Accommodations in Cuenca

• Hotel rating: Good Standard

Located in the centre of the picturesque city of Cuenca, 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.

• Hotel rating: Superior

Set in one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Cuenca, Hotel Cruz del Vado is housed in a colonial mansion with an impressive pink marble facade. Rooms are elegantly decorated and feature beds with hand-carved headboards. The restaurant boasts wonderful views over the historic centre and the iconic domes of the new cathedral and serves a gourmet interpretation of homemade Ecuadorian dishes. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views and is an ideal place to enjoy signature cocktails and sunsets over this beautiful city. Features: 26 rooms, restaurant, bar. Room amenities: Television, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, tea & coffee facilities, minibar, iron, Wi-Fi.