We haven't even started to review hotels and restaurants like we originally planned on, so I thought today would be a great day to begin.
Rose Cottage - Otavalo, Ecuador - 4 Stars
The Rose Cottage is an amazing hosteria outside of Otavalo, Ecuador. The best thing about this hosteria is the location.
Physical Set Up -
Located about 15 minutes outside of Otavalo proper, you come across this collection of houses in the middle of the high Andean mountains that is unlike any other place we've stayed. There are two private houses, a house that functions as a dorm, one that serves as the restaurant/community room, and another that has four rooms with double beds and a shared bathroom. We've stayed in both the larger private house called Cotopaxi, when we went with my family, and then in one of the double rooms in Cotacachi.
The accomodations are simple but nice. Everything is clean and well maintained. There's adequate blankets for the chilly nights and the curtains do a good job keeping the morning sun out of the room for as long as you'd like. In the house there is a living room with a roaring fireplace, bathroom kitchenette and dining table downstairs. Upstairs there are two twin sized beds, a bedroom with a queen and another bathroom. Both upstairs and downstairs have patios with chairs that make for a great place to have your morning/afternoon/evening coffee/cocktail!
But what is most impressive is the scenery. We're talking lush green rolling hills, surrounded by small family farms, and views of so many mountains. That's what keeps us going back and what keeps us reccommending it to our friends.
Service -
Rose Cottage is run by a Ecuadorian-English family and it originally started as the family's vacation home. It's a new hostel and so it's constantly changing and improving! Both times that we have visited there has been a family member running the joint, along with a host of volunteers and a few staff. Everyone has been knowledgeable and very helpful. When we were there the first time, Ryan had gotten very ill and we actually had to stay 2 extra days because he couldn't ride the bus. Richard (one of the family members that owns the hostel) and Sophie (Richard's girlfriend) we're extremely helpful and provided us with rehydration salts, extra food and water, and even allowed us to bring one of the TVs into our room so Ryan could just rest. The second time we went, Richard's sister was there and they had prepared a basket for us full of snacks and drinks!
Plus, most importantly, they'll give you a lift down to town for the market on Saturday morning and they can arrange a lift to just about anywhere else.
Bottom Line -
This place is great for families, groups, and couples! You'll pay more here than some places in town, but its worth it. They only take cash, so make sure you get some when your in town. There's a restaurant/bar on site and everyone eats community style! When to go, you ask? Leave Quito on Friday night if you want to get out of the city for the weekend. Arrange with Rose Cottage to pick you up from the bus terminal and enjoy Friday dinner at Rose Cottage. Leave early Saturday morning for the animal market and then the regular market. Take a taxi back up to Rose Cottage sometime in the afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing Saturday night and all day Sunday at Rose Cottage. Don't forget your hiking shoes, there's waterfalls right around the corner, and your tennis racket, there's courts on site! Most of all, Rose Cottage is place to relax and drink in the intoxicating Andean air.
Contact Info -
www.rosecottageecuador.com
email - info@rosecottageecuador.com
No comments:
Post a Comment