I didn’t have good hot water, and the shower drain very well, but maybe that’s why they call it ecological.

Right overlooking the beach

Stayed in April 2024

Clean rooms, good water pressure, hot water, cold beer. Great prices on food and beverages.

Stayed in April 2024

The staff welcome was warm and they really go the extra mile to make you feel at home.

Stayed in March 2024

Not the fault of the property, but there was quite a bit of trash washing onto the beach in the tide... really sad to see. Of the property itself, only that the rooms were near the street instead of the beach. Otherwise everything was great!

The staff at this hosteria was so friendly and helpful, first and foremost. The animals staying on the grounds were such an awesome bonus! Location right on the water was great, but the rooms are located closer to the street and we couldn't hear the waves at night. Still, rooms were very clean, air conditioned, and had everything we need for a short stay.

Stayed in February 2024

They only accept cash (no credit cards), and they require half of the room payment upfront as a deposit. After a little bit of texting back and forth we were able to pay the deposit through an app. This place is so nice though, it was totally worth the small inconvenience.

The hotel is situated in a tiny private jungle right on the water. The grounds are full of interesting plants and free roaming tortoises, peacocks, monkeys and more. Wander around and find your perfect spot for reading or socializing. There is a concrete staircase that leads down to a small sandy beach. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and also a menu for lunch ($10). The room was comfortable and clean. The staff were very kind and helpful.

Stayed in August 2023

The surrounding area is not great and the access roads

It is like staying in a zoo with animals freely walking around the property, a true ecological oasis. Fiorella and her team were super friendly. Fiorella even arranged a courier to send some items we left behind onto our next destination.

Stayed in February 2023

The road getting there was a total mud pit from the recent rain so it was pretty messy getting to the property, and the roosters crowing at 5AM were a little annoying, but everything else more than made up for this!

Everything! We loved this little gem on the ocean - it is so quirky and unique but comfortable and clean with wonderful accommodating staff and an extra special tropical setting close to the city. We thoroughly enjoyed the rescued animals throughout the property and the owners doggo’s were especially sweet.

Stayed in February 2023

No TV.

The room was big and bed was comfortable. The little zoo was amazing, it made the stay here a plus aside from beautiful beach.

Stayed in December 2022

The beach near the hotel and neighborhood were not great. But we drove to a really nice beach in Salinas our second day. The beach by the hotel was ok but when the tide is in, it disappears.

It was like staying at a zoo with great ocean views and interesting animals. I loved the monkeys and peacocks. The owner suggested a great place to eat on the beach and the kids played on the shore while we had drinks and waited for our food.

Stayed in October 2022

Fanatic overlook of the beach and the animals in the hotel grounds.

Stayed in August 2022

No complaints - it was all just perfect!

As a solo traveler, Hostería Ecológica El Faro was the perfect choice. I was greeted with a warm welcome from both Julio and Gabriel who continued to make me feel like an honored guest throughout my stay. I loved the decor of my room and especially the hot shower with nice water pressure. I also appreciated the daily room refresh which is quite rare these days. The jungle like setting and sound of chirping birds was truly magical especially during breakfast which was also such a treat.

Stayed in August 2022

El Faro is kind of isolated, meaning that in order to get a decent meal somewhere other than on the premises, it's necessary to head into Salinas proper. Gabriel, the owner, took me in a couple of times in the truck, but when I called the local cab company, I was overcharged 100% by the taxi driver. There are also no paved streets leading to the neighborhood, which can be a little depressing when you first arrive, and there is no place for a picturesque stroll other than the beach.

Because June is the slowest month for tourism in Ecuador, I had the run of the place from Friday afternoon through Monday morning, which meant that breakfast was whatever I ordered, served whenever I wanted. The cook, Jenny, made especially tasty lunches as well, & they were very reasonably priced at $10.

Stayed in June 2022

Clean and spacious facilities with lots of open areas to hang out and relax with the various animals they have sheltered.

Stayed in May 2022

The bathroom could use some love -- a bit dirty and run down, not as comfortable as the room overall.

A sanctuary for animals, most of them very friendly! A terrific beach just steps down. A helpful host!

Stayed in April 2022

The accommodations and service was incredible- an outstanding experience. The location was perfect for us since we did not want to stay in a busy condo but wanted to be close to Salinas beaches. Gabriel and his staff were so attentive and went above and beyond to ensure we loved our stay. The room was very spacious and comfortable and we appreciated the unique decor. Gabriel is an excellent host who offered to take us to a wonderful restaurant and guided us on a visit to La Chocolatera. The other guests also joined us for dinner and we all enjoyed drinks at the beautiful deck overlooking the ocean after our return. He added so much to the experience without being intrusive. Thank you Gabriel!

Stayed in April 2022

Beautiful place, beach access, good food, super friendly staff - the owner really cares, takes you places, shows you around, makes the experience worthwhile.

Stayed in February 2022

nothing

The welcome of the owner, also nature, the trees, the animals, a very nice little monkey went very close to me, trees, the view from the terrace, the beach, all in fact. The breakfast was superb and the staff was very friendly and attentive. It was a perfect stay¡

Stayed in December 2021

Can think of nothing I disliked!

Landlord and assistant were very helpful and knowledgeable. Excellent service and a very unique situation with the live animals and the fabulous view of the ocean. Would stay there in a heartbeat! The breakfast was outstanding, especially the fruit!

Stayed in November 2021

Literally the only thing that comes to mind is that the bed is a bit hard, but that’s very personal.

✨✨✨The hospitality of the owner, staff and the animals. We immediately made friends with the monkeys, the peacocks, the lovely dogs, ducks, chickens, birds and turtles! Amazing how the staff takes care of them all! When we arrived, the owner Gabriel showed us where we could eat and took us there. The next day he took us on a full tour to all the good spots and places, from beaches to a walk in the lush jungle to some waterfalls to a great lunch spot. Thank you Gabriel!

Stayed in September 2021

Loved this quirky place! The staff was awesome and I loved the animals! It was private but not lonely. I am going back if I can.

Stayed in June 2021

The property was beautiful and well maintained. A tranquil oasis with a private beach. Room was clean with towels and extra blankets. The property itself feels like a little slice of paradise. The trees provide a beautiful canopy where you might spot some monkeys -- they may even come down to greet you! There are many rescue animals to be found around the property, and the dogs are incredibly friendly. The owner of the lodge even took us on a tour of the city and showed us where to find the sea lions on the beach.

Stayed in June 2021

El Faro is one of those extremely rare and amazing places where a great concept and wonderful hospitality come together. As soon as you arrive you can see how special the place is with its lush jungle garden. As you approach the gate, the sounds of parrots and other birds greet you. Stepping through the gate you enter another world. The rescued animals come and investigate or call to one another as you explore the grounds. You can hear the sea at the other end of the property. The owners and staff take pride in making sure you have everything you need for an enjoyable stay. Our room was spacious with a great air conditioner (though we enjoyed opening the windows in the morning to hear the birds awake). Breakfast and lunch were made to order with wonderful different fresh fruit juices each day. The shrimp dishes at lunch steal the show and the ceviche might change your life! If you can spare the time don’t hesitate to take up Gabriel on his offer of to show you around Salinas and/or the local fish market. He knows all the best places and has stories which will leave you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the Ecuador. As digital nomads, we look for places with great WiFi, a relaxed atmosphere, and something that stands out from the ordinary. El Faro hits all three of these. It was an easy place to connect to remote work. And how often do you get to do a video call with a Squirrel Monkey on your shoulder and a parrot across the table?

Stayed in June 2021

Great location

Stayed in February 2023

We spent almost a week there and felt more like visiting friends than being in a B&B. Gabriel, the owner showed us around the town and had a lot of helpful recommendations. It is a perfect place if someone wants to be outside the town and enjoying nature and animals. The hotel is also a shelter for animals. The access to the beach is a bit tricky but once you are there you have the beach almost for yourself.

Stayed in May 2022