Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Ecuador

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Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Ecuador

Ecuador may be one of South America’s smallest countries, but it offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and travel experiences. From the colonial streets of Quito and the dramatic Andean highlands to the lush cloud forests, the Amazon rainforest and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, this fascinating destination has something for every kind of traveler. It is also home to some remarkable hotels, ranging from beautifully restored historic mansions and sophisticated city properties to secluded jungle retreats and exclusive island lodges. During my travels through Ecuador, I had the opportunity to experience several exceptional properties, each offering a different perspective on the country’s natural beauty, culture and hospitality. Based on their location, accommodation, facilities, service and overall guest experience, here is my selection of the ten best hotels in Ecuador, counting down from number ten to my absolute favorite.

What is your favorite luxury hotel in Ecuador? Leave a comment.

10. JW Marriott Quito

Located in the heart of Ecuador’s capital, the JW Marriott Quito is an excellent choice for travelers seeking international five-star comfort and extensive facilities. The hotel occupies an impressive contemporary building on Avenida Orellana, within convenient reach of Quito’s main attractions, including its UNESCO-listed historic center. Inside, spacious accommodation, elegant interiors and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere after a day exploring the city. One of the property’s highlights is its beautiful outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by landscaped gardens and offering a welcome retreat from the bustle of the capital. The Zumay Health Club and Spa adds another dimension to the experience, with a comprehensive selection of treatments and wellness facilities. Dining is particularly well catered for, with several restaurants offering everything from Ecuadorian specialties to international cuisine. I would particularly highlight Raíces, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which celebrates South American culinary traditions using local ingredients. While the JW Marriott has a distinctly international character rather than the intimate atmosphere of a boutique property, it remains one of Quito’s most comfortable and complete luxury hotels, particularly for travelers who appreciate familiar standards of service and amenities.

Hotel website: JW Marriott Quito

9. Luna Volcán, Adventure Spa

Perched high above the picturesque town of Baños, Luna Volcán, Adventure Spa offers one of the most spectacular hotel settings in Ecuador. Formerly known as Luna Runtún, this mountain retreat is surrounded by lush vegetation and enjoys breathtaking views towards the Tungurahua volcano and the spectacular Andean landscape. Its elevated position gives the property a wonderfully secluded atmosphere, while Baños and its many attractions remain within easy reach. The hotel features 30 individually designed rooms and suites, each offering its own character and beautiful mountain views. However, the real attraction is the extensive wellness offering. The Luna Healing Spa is a spacious sanctuary with a wide selection of treatments, many using organic ingredients harvested from the property’s own gardens. Guests can also enjoy several swimming pools and Jacuzzis filled with naturally heated volcanic water, making it particularly enjoyable to relax outdoors while admiring the surrounding mountains. For more active travellers, the hotel offers an impressive range of adventure activities, including hiking, rafting, canyoning, horse riding and mountain biking. There are also several dining venues, including Café del Cielo, which is particularly appealing for its spectacular views. Luna Volcán is an excellent choice for combining outdoor adventures with relaxation in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful mountain destinations.

Hotel website: Luna Volcán, Adventure Spa

8. Hotel Cruz del Vado

Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cities, renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and charming historic center. One of the finest places to experience the city’s heritage is Hotel Cruz del Vado, an elegant boutique property housed in a beautifully restored historic building. Originally constructed around 90 years ago, the property was once home to El Mercurio, Cuenca’s first newspaper, and was subsequently known as the Palacio de El Mercurio. Its restoration carefully preserved many of the architectural details that make the building so distinctive, including its impressive pink marble façade, traditional construction techniques and interiors influenced by French architecture. The result is a property that combines historic character with the comforts and services expected of a contemporary luxury boutique hotel. With just 26 rooms, including four suites, the atmosphere is considerably more intimate than at a large international hotel. The accommodation is complemented by carefully selected furnishings and distinctive architectural details that reflect the building’s past. However, one of the property’s greatest assets is its rooftop restaurant and bar, Cúpulas Azules. Located on the upper floor, it offers beautiful panoramic views across Cuenca’s rooftops and historic skyline, providing a particularly memorable setting for an evening meal. For travelers looking to discover Cuenca while staying somewhere with genuine architectural character, Hotel Cruz del Vado is an excellent choice.

Hotel website: Hotel Cruz del Vado

7. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton

For travelers wishing to explore the Galápagos Islands from a comfortable land-based retreat, Royal Palm Galapagos offers a very different experience from the archipelago’s expedition ships and beachfront hotels. Located in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, this secluded property is surrounded by the distinctive vegetation of the Galápagos highlands. Its location, within extensive private grounds and close to the national park, provides a wonderful sense of space and tranquility. One of the most remarkable aspects of the property is its natural setting: giant Galápagos tortoises can roam freely across the grounds, allowing guests to encounter these extraordinary animals without even leaving the hotel. The surrounding landscape also provides opportunities for walks through the highland forest and visits to nearby lava tunnels and the famous Los Gemelos volcanic sinkholes. Accommodation is spread across a collection of spacious rooms and suites, offering a comfortable retreat after days spent discovering the islands. The property also has a particularly distinctive dining experience: guests can enjoy a meal inside a natural lava tunnel, an unusual setting that makes excellent use of the island’s volcanic geology. Although its inland location means that it does not offer direct beach access, Royal Palm is an appealing alternative for those who prefer a peaceful, nature-oriented hotel with plenty of privacy. Its combination of wildlife, spacious accommodation and distinctive surroundings makes it one of the most interesting places to stay on Santa Cruz.

Hotel website: Royal Palm Galapagos

6. Hotel Otavalo

Located in the heart of Otavalo, a charming town in the northern Ecuadorian Andes, Hotel Otavalo is an elegant boutique property that celebrates the region’s history and cultural heritage. Otavalo is particularly famous for its indigenous handicrafts and textiles, with its colourful market attracting visitors from across the world. Staying overnight is an excellent way to discover more of the surrounding region, including its spectacular Andean landscapes, traditional villages and beautiful crater lakes. The hotel itself occupies one of the town’s historic buildings, originally constructed in 1930 and inspired by Spanish colonial architecture. After an extensive restoration by Art Hotels Ecuador, the property reopened in 2018 as a luxury boutique hotel, carefully preserving its architectural character while introducing contemporary comforts. Its interiors combine traditional materials, elegant furnishings and artwork, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and connected to the destination. With 28 rooms, including six suites, the property offers a relatively intimate experience. Guests can also enjoy a range of additional services, including a gallery showcasing art and local craftsmanship. What makes Hotel Otavalo particularly appealing is its location: rather than staying in a large resort outside town, guests are within walking distance of Otavalo’s lively streets, shops and famous handicraft market. For travelers interested in Ecuadorian culture and the traditions of the Andean highlands, this hotel provides a wonderful base from which to explore one of the country’s most distinctive regions.

Hotel website: Hotel Otavalo

5. Hotel del Parque

Hotel del Parque is one of Ecuador’s most distinctive boutique hotels, offering an unexpected oasis of tranquillity on the outskirts of Guayaquil. Situated within the city’s Historical Park, in the Samborondón area, the property occupies a beautifully restored nineteenth-century building surrounded by lush tropical gardens and the natural landscapes of the Daule River. The setting is quite remarkable for an urban hotel: instead of the usual city streets and traffic, guests wake up to birdsong, tropical vegetation and the occasional sight of wildlife moving through the surrounding trees. The historic building has been carefully transformed into an intimate luxury hotel, with elegant interiors that incorporate traditional Ecuadorian furnishings, natural materials and impressive architectural details. Its rooms and suites offer a refined combination of period character and contemporary comfort, with beautifully appointed bathrooms and thoughtful amenities. One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is its restored Gothic chapel, whose original wooden beams and architectural details provide a particularly atmospheric setting for spa treatments. Gastronomy is another important part of the experience, with the hotel’s restaurant serving refined cuisine, including fresh seafood, in an attractive riverside setting. Hotel del Parque is not simply a place to spend the night in Guayaquil; it is a destination in its own right. Its combination of history, nature, gastronomy and personalized hospitality makes it an excellent choice for travellers looking for something considerably more memorable than a conventional city hotel.

Hotel website: Hotel del Parque
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Hotel del Parque through Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a complimentary 50 minute massage for up to two people, once during stay).

4. Pikaia Lodge

Pikaia Lodge is one of the most exclusive places to stay in the Galápagos Islands, offering an exceptional combination of contemporary luxury, spectacular natural surroundings and wildlife encounters. Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, the lodge occupies a privileged position on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater. Its elevated location provides breathtaking panoramic views across the Galápagos National Park, the surrounding volcanic landscape and the Pacific Ocean. Unlike most hotels in the archipelago, which are located close to the coast, Pikaia offers a secluded retreat surrounded by nature. The contemporary architecture has been carefully designed to complement the landscape, with large windows bringing the spectacular surroundings into the interiors. The lodge features just 14 rooms and suites, all designed with understated elegance and equipped with private terraces or balconies. Some categories offer additional outdoor space and private plunge pools. The infinity swimming pool, overlooking the surrounding wilderness, is another highlight, while the spa provides a welcome opportunity to unwind after a day of exploration. However, the real appeal of Pikaia lies in its expedition experiences. The lodge operates its own luxury yacht, M/Y Vision Pikaia, allowing guests to discover different islands with experienced naturalist guides. As a member of Relais & Châteaux, the property also places considerable emphasis on gastronomy, with creative menus showcasing local ingredients. Pikaia is an outstanding choice for travellers seeking a luxurious land-based Galápagos experience without compromising on adventure.

Hotel website: Pikaia Lodge
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Pikaia Lodge through Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).

3. Casa Gangotena

If you want to experience the historic heart of Quito while staying in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful boutique hotels, Casa Gangotena is an excellent choice. Occupying a prominent corner of Plaza San Francisco, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, this remarkable property is housed in a beautifully restored historic mansion. The building has a fascinating past, with origins dating back to the sixteenth century, although its current architectural appearance largely reflects a major reconstruction in 1924. For many years, it served as a private residence before being transformed into one of the capital’s finest luxury hotels. The interiors are particularly impressive, combining historic architectural features with elegant furnishings, beautiful decorative ceilings, original artwork and carefully preserved period details. With just 31 rooms, Casa Gangotena offers a much more intimate atmosphere than Quito’s larger international hotels. The accommodation is spacious and individually appointed, with high ceilings, large windows and sophisticated Art Deco-inspired furnishings. Some of the suites are especially remarkable, featuring decorative murals and architectural details that reflect the property’s aristocratic past. Another highlight is the hotel’s rooftop terrace, which provides wonderful views across the surrounding colonial rooftops and the historic square. Gastronomy also plays an important role, with the restaurant showcasing Ecuadorian culinary traditions through locally sourced ingredients and refined preparation. During my stay in Quito, Casa Gangotena was one of the highlights of the city experience. Its exceptional location, historical character and attentive hospitality make it a wonderful introduction to Ecuador’s capital.

Hotel website: Casa Gangotena
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Casa Gangotena through Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a complimentary lunch or dinner for two people per room, once during stay).

2. Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is one of the best places to stay when exploring the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos Islands. Located on Santa Cruz Island, this attractive boutique property enjoys a particularly privileged position beside a beautiful beach, making it the only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora. Reaching the property is part of the experience: it is situated on the other side of the bay from the main town, with guests typically arriving by a short water taxi journey. This slightly secluded location creates a peaceful atmosphere while keeping the restaurants, shops and attractions of Puerto Ayora within easy reach. The hotel features 33 rooms and suites, surrounded by attractive tropical gardens and connected by wooden walkways. The architecture is deliberately understated, using natural materials and colours inspired by the surrounding volcanic landscape. An exciting addition is the hotel’s new collection of luxury suites, bringing an enhanced level of comfort and contemporary design to its accommodation offering. The outdoor swimming pool, beachfront lounge and spa provide plenty of opportunities to unwind between excursions. However, Finch Bay is much more than a beautiful place to relax. The hotel operates its own yacht, the Sea Lion, offering guided day excursions to some of the archipelago’s most spectacular visitor sites, including Bartolomé, North Seymour and South Plaza. These excursions provide an excellent opportunity to encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. For travelers who prefer exploring the Galápagos from a land-based hotel rather than spending their entire holiday aboard an expedition ship, Finch Bay is an outstanding choice.

Hotel website: Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel

1. Mashpi Lodge

Taking the number one position on my list of Ecuador’s best hotels is Mashpi Lodge, an extraordinary luxury retreat hidden deep within the country’s spectacular Chocó cloud forest. Located approximately three hours northwest of Quito, the lodge is surrounded by an extraordinary private nature reserve, where mist-covered mountains, dense rainforest, waterfalls and remarkable biodiversity create an unforgettable setting. What makes Mashpi so special is the way the property combines contemporary architecture and understated luxury with an exceptional commitment to conservation. The lodge itself is a striking glass-and-steel structure, designed to bring the surrounding forest into the living spaces while minimizing its visual impact on the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide uninterrupted views of the lush vegetation, creating the impression of staying in the middle of the rainforest. The accommodation is contemporary, comfortable and deliberately understated, allowing the spectacular natural surroundings to take center stage. However, the real highlight of Mashpi is the extraordinary wildlife experience. The reserve is home to hundreds of bird species, fascinating insects, colorful butterflies and countless other creatures, many of which are found nowhere else. Guided walks along forest trails offer opportunities to discover the area’s unique ecosystem, while the spectacular Dragonfly aerial gondola provides a completely different perspective, gliding above the forest canopy. Other experiences include visits to waterfalls, birdwatching excursions and fascinating presentations about the local ecosystem and ongoing conservation work. During my stay, everything far exceeded my expectations. The exceptional natural setting, knowledgeable guides, attentive service and beautifully designed accommodation combined to create an experience that is difficult to compare with any conventional luxury hotel. Mashpi Lodge is much more than a place to stay; it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems. For me, it is unquestionably the best hotel experience in Ecuador.

Hotel website: Mashpi Lodge
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking Mashpi Lodge through Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).