Donde Ivan

Having been to Hotel Donde Ivan last year and our plans to return to Banos again this year, it was a guarantee that we were going to make Ivan our stay of choice. Our consideration to return was based on our clean room, central location in town, friendly welcome from Ivan his family and personalized service we received. If I could give one (1) additional star for this years stay, I would. That being said, this is no ordinary hotel. It’s rather more than a Bed and Breakfast with an above and beyond family feeling. Once you arrive to Ivan’s (owner) property you feel transformed into the rainforest with the lush gardens along the entry way to the front steps. A small unknown fact that we learned was that Ivan designed the property and building while his wife completed all the decorating. Depending on your arrival time, you may also find their son (Henry) and daughter roaming about assisting with day to day operations or leaving/returning from a personal tour. The hotel has four (4) floors or rooms each offering something different. The top floor allows for an unobstructed view of the waterfall. The rooms are clean and comfortable. For cool nights, the bedding kept us comfortably warm and toasty. Depending on your reservation, breakfast may be included but always available if requested the night before. As the same with lunch. This visit made us truly appreciate and recognize the type of person Ivan and his family are that sets Hotel Donde Ivan apart. On our first evening and as a result of something I ate in Quito, I contracted a bout of food poisoning. It was determined in the middle of the night, 3 am to be exact, that I needed to visit the hospital. Without hesitation we woke Ivan, who resides in one of the rooms of property, and he quickly drove myself and my girlfriend there. My gratitude and appreciation shocked me next that he stayed with us until I was released. About an hour long. When returned to Donde Ivan, he personally prepared some oregano tea and made sure we were able to rest. The next few days while the rest of my family was touring Banos, he and his family made sure that I was comfortable and prepared appropriate foods and beverages. Prior to our departure, Henry (Ivan’s son) offered and graciously drove us to a pharmacy to stock up on some supplies. As a result of Ivan and his families actions, kindness and shear generosity, I will be in forever debt to him. If you are considering Hotel Donde Ivan, I would highly recommend his hotel (home) and personally contact him to learn more about his property.