Accommodations in Cuenca

• Hotel rating: Superior

Mansion Alcazar is a boutique colonial style hotel situated in the historic centre of Ecuador. The hotel is contained in an elegant colonial house, and has a spectacular drawing room with 19th century antiques. There are 14 individually decorated rooms, which surround the central courtyard. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine.

• Hotel rating: Good Standard

Located in the centre of the picturesque city of Cuenca, the Santa Lucia is a lovingly restored 20-room hotel set in an old mansion. Guest rooms are furnished with dark wood furniture, and all have private bathroom, television, minibar, hair dryer and safe. On the second floor there is a huge private salon with a fireplace for guests to gather around; antiques adorn the hallways and fresh flowers are arranged daily. The airy Trattoria restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine while the cosy Bacus Cafe is very popular for its inexpensive Ecuadorian meals. There is a large enclosed courtyard containing a 100-year-old magnolia tree and beautiful baby palms.