6 hotels for demanding travelers:

After having outlined a perfect Ecuador’s highlands itinerary in my last post, I now want to go into where to stay when visiting the area as a discerning traveler. The highlands have a lot to offer as to natural and cultural sights, but there are also good opportunities for lodging, also for guests seeking luxury.

When I came to Ecuador I had high expectations regarding things to do. These were not only fulfilled but also exceeded. I was amazed by the abundance of volcanoes between Quito and Cuenca as well as by the beauty of these cities whose historic inner cities are both UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites. As to hotels, I was confident that the quality of accommodation would be pretty good as a consequence of Ecuador’s colonial past. And I was right about this. Here is my report on the hotels of our journey through Ecuador’s highlands.

1. North of Quito – Zuleta area near Otavalo: Hacienda Zuleta

The hotel complex is stunning, a hacienda straight out of a picture book. The wide range of activities is impressive. Food is good, simple but tasty. The hospitality is exemplary, we were taken care of in the best way imaginable. Everything on the property is immaculately kept and very tidy.

What you should know

The hotel’s location is beautiful but a bit remote (one hour from Otavalo). While our room (twin bedded, probably the least expensive category – booked through an agency) was nice, it lacked the wow effect, especially the bathroom was nothing special (very small, no storage area for toiletries, not heated).

2. Quito: JW Marriot Hotel

Our room was spacious and well appointed. The executive lounge offers a good breakfast and a wide array of snacks during the rest of the day. Every staff member we met was friendly and helpful.

What you should know

While the location in the new town is favorable because of its centrality, it is quite far away from the old town. Furthermore, the hotel is situated at a very busy intersection. An upgrade to the executive lounge is worth the extra charge, but be advised that only one alcoholic beverage per person and day is included.

3. Near Cotopaxi National Park: Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

The property filled with Inca history is absolutely gorgeous! I was very much in love with our room featuring an open fire in the bedroom and a wood burner in the bathroom, which by the way was lovely. The dinner we had at the hacienda was delicious and having it in such beautiful und historical surroundings was the cherry on the cake. Also a fun thing was it when an employee summoned the lamas to the courtyard where you could feed them.

What you should know

There is another building with rooms outside the property, which does not look equally charming as the main house, but I only saw it from the outside. What I noticed further were that many furniture items in the room and in the drawing room (public space) were a bit worn out. Staff is nice although not as accommodative and professional as in the sister hotel of Hacienda Zuleta.

4. Riobamba: Hacienda Abraspungo

The room we had was spacious and had a likewise bathroom which was renovated recently. The hotel grounds are nice, a walk in the garden would have been a good thing to do – sufficient time provided.

What you should know

Although the fireplace was lighted in the room – upon our request –, it was cool during the whole stay. In spite of a recent upgrading (bathroom), our room had a very dirty carpet. While the food in the hotel’s restaurant was solid, I very much disliked the dirty placemats they used on the tables. In short, it is a good enough place to stay and eat for one night, but not more than that.

5. Cuenca: Mansion Alcazar

The two-level central court is a true eye-catcher, very well conserved with beautiful furniture. Service at the hotel is outstanding, everyone is eager to please you. Dinner and breakfast in the beautifully located and decorated restaurant are excellent (my next post will be about it).

What you should know

As mentioned, the rooms in the main house are around a roofed court and that comes with some disadvantages. All the rooms with two exceptions have only windows going to this court. This together with the non-existent air condition makes the rooms rather stuffy, at least the one we had on the ground floor (No. 105). My advice: opt in the main house for rooms No. 104 and 204 with additional windows going to the garden.

6. Guayaquil: Hotel Oro Verde

I was in favor of our well appointed and nicely decorated room, which was large and also had a spacious bathroom. Service was kind and eager to help. I was impressed by the restaurant selection at Hotel Oro Verde, food wise they cater for every need that might come up. I was especially fond of our dinner at the restaurant Le Gourmet (my next post will go into it).

What you should know

The location above the city center cannot be called ideal, at least not for tourists. It is possible to walk to major sights but this needs some time. In addition, the neighborhood is rather charmless and I would not recommend walking around in the area at nighttime. Furthermore, I found the pool area a bit underwhelming. Finally, the executive lounge is not worth upgrading to (mostly unattended, only a few snacks and beverages available).