La Casona de la Ronda Hotel — Hotel in Centro Histórico

Beautifully restored, relaxing historic hotel just a short walk to the the main squares of the old town. After days in sandy beach flats in Galapagos, we felt spoiled here with a huge room, double bathroom sinks, rain shower, robe and slippers, and umbrella etc. FYI: although we booked Rm 23 - one of their spacious rooms on the top floor (also note there's only stairs - but they have porters) - the room didn't have a real window view which we greatly missed. But we were close to the spiral staircase up to the stunning Mirador Lounge with its huge window. My husband would go up there to read at the end of the day. Everything was comfortable and quiet - for the most part. This is not hotel's fault but a few adults - think they were organized groups - were quite loud late at night and very early in the morning - like 4am. The sound travels straight up the open courtyard to the rooms. The hotel has signs posting quiet hours, so I wished the staff had enforced it. We also didn't realize we were missing a few towels the first few days. But those were minor - we loved the daily complimentary afternoon/evening tea and snack, and they sometimes also had chocolate tasting demonstrations in the atrium in late afternoon. The staff were helpful calling taxis (sometimes there is a wait, esp on weekends so give enough time) and they have security guards walk you to the car. Note - ubers and cars without tourism licenses will have trouble accessing so you may have to walk out a bit for dropoff or pickup. But staff are always willing to help with this. I tried to pick a neighborhood that was walkable and this was - the colonial streets are filled with touristy vendors, merchants, little shops, bars, clubs and restaurants - saw lots offering the local tasty canelazos drink and gigantic (gigante) empanadas. It is a bit empty on weeknights but the tourism police have an office down the street so it didn't feel overly dangerous when we walked around a bit at night. Weekends are much more busy. I didn't try the hotel restaurant but it looked cute. There's a well known restaurant right next door - Casa los Geranios - must try the local potato stew soup that's served over a fire and the unique fig...

Of all the lovely boutique hotels we have ever stayed at, this is one I will always remember. It was a perfect oasis in the busy city, and such a welcome respite for us after a great, but tiring week out in the Galapagos islands. Just walking in to the hotel lobby you immediately catch your breath looking up at the beautiful open skylight. The decor, tapestries, wall murals...it's perfection. Our room was a delight - very comfortable bed and linens, great water pressure and hot water in the shower. The restaurant was fantastic - we enjoyed empanadas, lamb stew, grilled tenderloin and chocolate volcano cake for dessert. All excellent and a very attentive waiter. We slept 11 hours - we were worn out and finally so comfortable! (And that is a huge deal because usually we can't sleep the first night in high altitude.) Breakfast was also great. The staff was absolutely wonderful - we felt very safe and truly cared for. Everyone spoke very good English, and we especially appreciated the kind lady at the front desk who arranged for a day tour of the city for us with a great guide, Paolo. He drove us all around and shared so much with us. We loved it!! Definitely recommend if you want to see the city and feel safe. He spoke great English and was so knowledgeable about Quito and Ecuador. We learned so much and appreciate this special country much more! Right now we are waiting to go back to the airport and the hotel kindly let us rest here this evening before we leave at 10pm. Cannot say enough good things... If I could I would give it...

Rooms – 10/10|Water Pressure – 10/10|Cleanliness – 10/10|Breakfast – 7/10|Ambiance – 10/10|Location – 10/10 (both good and bad. Read below)|Staff – 10/10|Security – 10/10||I loved the experience. The hotel is extremely beautiful and definitely takes you back to colonial times. The staff is very kind and friendly.|We have dietary restrictions and are vegetarians. The breakfast did not offer many options for us—we mostly had fruits, juice, yogurt, bread, and raisin buns. I would definitely stay here again but exercise caution at all times.||--------------- VERY IMPORTANT ---------------|The location of the hotel is both good and bad. It is very close to San Francisco Plaza, República del Cacao, Yumbos, La Vid, and many other amazing places. However, it is also close to less safe areas. At times we felt quite unsafe. Unfortunately, cars are not allowed on Rhonda Street, so you have to walk about 3–5 minutes from Domingo Street to reach the hotel. If arriving late, Uber usually drops you at Santo Domingo Square. Whenever we felt unsafe, we asked the hotel to escort us, which they kindly did. I recommend you do the same—your safety and belongings are most important.|In Quito, always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. There are many pickpockets. Do not venture out late at night, especially after 8 p.m. And never go alone to the Virgin Mary statue—it is very unsafe, and you risk being robbed. If you feel unsafe at any time, call the hotel and request an escort, as we did several times when returning...