Santuario Hibiscus

Santuario Hibiscus

An iOvderlander taking a break from his travels
Traveler (42)
we tried fruits grown on site
Dining (7)
Patio
Room & Suite (7)

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About

#1 of 1 guest house in La Union
Location
5.0
Rooms
5.0
Value
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Sleep Quality
4.9
Rustic-elegant country villa, fully renovated in 2011. Four individually decorated guest rooms each with its own bathroom. Indoor and al fresco dining, bar; living room set up for DVD watching, meditation/massage room. Private sitting areas, paths throughout the property, spectacular views of the Andes. Nearby attractions include the town of Cuenca (1 1/2hrs drive), the El Chorro waterfalls, hiking, bird watching, visiting sugar cane mills.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Restaurant
Shuttle bus service
Laundry service
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family

Location

via a Gualdeleg s/n, La Union 0000 Ecuador
Traveler rating
  • 41
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Detailed Reviews
Janine C wrote a review Jul 2012
Bothell, Washington
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I'm so grateful to Dan and Fran of Santuario Hibiscus for helping make my visit to Ecuador a most wonderful adventure. From their gracious assistance with every aspect of transportation to the amazing, delicious, fresh meals and exotic one-of-a-kind cocktails, they went far beyond the call of duty to accommodate any requests and to make my stay delightfully memorable. I appreciate the effort they made to arrange interesting and stunningly beautiful excursions, and their wealth of knowledge gained through personal experience was invaluable!
Santuario Hibiscus is aptly named as Dan and Fran have created a true sanctuary for indigenous wildlife and vegetation and I was also able to completely relax and "unwind". In my experience, the accommodations and especially the bathrooms are some of the very the "best" in Ecuador! I highly recommend visiting Santuario Hibiscus for a unique, one-of-a-kind getaway.
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Date of stay: June 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mitch L wrote a review May 2012
Marysville, Washington, United States
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I had a wonderful experience at Santuario Hibiscus! We arrived in late April and the weather was very pleasant. The rooms are very comfortable and nicely decorated. The owners, Franzisca and Daniel did an amazing job renovating the existing building into four separate suites. Fran and Dan made us feel comfortable and very welcome during our stay. We would recommend this B&B and will certainly being going back!
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Date of stay: April 2012
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jun 16, 2012
Thank you for the review. Next time here we can enjoy a Club in the "Flädermuusbar"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SBDek wrote a review Jun 2014
Keller, Texas
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We booked this property to check out the Yunguilla Valley area. We were blown away by how beautiful the property is. So many different kinds of flowers and fruit trees and pretty birds! The building itself is clean and cozy and nicely decorated, very relaxing. The meals provided were absolutely delicious.
But even better than the property is how friendly the hosts are. Within a few hours it seemed like we were visiting family (except they were really nice). You could sit for hours out on the back patio, reading or chatting with other guests, or you could try your hand at harvesting their organic coffee beans.
They took us around for some sight seeing, and we even went to a local eatery to try the true local food including chicken foot soup. (we ate the soup but passed on the chicken feet).
We enjoyed every minute there and extended our stay an extra day. We talked for hours and hours about the pros and cons of our potential relocation to Ecuador. Franziska & Dan shared the years of experiences they've had, and helped us feel like we could make a decision with our eyes fully open. So much of the information you get comes from people with something to gain, but their shared insights had no such strings attached.
We are grateful for the time we spent here and feel like we have some real friends in Ecuador.
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Date of stay: May 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jun 17, 2014
We are certain that this trip will keep you talking for a long time to come! It is so important to see, smell, feel and experience things personally - especially when thinking about making a life-changing decision. It was great meeting the two of you and share some of what we learned during the past four years...! It will be nice to know where your "future travels" take you and you know that there is always room at our table...! Our very best, Dan & Franziska
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karl S wrote a review Oct 2013
Cuenca, Ecuador
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I booked our reservations at Santuario Hibiscus to use as a base to explore this region of the Yunguilla Valley. We were prepared for a typical "Mom and Pop" bed-and-breakfast experience--cramped rooms, older furniture, small bathrooms with antiquated fixtures, standard-fare food, and aloof, disinterested hosts. Instead, we were thrilled to experience the exact opposite--a comfortable bed in a good-sized room, completely updated and modern bathroom with walk-in shower and plenty of hot water, delicious and healthy food at every meal of the day, and hosts who are polite, considerate, warm, friendly, helpful, intelligent and obviously very hard-working.

We simply cannot praise Dan and Franziska (Fran) highly enough for their gracious hospitality and the thoughtfulness they extended to us in every way during our stay at their truly marvelous "santuario." As we wrote in the guest book, "we came as guests and we left as friends."
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Oct 22, 2013
Dear Karl & Brenda, It was our pleasure to help you familiarize yourself a little bit with this beautiful area! We are sure you have a lot to think about and to evaluate... Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions. We are looking forward to welcoming you again at the Santuario Hibiscus! Fran & Dan
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SanMiguelgal wrote a review Jun 2013
San Miguel de Allende
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This is a lovely, small inn about an hour south of Cuenca, Ecuador, in the beautiful Yungilla Valley.
The owners, Fran and Dan, have created a special place to spend a weekend or more. The rooms are good-sized yet cozy. The inn is surrounded by gardens and a small coffee plantation. They harvest their beans and make a great pot of coffee in the morning. We had a delicious dinner in the enclosed dining room, and a farm fresh breakfast outside on the patio in the morning. It was great to relax and read a book, and later to tour the property. My friends from Cuenca drove me to the Santuario, and then Fran took me to the highway so that I could catch a bus back to Cuenca.
All in all, it was a delightful experience. I was well cared for and happy!
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Date of stay: June 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip: All of the rooms are great!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jun 29, 2013
We are happy you enjoyed your stay with us and hope, the rest of your trip was successful!! Franziska & Dan
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Larry S. wrote a review Feb 2013
Massachusettts
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wherever you look there is lushness and beauty. Fran and Dan have managed to create a natural, vibrant paradise of mango and banana trees, coffee plants and more. Shortly after our arrival they took us on a walking tour of their property, and their enthusiasm and love for this work in progress was infectious. The food was delicious. They knew that my wife and I were there to celebrate our birthdays, and when we came in to dinner we found the dining room decorated with balloons and flowers. We had known them for less than 24 hours and they made a birthday party for us. How incredible!! My wife mentioned that she enjoyed bird watching, and on our second day, Fran arranged a visit to the nearby bird sanctuary at 6am. All in all, we felt as though we were visiting friends rather than being guests at a hotel.
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Date of stay: February 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DYLANH31 wrote a review Jun 2012
Cuenca, Ecuador
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our second stay at Santuario Hibiscus (coming from Cuenca - an easy trip) and both times we've enjoyed Fran and Dan's wonderful hospitality, delicious food and the peaceful location. Travelling with a nearly two year old can be challenging but Sylvie was right at home, especially enjoying the abundant wildlife...and frogs in the pond! The last time Fran dropped us off on a trail that ran all the way down the mountain which was stunning. Highly recommended, especially as a perfect escape from Cuenca.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jun 16, 2012
Thank you for a great review - we'll have some interesting walks for you next time you come back...Fran and Dan
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Jaysacto wrote a review Jan 2019
Sacramento, California
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Fran and Dan have a glorious place and they generously share with style and high quality food, much of it grown on site. We came to see the Pale headed Brush Finch at the nearby Yunguilla Preserve owned by Jocotoco Foundation. But the big payoff was the rest and nurturing we received in the middle of our marathon month long birdwatching trip to Colombia and Ecuador. Just 1-1/2 easy hours from Cuenca. And a great price. Highly recommend.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from DFSantuario, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jan 21, 2019
We created the Santuario Hibiscus with the hope, that it will provide space and a little respite - a place where people can catch their breath and relax. Nature, good and healthy food and a cozy atmosphere are all part of that intention... Thank you for your review - it is a huge compliment and a motivation to continue offering a high quality service. Fran and Dan
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Shama S wrote a review Aug 2013
Canon City, Colorado
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We loved our stay at Santuario Hibiscus. Fran and Dan have created an oasis of comfort and relaxation. Our two kids loved walking the paths and exploring the grounds. The food was delicious, beds comfortable, decor soothing, and the best hot beautiful showers during our month traveling around Ecuador. Good wifi and exceptional hosts. Like a home away from home!
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Date of stay: July 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith C wrote a review Jun 2012
Midland, Texas
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Daniel & Franziska welcomed us warmly to their lovely guest house in Yunguilla Valley just south of Cuenca, Ecuador! It was truly a sanctuary of peace and beauty! This delightful couple treated us royally and everywhere we turned we saw beauty! We breathed it in as we gazed with wonder on spectacular mountains, exotic flower gardens and nature paths, lovely guest rooms with truly comfortable beds and even at meal time we were delighted by delicious food arranged with true artistic flare! Our cameras were continually clicking!

If you are looking for a lovely quiet get away, a nature haven or a restful sanctuary, this is the place! You will be pampered by Dan and Franziska's gracious attention to details and the comfort and care they provide guests at Santuario Hibiscus. We will certainly return at our earliest possibility!
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Date of stay: May 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Daniel P, Owner at Santuario Hibiscus
Responded Jun 16, 2012
We enjoyed having people at the Santuario Hibiscus that saw all the beauty surounding them...looking forward to welcoming you again soon! Franziska & Daniel
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Answer from Santuario_Hibiscus
La Union, Ecuador
Arthur, Thank you for contacting the Santuario Hibiscus. We are situated at 5000 ft. and had several people doing exactly what you are planning to do - adapting slowly to higher altitudes. People take either bus or private transportation to our guesthouse. The bus from Guayaquil will take you into Cuenca where you change transportation depending on your arrangement - it is about another 1 1/2 - 2 hours to la Unión. Please refer to our website - most pertinent information can be found there. Please do not hesitate to contact us however should you have any questions or need help with planning your trip. Kind regards, Fran & Dan
RoznKen wrote a tip Jul 2018
Cuenca, Ecuador14 contributions24 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Our favorite room is #2, which opens onto a big porch overlooking the gardens and patio."
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jmswcs wrote a tip Jul 2015
Roseville, Minnesota44 contributions14 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We had the first room at the top of the stairs, but saw all of them and all are lovely! The website does not do them justice."
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garybirder wrote a tip Jan 2015
Florida323 contributions193 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The first room we were given was quite small, but we saw another one that was much larger and moved into it. So check them out before taking the one you are offered."
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charahl wrote a tip Oct 2014
Merritt Island, Florida13 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There were three of us and we spent our nights in Room 4, with two very comfortable queen sized beds and a HUGE en suite bathroom."
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Spruster1 wrote a tip Feb 2014
Cuenca, Ecuador4 contributions4 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"There are just 4 rooms and 1 with a balcony, but the common area is quiet and centrally located to see all the gardens. All the rooms are clean and have their own baths."
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LOCATION
EcuadorAzuay ProvinceLa Union
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SANTUARIO HIBISCUS

Frequently Asked Questions about Santuario Hibiscus
What are some of the property amenities at Santuario Hibiscus?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Santuario Hibiscus?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at Santuario Hibiscus?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Santuario Hibiscus?
Conveniently located restaurants include Restaurant Y Eventos Colibri, La Molienda Restaurante, and Comedor Costa Nuestra.
Is Santuario Hibiscus located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.8 miles away from the center of La Union.