Hosteria Flor de Canela

The parking is about a block away, which is the only downside. It's an okay place, better than the average options around there.

We visited in August 2024 after photos made the place look like an authentic, interesting hotel with wooden cabins and lovely grounds. The property really is beautiful, green, well kept, and clean, but we regretted booking because it didn't feel set up for overnight guests. It seems better suited as a recreation area. The cabins sit in what feels like lush jungle, but inside they're very basic for the price: a bed, an old vintage TV, and a toilet with a shower. There's no free drinking water, just bottles from the mini-bar for $4.75, and no glasses, hair dryer, or other comforts. The biggest issue was the lack of sound insulation. With screened windows and no glass, it felt like sleeping outdoors. We could hear every rustle, bird, cricket, and person walking by. If you're a light sleeper, you won't sleep, I guarantee it. The grounds have a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, all functional and good quality, but you have to ask staff to turn them on ahead of time. There isn't convenient car access, and the place isn't suited to guests with large suitcases. You'll need to carry luggage a considerable distance to your cabin, though you can call the hotel beforehand and ask staff for help. Breakfast is a fixed menu, and they didn't ask what we wanted. We got something like fried banana in batter, one fried egg, and a little fruit. It was frankly very weak and limited. As far as I understand, dinner at the restaurant isn't much better, so you'll need to go into town for a meal. It's a decent place if you don't think of it as a hotel. The grounds are lovely for a stroll, spa visit, and relaxing in the green jungle away from busy streets. If you do stay overnight, bring earplugs and an adapter to charge your phone if you're a foreigner, and don't expect comfortable conditions.

Our family had a great stay, and even the kids and teens didn't want to leave. They made our party of 11 feel extremely welcome, and the food was great. The place has a restaurant, pool, sauna, whirlpool, artic pool and TV, with other activity areas nearby. Beautiful villages and affordable too.

It really feels like staying in the jungle at this beautiful, rustic place. The staff did more than expected to make our visit great, and the substantial breakfast they provide for free was delicious. This was one of our favorite things we've done in two months in Ecuador.