Cuenca and El Cajas, Ecuador
Saint Lucia Hotel
Built in 1859, Santa Lucia Hotel is one of Cuenca’s most notable buildings, having been the previous home of the provincial governor. It is the perfect place from which to venture out to see the highlights of vibrant Cuenca and return for great food and elegant ambience.
Built in 1859, Santa Lucia Hotel is one of Cuenca’s most notable buildings, having been the previous home of the provincial governor. It is the perfect place from which to venture out to see the highlights of vibrant Cuenca and return for great food and elegant ambience.
Built in 1859, Santa Lucia Hotel is one of Cuenca’s most notable buildings, having been the previous home of the provincial governor. It is the perfect place from which to venture out to see the highlights of vibrant Cuenca and return for great food and elegant ambience.
Built in 1859, Santa Lucia Hotel is one of Cuenca’s most notable buildings, having been the previous home of the provincial governor. It is the perfect place from which to venture out to see the highlights of vibrant Cuenca and return for great food and elegant ambience.
Location
Santa Lucia Hotel is found just a short walk from Parque Calderón, in the historic part of Cuenca, Ecuador’s cultural capital.
Accommodation
The classic colonial styling of Santa Lucia Hotel, with two courtyards, adobe walls, traditional tiling, wooden balconies and wrought iron detailing, is home to 12 elegant guest rooms. You will find your room to be modern and comfortable, and also to display elements of rustic original charm that greatly add to the sensation of being in a historic building. Of the communal areas, we particularly like the living room, with its hand painted ceiling. Lush indoor plants and flower arrangements, together with comfortable chairs and sofas are also features of the style of this hotel.
There are two restaurants to choose from, with the Trattoria Novecento being the pick for an elegant and special evening meal because of its position on the floodlit main indoor courtyard and for its innovative Italian-inspired menu. The wine cellar is stocked with over 300 varieties of wine, so every guest’s tastes can be catered for, and it is not surprising that this is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city. Less formal and with a more local menu, there is also a café which is also the venue for guest breakfasts. For drinks, the chic Bar Moshi Moshi is the only oriental-themed venue in Cuenca. Happy hour is between 3 and 7pm; try a delicious cocktail or an award-winning glass of Champagne.
Experiences
The hotel is in a wonderful location for guests to explore vibrant and historic Cuenca on foot. It is only a very short distance from Parque Calderón and other notable areas.
- Of the numerous churches, we rate the best as Catedral Nueva, which lines Cuenca’s central park.
- Museums are everywhere in Cuenca, covering everything from pre-Columbian archaeology to modern art. We think you will be fascinated by the shrunken heads at Pumapungo Museum.
- You won’t be disappointed by the range of potential gifts for friends or for yourself, The city’s artisans specialise in handmade colourful textiles and jewellery.
- Cuenca is the orchid capital of Ecuador, and you will appreciate why if you go to the market by the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
- Just outside the city is Ingapirca, the largest Inca ruin in Ecuador. You can combine this trip with a trip on the steep train ride known as the “Devil’s Nose”.
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