I'm 67 with over 40 years of travel writing experience of which this was the worst. The Crespo lost my prepaid 1800hotels reservations and even tho I showed them the voucher, my credit card debit and their web page on 1800hotels, they insisted they never heard of them OR me and I was "pulling a fast one and must remain in my room until the authorities could handle it." They treated me like a convicted felon who owed them prepaid money so rather than face their police, I escaped with my overnight bad into the more pleasant $39 a night Hotel Cordero. 1800hotels is sorting the mess out but my trip to Cuenca was completely ruined. kiki (anna) olson.

We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Crespo very much. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The breakfast that was included was a great touch, especially the fresh fruit and juices.

Hotel is not too far from the city center. At a leisurely pace, you can walk to the Nueva Catedral in about 15 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and any location in the city costs about $2-$3. Hotel Crespo is on the banks of the Tomebamba River. The rooms are not modern and have 40’s-50’s charm. Our room and bathroom was clean, although I could smell cigarette smoke clinging on the drapes. The views are also awesome. If possible request a room that has a view of the river and/or mountains. If you are a light sleeper, I would not suggest this hotel. During the weekends, you can hear music from bars and clubs (which are next door). We could also hear the rushing water from our room.

Breakfast was excellent and they have a wonderful restaurant staff. A number of restaurants are with in walking distance, but make sure you inquire with the front desk as to which ones are open on Sundays. The front desk will be more than happy to call ahead for reservations and directions.

If you are a night owl, there at least 6 bars/clubs with in walking distance. The area around the hotel seems to be relatively safe. However, I would not suggest walking on the river path at night. It tends to be deserted at night and sparsely lit.

The rooms were not really that impressive. The room was definitely clean. And if you are creaped-out by old furniture I would suggest that you look for a hotel somewhere else. (or if you like that ambiance, this is the place for you) However, the staff was excellent, friendly and very helpful. After our long day-hike, they dried our wet shoes and got it back to our room in one day. They did not even charge us for this. If not for the old furnishings and the cigarette smell, this hotel would get excellent marks.

My friends and I stayed at Hotel Crespo for 4 nights in May of 2008, and it was great. The hotel was very accomodating to us as tourists, and the rooms were very comfortable. We were in the old part of the hotel, but that was not a problem. Our room was fine, and had an amazing view of the Tomebamba River. The windows were thin and the river was loud, but it just sounded like white noise to me, so I didn't mind it at all. Breakfast was very good-- eggs, fruit, pastries, cafe con leche were all included in the price of the room. You could get more if you wanted, for a small price. There was free internet access with two computers, so that was nice, too. My only complaint was that they cleaned our room on two occasions when we had the "do not disturb" sign hung up on the door while we were out during the day. I guess we were just being cautious, but nothing was stolen and there were absolutely no problems other than that. I would recommend this hotel very highly. The location is great, too.