You enter Gran Hotel by a small doorway off Calle General Torres and step into another world.
A peaceful courtyard inside awaits you, with the rooms arranged around the edges. The roof is covered, but not sealed, so the courtyard is airy and any washing dries quickly. The centre of the courtyard has tables for breakfast. Off to one side is a circle of leather armchairs to digest the daily papers.
For one person, the cost was $12 with breakfast and a TV en-suite (with hot water).
We didn’t try the restaurant and didn’t see anyone doing the same, which is probably a bad sign. However, the breakfasts were okay and came with decent coffee, which always helps.
The people were extremely helpful, and it’s well placed for all the sights (just around the corner from Santo Domingo). Access is by an entry phone, and there are substantial locks on the rooms, so security isn’t an issue.
All in all, it is a very pleasant place to stay when in Cuenca.