Lord & Lady of the Manor This was quite the most wonderful location. Unique and beautiful buildings set in wonderful grounds. We stayed one night and felt as if the... read moreThis was quite the most wonderful location. Unique and beautiful buildings set in wonderful grounds. We stayed one night and felt as if the hotel was just for us. Rooms were quirky with old furniture and artwork. Very clean and tidy. Given the time of year it was chilly at night so fires were lit, and there was even a hot water bottle put in our beds to ensure the chill was taken off! read less

Wonderful quest rooms, pretty property The guest rooms at the hacienda are very nicely appointed and the beds were incredibly comfortable. The bathrooms are a bit basic compared... read moreThe guest rooms at the hacienda are very nicely appointed and the beds were incredibly comfortable. The bathrooms are a bit basic compared to the rest of the property. The food is very good, but the service can be a bit slow in the late morning.

The property overall is charming with beautiful gardens, an elegant library, and warm common room. The decorations are quite eclectic. The bedspreads were locally made handwoven blankets that are incredible.

The owner was there while we were and provided us with the recent history since he acquired in. He obviously cares deeply for the employees and their families. read less

Oasis in the Northern Highlands of Ecuador My extended family group of 10, ages 9 -60, spent five nights here over Christmas. If you arrive at Quito airport at midnight,... read moreMy extended family group of 10, ages 9 -60, spent five nights here over Christmas. If you arrive at Quito airport at midnight, as we did, and then drive north, you will be greeted by fragrant flowering plants in the cobbled courtyard, an eager staff, blazing fireplaces and hot water bottles warming your beds. This is the most charmingly idiosyncratic hotel, reflecting the good taste and humor of its owner who has dedicated himself to restoring the hacienda and gardens over the past thirty years. The buildings are rich with paintings, textiles, traditional furnishings and creative touches. We horseback rode, took some beautiful walks in the countryside, visited Otavalo market (twice) and the Condor Park, but one of the pleasures of the hacienda is the absence of touring pressure: the adults in our group enjoyed reading in the gardens or on the porches and hanging out together in front of the fire while the kids ran around freely, played board games and squash. With only two exceptions, we ate all our meals at the hacienda where many of the fresh ingredients are supplied by the large vegetable garden. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve Feast in the brightly muraled monastery building, complete with the largest buche de noel you have ever seen. All of our outside reservations and transportation were arranged by the reception office as well as special requests like the private Christmas morning we celebrated in front of a fire in the bar room. Of our five bedrooms rooms, three were really lovely (two were part of a suite that included a large ante-room and three fireplaces total) and two are on the renovation list. We discovered a favorite local wine but suggested that the coffee needed an upgrade. It all added up to a very special experience for our family that we would be happy to repeat. read less