Best hotels in Quito

The very first city to be made a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito has a fascinating history that bleeds into every building and cobblestoned street. Built in the artists neighbourhood of San Marcos, ILLA is no exception. With its roots as a 17th-century family home, the hotel permeates a sense of warmth and hospitality while its decor is chic, modern and bold. With just 10 rooms, it's an intimate, boutique space with scene-stealing oil paintings, signature amenities (more on that later) and lovely views over the city. Set out to discover the delights of Quito, from its grand, aged plazas to the tiny stores selling Panama hats - did you know they happen to originate in Ecuador?

A fantastic melange of 18th-century Spanish cathedrals and Inca relics, Quito is every inch a UNESCO World Heritage city. And if you're looking for somewhere to stay that does the city justice, try Casa Gangotena. A cream-hued mansion in the centre of Old Town, the house was once home to one of Quito's most prominent families and has retained this heritage in its intricate frescos and original features. The views from the terrace are especially lovely, gazing over the Iglesia de San Francisco and snow-capped Cayambe volcano beyond. Discover the city's deep and fascinating history on strolls through Independence Square, past churches and monasteries, and on a private tour of the mansion.

If you were to dream up a rustic little treasure where you can get away from it all, Termas de Papallacta may just fit the bill. Sitting at a head-spinning 3,250 metres above sea level, the lodge is almost embedded into the Andes and as as you step out your front door, you'll be peering directly onto the snow-capped Antisana Volcano. As lovely as the accommodation is, the real drawcard of Termas are the incredible thermal pools, where you'll easily while away a few hours. When you fancy a touch more action, hike into the hills where the glorious vistas become clearer with every step higher.

Following a meticulous renovation, this antique Spanish-colonial house was resurrected and modernized into what is now Hotel Mama Cuchara. The hotel offers guests all the charisma of a historic hotel, the deeply individual charm of a boutique hotel and the effortless comforts, services and contemporary elegance of 5 star accommodations.

Casa Santa Clara is a five-suite, award-winning boutique hotel set in a restored 19th-century home on Plaza Santa Clara - one of Quito’s oldest and most storied squares. Once part of the city’s first market, the house now blends history with contemporary design and quiet sophistication. Inside, every detail has been chosen with intention - original Ecuadorian artworks, natural light, and spaces that feel both rooted and refined. Thoughtfully designed for travelers who seek connection as much as comfort, Casa Santa Clara offers a calm refuge in the heart of Quito’s Historic Center - a place to rest, reflect, and experience the city’s soul from within.