Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 295

modations available downtown. The small but pleasant rooms are
clean and comfortable, and the restaurant serves up a great selection
of affordable food. $

For a big step up, head north of downtown along the beach to Hotel
La Herradura , Av. Bolívar and Hidalgo, /fax 5-690-

265. The owner and staff are friendly and the rooms are clean and in-
terestingly decorated. The hotel's location is more appealing than
that of hotels in the city center, and the restaurant is fantastic. $$$

5-690-446,

Even more upscale is the Hotel La Piedra , north along the beach at
the end of Av. Bolívar,

/fax [phone]. Located
right on the water, the hotel enjoys a Pacific view and direct access to
the beach. Large, modern rooms are comfortable, spacious, air-
conditioned, and include private hot-water baths. A poolside patio,
bars, and an international restaurant help make La Piedra feel like
an upscale resort. $$$

5-690-446/780,

North along the coast, inCanoa, where the beaches and sea sports are
plentiful, try Bambu , on the beach,

9-753-696, for one of the better
budget choices. $. Or Hostería Canoa , just south of town, with pri-
vate baths, nice atmosphere and a popular restaurant. $.

Manta

Hotel Oro Verde , beachside, along the Malecón and Calle 23, 5-

/fax [phone], is part of the luxury chain and is the best in
Manta. For a full description of modern amenities, visit their website
at www.oroverdehotels.com and search for Manta. $$$

629-200,

For comfortable, modern cabañas, visit Cabañas Balandra , north-
west of town onAv. 8 and C20,

/fax [phone]. This is a
nice, safe retreat away from the busy nightlife of the Malecón. All
modern amenities make this a great choice for groups. $$$

5-620-316,

In the southeastern suburb of Tarquí, your best bet is Hotel Las
Gaviotas , on the Malecón and C106,

5-620-140. It is adequate, but
you are better off in the northern suburb of Manta near Murciélago
Beach. $$

Portoviejo

If you're staying in Portoviejo, the best value is the Hotel Conquis-
tador , at 18 de Octubre and 10 de Agosto,

5-631-678. Rooms with
private hot-water baths, TV, telephone and air-conditioning. $-$+