If you're looking for a place close to the Mariscal night life, this can't be beat. Great food, good coffee and friendly staff. Plus a great $15/night price for the shared dorms. If you want good sleep, though one night may be enough for you.

We stayed two nights at this hostel. Centrally and conveniently located in the busy mariscale district. The rooms are decent, clean. Warning, bring earplugs, it's really noisy with the traffic outside. (we had room no.3) The price is a but higher than some other hostels. ($34/night) It's located on a busy street corner. You are walking distance to everything, many bars, cafes etc... and buses run frequently everywhere. The staff were very friendly, we felt safe there. They stored our baggage for us in the office while we took a 2 day mountain bike tour. They offer a great breakfast which is included with your stay. Breakfast is served starting at 7am, but if you are heading out earlier than that for a tour or something, they will give you coffee and a brown bagged bagel with cream cheese to go! We ate there on two other occassions and the food was excellent, they have big portions! And if you like baked goods, they have an awesome rocky road brownie bigger than your hand! We would stay there again but maybe ask for a room at the back side away from the road.

The Magic Bean is very well located in the heart of Quito's nightlife district. You'll feel safe and still be close to the action. But as a hostel it's nothing special.

PROS: The rooms are adequate, the breakfasts are quite good, and it's attached to a lovely restaurant.

CONS: No communal space to hang out and meet people, no public computer, noise from the street can be quite loud at night, and it's a little overpriced.

In general it's a perfectly decent hostel, clean and functional. But it's not the place to go for that "hostel feel." You won't hang out and meet other backpackers there.

The hostal provides clean rooms with or without private bathroom. The staff is very friendly and very helpful. The restaurant is great with many choices and we have not found a better place for fresh juices / smoothies. And you should not leave Quito without trying their cheescake! It is a must.
Prices are really correct and it is well situated.