Central & South Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 317

including plenty of suites. Its convenient location is closer to the air-
port than other hotels and the restaurant serves delicious meals. In
addition to multiple restaurants, a bar and nightlife in the disco,
there is a fitness center, a pool and various business services. Very
pricey, but worth it. $$$$

Of comparable quality and price is Hotel Hilton Colón , Av.
Orellana near the airport, /fax [phone], meeting@

hiltonguayaquil.com. This is one of the newest and most extravagant
of the luxury hotels. $$$$

4-2689-000,

Playas

In Playas, the nearby beachside resort town, you will quickly be able
to discern where you want to stay with a short walk around town.
Head south from the bus station toward the Malecón (oceanside
street) and east on the Data Highway a few blocks to Hostería La
Gaviota ,

4-2760-133. This decent beachside establishment has
air-conditioning and a nice restaurant. $

Closer in on the Malecón is Las Playas , 4-2760-121, a bit cheaper,

but also a good choice with a central location. $

Another 1¼ miles out on the highway, and priced a bit higher, is the
Swiss-run Hostería Bellavista , 4-2760-600. Bungalows on the

beach are comfortable and recommended; they have a slightly higher
price tag than the above-mentioned accommodations. Camping is
also available. $$

Machalá

To the south, inMachalá, is another Oro Verde hotel. It is located at
Circunvalacion Norte, Urbanización Unioro,

/fax 7-
933-1509, [e-mail], www.oroverdehotels.com.
This hotel features adobe-style architecture and is surrounded by
tropical gardens. The 70 modern rooms come equipped with all of the
amenities of a luxury hotel. $$$

7- 933-140,

Much less expensive is the highly recommended Oro , at Olmedo and
Juan Montalvo, 7-930-032. Not to be confused with the Oro Verde

above, it is nevertheless clean and offers most of the amenities you
might require. The restaurant serves good local and international
cuisine. $$