Ecuador - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 573

pickpocketing is a chronic problem on Quito's trolleybuses
so be vigilant and don't carry valuables.
By car Many reputable international rental companies
have o ces outside the international terminal of the
airport, including Avis ( T 02 244 0270) and Hertz ( T 02
225 4258).
By taxi It's often easier to take a taxi and is recommended
at night. Quito is the only city in Ecuador where taxis use a
meter. Check that the meter is reset when you get in. It's
very cheap - from the Old Town to the New Town should
be only $2-3. Fares increase at night, when most drivers
don't use the meter (in which case, agree the price
beforehand). It's safer to use a pre-booked service; most
hoteliers have numbers of trusted companies. Reliable
24hr services include Central Radio Taxis ( T 02 250 0600)
and Teletaxi ( T 02 222 2222).

renovated old house with a huge fireplace, l arge garden
and good restaurant. Free wi-fi and breakfast. $53
Ì Fuente de Piedra II Juan Mera, at Baquedano T 02
290 0323, W ecuahotel.com; map p.575. Take a step up
from Mariscal's budget options and treat yourself at this
colonial-style mid-range hotel. It's elegantly furnished
and has attentive service, wi-fi and a gourmet restaurant
(breakf ast i is included). A sister hotel is on Tamayo, at
Wilson. $56
Hostal Loro Verde Juan Rodriguez, at Diego de Almagro
T 02 222 6173; map p.575. A hotel as colourful as its name
(green parr ot), with indigenous artefacts and comfortable
rooms. $30
Hostal New Bask Lizardo Garcia, at Diego de Almagro
T 098 188 5575; map p.575. The cheapest, friendliest
pla ce in the New Town. A great deal but fills up fast. Dorms
$6 , doubles $16
Hostal Posada del Maple Juan Rodriguez T 02 290 7367;
map p.575. A small but inviting bud get place wi th a plant-
filled courtyard and balconies. Dorms $9 , doubles $26
Hostal El Vagabundo Wilson E7-45 T 02 222 6376;
map p.575. A dependable budget optio n wi th a friendly
atmosphere, small café and table tennis. $25

6

ACCOMMODATION
Most visitors stay in La Mariscal in the New Town, which is
geared up for tourists with a wide selection of hotels,
restaurants, bars, tour operators, internet cafés and laundry.
La Mariscal gets very noisy at the weekends and can be
dangerous, especially at night. There are quieter, safer
alternatives in Guapulo and La Floresta. Staying in the Old
Town is a better option than it used to be and convenient for
sightseeing - though there are fewer tourist amenities.

OLD TOWN
Auca Continental Sucre OE-414, at Venezuela T 02 255
3953; map p.573. Clean, n o-fri lls budget option with firm
beds, private bath and TV. $20
Catedral Mejia 638, at Benalcazar T 02 295 5438,
W hotelcatedral.ec; map p.573. Recently upgraded hotel in
the heart of the Old Town with comfortable rooms, cable
TV, sauna and steam room. $55
Plaza del Teatro Guayaquil, at Esmeraldas T 02 295
9462; map p.573. Great-value mid-range choice w ith a
plush reception and charming if slightly worn rooms. $24
La Real Audiencia Bolívar 220, at Guayaquil T 02 295
0590, W realaudiencia.com; map p.573. Try this upmarket
Old Town option with stylish rooms, black-and-white photo-
graphy and a fabulous view of Plaza Santo Domingo f rom the
restaurant (open to non-guests). Breakfast included. $55
Ì San Francisco de Quito Sucre 217, at Guayaquil
T 02 228 7758, W sanfranciscodequito.com.ec; map
p.573. The pick of the Old Town mid-range options with

NEW TOWN
Amazonas Inn Joaquín Pinto 471, at Av Amazonas T 02
222 5723; map p.575. Friendly hotel with co mfort able if
compact rooms with private bath and cable TV. $26
Hostal El Arupo Juan Rodriguez E7-22, at Reina Victoria
T 02 255 7543, W hostalelarupo.com; map p.575. An
attractive renovated house with TV r oom , free internet and
colourful rooms. Breakfast included. $45
Backpackers Inn Juan Rodríguez 245, at Reina Victoria
T 02 250 9669, W backpackersinn.net; map p.575. A very
popular budget option situated on on e o f the qui eter ,
more pleasant streets in Mariscal. Dorms $8 , doubles $16
Hostal Blue House Pinto, at Diego de Almagro T 02 222
3480, W bluehousequito.com; map p.575. Very popular
new backpacker hostel with a ki tchen, ba r, fre e internet
and breakfast included. Dorms $9 , doubles $30
La Casa Sol Calama 127 T 02 223 0798, W lacasasol.com;
map p.575. Cosy, quiet, brightly coloured guesthouse with
comfortable room s set around an attractive courtyard.
Breakfast included. $68
La Casona de Mario Andalucia 213, at Galicia T 02 254
4036, W casonademario.com; map p.575. If Mariscal is not
for you, stay in the quieter neighbourhood of La Floresta.
This welcoming home away from home run by an Argen tine
has a communal kitchen and comfortable lounge area. $20
Cayman Juan Rodríguez 270, at Reina Victoria T 02 256
7616, W hotelcaymanquito.com; map p.575. Attractive

Ì TREAT YOURSELF
Café Cultura Robles 513, at Reina Victoria
T 02 222 4271, W cafecultura.com; map
p.575. The most elegant place to stay in the
New Town, this restored colonial mansion
mixes grandeur with intimacy. The roaring
fires in the lounge, the large bathtubs and
a gourmet café are the p erfec t repose after
a hard day's sightseeing. $122