Best Hotels in Quito

About Quito

Quito stirs the senses long before you set foot inside a hotel. The city breathes history through the stonework and baroque facades, throwing bursts of color from every courtyard garden and street mural. At just over 9,300 feet, there’s an undeniable high-up-and-close-to-the-clouds feeling, a gentle reminder to walk a little slower after a long flight; local guides swear by a cup of coca tea early on. Ecuador’s capital sprawls, a blend of colonial core and expanding modern districts, with hotel choices just as varied. Near Plaza Grande, the buzz of old-world charm collides with city noise: cathedral bells by day, salsa music drifting out of cafes in the evening. A tiny detail lives in the streets of La Floresta: watch out for chalkboard signs advertising daily lunch specials (“almuerzo ejecutivo”) for less than $3, most come with soup, a main, and juice. If the city traffic hums along Avenida Patria, duck into a fragrant bakery for “pan de yuca” and catch the warmth lingering against cool air. Human touches matter here. Concierge staffers recall your name, and housekeepers might leave fresh maracuya on the desk. Sure, some taxis linger well past midnight and charge an “extra 50 cents” after rain, but the old-hat locals say, don’t haggle. Just tip. Scent-wise, Quito is green: eucalyptus from nearby hills and bursts of coffee at sunrise. The city isn’t perfect; a bit of construction dust by Parque El Ejido is the cost of progress. There’s always an imperfect hotel breakfast, slightly overcooked eggs, but if you get fresh queso fresco and guava jam, count yourself lucky. Rare insight: at least twice a week, electricity flickers in the Old Town after 11 p.m.; keep analog, pack a small torch.

Hotel hunters in Quito never stop learning. The timing for deals shifts slightly each season, festivals like Fiestas de Quito (early December) send room rates up +25%, and early birds who lock rooms 50 days in advance score the best savings. Looking for more guidance on hotels in Quito? akbartravels.com gets a mention for professional booking support; their local agents help sidestep last-minute surcharges.

Quito tour packages with Akbar Travels offer curated itineraries combining city tours, natural wonders, and cultural experiences for a seamless Ecuador adventure.

Quito Airport Address

Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre
Tababela, 170907 Quito, Ecuador
Tel: +593 2 395 4200
Email: info@aeropuertoquito.aero

A stretch of highway links the airport through lush farmland, taxi fare band runs about $28; shuttle buses depart hourly for the Historic Center and La Mariscal. A small details: arrivals after midnight cue up for snappier customs, but the on-site bakery (second level) serves real, warm empanadas until 2 a.m.

The Best Time to Visit Quito

Visit between June and September; these months see drier, cooler weather and consistent hotel room availability. February and December bring festival crowds; expect +30–50% rates during festival peaks. Two micro-seasons matter: post-Easter (late April) delivers better Quito hotel prize bands, while November offers flash hotel sales, if you use akbartravels.com and book on Tuesdays, occupancy dips and overbooking risk stays under 40%. It’s less ideal in March: rainfall spikes and street drainage struggles, so pack water-resistant shoes and book the best hotels in Quito near railway station or Old Town to avoid long soggy walks.

How to Reach Quito

By air:

Most visitors land at Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Flights from Miami, Madrid, Bogotá, and Lima arrive daily, with overnight arrivals landing before 6 a.m., which means early check-in requests; call ahead, some hotels in Quito charge half-day rates for arrivals before 9 a.m.

By rail:

Ecuador’s “Tren Crucero” is more nostalgia than practicality, trains run limited schedules from coastal cities. The railway station near Chimbacalle is worth a visit for its restored wooden benches and old luggage carts. Taxis from the station to key hotels in Quito are about $7.

By road:

Buses are frequent from Latacunga, Otavalo, or Baños; long-haul routes reach northern bus terminals, with travel time ranging from 2–4 hours. Micro-digression: rush hour traffic jams persist from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.; plan to arrive mid-afternoon when fares drop 10% after lunch.

Things to Do in Quito

1. Plaza Grande – Heart of the city, flanked by political buildings and gardens.
2. La Ronda – Pedestrian cobblestone street, artsy shops and night reads.
3. TelefériQo – Sky gondola rides up Pichincha for breathtaking high-altitude views.
4. Basilica del Voto Nacional – Neo-Gothic church, climbable towers, panoramic city vistas.
5. El Panecillo – Hilltop with iconic statues and sweeping views at sunset.
6. Mitad del Mundo – Monument marking the Equator, great photo op and science museum nearby.
7. Museo Casa del Alabado – Pre-Columbian art inside a colonial mansion.
8. Guápulo – Bohemian hood; pretty church, buzzing local bars, hilltop viewpoint.
9. Mercado Central – Food stalls selling “cevichochos,” juice stands, and local crafts, a sensory overload.
10. Parque La Carolina – Parkland where locals jog, play soccer, and snack at street food stalls.
11. Museo de la Ciudad – Social history museum inside a convent.
12. Calle de las Siete Cruces – Historical lane with seven stone crosses, baroque charm.
13. Capilla del Hombre – Art center built by painter Oswaldo Guayasamín, powerful exhibits.
14. Centro Cultural Metropolitano – Arts, books, public lectures, free most weekends.
15. Botanical Garden – Tropical flowers and pretty walking paths.
16. Ocho y Medio – Café-cinema, indie screenings almost every week.
17. José Navarro Park – Thursday street food and comedy buskers.
18. El Ejido Park Open-Air Gallery – Saturday stalls from up-and-coming artists, find a sketch for under $5.
19. Ruta de las Iglesias – Nighttime walking route between illuminated churches.
20. Plaza Foch – Party central, live music bars, craft beer (mild warning: noise until 4 a.m. most Fridays).

Shopping in Quito

1. Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal – Handmade jewelry, wool sweaters, and alpaca scarves at good prices.
2. Quicentro Shopping – Contemporary mall with mid-range chains and the city’s best supermarket for picnic supplies.
3. El Jardín Mall – Upscale retail, ground-floor ice cream parlor; try “helado de paila.”
4. Amazonas Street – Sidewalk vendors sell Ecuadorian chocolate and mountain honey.
5. La Floresta Designer Boutiques – Independent fashion studios, quirky home décor.
6. Centro Comercial Iñaquito (CCI) – Electronics and local clothing brands, bargaining works only after 6 p.m.
7. Plaza Foch Artisan Market – Pop-up jewelry and hand-painted ceramics.
8. Guápulo Artisans – Leather goods and painted masks.
9. Feria de la Plaza Grande – Friday afternoons: antiques, coins, and rare books.
10. Santa Clara Market – Everyday food stalls; buy fresh fruit or grab a cheap lunch.
11. Copper Street Stalls – Engraved wooden boxes, folk paintings.
12. El Ejido Park Art Market – Dozens of stalls with landscape watercolors for under $12.
13. Floresta Vinyl Records – Find niche Latin jazz at a pocket-size shop.
14. Eloy Alfaro Station Market – Ceviche bowls, old train memorabilia.
15. Casa Gangotena Gift Shop – Locals come for high-end souvenirs-hotel guests get a 10% discount.

Famous Restaurants in Quito

1. URKO – Upscale Ecuadorian tasting menus, creative plating; book early.
2. Zazu – Modern cuisine, elegant setting, excellent cocktails.
3. Ecuaviche Veintimilla – Seafood lovers’ go-to, cheap beer, boisterous atmosphere.
4. La Purísima – Inventive vegetarian, homey backyard seating.
5. Ocho y Medio Café – Indie cinema and excellent coffee (try the carrot cake).
6. Cafe Mosaico – Rooftop, panoramic views, decent mojitos at sunset.
7. Hasta la Vuelta Señor – Classic Ecuadorian fare, check out the empanadas.
8. La Ronda Pane e Vino – Hand-tossed pizza and local cervezas.
9. Sher E Punjab – Surprising Indian, odd pairing in the Andes, good naan.
10. Cuchara de San Marcos – Tasting menus, solid wine list.
11. Achiote – Casual, organic, bustling atmosphere.
12. Mi Cocina – Affordable, street-side, daily specials.
13. La Briciola – Italian, candle-lit, has a funky jazz night each month.
14. El Maple – Vegan-friendly and super fresh.
15. Café Juan Valdez – Best for quick morning coffee, pastries, and people watching.

Popular Hotels in Quito

1. Casa Gangotena – Historic mansion, luxe breakfast, strict on check-in time.
2. Go Quito Hotel – Modern, rooftop pool, mountain views.
3. Hotel Dann Carlton Quito – Upscale, business district, piano lounge.
4. Hotel Plaza Grande – Old Town icon, great for special occasions.
5. Hotel Patio Andaluz – Colonial charm, central location.
6. Hotel Reina Isabel – Spacious rooms, bar open late.
7. Swissôtel Quito – Reliable, larger gym, excellent spa.
8. Hotel Vieja Cuba – Budget, vibrant gardens, strong WiFi (a rare find).
9. Hotel Finlandia – Near La Carolina Park, popular with runners.
10. Hotel Akros – Mid-range, lots of daylight, breakfast buffet guarantees seconds.
11. Hotel Quito – Iconic, 1960s style, large swimming pool.
12. Hotel San Francisco de Quito – Affordable, wood accents.
13. Wyndham Garden Quito – Efficient service, shuttle to airport available.
14. Hotel Sheraton Quito – Convention centre, fast elevators (a real thing).
15. Hotel Holiday Inn Express – Reliable for quick business stays.

Popular Resorts in Quito

1. Hacienda Rumiloma – Hillside, rustic-luxe, llama sightings in the gardens.
2. San Jose de Puembo – Lush grounds, great for families.
3. Mashpi Lodge – Rainforest retreat, guided nature walks.
4. Hostería Puerta del Sol – Cozy charm, weekend folk music.
5. Quito Polo Club – Wide fields, spa, tennis.
6. Termas de Papallacta – Hot springs, jagged mountain views.
7. Hostería Cusin – Colonial retreat, fireplace rooms.
8. Hostería San Francisco – Near Old Town, intimate.
9. La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa – Ornate gardens, birdwatching.
10. Hostería La Carriona – Restored estate, tranquilo nights.
11. Hostería Rumipamba De Las Rosas – Historic house, ghost stories from staff.
12. El Cráter Hotel – Perched on the edge of a volcanic crater, surreal sunrise.
13. Hostería Uzhupud – Gardens for hours, hammocks everywhere.
14. Hacienda La Compañía – Ornate woodwork, antique decor.
15. Hostería El Porvenir – Horseback rides, killer barbecue.

Where to Stay in Quito

For urban explorers, the best places to stay in Quito include the Historic Center, La Mariscal, and La Floresta neighborhoods. Each offers an entirely different flavor; Historic Center delivers drama, history, and easy walking access to museums. La Mariscal leans young, nightlife-focused, a busy crowd on weekends, with bars and mid-range hotels in Quito near airport (shuttle from Plaza Foch to terminal goes hourly). La Floresta is bohemian, artistic, and ideal for longer stays; hotel apartments in Quito are common here, usually with leafy courtyards and solid security.

Places to Stay in Quito Near Popular Attractions

If proximity is key, target hotels in Quito near Old Town for walkability to Plaza Grande and museums. For nightlife junkies, La Mariscal strings you steps from dance clubs and street food after midnight, a human aside, earplugs help when you book on Calle Foch. Nature lovers catch fresh morning air at hotels near Parque La Carolina; decent bike rentals stand outside Hotel Finlandia, with taxi fare to the botanical garden around $4. Families mixed on location? akbartravels.com does a good job grouping Quito famous hotels by proximity, using their “near landmark” filters for savings on taxi costs.

Budget Hotels in Quito

The cheap hotels in Quito collect in La Mariscal and, to a lesser degree, near Mercado Central. Rates band from $18–$35 on non-peak days, though prices spike 40% during festivals. Two star hotel Quito: Hotel Vienna International; functional, decent pastry breakfast, front desk tolerates late arrivals. The cheapest hotel in Quito is a toss-up between small hostels and three non-branded spots off Avenida 12 de Octubre, expect thin towels, but consistent hot water. akbartravels.com does list these, and rates are verified weekly by street agents.

Quito Hotels by Star Rating

Quito 5 star hotel options stand out: Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande Hotel, Swissôtel, and Go Quito Hotel, each with distinct quirks (real note: Go Quito’s rooftop bar closes early Mondays but sweeps for sunset views). 5 star hotels in Quito charge $180–$340 per night, depending on suite class. Four-star options can be found in La Floresta, with rooftop patios and art galleries; three-star hotels cluster near La Carolina Park, and you’ll spot more suites with mini kitchens. Two star picks are mainly functional and cheap hotels in Quito, as above.

Best Hotels in Quito Based on Location

For accessibility and comfort, three hotels in Quito near railway station earn praise: Hotel Patio Andaluz (walkable to major attractions), Hotel San Francisco (for rail buffs), and Hotel Dann Carlton (business travelers). For hotels in Quito near beach; well, actually, that’s a myth; Quito’s city is landlocked, so any mention of beach hotels must be a mistake. Best hotels in Quito for adventure combine altitude, art, and walkability: Casa Gangotena for history; Go Quito for modern luxury; Hotel Reina Isabel for late-night action. akbartravels.com keeps a real-time price comparison (“Quito hotel price comparison” tool), letting you spot sudden deals on rooms by location and star rating.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Quito

Families delight in Swissôtel’s play zone and deep kid-friendly pool, or San Jose de Puembo’s park-like grounds. Termas de Papallacta makes for memorable hot-spring swims, great for teens and grown-ups alike. Some staff are strict; others loosen up if you explain politely (a micro-correction; rules do vary). Kid menus aren’t always advertised, but reception staff will provide on request. akbartravels.com’s filter pinpoints “family rooms” by bed count; if traveling with infants, note that Casa Gangotena offers cribs but books them quickly during peak months.

Quito Hotels Tariff

The average rate for hotels in Quito varies: 5-star properties run $180–$340/night, four-star options cost around $90–$150, mid-range sit at $50–$80, and hostel dorms dip below $20. Airport hotels bump tariffs by 15% due to late arrivals and shuttle rates (another mechanism: surge pricing after 8 p.m.). For pure value, Friday reservations score discounts. akbartravels.com posts updates, but rates shift by about 10% every major festival week.

Quito Travel Tips

1. Book hotels in Quito early for December and Easter: Room tariffs spike 30–50% during festivals, and available spaces shrink fast. Advance booking ensures the widest choice, get ahead of the rush, especially for the best hotels in Quito.
2. Bring two physical passport copies when you check in: Several receptions, especially in historic areas, demand hard copies late at night. Digital versions rarely sway old-school staff.
3. Layer up for sudden chills: Weather flips nightly, even in sunny months. Hotel lobbies keep things breezy; having that second sweater keeps you comfy in rooftop bars or during after-dinner walks.
4. Target Sunday nights for cheap hotels in Quito: Most guests clear out midday; by afternoon, rates drop 15% and less-crowded lobbies mean easier upgrades.
5. Ask for upper-floor rooms in La Mariscal hotels: Weekend noise blasts until 3 a.m. If you’re sensitive, request a top-floor or pack earplugs, same goes for hotels near Plaza Foch.
6. Take only regulated yellow taxis from Mariscal Sucre Airport: Fares to hotels in Quito average $28, get confirmation in Spanish before departing to sidestep surprise surcharges.
7. Compare real-time deals: On akbartravels.com before paying for a room. Their “Quito hotel price comparison” page spotlights last-minute offers local agents miss, especially handy when festival booking surges hit.
8. Flight tip: Quito flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Quito well in advance, airfare dips 10–15% with a 60-day lead, then spikes 30% in the last fortnight.
9. Demand written deposit terms in hotel apartments in Quito: Local hosts and agencies sometimes offer mismatched prices; written clarity avoids sudden “damage” charges at checkout.
10. If you want special breakfast menus, stay in Old Town hotels: Fresh fruit, rice breads, and local honey are more common, business chains elsewhere lean more continental, so check menus in advance for gluten-free or vegan needs.
11. Early excursions? Confirm breakfast service before 6:30 a.m.: Not all hotels prep hot food before sunrise, critical for Galapagos flights or day tours; larger chains are more reliable, but always double-check.
12. Favor La Floresta or Parque La Carolina for late strolls: These areas are safest after dark; elsewhere, ask your hotel for a vetted cab, most log license plate numbers, adding a layer of real security.
13. Hydrate plenty at altitude: Lobby water dispensers are common, don’t just rely on tiny in-room bottles; Quito’s thin air can tire you faster than you expect.
14. Double your travel time during major festivals: Taxi rates jump 25–35% from 5–9 p.m. and traffic can take twice as long to cross town, walking or midday rides keep stress (and costs) lower.
15. Always request an itemized laundry ticket at budget hotels: Small spots sometimes mix laundry loads and delay pickups after weekends. Label clothes and confirm return times to avoid missing your favorite shirt before checkout.

You can apply for an Ecuador visa online by completing the official e-visa application form and submitting required documents through the Akbar Travels’ secure portal.