My first impression upon arriving at Casa del Sol was that it looked like a multi-level, bungalow style hotel rather than a hostel.
Built of wooden and stone pillars with hammocks hanging lazily on each level and surrounded by lush plants, Casa del Sol exceeded my expectations immediately. Arriving jet lagged, a little bit grumpy and a lot hot and sweaty, I was looking for a place to relax by the beach for a week and adjust to Ecuadorian life.
Situated on La Punta (The Point) Casa del Sol is about 10 minutes walk from the ‘town’ of Montanita. One street from the beach, surrounded by restaurants, beach bars, hostels and houses, Casa del Sol feels like a luxury hide-away from both the craziness of Montanita and the rest of the world.
Casa del Sol is like a luxury tree-house.
The outdoor lounge area has a projector and screen and hosts movie nights once a week, or when guests ask. We watched Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2 from my laptop, downloaded via the good quality wifi.
Each day I walked barefoot out of the hostel and across the street to the beach, often accompanied by the two hostel dogs Jackson and Kade. Known as one of the best surfing beaches in the world, the hostel has boards available for hire and staff can also give you details on the best surf instructors for those interested.
On the 2nd floor the hostel has a large, fully equipped yoga studio and runs multiple classes for both its guests and outside visitors who would like to attend. A similar situation is set up for Spanish classes. Classes are run everyday using the hostel facilities, with 20 hour week-long individual classes costing approximately $160USD.
The bar/reception area is open until approximately 11pm depending on the number of people around. British staff member Mike shaved his lush beard the day after this photo was taken 🙂
Breakfast is included in the room price and is the best hostel breakfast I have ever eaten. Made by wonderful chef Juan Ito who would stand at most 5ft tall, each morning is a culinary surprise made individually for each guest as they appear at the outdoor dining area. Ranging from breakfast burritos, to pancakes, to freshly baked muffins and fruit, socialising with other guests each morning and discussing plans to maybe enjoy a mojito together later in the day whilst eating Juan’s amazing food was a highlight each morning.
The best hostel breakfasts I have ever eaten.
Casa del Sol offers both dorm and private rooms. I decided to book a private room for the week which had its own bathroom, ceiling fan and air conditioner, mainly so that I could recover easily from jet lag, and the for the affordable price of $30USD per night I was happy I did. The hostel bedding is clean and comfortable, with the rooms being serviced each days. Towels are included in the price and all linen is changed every 2 days.
My single room featured a double bed and private bathroom, ceiling fan and air conditioner.
I’m planning on heading back to Casa del Sol in a couple of months as I make my way back down through Ecuador. I know that this is a place where I can relax, laugh, eat amazing food and recover from what is often a crazy-paced life of backpacking.
Getting there
Montanita is accessible by bus from Guayaquil. The bus will drop you off in Montanita town and from there Casa del Sol is a 10 – 15 minute walk out to La Punta. I walked in the heat of the day carrying my 18kg of backpacks, and whilst I made it with no hassles, I was hot and sweaty once I reached the hostel. A smarter option would be to take a $1.50 taxi if you are carrying a lot of stuff.
Walk past the surfer statue as you head towards la punta.
If you do chose to walk, head up the main road from where the bus drops you, past the surfer statue to the ceramic wave in the side of a wall with signs to Balsa Surf Camp. Take the turn off, walk down the dirt road and you will see Casa del Sol on the right.
Hey there! I’m headed here in a few weeks. Was wondering whats the best way to get to the hostel once i fly into Guayaquil. I’m arriving real early at 3AM. They suggested a bus, but is it safe and will i have to walk the 15 mins in the dark alone?
Hi Stephanie,
Neither Guayaquil or Montanita are very safe at 3am, especially for a foreign female traveler. You can definitely take the bus out to Montanita from Terminal Terrestre in Guayaquil during the day (it takes about 1.5 hours) but I wouldn’t do it at that time of night. I don’t think the bus will even run at that time anyway.
I would strongly suggest finding some accommodation in Guayaquil the night you arrive and then heading out to Montanita the next day.
Yes you will have to walk the 15 minutes from the bus drop off point or if you want you could take a very short taxi. I really do not recommend walking down to the hostel alone at that time of night, mainly because the area is pretty deserted and there have been reported attacks along that stretch of beach.
Good luck, I’m sure you will love the hostel 🙂