Was very pleased with Hotel La Casona. It is not close to the Parque de Calderon, however a brief taxi ride and you are among all that is going on! They also have true hot water...not from a 'widow maker' shower! Breakfast was good! Outside sitting area very comfortable!
One of the desk clerks recommended we hired a driver, Angel, who speaks fluent English and is very knowledgeable of the area of Cuenca as well as surrounding cities. He took us to the only family left that makes and weaves a lot of different textile (and they are also for sell). From making the yarn, to dyeing it, using material that God has put on this earth....totally and all natural! The mother finishes some of them off by hand! It appears to be crocheted, however she does it with her fingers!!! AMAZED!!! Angel also took us to visit the location where they grow Orchids! I had no idea that it took so long to grow an Orchid! They have several different types! AMAZED!!!