Mansión del Angel (Quito; tel. 800/327-3573 in the U.S., or 02/2557-721 in Ecuador; www.mansiondelangel.com.ec): With crystal chandeliers, Oriental rugs, and four-poster beds, this boutique hotel, in the heart of Quito's New Town, offers all the elegance and style of a bygone era. Located steps away from the bustle and blur of all the restaurants and clubs of the Mariscal district, this place is a quiet and calm oasis inside.
Hotel Café Cultura (Quito; tel./fax 02/2224-271; www.cafecultura.com): Hip and European in feel, this cozy Mariscal hotel features unique, artistically designed and decorated rooms, an excellent restaurant, and super service. Hand-painted murals abound, and many of the bathrooms are works of art in themselves.
Hotel Santa Lucía (Cuenca; tel. 07/2828-000; www.santaluciahotel.com): Set right in the heart of colonial Cuenca, in a house that dates to 1859, this is one of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador. The colonial vibe is maintained throughout, but the rooms also feature plasma-screen televisions and free Wi-Fi. The central courtyard here is home to a towering magnolia tree, as well as an excellent restaurant.
Mansión Alcázar (Cuenca; tel. 800/327-3573 in the U.S. and Canada, or 07/2823-918 in Ecuador; www.mansionalcazar.com): Like the Santa Lucía, this charming little hotel is housed in a remarkably well-restored old colonial mansion. The Alcázar has a pretty garden and several sumptuous sitting areas and lounges.
Vistalmar (Manta; tel. 05/2621-671; www.hosteriavistaalmar.com): From the two large jade horses near the entrance to the large Buddha sculpture in the main lounge area, you'll be struck at every turn by the art, sculpture, and decor here. When that stops piquing your interest, you can marvel at the ocean views from the hillside perch.
Red Mangrove Adventure Inn (Puerto Ayora, Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos; tel. 888/254-3190 in the U.S. and Canada, or 05/2526-524 in Ecuador; www.redmangrove.com): Located right on the bay, this hip hotel offers up the best rooms right in Puerto Ayora. A rambling structure filled with nooks and crannies, this hotel boasts tasteful and comfortable rooms and the best restaurant on the island. These folks also run hotels on Isla Floreana and Isla Isabela.
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.
