This brand new hostel was opened in March 2008 by the sisters Paola and Maria-Augusta Torres. Both sisters used to live here and were actually born in this house that has been in the family for over four generations.
The architecture is a fine example of a nice colonial facade that has been well combined with the newer part in the back. The terrace on the second floor is a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, have breakfast or read a book.
A nice detail is that the rooms have no numbers, but instead carry the names of Ecuadorian rivers.
In total, Posada del Río II has 9 rooms. One double room has a private bathroom, the other eight rooms share 2 bathrooms. Besides the double rooms, there are 2 triple rooms and 1 dorm (5 beds - no bunkbeds).
The dorm costs $6 per person per night, all other rooms with shared bathrooms $8 pp. For the room with private bathroom $10 per person is charged. Price discounts are possible if you stay longer than a week (e.g. if you´re doing a Spanish course).
The above prices include 24hrs blasting-hot water, the use of the fully equipped kitchen (coffee and tea self service), a TV and DVD player (a small collection of DVD´s is available), telephone use for national calls and free of charge internet (only dorm guests have to pay $0.60 per hour).
Breakfast is not included in the overnight price, but is available in the breakfast room or on the outside terrace. Three breakfasts options are available: continental ($1.80), american ($2) or fruit ($1.50). Breakfast is served the whole morning from 6am onwards. The hostel asks you to inform them the night before if you want to have breakfast.
Laundry service is available at $0.30 per pound (approx. 0.5 kilo).
A book exchange is not available, but "Carolina Bookstore" has a wide range of books (new, 2nd hand and exchange) and is 3 houses further down the road.
Besides a room key, you will receive a key to the front door. New arrivals can use the door bell 24hrs.
High season runs during June, July, the first week of November (Fiesta de Cuenca) and the New Year period. Be sure to make a reservation, either by telephone of email, in advance if you wish to visit during these periods.
A taxi from the airport should costs no more than $2.50.
(junto a las escalinatas)
