Where to stay in Quito, a guide to the best hotels for any budget

Situated in a protected valley at 2.800 mt (9300 ft) and embraced by soaring mountains and active volcanos, Quito is a spectacular city that will make you fall in love and will keep you fit and active, with its steep streets and so many things to do. In this post, I will share my tips on where to stay in Quito, the best hotels, and the best areas.

I have been staying in Quito for about a month in total 3 weeks in a beautiful Airbnb in the historical center with a stunning view of the city and a week in a cheap hotel (which I won’t recommend), in the Mariscal area (which I do recommend), while I was planning the rest of my journey around Ecuador. I have to say quite is one of my favorite cities with Antigua Guatemala and Cusco Peru.

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Where to stay in Quito: Luxury Hotels

Of course, there are more than 2 5-star hotels in Quito but I found these 2 the most interesting for their role in the history of Quito.

Carlota sustainable design hotel

This is one of the few hotels listed in the popular design hotel magazine. With its spectacular architecture that blends modern and colonial features, the hotels won the South American Leading design hotel award in 2018. So definitely worth a visit even if you are not staying there. Since I haven’t been there, unfortunately, I am not able to talk about the service. If you wish to check their rates and reviews see below:

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

THING TO DO IN QUITO - Boundlessroads.com — View on Parque Carolina in Quito

Hotel Casa Gangotena

This spectacular luxury hotel is a piece of history and looks more like a museum than a hotel. If you love the modern style this is not for you, but if you like the idea of stepping back into history and luxury you will love this property, an old mansion that has turned into a spectacular luxury property, probably the most elegant in Quito.

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Choose your hotel based on location check on Quito hotel Map

Mid-range priced hotels in Quito

Selina

I needed to include this hotel after seeing the sister property in Cuenca. Gorgeous and cute. They have both dorm rooms and private rooms. The private rooms are modern and stylish with beautiful graffiti on the walls and other creative decorations. Even the common area is really cute and cozy. I would definitely stay there next time I go to Quito. They also have other properties all around Latin America.

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Casa Aliso

I am including this hotel because a trustworthy friend of mine saw it and kept raving about it. Very stylish modern and elegant. A boutique hotel situated in the heart of La Floresta, my favorite neighborhood in Quito.

Check rates & availability: Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Masaya

I visited Masaya Hotel by pure chance and I fell in love. It’s in the heart of the historical center and once you enter this property the first thing you notice is the spectacular garden where huge cushions are spread around to relax and read your book but also tables are available if you need to work from your laptop. Wooden furniture and minimal style make it a very simple but elegant option. I didn’t see dorms or rooms but from the main area, I have a feeling that they have the same charm.

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Hostels Options in Quito

Community Hostel

Many backpackers that I found along my journey through Ecuador had only praise about this hostel. This is why I have included it. They also have a nice rooftop with lovely views of the city.

Check rates & availability: Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Secret Garden Quito

So, I stayed at Secret Garden Quito for one night and I was happy it was only that short. I didn’t like it at all, because the rooms were too small and had a shabby feeling. It was also very noisy so if you love party hostels, that’s your tribe. They have a beautiful terrace overlooking the city, though, where they have a restaurant.

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Masaya

See above. I have included both in Hotels and hostels because it can cater to both types of travelers and make them both happy. Absolutely stunning.

Check rates & availability: Hotels.com | Booking.com or Read reviews on TripAdvisor

For further reading on Ecuador

How to protect yourself when you travel (solo or not)

No matter how safe you feel, I always recommend purchasing Travel Insurance when you travel. There are many reasons why travel insurance is definitely a smart idea. Even if you are the healthiest and careful person in the world, you never know what can happen when you are on the road. Even more, being far from family and friends, you need to make sure you are well looked after and protected. I used World Nomads for long or short terms, but I also recently discovered SafetyWing health and travel insurance, which is cheaper although with fewer inclusions. You must read well all the details of both and what’s included and not. I know it can sometimes be tricky to know how to choose the best travel insurance, so the first thing you should do is to dedicate some time to read carefully and compare. As for COVID inclusions, they both cover it, but some conditions apply. Check World Nomads FAQ and SafetyWing’s page to know more.