Hotel Cruz del Vado

Hotel Cruz del Vado: A Michelin Key Gem in Cuenca's Historic Heart

Hotel Cruz del Vado, a Michelin Key Selected property in Cuenca, Ecuador, consistently garners exceptional reviews, celebrated for its blend of historic charm, artistic design, and outstanding hospitality. Housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion with a striking pink marble facade, the hotel offers a luxurious and romantic escape in the city's UNESCO-protected Historic Center.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Cruz del Vado is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "excellent" and "wonderful." Review scores consistently show high marks for staff, cleanliness, and comfort, often exceeding 9 out of 10. Guests describe it as a beautiful, romantic, and charming hotel, highly recommending it for a stay in Cuenca.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Hotel Cruz del Vado. The superb service and friendly, accommodating staff are frequently highlighted as a major draw. The convenient and picturesque location in the historic center, within walking distance of major attractions and the river, is another significant highlight. The beautiful decor and ambiance, blending historic colonial architecture with modern amenities and Ecuadorian art, also receive widespread acclaim. Finally, the rooftop restaurant and bar, "Blue Domes," is a standout feature, offering delicious food and breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the iconic domes of the new cathedral and the Andes.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Hotel Cruz del Vado are described as spacious, beautiful, clean, and extremely comfortable, offering 5-star comfort. They feature private bathrooms, and some boast balconies with city or inner courtyard views. Modern amenities include free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and coffee/tea makers. Guests appreciate details such as bathrobes, slippers, complimentary organic Ecuadorian toiletries, and custom Simmons mattresses for a restful sleep. Soundproof windows ensure a quiet environment, and daily turndown service is provided. The design is often noted as dark and theatrical, featuring rich brocade, framed oil paintings, and hand-carved headboards crafted by local artisans. The largest rooms may also include Jacuzzis.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, "Blue Domes," located on the third floor and with a rooftop terrace, offers a delightful dining experience with stunning views. It serves both local Ecuadorian and international cuisines in a modern and romantic ambiance. A complimentary full breakfast is included daily for guests, featuring local specialties, juice, cheese, and fruits. While most guests rave about the delicious breakfast, one review mentioned it was "not very good." The restaurant also offers brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel Cruz del Vado are consistently lauded as "superb," "exceptional," "friendly," "attentive," and "accommodating." Guests report that the staff go out of their way to please and are very kind and courteous. The front desk staff, in particular, receives commendation for their great warmth and excellent service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Strategically situated in Cuenca's Historic Center, Hotel Cruz del Vado offers an excellent location for exploring the city. It is walkable to all the main touristic areas, including the old city, the river, and various attractions like Plaza El Otorongo, Plaza de San Francisco, Calderon Park, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The hotel is also conveniently located near restaurants and shops. Mariscal Lamar International Airport is a short 15-minute drive away, with taxis readily available, and a paid airport shuttle service is offered by the hotel for USD 20 per room one-way.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific typical price ranges were not consistently provided in the search results, the hotel is recognized as a 5-star property, suggesting a luxury pricing tier. One older mention noted "a hotel of $400 a night in Cuenca," which could indicate its premium positioning. Given the high levels of service, luxurious accommodations, and prime location, guests generally consider it to be of good value, with a "Value for money" rating of 8.2 on Booking.com.

8. Common Complaints

One recurring minor complaint is the lack of on-site parking, which is common in downtown historic areas. However, guests note that there is a parking site within walking distance and the hotel staff assists with luggage, making it "not a deal breaker at all." Another isolated comment mentioned the breakfast was "not very good," contrasting with the majority of positive feedback on dining. There is no air conditioning in the hotel.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. hotelcruzdelvado.com
3. michelin.com
4. makemytrip.com
5. agoda.com
6. allcuencahotels.com
7. travelocity.com
8. hoteles.com
9. traveloka.com
10. cuenca-hotels.com
11. hotels.com
12. youtube.com