Hotels in Quito - written by Eric Castro

Quito offers numerous attractions of all types. Hidden in its streets and people are wonders that only a city filled with history and magic could hold. At the same time, the urban development and growth in the middle of the Andes makes Quito unique in its type of city: a large metropolis in a small, defined space.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, Quito is the ideal starting point for discovering the fantastic environment that Ecuador holds. From Quito, a visitor has the opportunity to choose his own destination. Quito contains everything necessary for trips to the most diverse locations. From the north to the south, are the passages through the mountains; to the west, you find the beautiful beaches along the Route of the Sun; and to the east, you can visit the immense tropical forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

With these possibilities in mind, on arriving in Quito, lodging will not be a problem. The hospitality system in Quito includes 40,000 businesses, according to the city government. From five-star luxury hotels to residential hostels, the city has a variety of options to fill the needs of a traveler, whether they come for business or pleasure.

Quito has hotels managed by international chains including Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Swissotel and Dann Carlton, while also having independent hotels, high-class inns and tourist hostels.

The lodging facilities are complemented in many of the hotels by restaurants with national and international cusine, bars with live music, gyms, swimming pools, massage, aromatherapy, saunas, conference rooms, business centers, making it great for recreation and relation, but primarily for business.

Lodging is available throughout Quito. However, the majority are located in the north and central area of Quito. Generally, the main hotels and hostels are located in the area between 12 de Octubre Avenue and Amazonas Avenue, by the airport. Nevertheless, you can also find other types of lodging such as inns, hostels and apartments throughout the various sections of Quito.

Every visitor has the liberty to choose whichever lodging best meets his needs. Quito offers a large quantity of options to make your stay the most pleasant possible: hotels, apartment hotels, residential hotels, inns and houses. Depending on location and price, a tourist can find whatever services he needs.

In almost all of these establishments, you can make an advance reservation. By doing this, you prevent unnecessary problems by looking for lodging while in the city, though the hotels in Quito have never been completely booked. All of the luxury hotels and other establishments have web sites, email addresses and offer other possibilities for making reservations.

Lodging in Quito is divided into five categories: luxury, first, second, third and fourth class. There are nine luxury hotels, all located in strategic locations in commercial and tourist areas. The main streets where these hotels are located are 6 de Diciembre, Amazonas, Patria, Shyris, Rep�blica, 12 de Octubre, Naciones Unidas and Gonz�les Suarez.

These hotels offer diverse services including deluxe, comfortable rooms and large conference rooms. These hotels are recommended for business trips and any tourist trips with guides that are run through travel agencies.

More economical and a little bit away from the main streets of Quito are the rest of the hotels. Along Amazonas Avenue and Juan Le�n Mera Avenue (in the heart of the tourist section and nightlife of Quito La Mariscal) are many different types of lodging that range from $5 -$120 per night. European, Australian and American tourists frequent these locations. Backpackers are also regulars in this central area of town because of its strategic location.

When you are staying for a prolonged period or for business trips requiring more peace, you can rent temporary apartments or stay in residencias . Prices here range from $40 - $100 depending on the luxury and services offered.

In order to maximize what Quito and Ecuador have to offer it's recommended that you match your budget with what you would like to do on your visit. With this in mind, you can choose a place that has everything you need in the city, whether it be comfort or simply a bed to sleep in.

On many occasions you can haggle regarding the prices of the hostels and motels. Many times, these lodgings will offer extra services such as trips around Quito or throughout Ecuador.