Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 315

Hostal Ecuahogar is at Isidro Ayora, in front of the Banco
Ecuatoriana de Viviendo in the suburb of Sauces, 4-2248-357, 4-

2248-341, [e-mail]. This is the best inexpensive (youth)
hostel in the area. Near the airport and bus terminal, it is suitable for
the traveler who is just passing through. A children's skateboard
park is, or at least was, just down the street, and there is a good chifa
around the corner. Clean and well-maintained rooms offer private or
shared baths and hot water, inmost cases. Amenities include kitchen
facilities, a downstairs café, and a nice lounge room on the third floor.
Discounts are offered for International Youth Hostel members. Un-
fortunately, a friend recently reported that the security guard there
“arranged” a taxi for her and her friend. The driver took them to an
empty field and threatened their lives. They are fine, but, as a warn-
ing, be sure you are present when the hotel receptionist calls a tax for
you. $

The Tangara Guest House is in the Bolívariana suburb north of
downtown at M. Sáenz and O'Leary, Block F, Casa 1,

4-2284-445,

/fax [phone]. This is a nice residential area near the airport. A
friendly, family-run establishment, it offers the best alternative to
downtown. The guest-house is adjacent to the family home. Breakfast
is served for an extra $4, and kitchen facilities are available for other
meals. Light, airy, and immaculate rooms offer a pleasant change
from the regular rifraff in Guayaquil. $$$

Hotel Delicia , Ballen 1105 and Montúfar, 4-2524-925, is the best

ultra-budget hotel in the downtown area, although none of the budget
hotels here are very nice. Despite the low price, it is quite clean and
safe, an important asset in the area. If it's full here, the hotel across
the street is worth looking into (Residencial Baños). $

Hotel Metropolitana , Calles V.M. Randon 120 and Panama, 4-

2565-251 or 4-565-250, is a step up fromDelicia but is still reasonably
priced. Just one block off the waterfront, the Metropolitana is in a
great spot for a morning stroll. Clean fourth-floor rooms have air-
conditioning, telephones, and private baths. Hallway balconies over-
look the city below. $

Centrally located Hotel Rizzo , Ballen 319 and Chile near Parque
Bolívar, /fax [phone], has clean, if antiquated,

rooms with private baths, air-conditioning, TVs, and telephones.
Windows look out over the street. There is a restaurant/café near the
reception area and breakfast is included in the room rate. $$

4-2325-210,

Nearby is the comparable Hotel Plaza , Chile 414 and Ballen, 4-

2324-006/741, /fax [phone], [e-mail]. Simple