Marjolein Dilven
Are you going on a trip to Ecuador’s capital city? If so, you might be wondering about where to stay in Quito. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you out in choosing the best hotel and lodging for your getaways.
Different places in Quito offer numerous options for your convenience and enjoyment. Your choice of accommodation depends on your budget, travel goals, and personal preferences.
In this article, we will share some excellent hotels and hostels in Quito that will guarantee a great stay.
Let’s begin!
Is Staying in Quito, Ecuador Safe?
If you are planning a trip to Ecuador, it is better to stick to tourist-friendly spots. But, is Quito a safe place to visit for sightseeing activities or travelers in general?
While it’s generally safe, robbers, pickpockets, and muggers can still be a threat to tourists.
Like any other city in the world, Quito can be a unique place for Ecuador to visit. Be it a cheap hotel or a nice hotel room in some upscale area of Quito, the sights and sounds of Quito will be available for you as Quito can be your home away from home.
Where to Stay in Quito – Best for Nightlife
1. La Mariscal
La Mariscal is the trendiest neighborhood in Quito. It is also home to most of the hostels and hotels in this town. The place is famous for its vibrant bar scenes, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.
The main highlight of this place is Plaza Foch, where you can relax in the peaceful atmosphere during the daytime and party with local Ecuadorians at night. Moreover, you can visit some places, such as the National Museum and Casa de La Culture, if you are traveling with your family.
La Mariscal has some great accommodation options. These are some of the best hostels and hotels you can choose from in this area:
2. La Floresta
La Floresta is the busiest part of Quito, but it still maintains the residential air. Most tourists visit this place to enjoy food and nightlife at restaurants such as Isabela Catolica. At the main Plaza of La Floresta, you will find a lot of food carts offering all the local specialties of Ecuador.
Moreover, you can also get to the Food Truck Plaza or farmer’s market on Calle Galavis to enjoy the local Ecuadorian food and culture.
In La Floresta, we highly recommend staying at one of the following hotels’ rooms and suites:
Where to Stay in Quito – Best for First Timers
3. Historic Center
One of the safest areas in Quito, the historic center, is an ideal place to plan your stay. You can easily travel to the other parts of the city as almost all the famous tourist spots have at least one route connecting them to this old town.
There are many traditional churches, palaces, museums, and cathedrals here. If we look into the food options, we can find restaurants and bars such as Café Mosaico and Cedron, where you can get a variety of traditional Ecuadorian food.
At last, the accommodations here are the best in Quito, with Casa Gangotena being one of the best in Ecuador.
4. Guapulo
Guapulo is a place with mesmerizing views on the northern side of Quito. It is a small town with narrow streets. Reaching it can be difficult due to the routes, traffic, and restriction policy called Pico y Placa. It is a driving restriction policy aimed at mitigating traffic congestion.
Once you get there, after tackling all the hurdles along the way, you can experience the great Iglesia de Guapulo church and other old architectural beauties.
Another benefit of staying here is the affordable hotels. Here are some luxury hotels on Guapulo that still offers below 100 USD per night:
5. Bellavista
Bellavista is a place located in the old town of Quito. The best part about staying here is that it is quite close to the International Airport of Quito, making traveling to the hotel much less hassle. You can use this place as a base to visit different areas of the old town of Quito.
The hotels in this area are much cheaper than in other parts of Quito. Here are some of the best value hotels in Bellavista:
6. La Carolina
La Carolina is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy with Ecuadorian locals jogging in the Parque Carolina near Avenida Los Shyris every weekend morning.
You can also experience tall modern-looking buildings and restaurants with delicious local Ecuadorian foods. Our favorite restaurants in this area include Tapas Restaurant and La Tasca De Carlos.
If you have decided to pick La Carolina as your destination, we highly recommend staying at one of the 3 hotels mentioned below:
Where to Stay in Quito – Other Honorable Mentions
7. Gonzales Suarez
Gonzales Suarez is quite similar to La Carolina. There are tall apartment buildings where the view from the top is a sight to behold.
Here, you will find a few cafes with a rooftop view of neighborhoods like Barrio. People usually visit this place to enjoy coffee and local foods at small but popular restaurants.
Some of the best hotels in Gonzales Suarez are:
8. Cumbaya
Cumbaya is a neighborhood of Quito located right after the Guayasamin tunnel. The activities such as hiking, biking, and shopping make this place ideal for staying for a few days.
In addition, there are two large shopping malls and a small plaza with a restaurant and historic church for you to visit during day time.
If you are looking for a hotel stay, check these out:
9. La Ronda
Calle de la Ronda is famous for its main street with numerous shops and restaurants. The whole environment is quite peaceful despite being a commercial area.
Also, the street is open only to pedestrians, so you could take a stroll to the hotel.
Some great hotel options near La Ronda are:
10. Inaquito
Inaquito is just 6 kilometers from La Carolina to the north of Quito. The place has a large concentration of malls, and the population is quite high compared to the rest of Quito. Also, it is home to a large international community, with most of them being Americans.
The best places to stay in Inaquito are:
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Important Things to Consider When Finding a Place in Quito, Ecuador
To find the right place to stay in Quito, some important things that you need to consider are:
1. Safety
Safety should be your number one priority before selecting a neighborhood to stay in Quito. There are a lot of hotel deals and rooms with the lowest prices offered to tourists, but your safety might be compromised.
If we look into the crime ratio, it is highest during the nighttime with fake taxis kidnapping and robbing the tourists. However, this is not the case in most areas of Quito. Some of the most dangerous ones are La Tola, Lucha de Loslos Pobres, La Marin, San Roque, and Ferroviaria.
On the other hand, areas such as La Carolina and La Mariscal are comparatively much safer. Yet, they still require you to attentively scan your surroundings for potential threats, especially at night.
2. Location
The area you choose to stay in must be near the famous tourist spots in the city. Like any other tourist, you would not want to travel long distances from your hotel to popular places.
The historic center, also known as Quito’s old town, would be the best choice if you want to be close to all the entertainment the city offers. But, if you want to enjoy the modern architecture and nightlife, you can choose to stay at La Mariscal and enjoy the walking distance.
3. Amenities
In choosing the right place to stay, always check the amenities. Hotels in different areas of Quito offer different facilities. Some have all the basic amenities, including minibars, toiletries, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and smart TVs, while others skimp on them.
The best way to pick the right place is to compare the amenities with pricing and choose the one that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Where to Stay in Quito
Where Should I Stay in Ecuador?
Ecuador is home to sensational views and entertaining activities. Out of all the options available to stay in Ecuador, the following are the most picked spots by tourists:
- The Galapagos Islands
- Quito (Historic center)
- Cuenca
- Banos
- Guayaquil
How Many Days Do You Need in Quito, Ecuador?
Three days in Quito are enough to enjoy Ecuador’s capital’s best tourist spots, such as museums, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
However, if you want to do most things to do in Quito Ecuador, you must plan at least a week-long trip.
Is Quito, Ecuador Worth Visiting?
Yes, Quito is worth it if you pick the right places to stay and visit. It has something for everyone.
You can learn about culture, enjoy the nightlife, and perform various activities by traveling to nearby spots. Moreover, you can also enjoy beach views by visiting the Esmeraldas beach, located only 205 miles (331 km) from the city.
Are There Beaches in Quito, Ecuador?
Quito itself has no beaches, but there are some on the Pacific coast, such as Atacama and Esmeraldas. The distance between Quito and the Atacama and Esmeraldas beaches is around 200 miles (331 kilometers). So, there are beach hotels you can check on some booking sites to book your stay.
Conclusion – Where to Stay in Quito
By staying in Quito, you will experience a wonderful city with a rich culture, breathtaking views, and exciting adventures.
Hopefully, the accommodations we have presented here will help you find the place best suited for you. Each option has its charm, but your ultimate choice would depend on your budget and preferences.
So, it’s either you book some luxurious hotel or find some budget hotel, but what is important is that you get the best value for your getaway.
Travel safely and enjoy the marvels of Quito!
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.