We planned to stay here for 3 nights, but left after the first. Arrived in the evening, surprised to step in a pub-like place, with smoke in the air and loud music. There is no reception desk, you have to check in at the bar, it should have alarmed us already, but we were tired from an 8 hour bus ride. We stayed at room 14 facing the garden, at first sight it looks quite cosy with its dark red painted walls, but after a closer look, the walls are cracked everywhere, the door doesnt close properly, there were ants running along the basin. The garden was a mess, full with rotting leafs and cut branches.
We did not get much sleep at night. First the cafe in the hostel, which closed around 12 30-1 oçlock was playing loud music, then the garden filled with people continuing the party in the open. Meanwhile next door there was a live concert till 4 in the morning with the bass so loud, that we couldnt sleep even with earplugs. From 6am onwards we had to listen to the church bell and the washer-dryer going off just outside the room.
Cant say much about the restaurant, when they wanted to charge us 1 dollar 60 cents for a half a liter bottled water, we decided not to eat there.
If you go there with your friends for party, it might be your place. Otherwise dont count on meeting people or get a good night sleep here.

First off, it's more of a restaurant, than it is a hostel. There's no reception desk, you check in at the restaurant bar. Dim lighting and bad 90's music sets the trendy ambiance of this overpriced, small portioned eatery. Unfortunately for those who are staying at this "hostel," the restaurant is really successful. So good luck tying to get some assistance anytime after happy hour. It's impossible to sleep with all the noise from the restaurant and the church bells that go off every 15 minutes starting at 6am. Also, the WIFI is ridiculously slow, even in the lobby. It is not a good place to meet people. And the cherry on top of this terrible dessert, the hot water did not work in the showers.There are many other options in the area so don't settle for this one. I stayed at Casa de Barranco my second night in Cuenca and I was really pleased with their services.

Cuenca is a pleasant city, but pretty tame by most standards. If you happen to be here stay at El Cafecito. It truly has it's finger on the pulse of Cuenca. I actually lived in Cuenca for a year, teaching English, and whenever I felt lonely and homesick I would come here and meet really cools kids from all over (lots of Americans, Brits, Aussies and Canadians). The city generally goes to bed quite early, but El Cafecito stays up late! Trust me, stay here. You will not be disappointed. Then, if you haven't already, head to Montanita, the funkiest, most beautiful and amazing surf and party town in all of Ecuador! Amazing! Have fun (wear sunscreen)....

Stayed for two nights in one of the rooms next to the garden.
There is no doubt that this hotel/hostal is one of the "in" places in Cuenca. The staff are friendly and food good, the nightclub starts early evening and continues till 3 or 4 in the morning. Music reverberates through all rooms all night then at 6am the nearby church bells start half hourly for the rest of the day. The rooms were not the cleanest and the linen could of done with a clean