Hostal Chimenea

We had a nice large room with a balcony view of the waterfall. The staff is friendly. Our balcony was above the pool and you could hear the people splashing around but it didn't disturb us. The lounge area on the top floor is a nice place to hang out. Breakfast options were reasonably priced so I ate there both mornings. The Hostal is on the edge of central Baños which is quite compact. It's just around the block from the waterfall and baths and a couple of minutes walk to the central square.

Pretty cute hostal at the center of Banos. Its location is great- walkable to many restaurants, shops and tours. I booked a single room with private bathroom for three nights. It even included a balcony with views of a waterfall. A few things I did not love... - Breakfast was not worth it - don't pay ahead online. I would try breakfast spots outside or if you have to order from their menu on the spot. - Showers were very hard to get right. I spent each shower constantly changing the temperature because it was always TOO cold or TOO hot even with the slightest adjustment. - No microwave and access to kitchen-; I was told I could use the kitchen after breakfast but everything was locked up and stove would not turn on. Could not heat my food. - I got a complete facial here that was very mediocre. I left with the face mask not completely washed from my face...

Comfortable, safe, nearby various places and activities. Easily accessible. Friendly staff. Security. 1.2 liter bottles of water for $1. Rooms right next to pool. (Had to continually cross over wet tiles to get to room.) Centrally located for a variety of activities, including spas. Tour guides come to hotel. The horse tour was less than stellar. The guides needed to call after they lost their way. The customer care was lackluster at best. Did not stop at the water fall, which was to be a highlight.

Unfortunately this hostal has clearly declined recently. I had been here few times in the past. It seems there's a new administration. Pillows, mattresses and linen were not particularly clean. If you can fall asleep while smelling humidity odors, go for it! In Baños one can find hundreds of options, cheaper than this. I think this hostal is surviving due to its previous soon-to-evaporate good reputation. Certainly to suppress from one's favorites´list while in Baños.