Quito & Vicinity - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 101

Comfortable and popular is the Hotel Viena Internacional ,at
Flores 600 and Chile, 2-2954-860. All rooms include private baths,

hot water, and telephones. Simple amenities such as the restaurant
and book exchange are adequate for inexpensive accommodations in
colonial Quito. Rates average $15 per night. $

New Town
Budget Hostels

NewTown (LaCiudadNueva) has several small hostels that are ideal
for the budget traveler. Many have dorm-style accommodations and
some have private rooms. Make sure you bring earplugs if you are a
light sleeper.

The Residencial Marsella , just east of Parque la Alameda at Los
Ríos 2035 and Julio Castro,

2-2515-884, is popular with backpack-
ers. This hotel is often full during peak season. Rooms vary consider-
ably but generally are clean, with hot water. Check out the rooftop
views. From here, it's not much of a walk to Amazonas and the main
tourist facilities. Rates average $10 per night. $

For a mellow, enjoyable, and smoke-free (other than outside on the
patio) budget hostel environment, try Hostal El Taxo , at Foch 909
and Luis Cordero, near Amazonas, 2-2225-593, www.hostaleltaxo.

com, [e-mail]. With new owners, you'll still find in-
teresting characters floating around here, travel services, a kitchen,
cable TV, a small library (it's hidden off the dining room - ask for di-
rections!) and a lounge with a great fireplace. In the front yard, enjoy
bamboo architecture and a newmusic stage with excellent acoustics.
An attached bar/café with a wood-burning pizza oven complements
the musical festivities. Rates average under $10 per night. $

A great choice for those on a budget is La Casa de Eliza , at Isabel
La Catolica 1559 and Coruña, 2-2226-602, [e-mail].

net, associated with Cerro Golondrinas Cloudforest Conservation
Project. Eliza Manteca, who founded the project, offers several com-
fortable budget rooms, as well as laundry and kitchen services. The
friendly staff will make you feel at home and help arrange treks
through northern Ecuador. Rates average $10 a night. $

The popular Magic Bean , located at Foch E5-08 and Juan León Mera,

2-2566-181, [e-mail], www.ecuadorexplorer.
com/magic, is American-owned and centrally located. Although clean
and often full, the atmosphere is a bit stiff. I would rather eat at its