I was extremely surprised and happy with the quality of this hotel. After spending a week in Peru in rough lodging, I didn't have high expectations at all. The hotel is in the new part of the city, about 20 mins from the airport. The hotel is a little hidden, sandwiched between two little restaurants. The older gentleman at the desk spoke no English, but was more than helpful explaining where to go to eat. This is an older hotel, large wooden staircase, and rooms that seem to be out of the 80s. For the money, however, I had two full beds and my own bathroom; a rarity in this part of the world. Wifi was free, but the reception in the rooms can be fuzzy. Bathrooms are far from luxurious, but are all you really need. There is a tiny tv in the room that barely works, but who goes to Quito to watch tv? The street on the weekends can be pretty loud since there are quite a few bars and clubs down a few blocks away. If you do go out late at night on the weekends, it's not a very safe area. At around midnight, the gate is locked and you must buzz in to enter the hotel. There was a great pizza place about a block away that was quite tasty (can't remember the name), as well as other restaurants nearby. Taxis pass by frequently so transportation around the city is pretty easy. The desk attendant had me wait inside with my luggage on the last day, while he went out, flagged a taxi and negotiated a $5 fare to the airport. I have to say, there are no real frills with this place, but that was one of the most decent things any hotel has ever done.

It is old, and cheap. Rooms very big, water was hot, linen clean. Secure, but do not go outside alone after dark, the area is not very safe. If you need to spend just a night in Quito, it is OK, but do not expect anything nice.

I have visited Quito three times, and all three times stayed at Alston. The street can be a little noisy, but the location is convenient. The rooms are clean and in good repair, the staff is very reliable, the manager Johhny Janine is well educated, speaks excellent Engish and has a nice sense of humor. He did everything to make my stay easy and enjoyable.

Very small, local hotel in the New Town section of Quito. Very basic room with no luxeries. No air conditioning or heat in the room. Hotel staff was very friendly.