Best Hotels in Ecuador – Top Luxury & Budget Stays
Planning a trip to Ecuador? Below is a curated guide to some of the best hotels in the country — spanning ultra-luxury urban hotels, rainforest and cloud-forest lodges, and well-rated value options. These picks aim to cover major regions and travel styles so you will have a strong base for your stay.
Our Selection Criteria
We selected these hotels based on guest experience, service quality, amenities, location and overall value. Each property listed is among the more dependable and well-reviewed in its category for Ecuador. We looked for strong location, good design or scenery, consistently positive feedback and solid accommodation standards.
Best Luxury Stays in Ecuador
Casa Gangotena (Quito – Historic Centre)
Located in the heart of Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, this restored mansion offers refined luxury, artful interiors and an excellent base for exploring the historic centre.
Mashpi Lodge (Cloud Forest / Andes Region)
A high-end nature lodge set deep in the cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge delivers immersive forest views, contemporary design and a distinctive luxury-in-nature experience.
Hotel Plaza Grande (Quito – Plaza de la Independencia)
Overlooking Quito’s main square, this historic luxury hotel combines elegant suites, period architecture and a prime location for sightseeing in the Old Town.
Best Mid-Range / Comfortable Hotels
City-Centre Comfortable Hotel (Example: Quito or Major City)
In cities such as Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca you will find well-reviewed 4-star hotels offering modern rooms, reliable amenities and central locations — ideal for travellers seeking comfort without ultra-luxury pricing.
Nature-Focused Comfortable Lodge
Outside the urban centres, Ecuador offers comfortable lodges in the Andes, cloud forest and coastal or highland regions. These properties provide good service, characterful settings and strong value for those who want nature and relaxation without top-tier luxury prices.
Top Value / Budget-Friendly Options
Smaller Boutique or Guesthouse-Style Hotels (Various Regions)
Across Ecuador you will find boutique hotels and guesthouse-style stays with clean rooms, friendly service and excellent locations for the price — ideal for budget-conscious travellers who still want charm and convenience.
Regional Lodge or Value Stay (Less-Touristed Regions)
If you are exploring the less-visited coast, Amazon region or smaller Andean towns, you will find simple lodges and small hotels delivering good comfort and value — especially when you prioritise setting and authenticity over big-resort amenities.
Hotel Comparison Table
| Hotel Name | Region / Area | Star-Rating (Approx.) | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Gangotena | Quito – Historic Centre | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| Mashpi Lodge | Cloud Forest / Andes Region | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| Hotel Plaza Grande Quito | Quito – Plaza de la Independencia | ★★★★★ | Book Now |
| City-Centre Comfortable Hotel (Example) | Major City | ★★★★ | Book Now |
| Nature-Focused Comfortable Lodge | Nature / Out-of-City Region | ★★★★ | Book Now |
| Value Boutique / Guesthouse | Various Regions | ★★★ | Book Now |
Tips Before You Book
- Choose your region and base carefully: Ecuador has very diverse regions — highlands (Quito and the Andes), cloud forest, Amazon rainforest, coastal beach zones and the Galápagos. Each region’s hotel market and standards can differ significantly.
- Location & access: Some top hotels are in remote natural areas where access may involve extra travel time or organised transfers. Always verify how you will reach the property and whether transfers are included in your rate.
- Payments & amenities: Luxury hotels typically accept international cards and offer full amenities; for smaller value hotels or remote lodges, check what is included (breakfast, WiFi, guided activities, transfers) and which payment methods are accepted.
- Value & season: Rates vary by region and season. High-altitude cities and remote nature lodges may be more affordable outside peak holiday periods. Booking ahead is recommended for the most sought-after properties.
FAQs
Which region has the best hotel options in Ecuador?
The capital Quito has the highest concentration of top-tier luxury hotels. Nature-based regions such as the Andes, cloud forest and Amazon offer excellent luxury eco-lodges, while the Galápagos Islands and coastal areas provide premium stays with a stronger focus on location and experience.
Are luxury hotels in Ecuador good value compared to other destinations?
Yes. Many high-quality hotels in Ecuador deliver excellent service, notable locations and strong comfort. For travellers seeking luxury within South America, they often represent very good value compared to some higher-priced international markets.
Can I find comfortable budget-friendly hotels in Ecuador’s scenic regions?
Absolutely. There are well-reviewed boutique hotels, hosterias and guesthouses across Ecuador that offer clean, comfortable rooms for value-conscious travellers — especially outside the ultra-premium zones such as the most exclusive Galápagos cruises or lodges.
Summary
From top-tier stays such as Casa Gangotena and Mashpi Lodge, through refined city hotels and nature lodges, to strong value boutique accommodations, Ecuador offers a diverse hotel market across budgets and styles. Choose your hotel based on your itinerary — whether a city break, cloud-forest adventure, Amazon experience or coastal/island retreat — and you will have a comfortable and memorable base in this fascinating country.
Next destination: Continue your journey with our next article, Best Hotels in Egypt.
