Quito's long, narrow shape means that where you sleep shapes your trip. The choice is mainly between the colonial Old Town, with atmosphere and walkable sights, and the modern city to the north, with larger hotels, restaurants and business facilities. Here is how to choose, with the five hotels we feature.
The Old Town for first-timers
If this is your first visit and the Historic Centre is your priority, stay inside it. You can walk to Plaza Grande, La Compañía, San Francisco and La Ronda, and you save on taxis. The trade-offs are hills, cobbles, some street noise on weekends and a more subdued evening scene once the day crowds leave. Take it slowly at altitude and use taxis at night.
Splurge: Casa Gangotena
For a special trip, Casa Gangotena is a restored mansion on Plaza San Francisco with 31 rooms across three floors, a restaurant, a bar and two terraces with views toward the mountains and city. It is the stylish choice for couples and anyone who wants the plaza on their doorstep. Confirm what is included, such as breakfast, at the time of booking.
Mid-range in the heart of the Old Town
Hotel San Francisco de Quito is on Sucre near Guayaquil, about two minutes from Independence Square, with free breakfast, a rooftop terrace, a library and no parking. Boutique Hotel Plaza Sucre is a smaller, 25-room boutique stay with a bar-restaurant looking toward the Panecillo and Santo Domingo church, and breakfast and taxes are listed as included. Both are good-value bases for first-time visitors on foot.
The modern city for services and space
Swissôtel Quito sits on Avenida 12 de Octubre with 275 rooms, an outdoor pool in gardens and four restaurants. It is a taxi ride from the Old Town, so it suits travellers who want international-chain comfort, business facilities or a pool after long excursions. Families often prefer it, and it is a convenient start for road trips. Expect to pay for transport to the sights.
Budget: Secret Garden
Backpackers and solo travellers will find a sociable base at Secret Garden, a hostel at Antepara E4-60 y Los Ríos in the Colonial Old Town with a rooftop terrace, restaurant and bar. Rooms are simple and rates are budget level, and the hostel helps travellers connect for day trips. Check bathroom and breakfast details when you book.
How to choose
Pick the Old Town if you want atmosphere and walkable highlights and do not mind slopes, and pick the modern city if you value space, a pool and a quieter evening. For the TelefériQo, Mitad del Mundo, Cotopaxi, Otavalo and Mindo, the starting point matters less because most pickups and taxis are easy to arrange from any central hotel, though morning departures are simpler if your tour offers hotel pickup in your area.
Booking tips
Book early for weekends, holidays and the high season, and ask for an interior or upper-floor room if you are sensitive to noise. Check whether breakfast, taxes and parking are included, confirm check-in times if you arrive on an early flight, and ask about luggage storage if you are leaving for a multi-day trip such as the Galápagos or the Amazon.
Our suggestion
Most first-timers will be happiest in the Old Town, either at Hotel San Francisco de Quito or Boutique Hotel Plaza Sucre for value, or Casa Gangotena for a splurge. Choose Swissôtel for comfort and a pool, and Secret Garden if your priority is budget and company. Whichever you choose, give yourself a gentle first day while you adjust to the altitude.
