My husband and I spent 11 days at this very modern and secure rental. From my first inquiry, the owner was extremely responsive and helpful. The bed in the master was very comfortable. Upon arrival there were roses on the bed and a dozen in a vase--a lovely, welcoming touch. They had also pre-stocked us with bottled water, a bowl full of fresh fruit, coffee, tea and milk--which was very helpful until we could get to the market. The Internet connection was speedy and the free U.S. phone access and washer/dryer were definite positives. The security guards were friendly, helpful and especially patient with my poor Spanish. One called a taxi for our 4am trip back to the airport so I didn't have to struggle on the phone trying to make my request. Virtually everyone we encountered was very patient and pleasant as we did our best with limited Spanish skills.
We only had one suggestion to improve this virtually perfect rental--to provide more than one key to the apt. As the front door is very secure, a key must be used to open it from both the inside and outside. If one party is out and another party remains in the apt, the remaining party cannot get out of the apt unless the door is left unlocked--which you wouldn't want to do.
The apt. is located in an upscale area of the city, across the street from Carolina Park. As in any big city, you need to have your guard up and your "radar" on. With that said, we walked to and from dinner at various nearby restaurants every night without incident.
Just a few things we wish we knew before arriving in Ecuador: bring sunscreen from home--you'll need it and it's ridiculously expensive there; bring any medication you think you might need from home, i.e. headache remedy, OTC allergy meds, cough medicine, Imodium, etc. as you cannot just go into a pharmacy and buy a bottle of Advil--they do sell OTC meds but the process is a hassle, especially if your Spanish is not great; big bills (anything over a $20) are just not accepted--you will need a good supply of 1s, 5s and 10s; if you're venturing away from the apt or any upscale restaurants, bring a small roll of TP in your purse/backpack--public toilets are an adventure.
This was a great, clean, modern, well-located and affordable rental in a beautiful country. We would definitely stay here again.