Hostal Latina — Hotel in Cuenca

I visit Cuenca every year, and this year I decided to change my accommodations. I chose this particular hostal because the price looked good, and the comments I read were enthusiastic, with few exceptions that seemed unimportant to me. It turned out to be best choice I could have ever made. My stay was for two weeks. First, the service is wonderful! If you have a reservation and an estimated arrival time, you may find George waiting at the door to welcome you and help you with your bags and check in. I did! He made me feel at home right from the start, and showed me around the kitchen so I could know the layout and feel comfortable making coffee or something to eat. He's hailed a cab for me when it seemed impossible to get one, then loaded it with very heavy equipment I needed to ship. Everything about the service would be rated 4 or 5 stars in a hotel, not what you normally expect at an Hostal. I came to see the owner, Milton, as a conciencious, ethical businessman who genuinely cares. Second: The bed was ultra comfortable with good pillows and linens. That, also is unusual in most hostels. Third, it's quiet, there's no loud television in the lobby at all hours or barking dogs. There is some noise from the traffic, but at night it quiets down to almost nothing. Fourth: The location is excellent. Only one block from Gran Colombia and two blocks to Parque Calderon. It is in the heart of El Central in a safe neighborhood. Fifth: I occupied two rooms here and both were spacious, super clean and fresh, and both had flat screen televisions. I liked the paintings in the rooms, the ambience, again above average in this price range. The hostel is in a very old and traditional Cuencano building, but the rooms are refurbished and updated for comfort. it's charming, and as you can see, I highly recommend...

I live in Ecuador on the coast and love to visit Cuenca every chance I get. I’ve stayed several other places in the past, but this time needed to pay less than what my former favorite place charges. So based on the reviews and price, I decided to give Hostal Latina a try. I was not disappointed! This is a hidden gem in a central location. Jorge and Milton both do everything they can to give you a good stay. The rooms are very clean, beds very comfortable and all the staff very friendly. I stayed in two different rooms. In one, the hot water wasn’t that great, but the other room it was perfect. Living in Ecuador, I know hot water can be intermittent, even in our own houses, so that was not a big deal. You also must realize that all these hostals that are restored old houses are going to have creaking floors and thin walls. You will also hear some city noises. That is just part of the charm of staying in the historic area. I sleep with ear plugs, even in regular hotels, so do that and you will be fine. I will recommend Hostal Latina to all my friends and will stay there from now on, every time I...

Bad: I was the only person allowed up to my room, which is completely absurd. The lady constantly watched me suspiciously like a hawk. I was a totally polite guest and it felt very strict and unwelcoming. Then my friend said the man treated her rudely as she waited downstairs for me to get ready. To get in, you have to ring the loud doorbell and wait for someone to let you in which is very inconvenient and disruptive to other guests. The bathroom & shower were tiny and there's no way to shower without soaking the bathroom. The lamp next to my bed was broken. The antiquity of the building could be viewed as either charming or decrepit, depending on your standards, either way do not expect much privacy. After I checked out I tried to sit in the lobby for an hour to finish some work and at 1pm I was kicked out because apparently I couldn't be trusted to sit in the lobby of my own hotel while the guy ran errands. The worst hospitality I've had in my 8 month trip.||||Good: Very cheap, good WiFi. Close to...