Reposting a review from my trip in 2018. This is by far one of my fav hotels of the year, especially for the price. I have probably stayed in 150 nights in a hotel this year alone worldwide. In Quito, there is just a lack of good hotels that are reasonable. There are a few that are int eh $450, and then it drops off like a rock unless you want to stay in the middle of no where.
Most people will say stay in Mariscal. Sure, if you're 20 something or a backpacker looking to be out at a dirty bar all night. If you're not that young anymore and want it to be comfortable there are about 2 choices that are still in areas that make sense that would be worth of a 4+ star rating and are not going to cost you $500+ after tax. This one and Hotel Grand Plaza. Occasionally, you can catch a break on these two.
I chose this one after having lunch and previewing the room at Hotel Grand Plaza. They are both super nice. But I liked that this was even more of a boutique when it came to the common areas. There is a gorgeous backdoor park that is perfect for reading or relaxing. The Library upstairs is a great place to sit down, have afternoon tea with little cookies and read a book. The lobby is just gorgeous.
This is the place you stay if you want to be in a "rich friend's mansion." It feels nothing like a chain and everything is quaint and adorable. Clean goes without saying. But their dog Princesa is the cleanest white dog I have ever petted. Seriously, my hand did not even smell after petting her. She has a fabulous personality.
Breakfast is basic, but adequate buffet. There are a nice selection of breads and cereals. They make eggs to order. But I really only cared about the adorable birds they have in a cage that just make the whole experience so wonderful.
They are very into chocolate as another individual pointed out. It is a chocolate scent when you enter, chocolate soap, a chocolate on your bed, etc. I love it. If you hate it, maybe then you stay at Hotel Plaza Grande.
If I was doing a romantic trip, I wouldn't think twice. This is definitely the spot. SOOOO charming. I was by myself. I still loved it. I have been writing and I could have stayed here all day and just wrote, either in the garden, the dining area, or in the library. Soooo great....
Read moreThe excellent experience started already with the booking. I booked via a third party website and immediately after they confirmed and asked if they can assist me with transfer or anything else. I booked a transfer (this was months before my travel). A few days before going there I reminded them and they again immediately replied. ||||The staff for the transfer waited for me at the arrival hall at the airport (despite being early they were there already) and helped me with the luggage. They were very friendly and we had a good conversation. The car was large and comfortable.||||The hotel itself, a former private mansion, is lovely. There is a nice reception area and a lounge on the second floor where tea is served in the afternoon. There is also a lovely garden with terrace and spa. And there is a small breakfast area. All very tastefully decorated.||||The rooms are large and also very nicely decorated. We booked a standard room but got a kind of suite with a nice living area. The room had very high ceiling. It was quiet. There were lots of small details, for example a platter with sweets on the arrival day. And very nice flowers. The bathroom had a lot of amenities.||||Breakfast was great. The choice was not huge but the quality of the products was excellent. In particular i liked the fresh fruit juice (every day another flavor), the fresh fruit platter and the banana cake - to die for! They also prepared eggs any style you like. ||||The staff is very friendly and accommodating, they smile and make conversation with you, very lovely. And they help you whenever you need something.||||Yes the hotel is a bit far from the old town but you can walk within 20 minutes or take a cab (very cheap).||||I must say, i have stayed in more luxurious hotels, but this hotel made me feel so comfortable and i think the value for money is the best ever. So If you like big luxury chains like Ritz Carlton, you might probably not like it here (there is no gym, no pol etc...), but if you like nice boutique hotels you...
Read moreWithout a doubt, this is THE BEST lodging I have ever stayed in in all my travels. The front counter staff Argenis and Sayri were very friendly and they went out of their way to make sure that my 3-night stay at the hotel was the best possible. ||||Size: The size of this hotel is just right, not too small to feel claustrophobic but not too large either to render it unwelcoming, concrete and alien. ||||Deco: The deco of this hotel is very unique, reminiscent of Spanish colonial rule with all its Old World Charms. There is a living/sitting area on the second floor where the complimentary high tea is served at 5 pm. It is decorated with antiques and old photographs which make you feel calm and at ease. ||||Location: this hotel is not located in the historic city centre of Quito, but it is within striking distance. It's a nice walk down to the historic city centre although I try to return by 9 pm as the walk back takes one through relatively deserted streets. If in doubt, hail a taxi! ||||Service: definitely top-notch. This is one of those old-school hotels that holds the staff to high and traditional service standards. ||||Food: the continental breakfast served is generous with its portions and very delicious. I ordered the dinner as well and the standard is definitely above average at affordable prices. ||||In all, if you are looking to book a hotel in the middle of the historic city centre, you might want to give this hotel a shot instead. For less than the price of similar 4 and 5 star hotels in the historic city centre, this hotel boasts a very comfortable and homely vibe, excellent service and overall, a very memorable...
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