Mansión del Río — Hotel in Guayaquil

The A/C worked. The bed was comfortable. The cleaner was the pretty helpful in terms of giving directions (he didn't speak English but was more patient and persistent in working with my very limited Spanish than the receptionist). The décor is unique-- dusty Grey Gardens, anyone? However-- 1) the hotel failed to answer emails and messages; 2) the hot water didn't last through a fairly quick shower (5-7 minutes)-- it cycled hot to cold back to hot eventually; 3) we were placed right next to the hotel bar that had music playing at perhaps 150 decibels until 2 am (clearly audible through a closed door and earplugs) despite two trips to the bar to request the volume be turned down and no other apparent guests at the hotel; 4) the manager offered to serve us breakfast early the day we were leaving for the airport but his staff failed to then get up at the time agreed to. The last would have been fine if the manager had just said, no, we can't provide breakfast early. I stayed at another hostel with a lower price point and even less hot water and would recommend that hostel substantially over the Mansion del Rio (if you like supporting local businesses). For the price point, I might suggest the Holiday Inn, even (if you are just looking for a place to sleep and shower...

The hotel reception is on the 2nd floor. Be prepared to walk up plenty of stairs. There is a gate that you have to ring the bell for them to open the door. If the reception is not there, good luck getting in. There were times that I had to wait 10 min for the door to open. If staff is available to carry your luggage you are in luck. If not, you have to do it yourself until someone shows up to help. The lady at reception is quite rude. The gentleman after he is much friendlier. I was there during mosquito season. Left the A/C on 24 but when I returned the window was open with the screen broken and A/C off. I had mosquito bites all over that night. Shower is dirty with mold. There are limited towels and no shampoo or soap. Fridge is on but warm as an oven. Beds are comfortable but the pillows have yellow sweat stains on them. Some bulbs in the room are missing and the TV was not working. Receptionist could not even direct me to the next door grocery store for water. The hotel is rustic if that is what you are looking for. But for a Hotel, the accommodations are sub par from all other rustic places I have stayed in. The area is very nice. I would suggest a larger...

It is true that Guayaquil does not have an excellent reputation, and one would be wise to exercise caution in this city. Nevertheless, people are people, trying to work, play, survive wherever you find them, and this is a city of good people. Maybe not for everyone, the Mansion del Rio offers a step back into an earlier era. Beautifully decorated (it's frequently used for weddings and other staged events) and situated in Las Peñas, it offers nice views from some rooms, a reasonable breakfast and accommodating staff. We stayed in the front room (# 1) which I would highly recommend. We had a view of the river and a satisfied iguana in the tree outside our window. It's a short walk to the Malecon and the station for the Aerovia which is fun to ride for the whole circuit. For most people Guayaquil tends to be a pass- through- city but it's worth a stop, and this hotel makes it more memorable. It seems Edwardian, or is it Georgian, or is it Victorian? You decide. Check it out. Look at the photos. While wearing...