Hostal El Geranio

It did exactly what we needed for the night: a comfortable, safe place to stay. The bed and pillows were comfortable, the bathroom was clean and functional, and there were a few shelves for our bags. Parking was included in a secure lot attached to the hotel. Nothing fancy, but everything was nice. A solid 4.

The family who run El Geranio are incredibly accommodating, and I haven’t been happier with a stay in Ecuador after more than 70 nights in hotels there. It’s tucked into the middle of a city block, with a peaceful grassy space behind it, away from the traffic and noise. The market is still only 3.5 blocks away. We now bring our group of 14-18 nursing students here every year.

For us, the standout was the hospitality. We had a few special needs and requests, and everyone on staff was so friendly and eager to help. That’s why El Geranio will be our place to stay in the future. My wife is from Otavalo, and we spent the New Year's holiday here, which is why this review is so overdue. It was a last-minute find this time, but we’ll come back. The rooms are clean and simple, the beds comfortable, and the shower was always nice and hot. WiFi worked well, and breakfast was fantastic, with simple, traditional menu items that were absolutely delicious. Parking felt safe and secure off the street, and the grounds were pleasant and well kept. It’s right in central Otavalo, about 3 or 4 short blocks from El Plaza de Ponchos, with restaurants within walking distance in every direction.

We liked the spacious, comfortable rooms and the clean hotel. Breakfast was tasty too. It’s just 2 minutes from the market. We only wished there were a restaurant on site for dinner.