IT WAS LIKE HOME!!
The staff is great ... nice breakfast! I recommend this place!

I stayed 4 nights at Alcala. I got a room for $18, which ended up being $20.16 with tax. For that price I got a comfortable queen size been in a sizeable room, with lots of light on the second floor, birds chirping, foliage, pretty quiet (as quiet as one could hope for being only 2 blocks from the pounding music of La Mariscal). My room was cleaned daily. I had cable TV, and an ensuite bathroom. Free breakfast was available, though I didnt get a chance to take advantage. Good security at Alcala, locked doors, which is critical, as La Mariscal is NOT safe at night, despite what you might read in the guidebooks. They have one free computer terminal available, and free wireless, which actually reached a signal up into my room, which was fantastic. This is not a party hostal, in fact it's dead quiet most of the day, and was pretty empty.

On a side note, Quito is NOT a safe city. I was mugged in La Mariscal just one block off one of the main busy streets. First mugging ever after travelling to 55 countries. Also had an attempted pickpocketing. Avoid going out alone at night, and avoid any street not packed with businesses and lights and other people. Take taxis over any sizable distance, they are mostly honest, and very cheap, nearly any ride is $2 or less.

stayed here twice. rooms were clean and comfortable enough, nothing fancy. nice full breakfast. internet available. good location, walking distance to shopping, dining, museums, etc. a bit noisy at night, the sounds of the city. good no frills lodging.

I have stayed in Alcala twice, once for a week in January 2008 and stayed again for three weeks in Jan/Feb 2009. The staff are friendly and always smile and say hi. The breakfast is good coffee, fresh juice, toast and eggs. The have a lovely relaxing patio enjoyed my coffee there in the mornings. The rooms are clean with cable TV and WiFi. Also a computer just off the dining area for internet access. The location is great so close to everything in the Marscial. I really enjoyed my stay there, I am retiring next year and will be back.. :)