For once booking.com comes up trumps! Out of town hotel, near Ibarra and close to the Ecuador/Colombia Frontera? No problem - try La Estelita - you'll need a 4x4 to conquer the 8 km of steep mountain track access road!
After 6 hours driving we made the 8 km rocky road ascent without a hitch - and were surprised to see the Hotel Owner's Porsche 911 Carrera in the car park! A foretaste of what was to come?
What a fabulous place! Booking.com offered us a reduced rate on a Suite which we grabbed with both hands!! US$50 for panoramic views down onto the city of Ibarra from our Lounge, from our Mezzanine Bedroom, and from our two person jacuzzi Bathtub! Plus a mountainside clear blue Swimming Pool, a hilltop Bar, and Restaurant!! Bizarrely, we were the only guests, so service was tip top - a young lad even knocked on our door after Dinner and offered to light the log fire in our Lounge!!!
Extravagant? Yes! But hey - life's too short!!
"Tenting" said Amanda, "What exactly is that?"
Here's some lovely pics.
