Review of Nautilus Hotel, Puerto Lopez: An Oasis of Comfort in Ecuador

Practical location and thoughtful architecture

1/2 Puerto Lopez beach (2-minute walk from Nautilus Hotel)

2/2 Nestled amidst greenery

Located one block away from the coast, Nautilus Hotel is that inconspicuous neighbour set amidst a street of local houses. This boutique accommodation blends harmoniously in the neighbourhood with its tall bamboo gate and thatched roof, bespeaking thoughtful architectural plans and a sensitivity towards the community and environment.

If you are the kind of traveller who enjoys proximity to main attractions yet wishing to have a slice of local life without compromising on your creature comforts, you can get the best of both worlds at Nautilus Hotel.

The main tourist belt or beach (2-minute walk) is a stone’s throw away. To get to the bus terminal of Puerto Lopez (5-minute ride), one can either hire a tuk-tuk (an auto rickshaw of sorts) or taxi. A trip to Agua Blanca shall take about 20 minutes or less.

European-Ecuadorian hospitality in the tropics

1/5 Hammock outside the bungalow

2/5 Dining table in Deluxe bungalow

3/5 Lots of storage space!

4/5 Deluxe bungalow

5/5 Outdoor lounging

Upon setting foot in Nautilus Hotel, one may be struck by an immediate sense of peace and privacy amidst the abundant greenery. Nature thrives within this sanctuary, made not just for human, but also a variety of birds that call this home. Comprising of five buildings (in December 2016), the 1-year plus Nautilus Hotel spells European-Ecuadorian hospitality in the tropics. Let me explain.

With a background in conservation development, the well-travelled David - owner of Nautilus Hotel - has clear ideas of what a traveller needs and Nautilus Hotel was built upon these ideals by the locals (whom David hired and mentored personally). Think patient French perfectionist with skilled local carpenters. The result? Refer to above photos.

For your information, quality materials and products were used for long-term sustainability and it was heartening to know that locally-sourced materials were used whenever possible.

Review of Nautilus Hotel, Puerto Lopez

1/4 Deluxe bedroom

2/4 Bathroom

3/4 Amenities in room (include bottled water too)

4/4 Balcony

Accommodation options at Nautilus Hotel include Deluxe Bungalows (each includes fully equipped kitchen), 2-Bedroom Houses, and Deluxe Rooms for triple/quad share. Each unit has free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a terrace.

Having stayed in both the Deluxe Room and Deluxe Bungalow, I was most impressed and appreciative of the convenience and comfort. The firm bed and comfortable pillows provided restful sleep, and the well-designed bathroom guarantees one to be rejuvenated under a powerful rain shower. I even counted five power sockets in my room, not including the one that’s plugged to a lamp! (Tech dependents, rejoice!) You know what they say: small things do matter.

Be it fan lovers or those who cannot live without air-conditioners, one need not worry when staying in the thoughtful Nautilus Hotel. Windows are also fitted with mosquito shades.

Impressive service and happy guests

An ideal accommodation goes beyond brilliant architecture, and thoughtful facilities and amenities. Nautilus Hotel’s hands-on owner and manager does a great job at ensuring all guests have a wonderful stay. A minor (and unforeseen/rare) situation that involved an intrusion of ants in our room was quickly and impressively resolved by David in less than 12 hours. He installed a door stopper that covers the tiniest gap between the door and ground.

Note: Reservations for tours and taxis can also be arranged (prices are reasonable!) and jobs go to trusted locals.

Oasis of comfort in Puerto Lopez (from USD 105)

1/5 review of nautilus hotel, puerto lopez: an oasis of comfort in ecuador | oasis of comfort in puerto lopez

2/5 oasis of comfort in puerto lopez

3/5 oasis of comfort in puerto lopez

4/5 oasis of comfort in puerto lopez

5/5

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Being the ‘oasis of comfort’ (as called by most guests who had the good fortune to stay here), be warned - you might be tempted to extend your stay beyond your original plans or return time after time, just to seek sanctuary in Nautilus Hotel.

PS: At present, Nautilus Hotel is in its second year of operation and there is constant work for improvement. A pool and bar will soon be ready. Check out the hotel’s Facebook page for more information.