Back in time Realy nice place . Staff impecable. Room are litel small but have a nice big bed this place was a monastery ... read moreRealy nice place . Staff impecable. Room are litel small but have a nice big bed this place was a monastery not so longtime ago. Tres joli hotel le personel est serviable et souriant . Good restaurent .Good food . read less

Mellow, beautiful and plenty to do We enjoyed our stay at Hacienda Cusin taking advantage of the nice hiking and horseback riding. Beautiful country to explore. We hiked the upper... read moreWe enjoyed our stay at Hacienda Cusin taking advantage of the nice hiking and horseback riding. Beautiful country to explore. We hiked the upper trail which was an easy loop of about 6 miles overlooking farms and the valley. We searched for the waterfall but were a bit early in the season. Our ride was on the opposite side of the ridge and was a treat. Good horses and you can ask to gallop. The Otavalo mkt is a short taxi ride and ok but I hear the handicraft markets up the road provide a finer selection. It was fun to stroll into San Pablo to visit the bakery. ( although not much else to do there. ) Staff was incredibly accommodating. In regards to rooms, the garden cabins are nice for privacy and a fire, but we preferred the main house. Transportation to and from Quito was easy. Staff was very communicative before and during our stay. A great way to get off the total tourist route and enjoy a sweet setting. read less

Highly recommended! I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively during a long career as a magazine photographer. My assignments have taken me to 77 countries... read moreI have been fortunate enough to travel extensively during a long career as a magazine photographer. My assignments have taken me to 77 countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe. In the United States, where I'm from, I've been to all fifty states. I have spent many, many nights in hotels, some posh (Hotel George V, Fullerton Bay) and some primitive (Mopti, Mali; Chitral, Pakistan). But I have never stayed in a place as serene, charming, eclectic, and unusual as Hacienda Cusin.

My three simple tests of a good hotel are: comfort, staff, and food. Hacienda Cusin excels at all three. My wife and I (vacation trip) rented a casita in the garden of HC at a ridiculously fair price. Every night while we were at dinner, members of the Hacienda's friendly, helpful staff lit a fire in our room and placed a hot water bottle in our bed. When we turned in, we curled up under alpaca blankets and slept the sleep of the gods. There are three chefs on Cusin's staff. They prepared delicious and original meals--Ecuadorian dishes for the most part--that were fabulous. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables always. At the end of our stay, we received (and gratefully returned) hugs from many of the staff members.

The owner, Nik Millhouse, deserves a thankful nod. Nik is the heart and soul of Cusin. His extensive (and eccentric) decorations and his knowledge of all things South American and beyond are the spirit of this imaginative place.

I can't imagine a more calming holiday from our troubled world then this gem in the high Sierras of Ecuador. Highly, highly recommended. read less