful period antiques, each with a private bath. Owner Peggy Hulin is an incomparable hostess, graciously making every guest feel at home. She is also the talent behind the fantastic breakfast served each morning. I look forward to any and every reason to return to the area so that I can stay here again!

“We had a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, met with wonderful southern hospitality!”

B.
Louisiana
Sep 28, 2008
5 of 5 stars

The perfect get away for a group of people.Me and 15 other ladies just got back from a weekend there. Everything was just perfect. Ms Peggy the owner was a great host. I would recommend this B&B to anyone. The view of the 2nd story porch overlooking the bayou and the big trees are wonderful.

Texas
Nov 23, 2007
5 of 5 stars

Great place to stay----------we booked 5 rooms - first time in B&B for all but two of us and we all loved it! Peggy, the innkeeper, could not have been more accommodating; she met us on the porch when we arrived and waved bye from the porch when we left - like an old friend.

The inn was spotless!!!!
The rooms looked over either the garden or the bayou; Peggy has beautiful gardens around the house and although the house is in the small town, it seems secluded because it is beside the bayou and on a quiet street. Peggy takes great care to have the house decorated which shows her concern for her "friends". She did a small favor for my mother that was special.

Our best food in Louisiana was Peggy's breakfast! We wish we could have had more of her meals!!!!

We only had one problem which I discussed in private with Peggy and I have no doubt it has been taken care of by now. Peggy said she didn't know of a problem until a guest told her! We have a responsibility as a guest to address an issue so it can be taken care of.

I highly recommend the Old Castillo B&B! It was a great experience for all10 of my family members!!!!!!! Check out the great Web Site. It shows the area attractions - a great Web Site!!!

"Great B & B in Historic building near Lafayette"
Date of review: Feb 25, 2011
We stayed the weekend at this B & B and found it to be wonderfully relaxing. The room was large, clean, with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and 2 sets of french doors opening directly to the shared balcony. While the B&B was booked solid the first night, we never heard noise from either the street or other guests. Breakfast was exactly as described on their website: Hot Cajun Breakfast of Beignet, Pain perdu, Bacon, Fresh Country Eggs, Toast, Home Cooked Perserves (Figs, BlackBerry, Strawberry, Pears, Peaches or Watermelon Rind) Homemade Cafe'au Lait, Coffee, Juice. It was served hot and fresh at the time we chose each previous day. ?We chose to hang out in the evenings on the balcony porch swing talking and enjoying watching the sleepy town square at night, overlooking the Bayou Teche and famous Evangeline Oak beside the inn. For a historic B & B with a friendly onsite owner/manager, this place can't be beat.

Great location!!!!
Date of review: Mar 20, 2011
Enjoyed our stay in Saint Martinville. Peggy was a gracious hostess.

"Enchanting!"
Date of review: Apr 6, 2011
A recent stay at Old Castillo was delightful from start to finish. A spacious room with excellent amenities, moonlight from the gallery flooding into our room, and excellent breakfasts created a memorable stay. Peggy's charming personality and helpful suggestions were icing on the cake. Ideally situated it is an easy drive to Avery Island, the Acadian Village, Jefferson Island and the Evangeline Historical Site. Thanks for the memories!We stayed in Chambre Evangeline which was as close to the Oak Tree of Longfellow fame as it could have been without being a tree house. The patio was exquisite and placed us almost in touching distance of the famed oak (we also overlooked the Bayou Teche). Our room was spacious and clean. Breakfast was great although the same each day

"Great stay."
Date of review: Apr 27, 2011 - New
We spent two nights in the Chambre de Evangeline room. Very large room with doors that open onto the gallery - although be warned they are very light curtains on the door windows ... the moon/street light really does shine in. But we enjoyed our stay - right next to the Bayou Teche. Yes it could use a touch of paint ... but breakfast was great (loved the cafe au lait - a tad sweet for me but mixing the cafe au lait with the black coffee was perfect) and Peggy was very helpful and nice. We had dinner one night at St John in town - very good food. Otherwise the town seemed empty. But the town was still a great location to explore the Cajun area!

“Absolutely fantasic in all aspects.”
05mudiak 1 contribution
Haughton, Louisiana
Nov 13, 2010  Trip type: Couples
The house is a part of the towns history and make you feel like your part of it. The owner Peggy you couldn't ask for a bettter or nicer hosttess. The breakfast she cooks every morning is absolutely delicious. We are already looking forward to out next stay at Old Castillo Bed & Breakfast.

“An unbeatable Bed & Breakfast experience!”
hialeah47 1 contribution
Oct 20, 2010
I recently attended my class reunion and 13 of our classmates were all accommodated in complete comfort at this gem of a bed & breakfast. Built in1827 and once home to a girls' academy, the inn is situated on the banks of the stunning Bayou Teche and is adjacent to the historic Evangeline oak/monument. Every room is spacious and well appointed, with beautiful period antiques, each with a private bath. Owner Peggy Hulin is an incomparable hostess, graciously making every guest feel at home. She is also the talent behind the fantastic breakfast served each morning. I look forward to any and every reason to return to the area so that I can stay here again!

“We had a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, met with wonderful southern hospitality!”
zoobob2 3 contributions
San Diego, California
Sep 22, 2010  Trip type: Couples
This was truly a lucky find for us! Peggy was a very gracious host, and as we found out by the very friendly locals, a well respected woman in the community. Never before have we ever stayed in a B&B where the breakfast was SO good! The Old Castillo will definitely be a repeat for us!??As if that wasn't enough, the town of St. Martinville is adorable and is centrally located among the many attractions in the Teche region. We only stayed three nights but wish we had made it a week; other commitments prevented us from doing so!

“Venerable Historical Hotel Survives as a Charming Bed and Breakfast”
natparke 2 contributions
Lincoln, MA
Sep 16, 2010  Trip type: Couples
Located in a pretty location on the Bayou Teche. Excellent full breakfast.

"It was a wonderful experience!!!”
thehops1127 1 contribution
Mandeville, Louisiana
Sep 10, 2010  Trip type: Couples
From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and comfortable. Ms. Peggy was very friendly and engaging. Our room was amazing. The view and the furniture were incredible. We enjoyed touring the town and even went to a local church service. The best part of our romantic getaway was the breakfast we were served in the morning. The eggs were the fluffiest and lightest eggs we ever had and the "lost bread" brought back memories of our moms cooking!!! Thank you so much for a most enjoyable getaway

“Wonderful and relaxing place to stay!”
MissMusicTeacher 1 contribution
Sibley, LA
Jul 27, 2010  Trip type: Couples
Lovely little hotel in the center of town. Quiet and clean. Owner was helpful and gracious. It was relaxing to sit on the balcony after dinner at a nearby restaurant sipping a glass of wine and listening to the sounds of a small town.

“Quaint B&B”
agmudaliar 10 contributions
Hyd, India
Jun 23, 2010  Trip type: Couples
The Old Castillo B&B is located in the small town of St. Martinville, which is about 2 hours drive from New Orleans or about an hour from Baton Rouge. This is swamp country out here and we enjoyed a 2-hr boat ride through the swamps.??The B&B is basically one very large house with a number of different rooms (I think close to 10). Each room is different sized. We stayed in one of the smaller (and cheaper) ones called Petite Paris. It was a very comfortable stay overall. Notable was the height of the bed - perhaps that's how they used to be in the olden days: very high off the ground.??The owner is extremely helpful and friendly. The breakfast is fantastic. Freshly cooked eggs, beignets, etc. Free wireless internet, unlimited bottled water, juice, soft drinks and wine are also a nice touch.

"Comfortable and friendly"
GEEZER_TRAVELER 5 contributions
Mendocino, California
Jun 5, 2010  Trip type: Solo travel
I stayed at the Castillo while on a cross country trip and found it pleasant and comfortable. Great beignets and pan perdue for breakfast. A good location for visiting a number of sites in the area.

“A perfect place for full immersion in the Cajun Country experience”
sebradley 1 contribution
New Orleans, Louisiana
May 25, 2010 | Trip type: Couples
We stayed in the Gabriel suite, which was large and comfortable, the best part being the balcony overlooking the town, and Evangeline Oak. This is not the place for you if you need TV and modern amenities, but it was so peaceful and relaxing. The service is friendly and responsive, without being intrusive, which is something that sometimes bothers me about the b&b experience. ?The breakfast was delicious!

“Elegant, Relaxed, Classy and Beautiful Place to Stay”
EBovary 16 contributions
The Deep South
May 7, 2010  Trip type: Couples
Peggy Hulin, the proprietress of the Old Castillo B&B, clearly takes special pride in and care of her establishment. Chalk it up to Cajun excellence: everything about this place was welcoming, with perfectly restored and spacious 19th century rooms, a gorgeous second floor balcony with a view of the Bayou and the famous Evangeline Oak, and a fine location just blocks from all the attractions in St. Martinville (including a killer bakery). For breakfast, Ms. Hulin served us scrambled eggs, bacon, and freshly made beignets and French toast along with delicious cafe au lait. One of the best B&B's I've ever stayed in.

“Very Special Place Through The Years”
lcgjlg 1 contribution
Houston, Texas
Apr 30, 2010  Trip type: Couples
This was our third time to visit The Old Castillo Bed & Breakfast. We stayed there during our honeymoon, 10-yr anniversary, and then again for our 20-year anniversary. Each visit has been very special and it was a great treat to look back in the Guest Registers to find where we signed in each time. The house is one of St. Martinville's historic landmarks and is located just off the town square, which contains many other historical landmarks. The grounds are beautifully manicured, the Bayou Teche provides the perfect venue for a relaxing walk, and the upstairs balcony offers an incredible view and is the perfect location for sitting back and just enjoying life. Each of the rooms are decorated differently with lovely antique furniture. Peggy is an exceptional hostess, available to provide assistance as needed and information about the local attractions, shops and restaurants. Breakfast each morning was delicious beyond belief. We hope to return soon and add to our memories of this special location.

“Step into the past in this beautiful old hotel and enjoy the warm hospitality of the inkeepers. A rare treat!”
jebbTalbotCounty_MD 3 contributions
Talbot County, MD
Jan 18, 2010
If you like a real hotel with wonderful rooms that have 12 foot ceilings, a veranda overlooking the Evangeline Oak and Bayou Tesch, and Innkeepers like Peggy and Phyllis who cook a fantastic breakfast every morning and are happy to help you during your stay, then this is the place for you. The living/dining room has a fireplace and comfortable furniture to sit on while you visit or just relax. Try doing that in your La Quinta or other disappointing and depressing high traffic "modern" places. Check it out online and see for yourself. You can also call Peggy and she'll fill you in on the history of this fine Hotel.

From the North:

1. Interstate 49 south to Lafayette, LA
2. (Road name changes to US-167 at I-10 intersection) 0.5 miles
3. Keep STRAIGHT onto US-90 [SW Evangeline Throughway] 7.5 miles
4. Keep RIGHT onto Ramp (LA-182 / LA-96 / Cade / St Martinville) 0.2 miles
5. Turn LEFT (South) onto SR-182 0.5 miles
6. Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-96
7. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-96 [Terrace Hwy] 5.8 miles
8. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-96 [Port St] 0.5 miles
9. Road name changes to Evangeline Blvd 0.1 miles
10. Old Castillo B&B on your right at end of Blvd.

From the West:

1. Interstate 10 east to Lafayette, La.
2. Exit at SW Evangeline Throughway (US-167). Go right / south
   (US 167 and US 90 merge)
3. Keep STRAIGHT on US-90 [SW Evangeline Throughway] 7.5 miles
4. Keep RIGHT onto Ramp (LA-182 / LA-96 / Cade / St Martinville) 0.2 miles
5. Turn LEFT (South) onto SR-182 0.5 miles
6. Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-96
7. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-96 [Terrace Hwy] 5.8 miles
8. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-96 [Port St] 0.5 miles
9. Road name changes to Evangeline Blvd
10. Old Castillo B&B on your right at end of Blvd.

From the East:

1. Interstate 10 West to the city of Breaux Bridge, LA
2. Exit I-10 at SR-328 (Rees St), Go south.0.9 miles
3. Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto SR-336 1 [E Bridge St] 0.2 miles
4. Turn LEFT (South-East) onto SR-31 [S Main St] 1.2 miles
5. Bear RIGHT (South) onto SR-31 [Main Hwy] 5.5 miles
6. Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto SR-31 [Bridge] 0.1 miles
7. Turn LEFT (South-East) onto SR-31 [Main Hwy] 4.9 miles
8. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-31 [N Main St] 1.6 miles
9. Bear LEFT (South) onto SR-31 [SR-96] 0.1 miles
10. Turn LEFT (East) onto Port St. / (Evangeline Blvd) 0.1 miles
11. Old Castillo B&B on your right at end of Blvd.

From the South:

1. US Hwy 90 North / West
2. Enter New Iberia, La
3. Keep RIGHT onto Ramp (LA-329 / Avery Island) 0.4 miles
4. Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto SR-329 [Allen Rd] 0.5 miles
5. Bear RIGHT (East) onto SR-14 0.3 miles
6. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-14 [Center St] 2.0 miles
7. Turn LEFT (West) onto SR-182 [E Main St] 0.2 miles
8. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-182 [W Main St] 0.7 miles
9. Turn RIGHT (North-East) onto SR-31 [N Chestnut St] 0.1 miles
10. Turn LEFT (North) onto SR-31 [Jane St] 1.6 miles
11. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-31 0.9 miles
12. Bear RIGHT (North) onto SR-31 [Main Hwy] 4.9 miles
13. Keep STRAIGHT onto SR-31 [S Main St] 1.0 miles
14. Turn RIGHT (East) onto Port Street / (Evangeline Blvd) 0.1 miles
15. Old Castillo B&B on your right at end of Blvd.