I was a little disappointed when I first got to Hospedaje Santa Cruz, because I had bypassed hotels recommended by other travelers, determined to get to this one because of the supposed $4 price tag. But as usual, Lonely Planet's price was off, and it was actually $6.

However, it was for a rather large room with a private bath, towels, and toilet paper. There was a large bed, a table, and chairs. There was an excellent shower that was really hot and had high water pressure. There is also lots of closet space, so it's a really good room if you are planning to stay a while. But of course I had nothing to store and would have taken less space for a lower price.

The decor is a bit inexplicable. The walls are spray-painted with bizarre designs, different in every room. Mine was just a mass of blue streaks and swirls.

The staff is nice enough, but there isn't really a regular person at reception. The hotel is split into two buildings, and they are usually at the other building. I believe that's where I paid, although I can't remember for sure now. The other building seemed to be more backpacker-y and friendly.

The building I was in was not as conducive to meeting other travelers. The common area was a bit too big, so we weren't "forced" to meet, and no one really hung out there anyway. Oddly enough, late on Friday night, they blasted horrible Ecuadorian pop music the entire night into the common area (meaning all the rooms could hear it), but there was no one there to appreciate or want it.

The location is good, though, on an otherwise quiet street with a lovely view. It is fairly close to the Piscina El Virgin baths in town and to the bus stop for the El Salado baths outside of town. It is near the main square but not near any loud bars. Also, just down the street were many cheap laundry places and the best breakfast deal in town. Although I was a bit annoyed it wasn't really $4, after staying there, I decided the price was worth it.

View from the balcony

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