Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 180

good views, a nice outdoor patio and a recommended restaurant.
Breakfast included. $$

The Gran Hotel, also downtown at Lalama 05-11 and Rocafuerte,

3-825-915, fax [phone], is an okay choice in the mid-quality level.
Rooms offer private baths with hot water, TV and telephone. There is
a good restaurant and on-site parking. $

There are plenty of budget choices in and around the city center, as
well as near Parque 12 de Noviembre.

Riobamba
Riobamba, though an attractive colonial town, doesn't offer any
great, luxury hotel options in the city center, though there are plenty
of good budget to mid-level accommodations. In fact, prices here are
very reasonable. One of the best downtown choices is Hostal
Montecarlo , at 10 de Agosta 25-41, between GMoreno and Espana,

3-960-557, which incorporates a restored, late colonial house. At
under $25, it provides comfortable rooms with private bath, TV and
telephones. There is an attractive courtyard and a restaurant. $

The Hotel Los Shyris , near the train station at 10 de Agosto and
Rocafuerte 21-60,

3-960-323, fax [phone], is a step down in price
and quality, though still a good choice at under $10 per night. Clean
rooms offer private or shared baths, friendly management and an
overall good value. $

Hotel Riobamba Inn , at Carabobo 23-20 and Coinstituyente, 3-

961-696/941-311, fax [phone], is in between the above two in price
and quality, with clean, comfortable rooms and private baths with hot
water. Some rooms have TV and telephone. $

The two best options around Riobamba are just outside of town, offer-
ing more rural settings.

Albergue Abraspungo , about a mile northeast of town on the road
to Guano, 3-940-820, fax [phone], www.abraspungo.com, info@

abraspungo.com, is built in tasteful hacienda style. This excellent
rustic retreat has modern amenities, including private baths, TV and
telephone, in this excellent rustic retreat. Rooms vary from$40 to $70
per night. Horses can be rented, and climbing as well as other guide
services are available for trips in the surrounding area. $$-$$$

Reportedly, one of the best hotels in the region is the Hostería La
Andaluza , 4½ miles north of Riobamba on the Pan-American High-
way, 3-904-223, fax [phone], [e-mail]. In a restored