10 Best Hotels in Guayaquil and the Pacific Coast, Ecuador

It's only 30 minutes from downtown Bahía de Caráquez, but to get here you can only come at low tide, because you have to drive along the beach before heading up a cliff again to. (The hotel knows the tides a year ahead.) This cluster of comfortable, solar-powered, thatch-roof cabins (each fit for six people) is built on a cliff overlooking a beach, where you'll find little besides fishermen's huts and tiny red crabs. The lodge is also literally on top of an archaeological site: artifacts uncovered are placed in a small on-site museum and registered with the government. Pottery has been dated to 500 BC. If you stay here, you'll be encouraged to help with the diggings—and if artifacts wash ashore, as they often do, to turn them in.

This landmark hotel near Parque Seminario and most other downtown attractions shares a city block with the Catedral Metropolitana. Small but comfortable rooms with large windows let in lots of sun. The health club lets you play squash on two courts, relax in a sauna, or enjoy the terrace with a great view of the cathedral.

This small inn behind the beautiful San Francisco Church is just a few blocks from the Malecón and close to all the museums. Rooms are well appointed, and all have coffeemakers and two phone lines. It's rare that a U.S. chain hotel in another country distinguishes itself as something other than, well, a U.S. chain property. These folks provide all the amenities you expect from a Hampton Inn, along with a coziness and friendliness that seems very Ecuadoran.

This majestic hotel outside the city center (next to the Expoplaza convention center) has an 10-story atrium lobby and delivers everything you'd expect from a top-notch business hotel, from the well-equipped fitness center to multiple bar and restaurant choices. Spacious rooms are done in neutral tones. The beautiful pool area is surrounded by palm trees. The large Policentro Shopping Mall is nearby.

Visiting soccer players love this pleasant hotel several blocks from Parque Guayaquil. The well-maintained rooms are a bit small, but this is one of the few moderately priced hotels in town that has exercise facilities.

The Ecuadoran chain's flagship hotel continues to be one of the top choices for business travelers. In addition to comfortable rooms and plenty of amenities, the hotel has a pool, health club, and even a casino. The lobby bar, with live music every night, draws locals. If you're hungry, head to the informal Spice Grill to sample the tasty Szechuan chicken salad.

This popular hotel—it's not affiliated with the U.S. chain—is across from El Malecón and the riverfront and within walking distance of Las Peñas. When the heat of tropical Guayaquil gets to be too much, you can sip a cocktail by the pool. Evenings find many guests slipping off to the casino.

This small oceanfront hotel gives you access to the beach. You can also tour the town in the hotel's horse-drawn carriage.

If you need a place to anchor your 150-foot yacht, head to this beautiful resort on the Península Santa Elena. (You don't really need a yacht to stay here.) This is a great vacation destination for the entire family; it has everything from deep-sea fishing to rain-forest expeditions. The small suites have balconies overlooking the bay, where you can watch the sun disappear into the ocean. For larger groups, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available. Although the property functions much like a timeshare-condo operation, non-Ecuadoran guests may stay here with advance reservations.

Staying at this comfortable hotel puts you walking distance of most of the city's attractions. Across the street from the Parque Seminario, it gives you direct access to an 80-store shopping center. Several excellent restaurants are also on the premises, including a wonderful sushi bar called Unibar. Buffet breakfast is included. The best view is from a parkside room.