There is something for everybody in Quito, and a hotel for every taste and sensibility. Top neighborhoods include the historic center and hip La Floresta. English is largely spoken at these hotels, with an attuned staff that understands the unique needs and expectations of foreign tourists. Street noise can be a challenge in some places. If you’re a light sleeper, request an interior room and ear plugs are always a good idea. WiFi and breakfasts are pretty much standard.

Hotel Casa Gangotena

Luxury Plus room at Casa Gangotena (photo courtesy of Hotel Casa Gangotena)

This high-end boutique hotel is so stately that it's second only to the great San Francisco monastery on one of Latin America's most beautiful plazas. Hotel Casa Gangotena has a gorgeous neoclassic property that boasts magnificent views of the square and beyond from the rooftop bar exclusively open to overnight guests. Rooms have baroque-inspired contemporary touches, fine views of the old town and large, elegant marble baths. The hotel has daily activities that deeply imbed guests into the traditions of the neighborhood, as well as complimentary tickets to the Casa del Alabado archeology museum across Calle Cuenca.

Calle Bolívar Oe6-41 y Cuenca

Illa Experience

Illa Experience is part of a colonial building dating back to 1700 (photo courtesy of Illa Experience)

Tucked away in San Marcos, one of the old town’s most quiet and therefore coveted corners, Illa Experience fuses a stately old home with a very modern renovation that links Republican details in the decorations, varying from floor to floor, with contemporary comforts. A ground-floor reflecting pool establishes an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city. By attracting fabled local restaurant Nuema to its premises, it provides guests with one of the capital’s best sybaritic experiences, while the rooftop bar allows views of central Quito landmarks invisible from other angles

Junín E1-44 and Juan Pio Montufar

Casona de la Ronda

Charming interior, with vines and a cheerfully painted motif (photo courtesy of Casona de la Ronda)

Originally built as “Las Corralas” in 1738, Casona de la Ronda occupies a three-story mansion on Quito’s legendary oldest street, La Ronda, that meanders down from the main squares of the old town. Spanish colonial times permeate the rooms, with locally hand-carved furniture including wooden headboards and floors that maintain the original spirit, surrounding a rustic, colonnaded interior court under a protective glass ceiling. A cozy top-floor library lounge offers views of the Panecillo hill.  

Calle Morales OE1- 160

Hotel Castillo Vista del Ángel

Funky and fun decor in each of the guest rooms (photo courtesy of Hotel Castillo Vista del Angel)

Perched like a condor’s nest on a centrally located hill, the aptly named “Angel’s View Castle” stands out even in a city of amazing vistas, appearing to soar over the old town. The Republican-era four-story building is a steep climb from the central plazas and churches. Some rooms have courtyard views only. Meals from the rooftop restaurant includes sweeping views of the three snow-capped volcanos visible from Quito: Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and Antisana, usually best visible in morning hours.

Cotopaxi No. 9 – 17 y Esmeraldas

Casa Helbling

Casa Helbling has a greenery-filled patio, perfect for hanging out (photo courtesy of Casa Helbling)

This traditional residential home surprises with details and quality well above that of your average hostel. Generations of handmade Año Viejomasks decorate Casa Helbling in quick walking distance of vibrant La Mariscal. After a day’s exploring, swap stories and information with the correspondents and visiting academics that favor this hostel while sitting at the giant palm tree or in front of the cozy fireplace, lit every evening. Double windows that keep out the street noise and high-quality mattresses guarantee you a restful night. 

Tamayo N23-95 y Wilson

Hotel Casa Aliso

Colorful, vine-covered facade (photo courtesy of Hotel Casa Aliso)

Feel at home in an oasis of calm amid La Floresta at Casa Aliso, a charming mid-century villa turned boutique hotel. It’s comfortably close to the cluster of upmarket restaurants along Av. Isabel la Católica and the quirky watering holes of its vicinity, as well as a conveniently quick drive to almost all that’s worth visiting to Quito. The conservatively furnished property exudes the tranquil atmosphere of upper-middle-class Andean life before Ecuador became a major oil producer in the 1970s. Conveniently for Europeans, rooms also have 220V plugs.

Francisco Salazar E 12-137 y Toledo

Hotel Stubel Suites 

Large, comfy rooms in the historic Guápulo district (photo courtesy of Hotel Stubel Suites)

Another superb yet different set of views characterize the modern Stubel Suites, perched above the historic neighborhood of Guápulo. Strategically located near the posh González Súarez area and bohemian hotspot La Floresta, guests can admire a fabulous view of the baroque Guápulo monastery and walk down all the way to the 17th-century colonial jewel along the route taken by Conquistador Francisco de Orellana, on his way to accidentally “discover” the Amazon River.  

Pasaje Stubel 1, Calle Rafael León Larrea

Le Parc Hotel

Modern design is a signature of Le Parc (Photo courtesy of Le Parc)

Posh, modern, and in the middle of Av. República de El Salvador’s business district in north-central Quito, Le Parc is the complete contrast to the colonial Spanish look prevalent elsewhere. The 30-room boutique hotel features modern design and comprehensive spa service. It’s also just a few steps from numerous hip restaurants and Quito’s quasi-central park, La Carolina. Reserving well in advance can mean a big discount.

Av. República de El Salvador N34-349 e Irlanda

Hacienda Rumiloma

Traditional textiles and a stand-alone tub (photo courtesy of Hacienda Rumiloma)

Amazingly close to the center of the city yet high above, nestled in the foothills of the Pichincha volcano that overlooks Quito, Rumiloma offers visitors a chance to sample Ecuador’s hacienda life just minutes away from today’s central business district. The rural getaway features rustic architecture in light ochre and blue tones dominated by stone, brick, and timber decorated with antique furniture. Take in the views of the city and even suburban valleys far below from the gardens and terraces while watching the llamas graze placidly or opt for a strenuous hike to the summit of the active volcano.

Obispo Diaz De La Madrid S/N.