Stay in a Restored
17-Century Hacienda Ecuador

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

5 stars for Ecuador The staff is fantastic and helpful. The location is a little remote requiring a car unless you are very adventurous. The rooms... read moreThe staff is fantastic and helpful. The location is a little remote requiring a car unless you are very adventurous. The rooms were tastefully decorated and the hot water bottle at bed time was a big hit. The food was excellent so no need to go out of the beautiful grounds unless you want to. The staff was helpful in arranging tours and providing advice about how to manage the wonderful markets in Otavalo. 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