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The best area to stay in Quito is Old Town if you want to be near historic sites and cultural attractions. La Mariscal works better for nightlife, while La Carolina suits families looking for parks and safety.
Your choice of neighborhood will shape your Quito experience, no doubt about it. The Historic Center is the largest and best preserved in South America, so it’s a favorite for first-timers.
Other spots like La Floresta are for folks who want trendy cafes and that artsy, bohemian vibe. It’s a city of contrasts, for sure.
This guide breaks down what makes each neighborhood unique. You’ll get a sense of hotels and hostels, what to expect from accommodation prices, and some practical stuff like transportation between neighborhoods.
Getting around is cheap—public buses are just $0.25, and Ubers usually run $2 to $5 pretty much anywhere in the city.
How to Decide on the Best Area to Stay in Quito
Your budget, travel style, and what you want to experience all play a part in choosing where to stay in Quito. The city’s different zones each have something unique to offer.
Understanding Quito’s Neighborhoods
Quito splits into distinct areas, each catering to a different crowd. The Historic Center is the cultural heart and one of the largest preserved colonial centers in Latin America.
You’ll see centuries-old churches, museums, and traditional architecture. It feels a bit like stepping back in time.
La Mariscal is the go-to for backpackers. It sits north of Old Town, and Plaza Foch is the main hangout—hostels, nightlife, the works.
La Floresta draws in artists and students. Independent coffee shops, local restaurants, and art boutiques pop up all over the place.
La Carolina is modern Quito. This is the business district, but it’s also good for families thanks to parks, shopping centers, and a calmer vibe.
Neighborhood Comparison:
| Neighborhood | Best For | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Center | First-time visitors, history lovers | Colonial, cultural |
| La Mariscal | Backpackers, nightlife seekers | Party atmosphere, social |
| La Floresta | Foodies, creatives | Bohemian, artsy |
| La Carolina | Families, business travelers | Modern, residential |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
Your budget is a big deal when picking where to stay in Quito. Hostels in La Mariscal start at $10-15 a night for dorm beds.
Mid-range hotels in the Historic Center usually cost $40-80 per night. If you want luxury in La Carolina, expect $100 and up.
Safety is another factor. Old Town and La Mariscal are safe in the touristy parts during the day, but you’ll want to be more careful at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after dark—it’s just smart.
Think about what you want to do most. If you’re into history, Old Town is your spot for churches and museums.
Party animals will be happier in La Mariscal, close to bars and clubs. Your travel buddies matter too.
Families get the most out of La Carolina’s parks and quiet. Solo travelers often lean toward La Mariscal for the hostels and social scene.
Transportation and Getting Around the City
Public buses in Quito cost just $0.35 and connect all the main neighborhoods. The Ecovía bus line runs north to south, so you can get around pretty easily.
Taxis and Uber are everywhere. Most trips are $2-5, so you don’t have to stress much about location.
The city’s layout is long and narrow, thanks to its mountain valley setting. Getting from one end to another by bus can take 30-45 minutes.
If you want to spend less time commuting, staying in Old Town or La Mariscal is smart. Walking works well within each neighborhood, but not so much between them.
The Historic Center is compact and walkable. La Mariscal and La Floresta are close enough that you can wander between them on foot.
Top Neighborhoods in Quito for Visitors
Each of Quito’s neighborhoods has its own flavor, from colonial architecture and museums to parks and nightlife. Where you stay really shapes your access to restaurants, cultural sites, and the general vibe of your trip.
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The Centro Histórico is the largest and best preserved historic center in South America. It’s a dream for culture lovers.
You’ll be steps from Plaza Grande, the political heart of Ecuador, and surrounded by jaw-dropping colonial churches. La Compañía de Jesús is famous for its gold-covered interior—seriously, it’s called “the golden church.”
The Basílica del Voto Nacional towers over the city with neo-Gothic spires. La Ronda is a pedestrian street that comes alive at night with restaurants, bars, and artisan workshops serving canelazo.
There are places to stay for every budget. Casa Gangotena and Hotel Plaza Grande are luxury boutique hotels, but there are also hostels and family-run guesthouses.
Museo de la Ciudad and Casa de Sucre Museum dive into Ecuador’s history. La Casona de la Ronda is an authentic spot right in the historic quarter.
La Mariscal
La Mariscal is Quito’s nightlife epicenter, packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. Plaza Foch is where it all happens—expect international restaurants and late-night fun.
The area is well-connected to the rest of the city. On weekends, you can wander to Parque El Ejido and check out the open-air art gallery with local artists.
The artisan market nearby is great for colorful crafts and souvenirs. Mercure Alameda Quito is a comfy mid-range pick, while Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel and Posada del Maple are smaller, more personal options.
Hotel Reina Isabel works for both business and leisure travelers. Pharmacies, laundries, and everything else you might need are within walking distance.
La Carolina
La Carolina is Quito’s modern financial district, centered around Parque La Carolina—a massive 64-hectare green space that’s the city’s recreational hub. There’s a Botanical Garden, Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Vivarium of Quito right in the park.
This neighborhood is great for business travelers and families who want modern comforts and shopping. Quicentro Shopping, Mall El Jardín, and Centro Comercial Iñaquito have both international and local brands.
You can get to the historic center in 15-20 minutes by taxi, which isn’t bad at all. Swissôtel Quito, Sheraton Quito, and Dann Carlton Quito all offer international hotel standards.
Wyndham Garden Quito, Hotel Finlandia, and La Carolina Inn are solid mid-range options. The area is known for good safety and efficient public transport.
La Floresta
La Floresta draws artists, writers, and creative types. Neoclassical mansions from the 1920s now house independent shops, galleries, and cafes, while street art and murals liven up the leafy streets.
There are indie cinemas, theaters, and the famous Plaza de las Tripas, where you’ll find traditional foods like tripa mishqui and empanadas de viento. The neighborhood is walkable to both La Mariscal and Centro Histórico.
Capilla del Hombre and the Guayasamín Foundation are close by, showcasing Ecuador’s most famous artist. Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique and Casa El Edén are intimate places to stay that fit the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
Trude Sojka Cultural House celebrates another renowned artist who settled in Ecuador. If you’re up for a short walk, you can reach the Guápulo viewpoint for some pretty stunning city views.
Best Area to Stay in Quito for Specific Travelers
Everyone’s got different needs in Quito. Families want safe, residential neighborhoods with parks, while backpackers are all about social hostels and cheap eats.
Families
If you’re a family searching for the best area to stay in Quito, you’ll want safety, green spaces, and easy access to kid-friendly activities. Bellavista is an excellent pick for families.
Bellavista Quito is quiet and residential, away from the main tourist crowds. It’s safe, has wide streets, and local parks where kids can play.
Hotel Bellavista Quito is great for families, with spacious rooms and staff who understand what it’s like to travel with children. Cumbayá and Tumbaco are upscale residential zones about 20-30 minutes from central Quito.
- Modern shopping centers with familiar stores and restaurants
- Parks and recreational spaces for kids
- Lower crime rates than downtown
- International schools nearby (always a good sign for families)
On a budget? Rincón Familiar Hostel Boutique offers family rooms at reasonable prices—the name literally means “family corner.”
If comfort and convenience are priorities, Illa Experience Hotel has family suites with kitchenettes. Cooking facilities can be a lifesaver with picky eaters or if you just want to save a little cash.
Backpackers and Budget Travelers
La Mariscal is still the go-to spot for backpackers and budget travelers in Quito. This neighborhood has the city’s highest concentration of hostels and budget accommodations.
The area around Plaza Foch puts you right by affordable restaurants, bars, and travel agencies. Hostel dorms can run under $15 per night, and private rooms usually range from $20-35.
Many hostels toss in free breakfast, a communal kitchen, and group activities. It’s a pretty social scene, honestly.
Centro Histórico is a solid pick if you care more about culture than nightlife. Guesthouses and hostels in old colonial buildings start around $20 per night.
The area’s packed with free or cheap attractions—think churches, plazas, and museums. It’s easy to fill a day just walking around.
Getting around Quito won’t eat up your budget. Public buses are only $0.25 per ride, and Uber trips across town are usually $2-5.
So, you can stay in one neighborhood and still check out the rest of the city without spending much. That’s a relief.
Just a heads up: avoid staying near Quitumbe, the southern bus terminal. It has cheap places, but it’s far from the action and honestly doesn’t feel as safe as other areas.
Luxury Seekers
La Carolina neighborhood is where you’ll find the fanciest hotel options in Quito. This modern district is full of international hotels with premium amenities, rooftop dining, and concierge service.
The area wraps around Metropolitan Park, one of Quito’s biggest green spaces. You can go for a morning jog or walk, then head back for a spa treatment or a nice meal.
La Carolina’s close to the financial district, so hotels keep standards high for business travelers. It’s polished, for sure.
González Suárez is another good bet for luxury, with sweeping views of the city and mountains. The best hotels in Quito here are boutique-style, with personal service and top-notch restaurants.
If you want something a little different, Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe mixes European elegance with Ecuadorian warmth. The gardens are lovely, and the suites feel spacious.
Need to be near the airport? Wyndham Quito Airport is just minutes from the terminal and offers five-star comfort. Soundproof rooms, an indoor pool, and plenty of dining options make it a convenient choice.
Nature Lovers
Bellavista is great for nature lovers, thanks to its proximity to hiking trails and natural areas. It’s on Quito’s eastern edge, so the mountains are practically in your backyard.
From northern neighborhoods like La Carolina, you can get to Metropolitan Park easily. The park has hiking trails, eucalyptus forests, and some pretty epic city views.
It’s actually one of South America’s largest urban parks. Not bad for a city escape.
Cumbayá puts you closer to cloud forest reserves and hiking spots. It’s in a valley, so the weather’s warmer than central Quito, and you’re just a quick drive from the Andean foothills.
If you want mountain access every day, consider staying near the TelefériQo cable car station. The cable car climbs to 13,000 feet, and hiking trails start right at the top.
Hotels in the northern neighborhoods are only about a 15-minute taxi ride from the cable car. Pretty convenient if you ask me.
The eastern valley neighborhoods—Tumbaco and Cumbayá—also work well as bases for day trips to Cotopaxi National Park and other outdoor spots.
Hotels, Hostels, and What to Expect From Quito Accommodation
Quito’s got accommodations ranging from restored colonial mansions in the historic center to slick business hotels up north. There are options for every budget, with boutique places mostly in Old Town and international chains near La Carolina Park.
Boutique Hotels and Historic Stays
The historic center features boutique hotels in colonial buildings with original details. Plaza Grande is set in a centuries-old building on the main plaza, keeping original features like courtyards and colonial artwork. Casa Aliso Hotel Boutique and Hotel Casa Joaquin Boutique Hotel are smaller, with a more personal feel.
Illa Experience Hotel brings together historic architecture and modern comforts in a converted colonial property. These boutique stays usually include breakfast, concierge service, and a courtyard for dining.
Prices are higher than standard hotels, but you’re paying for the atmosphere and those unique interiors. Sometimes, it’s just worth it.
Modern Hotels and International Chains
Up north, you’ll find the big hotel chains and modern spots close to the business district. JW Marriott Quito offers full-service amenities—restaurants, a gym, meeting rooms, you name it.
Swissotel Quito is similar, plus you get mountain views from the upper floors. Le Parc Hotel is aimed at business travelers, with workspaces and conference rooms.
NH Collection Quito Royal mixes chain reliability with a bit of local style. Mercure Alameda Quito sits between the historic center and the northern districts, so you can get to both pretty easily.
Hotel Stubel Suites & Cafe and Hotel Reina Isabel are good mid-range options with standard services. On-site restaurants, 24-hour front desks, airport shuttles—nothing too fancy, but all the basics are covered.
Room rates in this category go from moderate to high, depending on where you are and what’s on offer.
Budget Stays and Hostels
Budget accommodations cluster in La Mariscal and parts of the historic center. Viajero Quito Hostel has dorm beds and private rooms, with shared facilities, a communal kitchen, and social spaces.
Rincon Familiar Hostel Boutique is a quieter spot in a residential building. Posada del Maple gives you private rooms at hostel prices, breakfast included.
Most places have free WiFi, luggage storage, and can help book tours. Family-run guesthouses in the historic center usually charge less than hotels.
Hotel Casa Montero and Hotel Finlandia are budget hotels with basic rooms and not many extras. You’ll get clean accommodations, but don’t expect luxury at these prices.
Tips for Booking the Best Accommodation
Book accommodations at least two weeks ahead if you’re traveling during peak season, which runs from June through September. Properties in the historic center fill up fast, especially around holidays and festivals.
Always check cancellation policies before you commit. Some boutique hotels have fees for changes, and you don’t want any surprises.
If you care about the view or want to avoid street noise, try to get a room on a higher floor. When you’re booking, ask if they offer airport transportation—taxis can really add up.
It’s worth checking if breakfast is included in your rate. Sometimes it’s not, and that can be a hassle in the morning.
Recent reviews are your friend. Double-check that the property actually matches the current photos, because things change faster than you’d think.
Historic buildings can be charming, but watch out for steep stairs and no elevator. Hotel Bellavista Quito and some spots outside the center might mean longer taxi rides to get anywhere interesting.
Shop around. Prices jump all over the place between booking sites.
If you’re staying a while, it never hurts to contact smaller hotels directly. They might just give you a better deal.