Mansión del Río

Location: Barrio Las Peñas, Calle Numa Pompilio Llona No. 120, Guayaquil, Guayaquil, EC

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Amenities & Facilities

• Free breakfast
• Area rugs in public areas
• Free WiFi
• 24-hour front desk
• Terrace
• Garden
• Continental breakfast
• Concierge service
• Wheelchair accessible
• Free breakfast
• Multilingual staff
• Porter/bellhop
• Smoke-free property
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Free reception
• Rooftop terrace
• Free continental breakfast

Rooms Available

• Suite

  1 King Bed

  269-sq-foot room, balcony with river views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Entertainment - 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Desk, phone, and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Smart TV

• Standard Single Room, 1 Twin Bed, River View

  1 Twin Bed

  215-sq-foot room with river views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Entertainment - 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Desk, phone, and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Smart TV

• Premium Suite, 1 King Bed, River View

  1 King Bed

  323-sq-foot room with river views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Entertainment - 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Desk, phone, and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Smart TV

• Double Room

  1 Double Bed

  161-sq-foot room with sea views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Entertainment - 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Desk, phone, and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Smart TV

• Twin Room

  2 Twin Beds

  161-sq-foot room with river views

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi 50+ Mbps

  Entertainment - 32-inch Smart TV with cable channels

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Sleep - Blackout drapes/curtains and bed sheets

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Desk, phone, and wardrobe or closet

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Free WiFi
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Smart TV

Guest Reviews

• Matthew (10/5): - Older but beautiful building. Very nice rooms. Good location.
• Justin (10/5): - This place is amazing: An old building with old furnishing (pictures, photos, furniture décor), full of character. The neighbourhood is very safe, with lots of restaurants and bars (as well as some shops, art galleries, even a theatre) in very easy reach, and an easy walk from the Malecón and downtown Guayaquil. The staff were very helpful. Breakfast was fine. But again, it is the building that is the star here: an exceptional place in an exceptional location. Highly recommended.
• David (4/5): - R
• Victoria (2/5): - I immediately checked out because it was dirty.
• Gregory J (10/5): - Mansion del Rio is like staying in a museum. We had a great time. It was close to Malecon 2000 as well as the revitalized Santa Ana area along the river. Staff were great, and the breakfast was very good.
• Zenun (2/5): - The room was not ready when I arrived and had to wait in a steamy hallway. No electricity for 12 hours per day. No water, no internet. Access when it gets dark is very complicated… Avoid it.
• 143coletter (10/5): Great location and charming - stairs only (no lift) but staff very willing and able to carry suitcases. - This small hotel oozes charm and history. Incredible service by Anjelica & Hyme and every other staff member we encountered - super friendly and attentive. Rooms are large - some with views (choose a room with a balcony & view - it's worth it). The breakfast was great. Highly recommended.
• David (10/5): - The area is historically old. The hotel is charmingly Victorian. I am not sure why it’s listed as a river view room as buildings and tress make it impossible.
• Jesus (10/5): I FELT HERE LIKE AT HOME - Beautiful place, very quiet area, nice view of the sea, restaurants and cafeterias walking distance to the hotel
• Pamele (10/5): - This place is absolutely amazing and so is the staff!!!!
• Cary (10/5): - Very friendly staff who went out of their way to make my stay comfortable. Beautiful gardens and common areas. Excellent restaurant and bar. Great value. Extended my stay and upgraded to a suite for another ten days.
• Linda (10/5): - Great location in the historic area with views of the river and lots of dining options. Staff was wonderful—accommodated my request to change my reservation to the next day when my flight was delayed and gave me breakfast at 6:30am for an early morning flight. Be ready for lots of steps (it’s an old building and there is no elevator). Would definitely stay here again!
• Hector (10/5): - Acogedor, tranquilo con hermosa vistas e interiores lleno de pinturas y recuerdos del Guayaquil del ayer; con un equipo excelente, amable y cariñoso.
• Joshua (10/5): - The place was quiet and offered a different experience. I loved it.
• Manuel (10/5): - Beautifully maintained historial property along the riverfront. Staff was extra attentive. The only downside was no on site parking. Had to park several blocks away. Overnight parking was free but had to get up early every morning to pay for parking.
• Wendy (10/5): - Very cute boutique hotel with excellent staff
• SupposeThat (10/5): An Edwardian home experience in Las Peñas - 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 your Panama hat.
• Matthew (10/5): - The staff was very friendly and helpful. The woman that checked in my wife and I was pleasant, did a great job of informing us of hotel policies and helping us feel very welcomed.
• bronsonp542 (4/5): Worn down historic hotel needs help - This property is for sale and it is obvious that the owners haven't put any money into it for a long time. Dirty thread bare carpets. Banged up woodwork. Wall plugs that don't work. The worst was the tankless water heater in our unit didn't work and the staff didn't fix it during our 2 day stay. It is a great location on the malecon and has a lot of potential. It's a shame that it is going to waste.
• Robynrad (10/5): Beautiful old building, friendly staff. - What a beautiful old character building! We thoroughly enjoyed our two nights at this hotel, either side of our trip to the Galapagos. The decor is stunning both in the common areas and the bedrooms. Beds were large and comfortable, AC worked well and showers were good. Breakfast was similar to every other hotel we stayed in, and a takeaway breakfast was available for an early start. We found the staff friendly and welcoming (they also spoke great English). The hotel stored one of our suitcases for 10 days. There are a lot of steps but also a nice view. The hotel is in a very safe area and we enjoyed walking along the river where there were plenty of restaurant options. We also walked through Las Penas and up Cerro Santa Ana, a beautiful area, and plenty of security guards around if you stick to the main stairs. Checkout isn't until 12 so great to walk around and then have time for a shower before catching an afternoon flight.
• Eduardo (10/5): - Nice colonial architecture and great service and location.
• 843MartinM (10/5): Charming - Quaint and charming hotel in a very safe area of the city overlooking the river. Our room was large and impeccably clean and the bed very comfortable. AC and bathroom were fine. The staff were wonderful. Their English was much better than my woeful Spanish. We checked out early on our last day and they prepared a packed breakfast for us. Highly recommend.
• Clare (10/5): We loved the mansion del ri! - We loved this hotel. From their cheerfulness when we arrived at 3 in the morning to their helpfulness about booking cabs and restaurants to the charming decor everything was perfect.
• Christopher (8/5): - If you are looking for charm then this is your place. The staff is wonderful. Walking location. Nothing fancy but just what you want in an old hotel
• H2240QFsusanc (2/5): Dirty rooms - The rooms were dusty and the floors never cleaned. Hair and dust were all over the floors. The staff however were excellent and accommodating. I was surprised how dangerous the city is. We were in an area that was policed and had guarded gates
• Chary (10/5): - Beautiful location
• Kai (10/5): Beautiful Historical Hotel - This is our first and second nights ever in Ecuador-Guayaquil. It’s located in a very historical and touristy neighborhood with art shops and security guards. The room is very beautiful with floor windows overseeing the river and iguanas on the tree across the street. They also have a nice terrace on the third floor to hangout. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended for experiencing Guayaquil.
• Scott (8/5): Good location at very reasonable rate - Unique property in a great location, safely walkable to numerous restaurants. It was close to bus station, airport and Malecon. The room and bathroom were spacious enough and bed was comfortable. The only issue i had with my room and several on same floor, along hallway past reception, was a window just below ceiling along the hallway wall. It had no curtains or cover and allowed light from hallway to enter room. Hallway lights were turned off around 12:30am, otherwise room was fsirly bright for sleep until then. At June 2022, there is construction on buildi g right next door that seems likely to last another 6-12 months. Workers didnt arrive til 8am the morning i was there, so it wasn't too bad.
• Kerry (10/5): Historic elegance, great staff - Caution! Guayaquil is currently not safe for travel (May 2022) Aside from that, the hotel staff was out of this world amazing in every way. They helped guide us to the places that were safe and took care of our every need. This is an old, historic building and has lots of great antiques. Bathrooms have been updated since it was built in 1920, but expect some quirks from an old building. The building next door is under intense construction, so don’t expect quiet for some time. There is no elevator, but they do help with luggage. It’s in the art district, close to many great sights if it’s safe to go out. Bring your own toiletries.
• Steve (10/5): - Like the history of the building
• CHRISTOPHE (10/5): - Unique historical property.
• karen (8/5): - 117 steps to to room. No elevator.
• Maureen (10/5): Really friendly place. - Wonderful helpful friendly staff. Simple but excellent buffet breakfast. Be prepared for stairs!
• Susana (8/5): - The history of the mansion and the Las Peñas area make the stay at this location unique. The hotel is close to many good restaurants.
• Olga (10/5): - Amazing place. Loved the historical building and the original items throughout the building. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Amazing views of the city. The stuff was friendly and helpful. Impeccable service and delicious breakfast.
• Arnold (8/5): - It was very good
• Bolivar (8/5): - I was nice place
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice place to stay
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It is beautiful old hotel with many paintings and antique furniture of colonial style. Staff is very friendly and helpful. View from the window was great. Location is also the best in Guayaquil.
• HappySingleLady (8/5): - The staff was very helpful! I was offered a room upgrade which I declined. I liked the room I was in - even though it was up a LOT of stairs. The air conditioner is controlled by a remote, which I discovered very late in my stay. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to be able to explore on foot! It has no elevator so be prepared to carry everything you bring with you.
• Matthew (10/5): Fantastico! - It was a an amazing location and the property is perfect. I would return again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - This place is unique overall. More people should be aware of how beautiful the 1920’s were and all the efforts current owners and administrators have put to maintain this property as gorgeous as is
• Robert (10/5): - The hotel is a converted Mansion from the colonial period. The building maintained many authentic features and very luxurious. The hotel is on the edge of the old city and close to many amenities. Numerous good restaurants and bars are quite close by.
• Stephen (8/5): Well situated in the pretty tourist area of Las Pe - The Mansion del Rio is located in Las Penas, the safe and protected tourist area of Guayaquil next to the Guyas river, and a short walk from restaurants and the Malecón. It is right in the heart of the pretty Las Penas area, with cobbled streets and nice shops, and nearby access to the stairway up to the lighthouse and a great view over the city. You can continue on from the Malecón to the city centre, and local markets. The entry to the hotel is up very steep stairs, and the top rooms are not very big and a number of extra flights of stairs away. The staff are very helpful though, they speak English and will carry your bags up and down from your room with a smile. It is an older, boutique hotel, with a nice breakfast, and was very comfortable and well situated. Being the tourist area, be prepared for some loud partying from the locals, but it is very much part of the atmosphere as Ecuadorians do like to party. We would recommend this hotel.
• Al (10/5): - Beautiful residence converted to a hotel. Lovely service.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - The staff was exceptional - Luis was extremely helpful and wonderful to talk to
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Gorgeous hotel. So comfortale rooms, beatiful view to Guayas River. The receptionist, Luis, was so kind and explained us about the story of the building.
• Yaruani (10/5): - It is an amazing hotel !! Beautiful lake view, beautiful rooms. The incredible attention from José and Andrea that without hesitation will make the impossible to make the stay a home place! Thanks so much..
• R. (8/5): - It is a beutiful historic hotel. I did not like the elevator. It does not have it.
• Carol (10/5): Character-filled hotel in arty area. - We stayed here for 1 night before our Galapagos trip. The room was very comfortable and spacious. The interior decorating was beautiful and ornate, reminiscent of a bygone era. Located at the end of the road in an area which was quiet through the day, but came alive at night, with lots of galleries, bars and restaurants nearby. Unfortunately the night we were there, there was a big party going on across the road. The Ecuadorans like to party! Earplugs were necessary, but otherwise all good.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Baroque style v interesting. In a fab part of town. Very safe area
• Stephen (8/5): Great location. - We had chosen this property based on the location. We had been warned about there being a lot of stairs and that is not an exaggeration. Just to get from the street to the reception area was one long flight of probably 25 stairs in a narrow passageway then there were two flights of stairs to the room. We arrived at about midnight and were greeted pleasantly by staff that showed us to our room. Unfortunately there has been a water leak by the window and he promptly moved us to another room. The breakfast was quite nice and the eggs were cooked to order. Plenty of fresh fruit. An enjoyable stay in a room overlooking the river.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - The view from the terrace was great. The air conditioning was okay because it was very humid. Had nice breakfast
• Verified traveler (8/5): - It was very hot and humid. There was a light that didnt work The room was small and the shower was hot and cold. The view was great from the terrace and the staff was very nice. There were no elevators and alot of stairs. Breakfast was good
• paulknapp (8/5): Charming Hotel in charming area. - This hotel is not your average hotel. It is a 1920's style mansion that was converted to a hotel at some point. It's a little rough around the edges, but was just fine for our needs. We spent a day and a half there as we were awaiting our flight back home. First of all, there are a lot of stairs to climb to get to your room, so be prepared. It's not terrible, but if you have knee problems, it may be a pain. All the rooms are decorated beautifully with old pieces of art and architecture. It feels a little dusty, but I kinda think that is the charm. Bathrooms are adequate. Beds are as well. This is not a Holiday Inn. If that is what you want, stay at the Wyndam down the street. If you like charm and being in a nice location close to restaurants and bars, this place is great! Staff is friendly and helpful.
• B (10/5): - Beautiful classic museum like hotel, outstanding location, attentive staff.. Spend the bit extra for the gorgeous room with the king size bed and a small balcony that looks right out to the water.. beautiful view from the bathroom.. go up to the top terrace that overlooks the River and have a cerveza. I understand that there are new owners and they are indeed keen to ensure a good experience.
• Eva (4/5): - We had a little problem with the check they couldn't find our reservation and after they found it realized they didn't have the room we had reserved so we were given another. We told them we were leaving early in the morning ,but no one was there to let us out, had to wake someone and it still took them a while to open gate. You should also be aware, you cannot change your reservations., even 4 months in advance. I really do not like giving bad reviews but it was disappointing, especially since we paid so much for it. Had to leave before breakfast so can't rate it. I would not stay there again.
• dianaf763 (2/5): STAY AWAY FROM THIS “hotel” - This is obviously NOT a four star hotel. The welcoming “staff” was rude, the rooms were filthy. The AC broke in one of the rooms we were staying and they moved us to a “better room”, said room was disgusting. It had dead bugs and dust all over the place. They never changed the towels during our stay and it wasn’t pleasant to be in the rooms. They are under staffed. The one good thing about this place was the location. I will never recommend it to anyone.
• sb2178 (2/5): Just don't-- if you plan to sleep at night - 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 between transfers).
• Moises (10/5): - Outstanding attention from the staff! Good point in the city.
• Leen (8/5): Jump back into time - Great place, where I must say I have a soft spot for the classic and nostalgic. The hotel is situated in the area where once the national beer brewers - English family started this I have been told - created the world's most important beverage. Beer. Overlooking the river Guayas enjoying an ice cold brew, it is difficult to stay in the present and one's mind travels back to the youth. Even earlier years perhaps. The house is the last original one remaining on that side of the hill and has been adorned with all the old and odd art one can imagine. The beds are great, the rooms (take number 10 and 11 as these appear to be larger and fancier) are comfy and room 11 gives you an emperor's view over the river. If you get there by your own car, please consider parking somewhere nearby as the hotel does not have a private parking area. There's plenty to do there, just go, stay a couple of nights, enjoy the Malecon and the bars on the hillside. Jump back in time.
• Mike (8/5): Actually a boutique hotel - It is way more fun than staying at a chain hotel, also it is overlooking the river which is great, i could watch the tide go in and out from my balcony. The area is richy touristy with a lot of security if that is your thing. Old city feel. The terrace bar is very nice with great virews as well.
• Verified traveler (6/5): - The location is very good, close to Las Penas. The hotelstaff seemed not educated at all to work in a Hotel. On both mornings there was no breakfast ready at 8. All in all the breakfast was very poor! The condition of the furniture as bad (not as on the photos) and it seemed all very "loveless".
• F430 (4/5): Not a Place I will stay again - 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 "hotel" next door.
• jyotsnaj2018 (2/5): More a museum ,than a hotel. - We arrived with our luggage and no one gave us hand to take it up the two flights of stairs. The whole place needs upgrading with curtains that were grey than white .The staff were totally unfriendly and when asked any questions were curt and rude. We went out in the night for a meal and when we came back could not sleep a wink till 3am as the music was so loud and chairs being moved above our bedroom.This happened the next night too. The receptionist come chef cooked our breakfast which was toast,and bananas. There was cheese and ham but flies were having a feast on it. My husband had to carry our luggage again down the stairs when we left..Has so much potential as the views are stunning from the bedroom we had , but we seriously cannot get our heads around it that it is been given a 4+ star rating .Witty a push more like a 2 star.Belongs as a museum.
• LowellandLowell (8/5): Beautifully Restored Hotel near Malecon 2000 in Gauyaquil - This historic hotel is very unique and is in the perfect location along the Malecon 2000 in Gauyaquil. We stayed there three nights in January 2018. We had an amazing view of the water and the giant ferris-wheel from our room. There is also a roof-top terrace for relaxing. The bathrooms are very modern and the bed was comfortable. This hotel is not for everyone as there are several long staircases at the entrance and between floors. The breakfast room was charming and the continental breakfast sufficient. They will even make you eggs upon request.
• 747heideb (2/5): Unfriendly, even hostile owners and filthy interior - This was one of my worst experiences when travelling at all. The music in the rooftop-bar was so loud that I was unable to hear myself think when being in my room. The staff is unfriendly, and after I had complained about the music several times (!), it was even hostile. Most of them did not reply greetings like "Good morning" any longer. The furnishing looks nice at the beginning, but better don't touch the curtains, because they are slimy and have many little holes, and the lampshades are lopsided. In my cupboard lived a bigger insect, and I deliberately went without breakfast - it was a mess. Why the owners go around with their nose in the air remained their secret. I changed the hotel after the first night, although I had booked and paid for three nights, and at the end they even cheated me out of five dollars for the beer I had - I simply did not get back the change. Poor Mansion del Rio.
• tsheehan63 (4/5): Should/could be so much better - My wife and I were booked in here either side of a trip to the Galapgos. The location is good and yes there are stairs but you are in Ecuador! The building itself is nice but the staff do not really welcome you. The room itself was nice but the curtains in the bathroom looked dirty and torn. We considered eating there but the menu we were shown on the terrace bar was awful and my wife's gin and tonic had cheap and nasty ingredients (so was left behind but paid for). Thankfully its hard to mess up a bottled beer! The following morning we got up for breakfast as advised since we had an early flight. Unfortunately there was no breakfast as staff hadn't shown up and neither had management. In the end our travel agent moved us to another hotel for the return visit as they thought this services wasn't acceptable. It was a pity as the building is lovely and has great potential. Its just that the owners don't seem to care (any more??).
• knoxylad (4/5): Lost it’s charm - As far as locations go this was brilliant, it’s in the heart of heavily guarded Las Penas and it’s entrance although difficult to identify is charming. After this it’s all a bit difficult to fathom. The entrance hall has an old world feel to it which, on closer inspection, just feels slightly unkempt and out dated. The guy at the front of house was not too forthcoming with any information at all and only when we explored the surrounding area did we notice a roof terrace. Alas this was out of bounds for the evening as there was a romantic meal going on upstairs. Go figure. The room was a suite and generally in good condition with a small balcony overlooking over the street below. The bed was comfy but had an old duvet over the top which had a few of he previous users hairs. It was quite warm so the only option was to open the door to the balcony - which worked out well as the noise from the surrounding bars was hypnotic. The breakfast we were told was served at 7 which was ideal as we needed to leave early for the airport although we had to wake the front of house from his slumber in order to get something, which ended up being just toast and bananas. Real shame this didn’t go to plan as the location is great but there seems to be a loss of TLC for the place.
• arzklh (8/5): nice place in busy Guayaquil - it's very correct even with some downsides other people have complained here: booking problem: i bookerd for 2 nights but i had to move from the first room because they had anticipate... cleanness could be better... breakfast is basic.. but location is great and the staff is ok...
• AndrewB533 (2/5): Demanded cash and still charged the credit card - Checked in 26 Nov for one night. They charged the card when making reservation. Upon check-in they demanded $70 cash, which is $15 more then the quoted rate. Refused to give a receipt. No wifi in room 8, spiders in shower, floor dirty, blanket had lots of hairs. All-in-all, they charged the credit card for $55 plus took $70 cash and refused a receipt in the morning. I would never recommend this hotel, nor would I stay there again. While the lobby is beautiful and I am sure many of the rooms are as well, room 8 was nasty, tiny, and considering I paid over $125 for the night, this is a laughing joke of a hotel.
• DiveDan (8/5): Beautiful Hotel in the heart of old town - The hotel is located in the heart of the old town of Guayaquil. It was established in an old mansion from the old days of the city. It has been maintained to look like when it was build. The classic las Peñas Neighborhood is located right above and around the hotel. The malecón is only 5 minutes walking distance.
• Sophien872 (4/5): Never usually comment negatively... - Hotel Mansion del Rio is in a good location to come from the coach Park or airport and is close to some nice areas of Guyaquil. It is an old colonial property with some very interesting and quirky antique decor. However, my partner and I didn't have the best experience stating here for the night. Our room wasn't correctly booked on arrival and the member of staff who met us didn't explain breakfast or use of water or anything really? The room had a nice view over the bay but didn't have water (we had to ask) and was pretty tired. There were a lot of ants in the room too. But we had just got back from the rainforest, so this didn't bother us. At night you are close to lots of bars and a few restaurants but our room was very noisy until midnight on a Thursday. Window open or closed it made no difference. We came for breakfast to find it wasn't ready and when it was finally out it wasnt the freshest and some of the crockery was dirty and the choice was very limited. I couldn't help feeling we were an inconvenience to the member of staff. Finally, we tired to book an airport transfer which was 'included' according to information but this wasn't booked on time and then we had to pay? Our Spanish isn't perfect but we are certain we asked for this correctly. Shame it wasn't a better experience.
• Jarko2015 (6/5): Strange but interesting guest house - This hotel really is a bit of a puzzle. For location, if you want to stay in the Las Penas neighbourhood, you probably can't do better. It's only a $5 taxi cab ride from the airport, but as it's on a semi private street, you can't just walk outside and leap into a taxi to get to where you want to see in the city. You'll be mainly doing things on foot, at least until you get as far as the main road. If you turn left when you exit the property, you'll find yourself in the ultra modern river front development, with many (expensive) eating options, or you can turn right and head up the winding cobbled stairs and hills of the Las Penas hillside and village. The hotel itself is impossible for anyone with any sort of mobility issue. If you cannot handle excessive, steep steps, then do not even consider this property. The first, very, very steep stone stairs take you up to the main lounger/dining room. The smell of damp and musty furniture almost knocks you back when you enter. It's quite the welcome. The decor of this area however is fascinating. You almost feel you've walked into a museum rather than a hotel. The antiques, chandeliers, ceiling and wall murals as well as the antique furniture is really fascinating. Up another steep staircase (this time wooden and winding, passing impressive stained glass) you'll find check in/reception and the first four rooms. Staff are reasonably welcoming and friendly, but English is somewhat limited. Up another narrow, steep, winding, wooden staircase you'll find the next three rooms and an outdoor patio. Then up an almost vertical, stone staircase, you'll find rooms 8 and 9. There's another staircase up to rooms 10 and above. If you can, try and insist on rooms 1-4 when you're booking otherwise, you'll be completely worn out by the excessive climbing. The room I had was billed as "single" and it certainly is. Single bed, barely furnished, but with mold and water damaged walls. The linens are tired and stained, but the bed is comfortable. The bathroom is much newer and fresher and the hot water pressure is good. Small bars of soap and a sachet of shampoo is provided, but the towel is not changed daily. The one towel provided was stained and when I left it on the floor in the morning, the maid simply picked it up and hung it up. There is a TV, but I never switched it on. There's no safe or any other amenity at all. The wifi is next to useless. Room 9 is so far away from the main building, the signal just can't reach. You'll have to sit in the musty lounge if you want good wifi signal. The breakfast is a bit woeful. Coffee, tea, watered juice, fruit (but get there early as it's not replaced when it runs out) breads, spam, that weird yellow rubber cheese south Americans love and eggs over cooked to order. The rates reflect the rather rundown state of the property, but it's a bit of a mix up. The antique styling is quite fascinating and makes it very interesting, but it seems to hide that the property is terribly run down. The location is the best thing, as long as Las Penas is the reason you've come to Guayaquil. The river front was the most interesting part of the city for me, but it may not suit everyone.

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