Quito, Ecuador made big travel news in February 2013, when it opened a brand new airport just outside of the city. The new airport was much needed, and is beautiful and state-of-the-art, but it presents one new travel challenge: It is quite far from the actual city of Quito.
While the old airport was right next to downtown Quito, the new airport lies to the north of the city and it can take anywhere between one and two hours, depending on traffic, to reach the Old Town city center. This can present a special problem for travelers with very early morning or red-eye flights, or those who arrive on late night flights. Fortunately, a few hotels have begun to spring up around the new airport, making a quick layover for those flights much easier.
Hosteria Rancho San Carlos is one of these: a comfortable family-style guest house and hostel by the new airport in Quito. It is very close to the airport, only seven to ten minutes by car (and the hotel offers airport transfer service for $5 per person, each way). The place has a bit of a feel of a Swiss chalet, with a cozy, colorful downstairs dining area, places outside for relaxing and a comfortable sitting room upstairs. Breakfast is good, coffee and tea available all the time.
The rooms are simple but comfortable and extremely clean, offering private baths, television with cable and wi-fi access. Separate quarters, across from the main building, offers hostel-style dorm rooms with shared baths. The property is large and green, with a pool and plenty of room for walking around and exploring.
Tababela is a sleepy little town which is very pleasant to spend a day in. There is not much to do, but a walk around town and to the pretty, immaculate park in the middle of the town square next to a church is very worthwhile. There are a few small shops, and a couple of other places to get something to eat. Hosteria Casa Maria just down the road has a good pizzeria and pool tables.
If you spend an entire day or the better part of a day here, there is a gem just two blocks down the street from Rancho San Carlos, a large recreational park where you can go hiking for a $5 entrance day fee.
Overall, Hosteria Rancho San Carlos is a lovely place and experience, and if you need to be closer to the airport for an early morning or red eye departure, or a late night arrival, this BY FAR beats driving an hour and a half into Quito proper.
Details:
$35-55 for private single or double rooms with private baths.
$15 per person for the hostel dorm rooms with shared baths.
All rates are completely inclusive of all taxes and breakfast.
Location: Justo Cuello s/ny Pedro Vicente Maldonado
Telephone: 0994258261 or 0992795461
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.