Mansión del Río

The Mansion del Rio is located in Las Penas, the safe and protected tourist area of Guayaquil next to the Guyas river, and a short walk from restaurants and the Malecón. It is right in the heart of the pretty Las Penas area, with cobbled streets and nice shops, and nearby access to the stairway up to the lighthouse and a great view over the city. You can continue on from the Malecón to the city centre, and local markets. The entry to the hotel is up very steep stairs, and the top rooms are not very big and a number of extra flights of stairs away. The staff are very helpful though, they speak English and will carry your bags up and down from your room with a smile. It is an older, boutique hotel, with a nice breakfast, and was very comfortable and well situated. Being the tourist area, be prepared for some loud partying from the locals, but it is very much part of the atmosphere as Ecuadorians do like to party. We would recommend this hotel.

We stayed here for 1 night before our Galapagos trip. The room was very comfortable and spacious. The interior decorating was beautiful and ornate, reminiscent of a bygone era. Located at the end of the road in an area which was quiet through the day, but came alive at night, with lots of galleries, bars and restaurants nearby. Unfortunately the night we were there, there was a big party going on across the road. The Ecuadorans like to party! Earplugs were necessary, but otherwise all good.

We had chosen this property based on the location. We had been warned about there being a lot of stairs and that is not an exaggeration. Just to get from the street to the reception area was one long flight of probably 25 stairs in a narrow passageway then there were two flights of stairs to the room. We arrived at about midnight and were greeted pleasantly by staff that showed us to our room. Unfortunately there has been a water leak by the window and he promptly moved us to another room. The breakfast was quite nice and the eggs were cooked to order. Plenty of fresh fruit. An enjoyable stay in a room overlooking the river.

It is way more fun than staying at a chain hotel, also it is overlooking the river which is great, i could watch the tide go in and out from my balcony. The area is richy touristy with a lot of security if that is your thing. Old city feel. The terrace bar is very nice with great virews as well.

The hotel reception is on the 2nd floor. Be prepared to walk up plenty of stairs. There is a gate that you have to ring the bell for them to open the door. If the reception is not there, good luck getting in. There were times that I had to wait 10 min for the door to open. If staff is available to carry your luggage you are in luck. If not, you have to do it yourself until someone shows up to help. The lady at reception is quite rude. The gentleman after he is much friendlier. I was there during mosquito season. Left the A/C on 24 but when I returned the window was open with the screen broken and A/C off. I had mosquito bites all over that night. Shower is dirty with mold. There are limited towels and no shampoo or soap. Fridge is on but warm as an oven. Beds are comfortable but the pillows have yellow sweat stains on them. Some bulbs in the room are missing and the TV was not working. Receptionist could not even direct me to the next door grocery store for water. The hotel is rustic if that is what you are looking for. But for a Hotel, the accommodations are sub par from all other rustic places I have stayed in. The area is very nice. I would suggest a larger "hotel" next door.