The capital city of Ecuador is the highest official capital city in the world, sitting at 9,350 feet above sea level. Its historic center has one of the largest and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas as one of its main attractions for visitors, and you ‘ll find dozens of hotels in this region to choose from for exploring this walkable destination. If you’re looking for the best nightlife, or are here in business, you’ll probably want to stay in the “new town” area, and you’ll find plenty of modern hotels, from budget to luxury options, here.
Casa Gangotena
Also located in the historical center on Plaza San Francisco, Casa Gangotena is near a number of museums, churches and other historical buildings. From the third-floor terrace of the 18th-century mansion, you can look forward to picturesque views over Iglesia de San Francisco. Luxurious rooms include breakfast and a daily activity, like a historical tour or a chocolate tasting. Be sure to join in the Quinteñan High Tea which is served in the conservatory-style courtyard. Here you can sample the Ecuadorian cacao fino de aroma, a highly sought-after cocoa pod while relaxing on the comfy sofas among the orchids and other plants.
Hotel Patio Andaluz
Hotel Patio Andaluz is an historic and architectural jewel in the heart of the historic district, it sits within a building that’s several centuries old, with its walls and facade having witnessed the Spanish founding of the city. It’s just steps from Independence Square and many historical sites like the Sucre Theater, the Church de la Compania and San Francisco Plaza, making it an ideal base for anyone who wants to explore the Old City. The 16th-century colonial-style mansion boasts ornate-style furnishings and a highly-acclaimed restaurant in its pretty courtyard that serves a generous breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. The hotel also has a fabulous tapas bar in a cozy space just off the courtyard.
Hacienda Rumiloma
Hacienda Rumiloma is a luxurious hotel that sits on the slopes of a volcano in the middle of an ecological reserve surrounded by Andean forest. It’s just 10 minutes from the historic district, but provides an ideal base away from the busyness of the city, perched on the inclines of Pichincha Volcano for magnificent views of Quito from afar. Accommodations are designed like small houses, all crafted from local stones and adobe, each featuring a unique blend of art and antiques from regions around the country, and lots of space to stretch out. All include a fireplace, terrace and an interior garden too.
La Casona de la Ronda
La Casona de la Ronda is set within the La Ronda neighborhood in one of the oldest Spanish houses, known as “Las Corralas,” which was originally built in 1738 in the Quito Historic Center. It’s manged to retain the original interior courtyard, with rooms boasting hand carved furniture by master craftsmen and floors of polished fine local woods. The restaurant serves a daily buffet breakfast, and is also open for lunch and dinner, serving Ecuadorian and international cuisine. By combining modern comforts with original colonial features, you’ll enjoy the best of luxury and an authentic glimpse at historic Quito.
JW Marriott Hotel Quito
The JW Marriott Hotel Quito offers a first-class stay in the center of the modern north side of the city, close to a large park and shopping center, about 15 minutes from the historic district. It hosts a number of theme restaurants, with everything from fine Ecuadorian dishes to Mexican, Peruvian, Argentine, Japanese and international fusion fare. It also boasts a fabulous upscale full-service spa and a gym where you can enjoy soaking in the heated outdoor hot tub with a backdrop of waterfalls and footbridges, or request a personally instructed aerobics workout.
Hotel San Francisco de Quito
Hotel San Francisco de Quito also makes a great base for exploring Historic Quito, just steps from Iglesia Santo Domingo, a church renowned for its exquisitely painted murals. The current structure was built in 1698, which replaced a colonial-era building that had collapsed in an earthquake. It still retains key historic elements, like the adobe walls that are filled with straw and a jaw-dropping Virgen de Quito fresco. In 1747, the hotel owner painted it on the wall over the stone stairs and it was uncovered during a remodeling.
Swissôtel Quito
Swissôtel Quito is considered to be one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Located in the Floresta district, known for its art and fabulous food offerings, while being close to some great shops, fascinating museums and architectural gems. It provides a five-star stay and decadent spa services at its Amrita Spa, a facility that draws many to return to this establishment again and again. The menu features some 80 different relaxation treatments, while it also hosts a sauna, polar plunge bath, bubble bath and swimming pool. Swissôtel Quito offers five restaurants, a bar, coffee shop and a deli, while rooms are elegantly furnished, featuring modern technology and beds with 300 thread count Egyptian cotton linen.
Hotel Boutique Portal de Cantuña
Originally built in 1863, Hotel Boutique Portal de Cantuña is also quite close to the Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the historic center. It features baroque-inspired gilded moldings and elegant furnishings, along with a gorgeous colonial style courtyard with a vaulted glass ceiling. Some rooms, styled with exposed redbrick walls, offer views of the courtyard. The property also includes some very impressive, well-maintained interior gardens as well as heirloom paintings from the Quito school that add to its colorful atmosphere. If you want to explore outside the city, the hotel offers to organize trips for guests, to popular destinations like the Mindo cloud forest, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and even the Galapagos Islands.
