Excellent accommodations in the heart of "restaurant row". The owners are hospitable and very accommodating. The Courtyard and abundance of beautiful flowers makes it the quintessential Cuenca experience! Would return in a heartbeat!

While the apt is excellent, as is the location, it is your host, Stuart, that makes this as close to perfect as you can get! His follow-up before and during your arrival makes you feel like he's taking care of a old friend. I cannot thank Stuart and his lovely wife, Patricia, enough. I had almost 15 hours in travel delays arriving, and they kept in touch and ensured I could access the apt well into the evening.

The location is great, about a 7 minute walk from the Parque de Caldiron. I took a cab only once, and that was to go to the Mirador de Turi (3$ each way). I enjoy walking, so to El Centro, the Pumapungo Ruins, the mercardos, etc., were all within 15 minutes at a decent pace. I'd leave by 7 AM just to enjoy taking photos of the excellent old architecture without many people around. Within 10 minutes are some of most beautiful cathedrals you could ever see.

The loft apt suited me perfectly, as I have no difficulties with stairs. If you do, then ask Stuart for one on the lower level. It is well-furnished for simple meals, with a 4-burner gas cooktop, granite countertops, microwave, sink, coffeemaker, and simple cookware, utensils and dishware. When you arrive, don't be surprised if this extremely clean apt has fresh flowers, fresh fruit, bread and cheese waiting on you. It has internet that is reasonably fast, very reliable, but you might have difficulty getting the signal from the loft area - just go downstairs. Direct TV is there when the rain is a little more steady. There is also a washer/drier available downstairs off the courtyard.

The private courtyard is beautiful and a great place to have your morning cup-o-Joe. At 9 AM, walk out the entrance, turn left, and go to Hermano Miguel, turn left again and in 1/2 block on your right you'll find Cafe de Nucallacta. It's a great place to have a cup of coffee and also to buy coffee for use in your room. It is Ecuadorian, freshly ground and bagged for you and is around $5 for a 1 lb bag. Plenty of places to eat within a 5 minute walk.

In the spirit of full disclosure, the one "negative" you will find is the sound from the few bars/clubs nearby will be noticeable beginning around 10 - midnight. This includes a couple of Karaoke bars that prove that MOST people should keep their day jobs. I had the foam earplugs that I travel with, and I sleep well on the very comfortable bed.

Cuenca is a beautiful, historic city. I hope you have the chance to visit one day, and I hope you have the opportunity to stay at Stuart's if you do.

We enjoyed our host Stuart and his wife Patricia. They were very helpful in answering questions and showing us sites to see around Cuenca.

This property is located exactly where we wanted to be in Old Town Cuenca. Short 5 minute walk (or less) from the river, about 10 minutes from the "Centro." Safe streets, friendly people, plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The property was absolutely beautiful! We were met by one of the owners and her lovely kids on our arrival. They helped to get us settled in. The apartment was just the right size. The kitchen was completely outfitted with silverware, pots, pans, etc. (we never used any of it as there were so many great restaurants nearby). A cozy seating area with flat screen TV and Direct TV programming (again, we only turned it on once to see if it worked - too much other fun stuff to do rather than watch TV). The bed was a queen size and very comfortable. There is a very nice washer and dryer on premises for guest use with no extra charge (not coin-op). There are two options for wifi and both are free, though you should remember that this is Ecuador and not expect the speed and rock solid reliability of the high speed network you have in your office. The owner speaks English and has been very responsive when we've contacted him. We had a fantastic time during our stay and I can happily recommend this place without reservation. We try to visit Cuenca every year and plan to make this our home for all future visits.

The location is ideal, the accommodations impeccably clean and comfortable, and the setting wonderful. We were greeted by Patricia, who met us as we exited our taxi when were arrived at the property. Opening the locked door at the sidewalk entrance revealed an open air, tiled, courtyard with plants, flowers, and a fig tree. Entering our upstairs apartment we found a vase of roses, a loaf of fresh baked bread, and cheese. The apartment was bi-level, with a kitchen, living room, and bathroom downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. We had all we needed to cook for ourselves if we wanted, we usually prepared our own breakfast, but were within walking distance of a variety of different restaurants to satisfy whatever craving you may have. There is a restaurant featuring Carolina barbecue next door, a pizza place just around the corner, Italian, Austrian, and many small local establishments featuring the local fare that dot the area. The neighborhood is safe and was quiet all the while we we there, Sunday through Friday. My wife and I didn't want to leave. We are already planning to return to Cuenca next year and hope we will be able to rent this property again.

My wife and I can work as anywhere as long as there's good Internet. When we arrived there the Internet was spotty and Stuart bent over backwards to increase the quality. He's an awesome host.

This is a lovely place in the old district of Cuenca. There are many café's around, a gym, a running track, there's even a shop by the entrance that makes fresh made Italian cheese.

There is great hiking, horseback riding, spa’s all within 45 minutes.