Hostal de la Rábida

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, beautiful and ever-growing Quito boasts both some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in Ecuador, as well as some of the liveliest contemporary culture. Its picturesque mountain setting and imposing Hispanic cathedrals juxtapose with flowered parks, a bustling nightlife district, and the nearby Incan ruin of Rumicucho. The ancient people of Ecuador and the Spanish invaders equally influenced the feel of the city today; the equator line-based Inti Nan Museum, where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, explores the different cultures that have taken power in Quito throughout history. The subtropical forests and mountain peaks surrounding the city can be explored on day trips. One example is the Papallacta Hot Springs, which is two hours away.

Hotel de La Rábida manages to make guests feel at home, both in the beautifully restored old family house and in Quito itself. This is in part due to the hotel’s owners, who are happy to offer local advice and guide their guests to the best trip possible.

Mere blocks from well-manicured parks, some of the best shopping and dining in Quito, and a five-minute walk to Plaza Foch of the famed nightlife district, Hotel de La Rábida is in a prime location. Historical Old Town Quito and its smorgasbord of colonial architecture are 2 miles (3.7 km) away.

This 11-room hotel feels more like a bed and breakfast, with a private, gourmet restaurant, tranquil garden, and even a small library to browse. Following a day of sightseeing, a good read by the communal fireplace and dinner in the cozy dining room may be necessary!

While pets are welcome, rooms are kept pristine, with a simple elegance enhanced by all-white down duvets and accent décor. Guests will be charmed to find complimentary water, chocolates, and flowers waiting for them in their rooms, along with bathroom amenities such as hair dryers and bathing products. Cable TV, safety deposit boxes, and free wireless Internet are to be expected in a place of such taste, but laundry service, free parking, air conditioning/heat in each room, and arranged transportation to and from the airport define this little hotel as truly full-service. And beyond: the owners and staff speak English, Italian, French, and Spanish, giving international ease to the boutique experience.

It is this sophistication coupled with a homey setting that differentiates Hotel de La Rábida from a bed and breakfast: unlike some tiny hotels, the reception desk and security here are available 24-hours a day, and room service is offered all-day with a full breakfast, as well as an Italian-and-Andean dinner menu.