Cuenca, EcuadorEl Vado
Hotel Cruz del Vado
Restored newspaper palazzo
El Vado Cuenca, Ecuador
Opened
2019
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
Art Hotels EcuadorRestored newspaper palazzo
Cuenca's 1930s newspaper headquarters is now a boutique hotel, crowned by a rooftop bar overlooking the cathedral domes.
What it’s good at
Notable
Locally quarried pink marble encases relief-carved wooden doors and exposed brick archways.
Notable
Tiers of wrought-iron balconies ring the courtyard of this former newspaper printing house.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The opulent French-inspired façade is made entirely of locally mined pink marble, while exposed brick archways frame the lobby.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
El Vado is one of Cuenca's oldest quarters, steps from the historic Cruz del Vado monument and the Tomebamba riverbanks.
The rooms
Bedrooms retain thick bahareque walls beside hand-carved wooden headboards. The largest suites add whirlpool tubs overlooking the Tomebamba River.
Restaurant
Cúpulas Azules
Woven basket lamps hang over tables facing the cathedral's blue domes. The kitchen draws on regional Ecuadorian recipes.
How it began
Built as the Palacio de El Mercurio, the building printed Cuenca's first newspaper before its 2019 restoration.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.