A question that often comes up from travelers is where to stay during their first night in Quito. If you are doing more than one night pre- or post-cruise, there is no question – you should stay downtown. However, where should you stay if you just have a quick overnight?
There are two options located closer to the airport that do not require the full drive into Quito. I used to go back and forth between the two, but after seeing them firsthand on this trip, I think it will be much easier to decide!
If you are doing the late night (after 9 PM) arrival into Quito, and you have an early flight out the next morning, you should definitely stay at the Wyndham. This hotel is right next to the airport, only requiring a 5-10 minute shuttle ride in each direction. You waste the least amount of time getting to/from the airport, giving you the maximum possible time to sleep! While it lacks the local charm of the next option, the convenience absolutely wins out. For any quick turnaround, this should be the go-to hotel!
If you have a slightly longer turn-around, and would actually have a few hours to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities, it is worth the extra ~15 minute drive to Rincon de Puembo. This hotel is located in a small town between Quito and the airport. The drive there takes you through some less-than-desirable-looking areas, so I highly recommend booking a transfer in advance, rather than taking a taxi. Despite the less-than-appealing neighborhood, the hotel is absolutely lovely! The rooms and grounds are beautiful and full of charm, and the staff is incredibly friendly. The hotel has a couple of restaurants, an outdoor pool and hot tub and an open air game room with billiards, foosball and more. If you don’t have enough time to make the drive to/from Quito worthwhile, but you have more than time for just sleeping, the Rincon is my top pick!
The great thing is, no matter how much time you have in Quito, there is now a hotel option that is a perfect match!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.