Where to Stay in Ecuador | The Ecuador Art Hotels

Thinking of taking a trip to Ecuador? You need to check out the Art Hotels. Ecuador is a country full of colorful culture, with thriving indigenous communities in the mountains, the rainforest and the cities, with world class hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. You can walk along the equator, swim in the Amazon, hike in the Andes mountains or soak in thermal hot pools after hiking to a volcano. Delicious and fresh local food awaits in every corner of the country and waterfalls beckon around every bend. 

The Art Hotels are found in three major cities including Quito, Otavalo, and Cuenca. These hotels offer so much more than a comfortable place to lay your head (although the beds and rooms are super comfortable too!) – they focus on providing a cultural experience for the visitors through art and local involvement. 

All of Art Hotels’ properties are set in iconic locations in Ecuador’s most important cities: Quito, Otavalo, and Cuenca. Each hotel features historically significant architectural engagement with local communities. With no more than thirty rooms in each hotel, guests can expect personalized five-star service. Within all of their properties, the mission is the same – to passionately and authentically mix old with new and create an artistic, creative approach to luxury hospitality.

Each boutique Art Hotel features local experiences for guests to participate in. Learn traditional Ecuadorian cooking techniques and dishes like ceviche and empanadas. Find handmade goods from local artisans on display around the hotel, and plan an excursion to visit their workshops through the concierge. Taste the highest quality chocolate in Ecuador, Pacari, while learning about its history. You will also find art on display from local artists and live music throughout your stay.

One of the stand-out features of each Art Hotel is the rooftop bars with world-class views and unique food and drinks to discover. There is also an in-house restaurant in each Art Hotel that features all-day service, where a delicious meal can be enjoyed no matter what your schedule looks like. 

So, the question remains – which hotel to visit first?

Hotel Mama Cuchara, Quito

Why Visit Quito?

The capital city of Ecuador is located at the base of the Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes. Quito has an exceptionally preserved historical city center, earning it the title of the world’s first UNESCO heritage site. Visitors will find themselves getting lost amongst the charming cobblestone roads, in this city surrounded by mountain peaks. 

Features of Hotel Mama Cuchara

Hotel Mama Cuchara is a UNESCO heritage building located in the UNESCO World Heritage historic center of Quito. Its location it’s walking distance of the major historical attractions in the city. The building itself is a revived Spanish-colonial house that has been transformed into a boutique 5-star hotel.

With less than 30 rooms, guests will be treated to exceptional personalized service. The hotel features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city as well as an in-house restaurant serving delicious local dishes. Guests will also find a handicraft shop and an art gallery within the hotel.

Local Activities at Mama Cuchara

Guests of Mama Cuchara have a wide variety of activities to participate in to engage with and learn about the rich history of Quito. You can visit Santo Domingo Church and see the Baroque and Neoclassical fusion of artwork and sculpture as well as the famous arch over the Chapel of the Rosary. Or take a visit to El Caretero to see the traditional handmade paper masks which represent Ecuadorian pop culture. Other activities include a visit to La Cuchara Gallery where you’ll find exhibits by local artisans, a visit to Gallery Cafe de la Beata, or a visit to the Chapel of Miracles.

Hotel Otavalo, Otavalo

Why Visit Otavalo?

Otavalo is located only a few hours north of Quito and features a famous traditional market, incredible panoramic views of green hills and surrounding volcanos, and rich local indigenous culture. The city is compact which makes it easy to explore on foot. The Los Ponchos market is considered the biggest in South America and is open every day of the week. It features colorful handicrafts and items produced by local artisans. A trip to Pechuge Waterfall is also worth a visit, where you will find a beautiful cascading waterfall only 45 minutes walk from the city center. If you have more time to spend in the city, you can also explore the Lagunas de Mojanda which features excellent hiking.

Features of Hotel Otavalo

Hotel Otavalo is one of the oldest buildings found in the city. Although it has been refurbished recently, it still features the rich history of the city through the materials used. Being inside Hotel Otavalo feels like being in a castle within the city limits. Guests can expect all the comforts of a 5-star accommodation mixed with the unique spirit of a boutique hotel. 

Hotel Otavalo features a roof-top bar serving up unique cocktails and bites to eat. There is also the Sarance Restaurant, where guests can indulge in local dishes in an intimate and beautifully decorated space. Like the other Art Hotels, Hotel Otavalo features a lineup of cultural experiences guests can participate in. 

Local Activities at Hotel Otavalo

There are lots of options for unique local activities for guests of Hotel Otavalo to choose from. In the Nayia Art Workshop, visitors will meander through an outdoor exhibition of dream catchers of various sizes and designs before making their way to an indoor showroom and workshop. Food lovers will want to check out the Kawsaymi Ancestral Gastronomy workshop. Here guests will learn about traditional cooking techniques and watch recipes being made, and of course, taste all the food that was prepared. Other activities include Taita Gundo, a workshop on traditional Andean musical instruments, and a workshop on local Andean weaving.

Hotel Cruz del Vado, Cuenca

Why Visit Cuenca? 

Cuenca may be a smaller city in Ecuador but it is bursting with culture and history. Visitors to Cuenca will be met with charming colonial streets with European flair. Cuenca is known as the hub of arts and culture, with workshops of artisans dotting the city. Like Quito, the historic center of Cuenca is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The people of Cuenca are largely friendly and welcoming, happy to share their culture with visitors. Set in the foot of the Andes, Cuenca offers a culturally rich and laid-back vibe set against a stunning mountain backdrop. 

Features of Hotel Cruz del Vado

Hotel Cruz del Vado is located in the historical center of Cuenca, in the oldest neighborhood of El Vado. The building itself is one of the most important colonial houses in the city, and its pink marble façade provides a glimpse into its luxurious history. El Vado is an essential part of the UNESCO-designated city center filled with artisans, significant religious monuments, and historical architecture.

Guests can grab a drink at the rooftop bar and eat at the in-house restaurant too. There is a daily program of cultural activities, as well as an art gallery to explore and a handicraft shop to browse through. 

Local Activities at Hotel Cruz del Vado

Immerse yourself in the Culture of El Vado with activities at Hotel Cruz del Vado. In the Shawls of Ikat workshop, guests will learn the intricate history of dying and weaving cloth to create shawls. Guests can also visit the Blacksmith, the Potter, or the Woodworker to see firsthand how these artisans work on their traditional crafts. 

Choosing the Art Hotels on your visit to Ecuador will take any travel worries out of your head. The best part you don’t even need to choose one, the best way to experience Ecuador is on a multi day tour through the country with stops in Quito, Otavalo and Cuenca. The Art Hotels can arrange cultural experiences in each destination with art, wine and great dining awaiting you on your return to the hotel. 

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