We were under the impression that this was a nice hotel in the moderate price range. What we found were basic rooms with only beds and no other furnishings. None of the rooms had heat, and it was quite chilly when we were there. There was no place to hang anything either. The beds and the pillows were both worn, and the sheets were thread bare with no cover on the mattress. Our room had no windows, and some of the rooms were moldy.
Everybody we met in the hotel was looking for alternate accommodations. The staff were nice, and all spoke English which was a bonus. There was also a community porch, which was a nice place to chat with other guests.

Make sure you speak with this hotel and understand exactly which room they are giving you. We arrived with our two older daughters. We were given a very small room on the first night, with no window and about the size of my daughters bedroom. With the 4 of us and suitcases we could barely walk. The hotel Administrator told us that we reserverd a room, not a specific room (although we were told over the phone that they reserved for us one of the larger rooms with a view of the river and two bunk beds for the kids). After complaining and with the help of a phone call from our reservation agent, one of the evening employees (not the administrator) was able to move us the next day into the room we had requested/reserved. After that our stay was very enjoyable. My advice if you book here is to get an email from the hotel describing your exact room, and bring it with you when you check in.

My room overlooked the Rio Tomebamba -- there's a constant 'roar' as the river splashes over the rocks, great for sending one off to sleep.
The staff was great -- helpful with restaurant and sight-seeing suggestions. They spoke perfect English, but were also willing to listen to my muddled Spanish!
Security was excellent -- my room was across from the reception area, and there was always someone manning the desk.
The private bathroom was a little dark, and the floors could use some updating. However, this was a perfect location -- quiet (except for the roaring river), at the bottom of the steps (Las Escalinatas) leading up to the city center. Each day, I would wake up refreshed, to see the river and the joggers/tai-chi'ers/etc. in the park across the river.

Liars! These people are all liars. I rate it very good simply because I never give any hotel an "excellent". As I write this, I am looking out the window of room 12 and listening to the river. There are joggers of all ages in the park, students scurrying by, and humanity crossing the bridge. The old city is around the corner and up the stairs..a different pace and a step into history. We were a bit concerned when we left the airport and the first two taxi drivers said they didn't know where the Villa Nova was. The third driver was willing to transport us, but he didn't know where it was either. So, I will share this secret with you..look no further for a delightful, clean boutique hotel with a staff that is knowledgeable and sincere.