Where to Stay in Quito 2025: Colonial Hotels from $15-400 Per Night
Complete Quito accommodation guide 2025. From $15 volcano-view hostels to luxury UNESCO colonial mansions. High-altitude capital with Andean backdrops and equatorial location.
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Where should I stay in Quito, Ecuador?
The best area to stay in Quito, Ecuador depends on your budget and interests. Old Town (Centro Histórico) is ideal for History lovers and luxury seekers with prices around $50-350/night. Budget travelers should consider hostels in Mariscal Sucre (New Town) ($12-30/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in La Floresta & Guápulo ($150-400+/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Quito?
- • Is Quito safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Quito?
Essential Quito Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Old Town (Centro Histórico) for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget $30-70-$70-150 per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Quito ranges from $12-30 for hostels to $30-70 for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Old Town (Centro Histórico), Mariscal Sucre (New Town), La Floresta & Guápulo
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during June-September
- 4 Mid-range hotels ($70-150) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Quito, Ecuador Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Quito, the world's highest capital city where accommodation ranges from $15 volcano-view hostels to $400+ colonial palace suites, offering the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage colonial center in the Americas perched dramatically at 9,350 feet above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and wrapped in crisp Andean air that makes every sunrise feel like awakening in the clouds. This remarkable city stretches through a narrow valley between towering volcanic peaks - from the perfectly preserved Spanish colonial Old Town where golden churches gleam in equatorial sunlight to modern neighborhoods where glass towers compete with mountain vistas for attention. Whether you're staying in restored 16th-century mansions overlooking cobblestoned plazas where conquistadors once planned empires, boutique hotels with rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Pichincha volcano, backpacker hostels where fellow travelers share tales of Galápagos adventures, or simply marveling at the surreal experience of standing on the equator while snow-capped peaks dominate horizons, Quito's accommodation matches its otherworldly setting. I'll guide you through this high-altitude wonder to find your perfect base in 2025, where every morning promises views that make breathing difficult for reasons beyond just altitude, and every evening offers sunsets that paint volcanic peaks in colors that cameras can never quite capture, all in a city where equatorial location means 12 hours of daylight year-round for maximum exploration time.
Best Quito Hotels by Category
👑 Ultimate Colonial Palace: Casa Gangotena
$200-400/night • Restored mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco
Location: Old Town
Why it's great: Butler service, UNESCO setting, fine dining, and unmatched colonial elegance
🏛️ Best Historic Luxury: Hotel Plaza Grande
$180-350/night • Historic hotel facing Independence Plaza
Location: Old Town
Why it's great: Central location, luxury amenities, historic charm, and presidential suite history
🌺 Best Colonial Boutique: Patio Andaluz
$100-200/night • Traditional courtyard hotel with colonial details
Location: Old Town
Why it's great: Authentic architecture, central location, cultural immersion, and historic atmosphere
🌋 Best Mountain View Hostel: Secret Garden Hostel
$15-35/night • Rooftop terrace with spectacular volcano panoramas
Location: Mariscal
Why it's great: Incredible views, social atmosphere, tour booking, and unbeatable value
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Casa Gangotena
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Hotel Plaza Grande
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Patio Andaluz
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Secret Garden Hostel
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Gangotena ★ 4.5 | $200-400/night | Old Town | Butler serviceUNESCO settingfine diningand unmatched colonial elegance |
|
| Ultimate Colonial Palace | View |
| Hotel Plaza Grande ★ 4.5 | $180-350/night | Old Town | Central locationluxury amenitieshistoric charmand presidential suite history |
|
| Historic Luxury | View |
| Patio Andaluz ★ 4.5 | $100-200/night | Old Town | Authentic architecturecentral locationcultural immersionand historic atmosphere |
|
| Colonial Boutique | View |
| Secret Garden Hostel ★ 4.5 | $15-35/night | Mariscal | Incredible viewssocial atmospheretour bookingand unbeatable value |
|
| Mountain View Hostel | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Quito, Ecuador
⛪Old Town (Centro Histórico)
Perfectly preserved Spanish colonial center with stunning architecture
Best for:History lovers and luxury seekers
Average cost:$50-350/night
Vibe:Living colonial museum with modern luxury
Pros:
- UNESCO heritage
- Colonial hotels
- Walking to sights
- Historic atmosphere
🌮Mariscal Sucre (New Town)
Modern tourist district with international dining and accommodation
Best for:Budget travelers and nightlife seekers
Average cost:$15-120/night
Vibe:International backpacker hub with mountain views
Pros:
- Budget options
- International food
- Social scene
- Tour connections
🎨La Floresta & Guápulo
Artistic neighborhoods with local character and boutique stays
Best for:Culture seekers and authentic experiences
Average cost:$40-180/night
Vibe:Bohemian charm with authentic Quito life
Pros:
- Local culture
- Art scene
- Authentic dining
- Less touristy
🏢Modern Districts & Valleys
Contemporary areas with business facilities and mountain vistas
Best for:Business travelers and modern comfort seekers
Average cost:$80-250/night
Vibe:Modern sophistication with spectacular settings
Pros:
- Modern amenities
- Business facilities
- Shopping
- Lower altitude
Staying in Old Town (Centro Histórico)
Pros
- UNESCO heritage
- Colonial hotels
- Walking to sights
- Historic atmosphere
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Mariscal Sucre (New Town)
Pros
- Budget options
- International food
- Social scene
- Tour connections
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Quito
Quito offers excellent value across all price ranges. Old Town most expensive but worth the UNESCO experience. Mariscal budget-friendly with good hostel scene. US dollar currency makes budgeting simple. Altitude can affect some visitors initially.
Top Hostels ($12-30/night)
Mountain View Hostels
Volcano views, social atmosphere, tour connections
Colonial Hostels
Historic buildings, cultural location, walking distance
Eco Hostels
Sustainable practices, local tips, authentic experiences
Budget Hotels ($30-70/night)
Boutique Hotels
Local character, mountain views, personal service
Colonial Hotels
Historic buildings, UNESCO setting, luxury amenities
Business Hotels
Contemporary amenities, business facilities, valley locations
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Equatorial location means consistent daylight year-round (12 hours daily) with minimal temperature variation. Two seasons: dry (June-September) and wet (October-May). Altitude keeps temperatures cool and pleasant year-round.
🔥 High Season: June-September
Dry season with clearest mountain views and best weather for volcano visits and outdoor activities. Less rain and lower humidity. Ideal for TelefériQo cable car and day trips. Higher accommodation prices but perfect conditions for exploring.
💰 Low Season: October-May
Wet season with afternoon showers but still pleasant for city exploration. Lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists. Morning usually clear with rain typically in afternoon/evening. Museums and indoor attractions unaffected by weather.
Essential Booking Tips for Quito
⚠️ Altitude Preparation Essential
Quito at 9,350 feet - second highest capital after La Paz. Arrive early to acclimatize, drink water, avoid alcohol first day. Most adjust within 1-2 days. Some hotels provide oxygen. Consider lower valley accommodations (Cumbayá) if severely affected. Symptoms include headache and fatigue.
ℹ️ Old Town vs New Town Choice
Old Town for maximum colonial charm and UNESCO experience but can feel touristy and empty at night. Mariscal (New Town) for hostels, international restaurants, and safer nightlife. La Floresta for authentic local culture. Choose based on priorities and comfort level.
💡 Mountain View Optimization
Request volcano-view rooms for spectacular Pichincha and distant snow-cap panoramas. Higher floors better for views. Many hostels have rooftop terraces. TelefériQo cable car offers city's best viewpoint. Clear mornings best for mountain photography before afternoon clouds form.
✅ Cultural Access Strategy
Old Town walking distance to all major colonial sites - churches, museums, plazas. Many hotels offer cultural tours and historical information. Museo Nacional and Capilla del Hombre worth visits. Consider guided tours for deeper historical understanding of colonial significance.
Getting Around Quito
Quito's new metro system excellent for north-south travel through the city - clean, modern, and affordable ($0.35). Buses comprehensive but can be confusing for visitors. Taxis and Uber widely available and very affordable. Old Town completely walkable but very hilly - good exercise but altitude affects stamina initially. TelefériQo cable car ascends Pichincha volcano for spectacular city and mountain views. From Mariscal Sucre airport: buses, taxis, or ride-share 45 minutes to city center. Many hotels provide airport transfers. Walking between Old Town and Mariscal possible but long and hilly - use transport. Download offline maps and metro app. Spanish helpful but tourist areas have English speakers. Avoid walking alone in Old Town after dark - take taxis between areas at night. Most importantly, take your time initially - the combination of hills and 9,350-foot altitude means everyone needs to adjust their pace until acclimatized!
Frequently Asked Questions About Quito Accommodation
1 Which Quito neighborhood should I stay in?
Old Town for maximum colonial charm and UNESCO sites but can feel touristy. Mariscal (New Town) for hostels, restaurants, and nightlife - safer at night. La Floresta for authentic local feel. Cumbayá for luxury and valley views. Consider altitude effects - Quito at 9,350 feet affects some visitors initially.
2 How do I deal with Quito's altitude?
Quito sits at 9,350 feet - second highest capital after La Paz. Arrive early to acclimatize. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol first day, take it easy initially. Most visitors adjust within 1-2 days. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath. Hotels often provide oxygen and altitude advice.
3 Is Quito's Old Town safe?
Generally safe during day with tourist police presence. Avoid after dark - take taxis between areas at night. Don't display valuables. Mariscal safer for evening activities. Hotels provide current safety updates. Stick to main tourist areas and use common urban sense. Much improved in recent years.
4 How do I get around Quito?
New metro system excellent for north-south travel. Buses comprehensive but confusing for visitors. Taxis and Uber widely available and affordable. Old Town walkable but very hilly. TelefériQo cable car for volcano views. Airport 45 minutes from city center. Walking good exercise but altitude affects stamina initially.
5 What makes Quito accommodation special?
Incredible colonial architecture with many hotels in restored historic buildings. Dramatic mountain setting with volcano views. UNESCO World Heritage location. Excellent value for accommodation quality. Mix of budget hostels and luxury colonial properties. Generally high standards across all price ranges.
Which Quito neighborhood should I stay in?
How do I deal with Quito's altitude?
Is Quito's Old Town safe?
How do I get around Quito?
What makes Quito accommodation special?
Final Thoughts
Quito doesn't just offer accommodation at altitude - it provides elevated experiences in every sense, where sleeping in UNESCO colonial mansions feels like time travel to when Spanish viceroys ruled vast empires, and waking to snow-capped volcanic peaks reminds you daily that you're residing closer to the stars than most humans ever experience. This is a city where your accommodation determines access to some of Earth's most spectacular urban scenery: colonial luxury hotels for refined historical immersion, mountain-view hostels for budget adventures with million-dollar panoramas, boutique properties for authentic cultural connection. The altitude adds magic to everything - sunrises that paint volcanic peaks in impossible colors, air so clear that stars seem close enough to touch, equatorial location ensuring perfect 12-hour days year-round for maximum exploration. Your accommodation choice shapes your Quito story completely - UNESCO colonial elegance for historical luxury, modern properties for contemporary comfort, or valley locations for dramatic settings with easier breathing. Yes, altitude affects everyone initially. Yes, Old Town can feel touristy. Yes, Spanish helps enormously for local connections. But Quito delivers urban experiences impossible elsewhere - where else can you sleep in perfectly preserved colonial cities, wake to volcanic panoramas, lunch on the equator, and explore churches older than most countries? Pack warm layers for cool nights, comfortable shoes for cobblestones, and sense of wonder for daily altitude-enhanced magic. Welcome to the middle of the world!
Helpful Resources
About the Author
Amara Okonkwo
Amara's journey from Lagos to becoming an award-winning travel journalist spans 12 years of solo female travel across Africa and the Middle East. She's passionate about changing perceptions of African travel and empowering women to explore independently. Her cultural insights and safety tips have helped thousands discover Africa's incredible diversity.
