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Best Hotel Bets
The Best Luxury Hotels
JW Marriott Hotel (Quito; tel. 800/228-9290 in the U.S. and Canada, or 02/2972-000 in Ecuador; www.marriotthotels.com): With an imposing glass-atrium-covered lobby, gorgeous rooms, attentive service, and good restaurants, this is the best large luxury hotel not only in Quito but in all of Ecuador. The pool, spa, and recreational facilities are excellent, as are the business services.
Plaza Grande (Quito; tel. 02/2566-497; www.plazagrandequito.com): One of Quito's newest hotels is housed in an old classic-colonial home that was once the residence of one of the city's founding fathers. The meticulous restoration here is complemented by over-the-top luxury and personalized service. In addition to that you will be sleeping in the heart of Old Town, right off the Plaza de la Independencia (Plaza Grande).
Hotel Dann Carlton (Quito; tel. 02/2249-008; www.hotelesdann.com): The Dann Carlton is in many ways two hotels in one, combining the ambience and attention of a small boutique hotel with all the amenities, facilities, and services of a luxury business-class hotel. Higher-floor rooms have excellent views.
La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa (Cotacachi; tel. 800/327-3573 in the U.S. and Canada, or 06/2915-237; www.mirage.com.ec): Arguably the most exclusive and opulent boutique hotel in the country, La Mirage offers refined accommodations, fine dining, and a spectacular spa. If that's not enough, a range of excellent hikes and adventure activities is available, and Otavalo is just a few minutes away.
Luna Runtun (outside of Ba?os de Agua Santa; tel. 03/2740-882 or 03/2740-665; www.lunaruntun.com): With a breathtaking setting in the shadow of Volcan Tungurahua, this luxury spa offers up relaxations and rejuvenation, as well as a full plate of adventure activities and tours. The views from the rooms and suites are spectacular, and the spa here is one of the best in the country.
Hilton Colon Guayaquil (Guayaquil; tel. 800/445-8667 in the U.S. and Canada, or 04/2689-000 in Ecuador; www.guayaquil.hilton.com): Guayaquil gets a lot of business travelers and hordes of folks overnighting on their way to and from the Galapagos Islands; this is the top hotel in town. The large rooms are well-appointed and some have good views. There are plenty of restaurant and nightlife options here, including a modern casino, and the hotel provides easy access to both the airport and downtown Guayaquil.
Royal Palm Hotel (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos; tel. 05/2527-409; www.royalpalmgalapagos.com): This is the most luxurious hotel on the Galapagos, and one of the plushest in the whole country. Every room here is gorgeous, but you'll want to splurge and get either a villa or a suite.
The Best Moderately Priced & Budget Hotels
Hotel Vieja Cuba (Quito; tel. 02/2906-729; viejacuba@andinanet.net): Beautifully restored and wonderfully located, this Mariscal-district hotel provides great value. Hardwood floors, mosaic-tile bathrooms, a central courtyard fountain, and an excellent restaurant are just some of the perks.
Hotel San Francisco de Quito (Quito; tel. 02/2287-758; www.sanfranciscodequito.com.ec): Offering tidy and comfortable rooms in a wonderfully preserved 17th-century converted home, this is my favorite budget option in Quito. This hotel is situated in the heart of Old Town. You get colonial charm and a great deal all in one.
Hacienda Guachala (Cangahua, Cayambe; tel. 02/2363-042; www.guachala.com): Dating back to 1580, this rustic old hacienda provides all the colonial-era vibe and experience offered up by its more fancy brethren, at very reasonable prices. Granted, the rooms are quite rustic, but you'll have the undeniable feeling of staying at what was once a thriving colonial-era hacienda. A host of tours and activities are available, including a number of horseback-riding adventures.
Finca Chamanapamba (Ba?os de Agua Santa; tel. 03/2742-671; www.chamanapamba.com): With a perfect setting, awe-inspiring views, neighboring Chamana waterfall, and comfortable accommodations, this is an excellent choice in the Ba?os area. I particularly like the waterfall-view balconies found around the grounds. The owners can arrange a number of tour and adventure options.
Posada del Angel (Cuenca; tel. 07/2840-695; tel./fax 07/2821-360; www.hostalposadadelangel.com): It's hard to believe you can find such a charming room in such a charming converted old colonial home for such a bargain. The building is over 120-years old, yet the place is lively and cheery. There are a couple of classic interior courtyards, and second floor lounge areas. If you want more privacy, and a bit of a view, ask for a room on the third or fourth floor.
Hosteria Alandaluz (south of Puerto Lopez; tel. 04/2780-686; www.alandaluzhosteria.com): An environmentally conscious and eclectic collection of rooms and bungalows on a beautiful spot along the Pacific coast, this is one of my favorite beach hotels in all of Ecuador. Rooms come in a wide range of styles and prices, from semi-rustic doubles to almost opulent suites. Even the least expensive options are quite nice. Heck, you can even camp here.
Hotel Sol y Mar (Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz; tel. 05/2526-139): When you can score an ocean-front room with a balcony on the Galapagos Islands for under $50 (#25), you know you've found a good deal. Accommodations here have tasteful decor, and the common areas are wonderfully inviting.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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