Quito Hotel Tips by acemj

Four Points by Sheraton Quito: Thank you, American Airlines Four Points by Sheraton Quito Review

Well, when I boarded my American Airlines flight on a Saturday morning, I thought I'd lay my head on my pillow in Philadelphia that night, but when they started offering free vouchers for volunteers to get off the plane because of too much weight, I decided to jump at the chance. I ended up with a $700 voucher and a free night at the beautiful Sheraton Quito. This hotel is first class and my stay was very pleasant.

Unique Qualities: It's what you'd expect from a Sheraton. A very comfortable bed, clean and spacious rooms with nice linens and a full bar, high-speed internet connections in every room and all the expected amenities. There are two restaurants and a lobby cafe here as well as a business center, conference rooms, a full breakfast, room service, laundry facilities and a full gym with a spa, jacuzzi and steam room.

Address: Avenida Naciones Unidas y Avenida Republica de El Salvador

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Commercial/Financial District next to soccer stadium

Phone: (593)(2) 297 0002

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=766

Hotel Antinea: French Charm, affordable prices Antinea Hotel Quito Review

If you've decided to stay in La Mariscal as opposed to the Old Town, I'd highly recommend the Hotel Antinea. The location is perfect for this area. It's close to the bars and restaurants and Plaza Foch, but just far enough away to keep it fairly quiet. I stayed here a total of five nights and really enjoyed the place. The owners are a married couple, Cathy (who is French) and Fernando (who is Ecuadorean) and both are very generous and hospitable. Cathy was very understanding when I was forced to delay my arrival twice because of airline difficulties and when I finally apologetically arrived, she just told me she was glad that I finally made it. A few days later when I was having a little bit of a stomach problem, Fernando went above and beyond by playing the dual roles of hotel proprietor and amateur doctor. He insisted that I allow him to make me a special concoction that he assured me would be good for my ailment. He even sent one of his employees to the store to buy some lemons and this "secret special" ingredient. Within twenty minutes, I was drinking a cup of this magic potion and I'm not sure if it cured me, but his hospitality sure made me feel better.

Unique Qualities: I stayed in two different rooms and both were clean and comfortable with plenty of space, good bathroom facilities, television, towels and a stocked fridge. The first room also had a great little balcony overlooking the street (Juan Rodriguez), which was a great place to get some sun, write in a journal, read or just relax. Breakfast is included, although it's a simple and unspectacular breakfast. The staff can do laundry for you and you can call the front desk for room service. There is internet access in the lobby (two computers) and while my Rough Guide called it "high-speed internet", I would have to call it slow, but serviceable if you're just checking your email. There are plenty of internet cafes around with faster connection speeds if you need to spend some time online.

Room rates are approximately $35-$75 depending on the room. I believe we paid $60 for the first room we stayed in, which was huge and had the balcony, and around $45 for the second room.

Address: Juan Rodriguez 75

Comparison: about average

Directions: La Mariscal

Other Contact: e-mail: info@hotelantinea.com

Phone: (593-2)-250-6838

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelantinea.com