Crossroads Hostal

Description:

• This centrally located Mariscal hostel is everything a hostel should be: friendly, busy, safe, and funky. There are a shared kitchen and a large living area with a television surrounded by bean-bag chairs and a couch. One of the dorm rooms comes with a fireplace. Some of the rooms have wood floors, while others are carpeted. Nos. 16, 17, and 18 are my top choices; they're located in a quiet, newer section out back. Every guest gets a lock box in the office, but it's a bring-your-own-lock affair. This is a great place to meet and hook up with fellow travelers, and to arrange trips and adventure tours around the country. They offer free luggage storage, and you can leave some stuff here while you travel outside Quito.

• © Frommer's 2013