Villa del Rosario Hostal

We had a good experience at this hostel. It’s in a great location, close to downtown, and still feels authentically Ecuadorian. There’s a beautiful garden in the center and the woman who owns the place is super sweet. Affordable and pretty.

Historic and beautiful hostal, very professional and friendly service, and cozy, clean and quiet room. Reliable internet service. Comfortable bed. I enjoy every aspect of this hostal. It’s also in an ideal location — heart of Cuenca, I can walk to everything, almost never need a taxi, plenty of shops and restaurants on this street and surrounding streets, close to two of Cuencas most famous coffee shops, next door is a lavandería where you can have your laundry washed and folded same day for $2!! Close to Calle Larga.

This hostel was recommended by a friend. I did not even ask how much. The family/owner of course is very nice but no English. There is a tiny courtyard with tiny plants and trees. Kitchen is not conducive for use. They only have warm water, not hot. I asked and they said yes it is hot. For a few days, I took warm shower but I was feeling like I was going to get sick because my body was not warming up. So I left. Then they tried to charge me for more than what it is worth, what the father told me and what the daughter was trying to collect. They are very nice people but it did not meet my expectations. The place is centrally located.

Although situated in the historical centre, the place was very quiet. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. About only five minutes to main square or the the river (escalinata). The shared bathrooms were very clean!

Our room had absolutely no ventilation, no windows, no wardrobe. All furniture of the room likewise of the "lounge" was like taken from a flee market, the matress had bad quality. The "bathroom" had about 1.5m² in size, no mirror and no space to sit normal on the bowl. Although the room had no window, all night long the noise of alarms of cars parking somewhere around disturbed the night rest. There is NO parking offered by the establishment. The recommended parking offered overnight parking for US$ 5.- but only opened it's gate at 09am the next morning. Plus they wanted to charge US$ 15 because we already entered at 17.00 and fetched the car at 10am. They finally agreed with US$ 7 after hefty discussion. The owner of the Hostal offered no appology instead meant we shall be happy. "Tranquillo" is their main motto. I never spent a night in a more shabby establishment.

"Insect infested"? Latin American hostels are not high end hotels. I have seen a bug and a few flies, but nothing of concern. I have a private room opening onto the central garden. I share a bathroom (there's one double to left and another double off the kitchen/dining. Unlike every other place I've been in Ecuador, I was able to put not only the deposit but the whole hostel on my credit card: just under $100 for 8 nights. To each their own, and it is true that the elderly couple that run the place only speak Spanish. Wi-fi is only available in the dining/living area, which is 3/4 covered. It's tranquil here.

I wanted to stay there a few nights. It looked basic and was cheap. I left it in the evening before the first night after l found out that the room was infested by insects (silverfish-like but a lot bigger). Luckily there is another hostel just across the street.

There are no amenities. No reliable wifi, tv, hot water. Not a word of English, French or German. No helpful anything is available. Embellished reviews are a disservice to everyone. Not a suitable destination for most people. Based on fraudulent reviews I committed to 6 nights at $55 a night..I left after 4 nights.. Better places are available for $20. Travellers reviews that praise their experience must be fraudulent.

We really enjoyed our brief stay here. Cosy, clean and quiet place with a friendly manager and got a matrimonial for 16 usd which is way cheaper than the other hostels we saw. We didn't use the kitchen but it was clean and well equipped. Recommended!

The Rosario is more of a guesthouse than a hostel. Beautiful colonial building with a pretty garden. Owner are very friendly but be prepared to speak Spanish as they don't speak English. Bed was comfortable and we have slept very well. Downsides: the shower either has decent pressure OR hot water with little pressure. Can't have both. Breakfast wasn't worth the $3, you will find better places around any corner. Overall we enjoyed our stay and recommend it!