The Magic Bean

Foch No. 681 y Juan Leon Mera (by Ave. Amazonas)
Telephone: (593-02) 566-181

Shared rooms at $8 per person

Private rooms:

queen size and single bed w/bath
queeen size bed w/kitchenette and bath
1 person $22
2 people $26
3 people $32
continental breakfast included (from 7-11)
check out time 12 noon
South American Explorer's Club members and Peace Corps Volunteers: $1/night discount.
Prices do not include 12% vat

The Magic Bean eatery is an absolute gringo stronghold in Quito. Its homey, two-room dining area and outside seating serve an almost entirely English Speaking crowd. About the hostel... The best known of Quito's gringo hosteling hotbeds, the Magic Bean enchants with an absolutely prime location amidst the New Town's activity and popular night spots.

The vicinity is nicknamed "Gringoville" because of the tourist trade. As for the food, I never got sick from Magic Bean food. Another good place to eat is the Super Papa, in front of the Alston Inn Hotel. An alternate to sleeping at the 'Bean is the Youth Hostel on Pinto (next street from the 'Bean; very plain but a good flop when the 'Bean is full). (OW)

Footprint's Ecuador and Galapagos Handbook 1999: Excellent food at reasonable prices, huge portions, outdoor seating, specializes in fine coffees and natural foods, more than 20 varieties of pancakes, good salads, gets very busy, also rent rooms.
About the rooms...American owned, good beds, secure, hot water, includes breakfast. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The South American Handbook, September 1996: Excellent atmosphere, outdoor eating, specializes in fine coffees and natural foods, more than 20 varieties of pancakes, salads, huge portions. Recommended.

Ecuador Explorer, Now: a hellava cup o ja! Mmmmm... Pancakes.