Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Quito soon and have no clue where to stay? You’re in the right place! 

Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world with a lot of hills, a beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed historic center, and absolutely stunning views of the Andes in every direction.  

If you’ve never been to Quito before, it’s important to choose your base wisely, as where you stay can have a big impact on how much time you spend sightseeing versus sitting in traffic. With that in mind, here’s our guide to the four best areas to stay in Quito so you can get the most out of your trip, plus our favorite hotels in each. 

Ready? Let’s get to it!

Where to Stay in Quito Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Quito

Quito sits at a whopping 9,350 feet (2,850 meters) above sea level. And while the surrounding Andean scenery is spectacular, the city’s steep hills and sprawling layout mean it takes longer to get around than you might expect if you’ve never been before. 

This is why, for most visitors, the key to enjoying a trip to Quito is to stay somewhere central. The Historic Center is an obvious choice, especially if it’s your first time visiting Quito. However, La Mariscal & La Floresta, La Carolina, and Bellavista are all excellent (and safe) alternatives depending on the type of trip you’re looking to plan. 

It’s also worth noting that Quito is walkable in pockets, especially around the Historic Center and La Mariscal. If you do want to venture beyond these areas, taxis and rideshares are usually the easiest way to get around. Just keep in mind that traffic can get quite congested during peak times, so journeys might take longer than expected depending on when and where you need to go. 

One last thing we’d like to mention is that, like most major South American cities, Quito is generally safe when you take normal precautions. However, we always recommend staying in a central, well-populated neighborhood (like the ones mentioned in this guide) and avoiding long walks after dark. 

Before we get to the details, here’s a quick breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Quito:

• Historic Center – Best for first-time visitors – This is the cultural heart of the city, filled with beautiful plazas, churches, and colorful streets. Our top pick here is Hotel Casa Alquimia, a historic colonial house with a gorgeous patio area. 

• La Mariscal & La Floresta – Best for young travelers & nightlife – These are two of Quito’s liveliest neighborhoods, known for their cafes, breweries, restaurants, and nightlife. Our favorite place to stay here is Swissotel Quito because it has two pools and a full-service spa! 

• La Carolina – Best for families – Centered around Quito’s largest urban park, this area offers a more modern side of the city with wider avenues, shopping malls, and plenty of green space. Our top pick here is Dann Carlton Quito because it’s just a ten-minute walk away from La Carolina Park. 

• Bellavista – Best for scenic views – This is an upscale hillside neighborhood known for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and absolutely stunning views over Quito. Our favorite place to stay here is Air Suites Hotel Boutique, a boutique hotel with a family-friendly pizza restaurant onsite. 

Where to Stay in Quito

Historic Center

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Home to Quito’s most famous historic landmarks, museums, and colonial architecture
• Highly walkable during the day, with beautiful plazas and cafes to explore
• A vibrant atmosphere full of history and Ecuadorian culture

Cons

• Much quieter after dark than other neighborhoods
• Can get busy with tourists and locals during the day

Quito’s historic center is one of the best-preserved colonial districts in South America. 

Staying here is truly special, as you’re within walking distance of many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, San Francisco Church, and El Panecillo. You’re also close to several museums and some of the city’s coziest cafes, making it a joy to explore on foot and see where the day takes you.

A typical day might involve spending the morning admiring the gold-covered interior of La Compañía de Jesús, enjoying lunch overlooking one of the city’s lively plazas, and then taking a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets before calling it a day with dinner and a glass of wine at a rooftop restaurant. 

For first-time visitors, we really don’t think there’s a better base. You can fill your itinerary with Quito’s biggest landmarks, museums, and viewpoints, or take things a little slower and hop from cafe to cafe, taking in the atmosphere. 

The only thing to keep in mind is that although the historic center gets busy during the day, it does become much quieter in the evenings. So if nightlife is a big priority for you, La Mariscal or La Floresta may be a better fit for your trip. 

Plaza Grande Hotel – $$$

If you’re looking to splurge a little on your trip to Quito, you’ll definitely want to consider the Plaza Grande Hotel. 

This elegant 5-star, all-suite hotel is set inside a beautifully restored colonial mansion overlooking Plaza Grande, and it’s nothing short of magical. 

Inside, you’ll find elegant, spacious rooms and communal areas. And then on the outside, you’ll have the stunning Plaza de la Independencia, the Carondelet Palace, and many of the historic center’s top attractions right on your doorstep. There’s also a rooftop terrace, which offers the perfect spot for an evening cocktail while watching the sun set over the city’s rooftops.

Price-wise, you can expect rooms to typically range from $190 to $700+ USD per night depending on the season and room type. 

If the Plaza Grande Hotel is fully booked, we also really love Illa Experience Hotel. This is another 5-star property close to Independence Square, and it has full spa facilities onsite.  

Hotel Patio Andaluz is another spectacular option nearby. This hotel is actually housed in a 16th-century colonial house (that’s actually a national monument), and both the rooms and communal areas are simply stunning.  

Hotel Casa Alquimia – $$

For our top hotel pick in the historic center, it’s gotta be Hotel Casa Alquimia. Like other hotels in the historic center, Hotel Casa Alquimia is set inside a beautifully restored colonial home, and it offers a much more intimate and authentic experience than your typical city hotel.

Here, you’ll find cozy, thoughtfully decorated rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the surrounding neighborhood. Best of all, you’re just a five-minute walk from Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, and many of the Historic Center’s other must-see attractions.

One of our favorite features is the hotel’s beautiful interior courtyard, which is the perfect place to relax with a coffee or a drink after a day of exploring. Rooms typically range from $58 to $118 USD per night, which is honestly excellent value for such a gorgeous stay in a central location.

Another mid-range option we love is Vista del Angel Hotel Boutique. This hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to the Colonial Art Museum, and we absolutely love the views from the terrace here. 

Casa El Eden is another option worth considering. This is more of a modern hotel with light, airy rooms just a 10-minute walk to Independence Square.

Friends Hotel & Rooftop – Historic Center & Museums – $

If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to stay in the cultural heart of Quito, Friends Hotel & Rooftop is an excellent choice. We love this hotel because the rooms are comfy, the service is super friendly, and it has one of the best rooftop terraces in the neighborhood with incredible views overlooking the city.

We also love this hotel because it’s less than ten minutes on foot from Independence Square, so you won’t have to rely on taxis when exploring the historic center.  

Rooms for Friends Hotel & Rooftop typically range from $44 to $106 USD per night, which is fantastic value for such a central location in Quito.

Another budget-friendly option we love is Hotel San Francisco De Quito. It’s housed in a restored 17th-century colonial building, and it’s only around a 5-minute walk to Independence Square. 

If you’re looking for another option, we also recommend the Rincón Familiar Hotel Boutique. This is a modern, cozy hotel just a 10-minute walk from Independence Square. 

La Mariscal & La Floresta

BEST FOR YOUNG TRAVELERS & NIGHTLIFE

Pros

• Vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, breweries, and clubs
• Excellent dining scene featuring both local and international options
• Very walkable area with a lively, social atmosphere

Cons

• Can be noisy at night, especially near Plaza Foch
• You’ll need a taxi or metro ride to reach the Historic Center

La Mariscal and neighboring La Floresta are two of Quito’s liveliest neighborhoods, and they make an excellent base for anyone looking to experience a trendier, more modern side of the city. 

Staying here means you’ll not only be close to Plaza Foch (the city’s main nightlife hub) and Parque El Ejido (a popular park known for its weekend artisan market), but you’ll also be close to a number of independent coffee shops, local breweries, art galleries, and rooftop bars/restaurants with incredible views over the city and surrounding mountains. 

It’s worth mentioning that this area is noticeably more social compared to other parts of Quito. Though you should still take the usual precautions, it’s generally safe to walk around during the day and into the evening as you move between cafes, art galleries, and bars. 

In our opinion, the area around La Mariscal and La Floresta is definitely worth considering if you’re traveling with friends or simply want to experience a different side of Quito beyond its historic landmarks. It has a fun, energetic feel from morning until late at night. And best of all, it’s only a short taxi or metro ride from the Historic Center, so you’ll still be able to experience all the must-see tourist spots fairly easily. 

Swissotel Quito – $$

For our top pick in La Mariscal and La Floresta, we always recommend Swissotel Quito. 

We love this hotel because it has modern, spacious rooms, five excellent restaurants onsite, and a full-service spa with both an indoor and an outdoor pool (ideal if you’re visiting in summer!). The location also couldn’t be better. It’s situated between La Floresta and La Mariscal, just a 15-minute walk from Plaza Foch, and only a short taxi ride from Parque La Carolina and the historic center. 

Rooms typically range from $79 to $368 USD per night, making it excellent value for a luxury hotel with this level of comfort and amenities.

Another excellent luxury-leaning pick in this area is Hotel Boutique Vieja Cuba. It’s based in a beautifully restored mansion that’s less than a 10-minute walk to Plaza Foch. 

Hotel Reina Isabel is another option worth considering. It’s more of a modern hotel with newly renovated gym facilities, and it’s only a 5-minute walk to Plaza Foch. 

Mercure Alameda Quito – $

For a more budget-friendly option in La Mariscal and La Floresta, you can’t go wrong with Mercure Alameda Quito. 

We always recommend this hotel because there’s plenty to enjoy even when you’re not out sightseeing. You can unwind in the rooftop pool, treat yourself to a spa day, or settle in for a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant. 

The location is also perfect, as you’re less than a 10-minute walk from Plaza Foch and the La Mariscal Craft Market, making it easy to fully explore and enjoy everything this vibrant neighborhood has to offer. 

In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to range from $65 to $130+ USD per night, which isn’t bad at all for a central 5-star stay. 

Another similar option in the area is Hilton Colon Quito Hotel. This hotel is located right in front of the Ejido subway station, so you’ll have easy access to the historic center when you’re ready to venture beyond La Mariscal and La Floresta. 

If Mercure Alameda Quito and Hilton Colon Quito Hotel are all booked up on your preferred dates, it’s worth checking out Ikala Quito Boutique Hotel. This is more of a boutique-style stay that’s less than a 10-minute walk to Plaza Foch.

NH Collection Quito Royal – $

Next up is NH Collection Quito Royal, which sits in Quito’s financial district and offers spacious, contemporary rooms, many with great views of El Panecillo.

We love this hotel because it has everything you need to relax after a busy day exploring the city. It has a spa, a gym, and a fabulous onsite restaurant. And in terms of location, it’s within easy walking distance of Ecuador’s World Trade Center and Plaza Foch, while only being just a short taxi ride to main attractions like Parque La Carolina and Independence Square. 

Price is another huge advantage, with rates ranging from around $70 to $150+ USD per night, which is very reasonable for a 5-star hotel in the city center. 

If NH Collection Quito Royal is fully booked on your dates, Hotel Quito is an excellent alternative. This is a lovely Art Deco-style hotel that’s less than a mile (1.5 kilometers) from Foch Square. 

Another similar option is Hotel Carolina Montecarlo. This hotel is a little closer to Foch Square (about a 5-minute walk) and is known for its wonderful breakfast buffet. 

La Carolina

BEST FOR FAMILIES

Pros

• Centered around a massive, beautiful urban park perfect for kids
• Modern hotels, shopping malls, and family-friendly restaurants
• Quieter, cleaner, and more residential than the Historic Center or La Mariscal

Cons

• Lacks the historic charm and colonial architecture of the historic center
• You’ll need a taxi, metro, or rideshare to reach many of the city’s top attractions

If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay in Quito without sacrificing convenience, La Carolina is definitely worth checking out. It’s centered around Quito’s largest urban park, Parque La Carolina, and it’s one of the city’s most modern neighborhoods filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and contemporary hotels. 

In our opinion, La Carolina is an excellent choice for families. It’s clean, safe, and easy to get around, with plenty of open space for kids to run around and lots of dining and shopping options within walking distance. You’ll also be within easy reach of attractions like the TelefériQo cable car and the historic center. 

The biggest draw here is the balance between city sightseeing and downtime. After a busy morning exploring Quito, it’s nice to come back to a neighborhood where you can stroll through the park, relax at a cafe, or let the kids enjoy the playgrounds instead of navigating busy tourist streets.

Of course, you won’t find the same historic atmosphere as the historic center, but if comfort, convenience, and family-friendly amenities are higher on your priority list, La Carolina is an excellent place to base yourself.

Sheraton Quito – $$$

For our first hotel pick in La Carolina, you can’t go wrong with Sheraton Quito. 

This hotel sits directly across from Quicentro Shopping Mall, and it’s just a short walk from Parque La Carolina, making it easy to spend your days shopping, dining, and relaxing in one of Quito’s best green spaces.

The biggest highlight here, though, is how much there is to enjoy back at the hotel. The 11th-floor fitness center offers panoramic city views, the onsite restaurant has both local and international favorites, and the full-service spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. Add in complimentary parking and exceptional service, and it’s easy to see why this hotel is such a popular pick.

As for pricing, you can expect rooms to fall between $120 and $350+ USD per night. 

Dann Carlton Quito – $$

If you’re looking for a luxury stay without the luxury price tag, Dann Carlton Quito is the hotel for you. 

This elegant 5-star hotel sits just three blocks from Parque La Carolina and offers incredible views over Quito, with El Panecillo and even Cotopaxi visible on a clear day.

One of the best things about staying here is that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax between sightseeing adventures. You can take a dip in the panoramic indoor pool, unwind with a treatment at the full-service spa, or enjoy a leisurely dinner and drinks at the hotel’s highly rated restaurant and bar. 

Rooms start from just $60 USD per night, making this one of the best-value 5-star hotels in Quito.

If Dann Carlton Quito is all booked on your preferred dates, Wyndham Garden Quito is a brilliant alternative. This hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to Parque La Carolina, and it has all the facilities and amenities you’d expect from a modern stay. 

Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars is another option worth checking out. It’s also within a 10-minute walk to Parque La Carolina and has a stunning rooftop pool. 

Hotel Finlandia – $

For our budget-friendly pick in La Carolina, we absolutely love Hotel Finlandia. 

The hotel serves as an ideal base for any trip to Quito, due in large part to its fabulous onsite restaurant, cafe, and bar, as well as free parking (which isn’t always a given in Quito). The rooms are also super comfy and modern, and best of all, you’re just a 2-minute walk to Parque La Carolina and a 3-minute walk to Quicentro Shopping. 

Price-wise, you can expect rooms to fall between just $70 and $90+ USD per night, which is incredible value considering the location. 

Another budget-friendly option we like to recommend near Parque La Carolina is Hotel Republica. This is a basic, very reasonably-priced hotel with an excellent breakfast buffet each morning. 

Hotel Santamaria en Quito is another great option to consider. This hotel has clean, modern rooms and is only around a 10 to 15-minute walk to Parque La Carolina.

Related Read: Once you know where to stay, start planning your days with our Quito itinerary, which covers the city’s must-see sights and top experiences.

Bellavista

BEST FOR SCENIC VIEWS

Pros

• Incredible views over the city and surrounding Andean peaks
• Upscale, quiet residential atmosphere away from the crowds
• Home to excellent boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants

Cons

• Steep hillside location means walking can be challenging
• Requires a taxi or rideshare to reach most major attractions

Bellavista is one of Quito’s most upscale neighborhoods, perched on the hillsides overlooking the city. This area is known for its boutique hotels, excellent restaurants, and some of the best panoramic views in Quito, while also being home to cultural attractions like the Guayasamín Museum, the famous Capilla del Hombre, and Guangüiltagua Park. 

What we love most about Bellavista is how peaceful it feels after a busy day of sightseeing. You can spend the morning exploring the nearby museums, enjoy a long lunch at one of the neighborhood’s excellent restaurants, and then head back to your hotel to relax with incredible sunset views of the city and the surrounding Andes. 

Although Bellavista does feel a bit removed from the rest of the city, it’s still only about a 20-minute taxi ride to the historic center and around 20-30 minutes to the TelefériQo cable car (depending on traffic), which is a small trade-off for the quieter atmosphere in the evenings. 

Of course, Bellavista’s hillside location means walking can be a bit of a workout, and you’ll likely have to rely on taxis or rideshares to get around. However, if you’re looking for a quieter, more upscale base with fantastic restaurants and some of the best views in the city, Bellavista is hard to beat. 

GO Quito Hotel – $$$

If you’re happy to splurge on one of Quito’s most stylish stays in Bellavista, GO Quito Hotel is definitely worth checking out! It’s modern, beautifully designed, and offers some seriously incredible views over Quito and the Andes. 

One thing we really love is that the hotel feels like a destination in itself. There’s a gorgeous spa, sauna, and sun terrace to enjoy, and the onsite restaurant just makes life so easy in the evenings. You’re also only about a 15-minute walk from Parque La Carolina and close to attractions like the Guayasamín Museum, so getting out and exploring is just as easy.

As for pricing, you can expect rooms to generally range from $165 to $300+ USD per night. 

Air Suites Hotel Boutique – $$

For our mid-range pick in Bellavista, we absolutely adore Air Suites Hotel Boutique. This hotel feels more like you’re staying in a welcoming guesthouse than a typical hotel, and you’re guaranteed to feel right at home the moment you walk through the front door. 

Families especially love staying here thanks to the spacious rooms and onsite pizza restaurant, while the sunny terrace and peaceful garden offer a nice place to unwind after a day of exploring. The location is also super convenient, as you’re only a 10-minute walk from Quicentro Shopping Mall and a short drive from La Capilla del Hombre. 

Rooms usually cost between $40 and $120+ USD per night, which is excellent value for Bellavista. 

Hampton By Hilton Quito La Carolina Park – $

Last but certainly not least, we have our budget-friendly pick near Bellavista, Hampton By Hilton Quito La Carolina Park. 

We love this hotel because it’s modern, it has free private parking, and its rooftop garden offers impressive views of the El Panecillo monument and Guagua Pichincha volcano.

You’re also within walking distance of Parque La Carolina, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can even walk to Quicentro Shopping Mall and the Guayasamín Museum (just be prepared for a few hills!). 

This hotel is also very reasonably priced for the upscale Bellavista area, with rates typically falling between $50 and $100+ USD per night. 

Top Activities to do in Quito

Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to start planning your Quito adventures! While there’s plenty to see in the city, some of our favorite experiences took us into Ecuador’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. A day trip or two is a great way to see just how much there is beyond Quito.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Quito:

• Explore Cotopaxi National Park – Get up close to one of Ecuador’s most famous volcanoes on this full-day tour from Quito! We hiked to the José Rivas Refuge, visited Laguna de Limpiopungo, and warmed up with hot chocolate while taking in views of Cotopaxi and its glacier.

• See the Quilotoa Crater Lake – See Quilotoa’s bright turquoise crater lake without committing to the famous multi-day trek! This day trip includes incredible viewpoints, time by the lake, alpacas, and visits to a local farmer’s home and craft workshops.

• See Quito’s biggest highlights in one day – Short on time? This private tour combines the Teleferiqo, Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center, and Mitad del Mundo, with a local guide and a customizable itinerary.

• Taste your way through Quito – Come hungry for this 3.5-hour food tour through Quito’s historic center! Between stops at landmarks like the Basilica and Plaza de la Independencia, we sampled local street food, pastries, empanadas, and plenty of chocolate.

• Visit the Middle of the World – Stand near the equator and learn why Mitad del Mundo is one of Quito’s most famous attractions on this private half-day tour. Having a personal guide made the experience much more interesting, with plenty of history and cultural insights beyond the classic equator photo stop.

Related Read: Looking for even more ways to explore? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Quito for more of our favorite experiences!

Thanks for reading!

From wandering Quito’s colorful colonial streets to sipping coffee with Andes views and relaxing in La Carolina Park, this city has so many different sides to experience. And choosing the right neighborhood makes it even better! Whether you want to be steps from the sights in the Historic Center, close to the action in La Mariscal and La Floresta, or somewhere quieter like La Carolina or Bellavista, there’s a great base for every kind of Quito adventure.

Still planning your trip? Check out our other South America blogs here for more hotel guides, unforgettable tours, and tips to help you make the most of your travels. Here are a few we think you’ll love:

5 BEST Things To Do in Banos, Ecuador

7 Best Things to do in the Galapagos Islands

How to Spend FIVE to SEVEN DAYS on the Galapagos Islands: The Best 5 to 7 Day Itinerary