Hotel Las Gardenias — Hotel in Cuenca

Clean, comfortable, large rooms with good wifi and good breakfast. Very good location (easily walkable to the main square/park) with lots of different food options nearby. Paid $25 per night for a single with breakfast which is really good. Plus secure and covered parking.

I had originally planned on staying 1 night but it was so comfortable that I extended another night.

There were only 2 issues which may or may not be a big deal for some people:

1. the water in the shower wasn’t really hot but more lukewarm. This didn’t really bother me
2. I was up at 5AM and wanted to get on the road at sunrise (6AM). After packing up bike, tried to leave and the gate was closed. Rang the bell a few times and waited but no one came. I then called the hotel phone number and the lady said I’d have to wait until 7AM to leave. So basically, all the doors to the outside were locked and I couldn’t leave. This was totally ridiculous (and somewhat unsafe when I think about it). As a hotel, they can’t lock you in and I’ve never experience anything like this. I told the lady I wanted to leave now and around 10 minutes later she came downstairs as I assume she lives in the hotel. They need to hire a security guard like most hotels who can open/close the door.

Because of this I had to give this...

More a hostel than a hotel, with very limited hours of reception and severe restrictions on late night departure and entry — not clearly indicated on the booking site.||Having said that, the location is very good, the prices are unbeatable, and the parking (in a tiny lot) is free, for those who drive. Easy walk to everything, buses across the street, taxis cruising past, more at the corner. Front rooms suffer from the noise and diesel fumes of buses, but the back rooms are quiet with a pleasant outlook. Seems popular with families who let their kids run rampant in the common spaces. Otherwise quiet and secure.||My room was clean, except for the used bandaid of a previous guest, the breakfast was OK, served in my room! Only instant coffee provided, but no hot water to make a cup.I was surprised that there was only one towel, no hand towel or face cloth. The room was small, but not tiny. No place to put one's luggage but on the floor. Not sure the point of a closet with no hangers.||I’m pointing out some shortcomings to inform others, not because I wasn’t satisfied, overall, with Las Gardenias. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who demands 5-star luxury and service, but it's a very satisfactory place for those on a budget. You can find better rooms in Cuenca, but not for...

Loathed to write a bad review, but feel it’s fair to advise people to think twice about staying here, especially if you plan on getting up early for trips or a bus / have a problem during your stay.

Location great, Rooms okay, WiFi didn’t really work in the room but that’s not a big thing. Don’t recognise other users reviews mentioning helpful staff. Found staff on duty had no answer and could only refer to the administration. Final night was particularly bad for noise. NOT HOTEL’S FAULT. But after some too-and-fro with the faceless administration was told hotel is full. Also only told after I went down to ask again as has had no response. Not true as room next door was empty, was all very strange and unsatisfactory.

Shame as accommodation somewhat soured our otherwise positive experience of Cuenca and wouldn’t want others to...