Standing in Quito’s Plaza San Francisco, the historic Casa Gangotena Hotel is the first and only hotel in Quito to become part of Relais & Châteaux. It has a distinctly European feel to it from the outside – a remnant of the city’s rich colonial past, and has been lovingly restored and converted into a chic boutique hotel that blends Art Nouveau with contemporary elements. Head to the roof-top terrace to enjoy panoramic views over the red-tiled roofs and spires of the captivating Old Town. A tantalising fusion of modern and traditional Andean cuisine made from fine local ingredients is served in the elegant dining room and the terrace bar which overlooks the bustling square is the perfect spot for drinking in the local atmosphere. The classically elegant rooms are set across three floors and are individually styled, with chic Art Deco-style furniture, plush linen, beautiful carpets, high ceilings and a sitting area. The Luxury Rooms are set on the ground, first and third floors with the former offering garden access and the latter offering access to the terrace. The romantic Balcony Junior Suite is set on the first floor and overlooks the inner garden.
Cradled in an Andean valley, this intriguing 17th-Century hacienda is also a working farm. Inside the hacienda, the focus is purely on comfort with fireplaces in every room, a living room and dining room where you can sample traditional meals. The hotel has its own cheese factory, dairy farm and vegetable garden, and you can dine both inside and outside. A stay here is all about immersing yourself in the natural environment and fascinating local culture. There are also a variety of activities on offer including riding or mountain biking up to the Andean Condor breeding program. As part of an original colonial building, the hacienda is a protected site, meaning that each of the Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites have their own unique shape, size, character and charm.
This large, modern hotel is close to Guayaquil’s downtown area, and within easy reach of attractions including the Parque Histórico Guayaquil, the Botanical Garden and the Las Peñas neighbourhood — the birthplace of the city and famous for its colonial architecture. Just a 15-minute drive away is the Malecón 2000, Guayaquil's 1½-mile-long regenerated version of the old Simón Bolívar boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River — here you can visit museums, go shopping, eat out at a range of restaurants and take a day or night tour along the river. There's a great range of places to eat here. Head to Cafe Colon for buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea time buffet. Tuck into delicious Japanese dishes at Kioto Sushi Bar at the shopping arcade, or the succulent meat and seafood grill at Vereda Tropical Restaurant. The refurbished Sal y Pimienta serves pizzas, fast food and pastries, while Portofino Restaurant does great Italian food with a selection of wines. If you fancy relaxing after a day of exploring, try out the sauna and steam baths in the hotel spa, kick back by the pool and enjoy a cocktail from Coco Bar, or grab some snacks and drinks at the Atrium Bar. Upgrade from a standard Guest Room to an Executive Room or Suite — Suites are spacious and elegant, and some come with a whirlpool bath.
This contemporary and spacious hotel is in a great central spot in Ecuador’s capital, in the La Mariscal district just a 10-minute walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site colonial Old Town. It's also opposite El Ejido park, known for its intricate stone arch. Unwind after a day of discovering with a dip in the pool, complete with its own heated deck and pretty bonsai garden. You'll also have access to an on-site salon, spa and gym. Head to the cosy Bar La Pinta to enjoy a world-famous Andean coffee on the terrace — they have signature cocktails, craft beers and fine wines, as well as a selection of snacks including empanadas and shrimps. Nextdoor, Kioto Sushi Bar serves classic Japanese cuisine, but be sure to try the Exclusive Roll for an Ecuadorian twist using local ingredients such as plantain and sweet potato. Sal y Pimienta Deli & Bakery is open for breakfast and lunch, serving everything from healthy juices, smoothies and pastries to soups, salad and pizza, while Cafe Colon Restaurant has a charcuterie and grilled dishes.
Offering an unusual, unique and breathtaking location, Mashpi Lodge has been designed to present its guests with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Suspended in the cloud forest of the Mashpi Reserve, this enchanting destination is the epitome of sustainable luxury and recently featured in the BBC series, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. It is also a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. It's a springboard for exploring the biodiversity of the forest beyond, with a contemporary design which contrasts with the natural setting — vast floor-to-ceiling windows offer unparalleled views of the world beyond. And with captivating hummingbirds as your neighbours, you won’t want to miss one minute. Keeping the creatures of the forest firmly outdoors, the towering two-storey Dining Room promises a stunning gastronomic experience with panoramic views. Drawing from the diversity of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with a distinctly modern twist, the dishes on offer include fresh native ingredients found both on the coast and in the mountains, with the menu changing to reflect the season. A must-try at this enchanting lodge in the sky is the exhilarating thrill of the Sky Bike. Racing through the canopy on a tandem bike suspended in zip-line style, take in the wonders of the forest, criss-crossed by waterfalls. With almost 400 species of birds to see, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for flashes of colour as you sail past. Choose between a Wayra Room or Yaku Suite. In Kichwa, Wayra means 'wind' and Yaku translates as 'water' — the former are generous-sized rooms with captivating jungle views, and the latter come with a spacious bathroom including twin basins and a Philippe Starck-designed bathtub with views out into the forest.
Tucked away in the lush surrounds of the Ecuadorian Amazon, this friendly and comfortable lodge offers adventure from the outset. Reached by motorised canoe followed by a forest walk and dugout canoe paddle, even getting here is a journey to remember. The lodge features cosy cabins constructed with natural materials designed to complement the environment, while a host of jungle excursions include night walks, canoe trips and a canopy walkway. Enjoy the views from the 135-foot observation tower, follow the 300-metre long canopy walk and visit the butterfly house. Feast on delicious international buffets at the restaurant and socialise with fellow guests by the lakeside at the lodge's regular barbecues. After a full day of jungle activities you may wish to or reward yourself with a cool drink at the bar which offers lovely views over the tranquil lake. The cosy cabins are nestled in the tropical grounds and feature high thatched roofs, ceiling fans, showers, and terraces with hammocks. Single, Double and Triple cabins are available.
Surrounded by mangroves and wildlife in Puerto Ayora’s only beachfront location, this charming eco-friendly hotel is a great alternative to a Galapagos cruise – or the perfect retreat for a few relaxing nights at the end of one. Steps from the beach in a private seaside location at Punta Estrada, on the Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz, this quiet, tranquil hotel is surrounded by land where transport is restricted to bicycles and pedestrians. From here, you can soak in the sun on the back deck, or head out to explore the mangrove-laden coastline on foot. If you’re keen to learn more about your captivating surrounds, head out with Galapagos naturalists by land or sea to learn about the local fauna and flora. Uncover the wonders that await beneath the waves while scuba diving and watch as the penguins that seem slow on land transform into elegant acrobats. There are plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails to traverse, and you can also head out aboard the hotel’s own yacht to discover the enchanting islands beyond. The beautiful grounds make a great place for a gentle stroll, taking in the hotel’s highly acclaimed conservation efforts. This concern for the natural environment is echoed in the cuisine, with many of the specially-crafted Galapagos-inspired dishes using ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic vegetable garden. The recently refurbished rooms and suites offer a peaceful setting and modern amenities. The Finch Bay Rooms have shared porches or balconies with their own hammocks while Finch Bay Suites offer direct ocean views and a private balcony with hammock.
Head to Quito’s colonial old town to discover this stunning heritage retreat which dates back to 1738. The three-storey hotel is set around a spectacular atrium-courtyard, dotted with pretty plant pots and supported by stone pillars and wooden beams which lead up to a pentagonal glass ceiling. Make the most of the fantastic location — you’ll be on Quito’s famous Calle de la Ronda which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, and within 10 minutes’ walk of attractions including Independence Square and the City Museum. You can enjoy fresh Ecuadorian cuisine in the restaurant, and wind down with tea and biscuits in the cosy lounge after a day of exploring the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site capital. Be sure to try the cheap local tipple Canelazo, served hot and made from cane liquor, tangy citrus fruit naranjilla and cinnamon. The hotel’s rooms have warm cream walls and a rustic, homely feel, with authentic features including beautiful wooden shutters and bedheads.
Casa Gangotena, Quito
Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo
Hilton Colon, Guayaquil
Hilton Colon, Quito
Mashpi Lodge, Mashpi Rainforest Reserve
Sacha Lodge, Amazon
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
La Casona de la Ronda
