Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 195

Hostal Plantas y Blanco , at 12 de Noviembre and Martínez, /fax

3-740-044, offers a nice rooftop patio, adjoining restaurant (great
breakfast!) and nice atmosphere. Located a couple of blocks from the
town center, it's quiet, relaxed, and a very popular budget choice. The
rooms are clean and comfortable with private, hot-water baths. There
are laundry, spa and telephone services, and there's even a video-rental
room. They tend to fill up before other budget accommodations. $

Next to Plantas y Blanco is another inexpensive, much more tranquil
option (though I can't remember the name of it for the life of me). This
Ecuadorian-owned hotel is recommended for its quiet but pleasant
atmosphere, patio terrace with private parking and clean rooms with
private, hot-water baths.

The popular Residencial Villa Santa Clara , 12 de Noviembre and
Velasco, 3-740-349, offers very inexpensive rooms in the main

house and slightly more expensive ones in newer cabins. Private
baths with hot showers are included. Kitchen facilities are also avail-
able for guest use. $

Casa Nahuazo , Vía a El Salado, 3-740-315, is a clean and comfort-

able retreat just minutes from town, near the El Salado mineral
baths. The friendly expatriate owner used to offer great travel infor-
mation and a nice, quiet atmosphere, though the hotel is now under
new management. Cozy double rooms include private, hot-water
baths. Continental breakfast is included in the economical price. $

Just a touch more expensive, the Hostal Isla de Baños , at Haflants
and Alfaro,

3-740-069, [e-mail], is definitely one
of the better values in town. Priced at the lower end, it nevertheless
falls in themid-range for comfort, amenities and atmosphere. The bar
and highly recommended restaurant (great breakfast with delicious
baked goods) complement a very pleasant garden. Simple but attrac-
tive and comfortable rooms are upstairs above the reception area.
The friendly staff is informative, in English, Spanish and German,
and can organize top-quality horseback-riding and biking trips into
the surrounding countryside. $

3-740-470,
fax [phone], also in themid-price range. Set back from “downtown,”
the Palace provides a bit more tranquility - when there aren't too
many children running around - and a few extra amenities. Between
the nice garden, swimming pool, sauna, and spa, there is plenty of op-
portunity to rest here. An attached restaurant offers good meals, and
rooms include telephones, TVs, and private baths. Rooms do, how-
ever, vary in quality, so ask to see yours before you agree to it. $$

Near the waterfall is the Hotel Palace , Montalvo 7-03,