At the Wyndham Guayaquil, concierge Francis Marotzke has guided visitors on the best things to see, do and eat in this riverside port city that is Ecuador’s gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Here he offers advice for business travelers.
What’s the most important thing for business travelers to pack?
Be ready for warm days and cool nights year round. Bring summer clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime sun and pack a light sweater for evenings and for comfort in air-conditioned restaurants and offices.
What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?
River Lunch is an outdoor restaurant where sushi lovers can enjoy stunning river views. Río Grande features a selection of local and international à la carte dishes for dinner. Both are located inside the hotel at Calle Numa Pompilio Llona S N, Ciudad del Rio, Puerto Santa Ana, Guayaquil 090150; Ph: +5934-371-7800. Another local favorite for dinner is Italian restaurant Riviera (Victor Emilio Estrada 707 and Ficus; Ph: +5934-460-2628).
What’s something that surprises visitors about your hotel?
Our modern hotel is surrounded by history. We’re steps from Santa Ana Hill and its famous lighthouse and a few minutes from the riverside boardwalk. The hotel also has easy access to Las Peñas, a cultural landmark that was the city’s first neighborhood.
If business travelers only have a short time for leisure, what must they see in Guayaquil?
Santa Ana Hill offers amazing, bird’s-eye views of the whole city and surrounding natural areas. It’s a must for visitors to our city.
What’s the best option for outdoor exercise?
Stroll through the city’s historic neighborhoods to combine exercise and sightseeing. If you want to pick up the pace, head up to Samanes Park, which has 10 kilometers of trails for cycling, walking and running. It harmoniously integrates urban living and the natural world.
Business know-how
Concierge Francis Marotzke’s top tips for getting business right in Guayaquil:
- Use formal language for business interactions; for example, always say “usted” instead of “tú.”
- Dress is formal, too. Wear a suit to business meetings.
- Arrive on time to meetings, but be prepared for them to start later than scheduled.
