Stayed here 1 night & then transferred to Posada Del Quinde. Dona Esther had NO HOT WATER....Beds poor.... no Heat (like Quinde) No Parking (only Public lot 2 blks away) vs onsite @ Quinde. Overall decent but not spectacular like Quinde. Restaurant nice but very Dark. Staff Friendly...Better for Back Packing types I;d guess.

Just off a street close to Place Bolivar, set up in Hacienda style round a courtyard - so pretty with the greenery, white walls and dark wood, I couldn't stop taking photos. Felt relaxed as soon as we arrived, and immediately extended our stay by a day; Staff are friendly and helpful, dressed in the attractive typical local dress. Our room was simple with dark wood floor and furniture and comfortable bed, rather like a monastery, but attractive and very relaxing - not over large, but for the price, very good. We slept well and were ready to tackle the market the next day. Breakfasts and dinner in the restaurant, a warm attractive space off the courtyard, with dome-shaped pizza oven, were wonderful - I didn't want to leave! A group of musicians entertained us on the first evening - a lovely added bonus. Otavalo is a beautiful place to visit, and this Hostal especially so.

My husband and I stayed here for one night while we were in Otavalo and because of the reviews thought it would be a very nice place to rest. It wasn't horrible, but it didn't meet my expectations (low as they were to begin with). I wouldn't recommend it, rather I would give disclaimers and allow those willing to deal with the downfalls make their own decision. I will say that it was fine for what we were planning to use it for which was just for 1 night to lay our heads down until we got settled and checked out the town.

Good:
+ they were very responsive when I was researching places to stay
+ they offered an airport pick up (private taxi) for a very reasonable rate at around $50 and the driver, Luis, was pleasant and reliable that we hired him for a full day the following day and then the next day back to Quito
+ nice & quaint open courtyard
+ safe and ideal location
+ hot water

Downfalls:
- seemed run down....old (some will call this character)
- bathrooms - smelly water, rough towels (from being air dried), a few creatures/bugs
- expensive water bottles (hint: walk out to the left of the hostal and go to the small bakery on the corner to get water for 1/8 of the cost)
- food was not good, albeit we didn't find much Ecuadorian food to be delish

Don't expect much and you may not be disappointed. We ended up staying just outside of Otavalo in San Pablo, which seemed to be stone throw away, and stumbled across a wonderful resort. It was; however, more than double the cost of Dona Esther. If it's w/in your budget, I would highly recommend with a couple caveats. I was going to write a review, but didn't find it on here so I'll try later. It is Cabanas del Lago.

Dona Esther is just a few blocks from the main market in Otavalo, and just down the street from Plaza Bolivar. The staff is friendly, the courtyard is beautiful and the rooms, while basic, are clean and comfortable. Good food a the restaurant!