The Best Places to Stay in Quito, Ecuador, for Adventurous Families

Discover the best family-friendly hotels in Quito, Ecuador. Explore top areas to stay, from Historic Center to La Floresta, for adventurous family travel.

If you’ve traveled with kids long enough, you learn that the places where you lay your head at night can matter almost as much as the adventures you pack into the day. When Christina, our boys, and I spent three weeks exploring Ecuador, we found Quito to be the perfect home base for our travels through Ecuador: chaotic in the best way, steeped in culture, full of delicious food, unexpected adventures, and humming with the kind of energy that reminds you that you’re traveling somewhere real.

Quito is a city of altitude and attitude. Its Old Town is a wild collection of Colonial architecture, baroque churches, markets bursting with color, and narrow streets where you can watch generations fold their history like the laundry hanging in the alleys. For families who want something more meaningful than cookie-cutter vacations, Quito is exactly the kind of place where adventure, culture, and education smash together. A place where kids learn that the world is bigger, more diverse, and more beautiful than anything a classroom can teach.

Whether you’re exploring the equator, diving into the city’s legendary culinary scene, or prepping for a Galapagos cruise or Amazon adventure, Quito is an unforgettable place to start your adventure. But choosing the right neighborhood—and the right hotel—can make the difference between a smooth, inspiring experience and one that leaves you fighting altitude headaches, long commutes, or sleepless nights.

Below, I break down exactly what families need to know about staying in Quito, and share the best family-friendly hotels and rentals that balance comfort, culture, and access to the best things to do in Quito with kids.

Tips For Staying in Quito with Kids

Quito hits differently when you’re traveling with kids. It’s high in the Andes mountains. It’s historic, the city dating back almost 500 years, with evidence of occupation dating back more than 6,000 years. And Quito is built on hills so steep they seem designed by someone with a vendetta against gravity. But it’s tremendously beautiful, welcoming, and packed with amazing experiences that are perfect for adventurous families.

Before you go, there are a few things you should know about the capital of Ecuador to help you prepare.

• Altitude can be a real challenge. At 2,850 meters, your family might need a day to adjust. Take it slow.
• Traffic can be chaotic. Quito streets are steep, narrow, and winding. Life within it moves with purpose. But many of the best things to do in Quito are within easy walking distance of the central hub.
• The city rewards curiosity. Kids thrive here—markets filled with fruit they’ve never seen before, performers in the plazas, museums that pull them into Ecuador’s living history. Make sure to pull aside one of the ponche vendors in the central square and treat your family to one of these creamy treats.
• Taxis and rideshares in Quito are safe and reliable. But staying in the right neighborhood minimizes the need for daily transport.
• Families who come with an open heart, a little patience, and a sense of humor will find Quito endlessly rewarding.

Is Quito Safe for Families?

There are a lot of opinions about the safety of family travel in Quito. My short answer is: Yes, with awareness.

If you want to dive into the details of safety in Quito, here is a little more depth:

Quito is a major South American capital, and like any big city, it comes with the usual precautions—watch your belongings, stay aware at night, and keep valuables tucked away. But the city is full of families, school groups, and travelers, and we never felt unsafe.

Stick to established neighborhoods, use official taxis or rideshares, and choose accommodations in areas with good foot traffic and proximity to major attractions. The hotels included in this guide are all vetted for safety, convenience, and comfort for families.

The city is busy and exciting during the daytime. After dark, popular areas like Plaza de la Independencia are bustling; however, less busy areas grow quiet, and most tourists are advised to avoid them. We regularly walked back and forth from our Quito hotel with no issues. But everyone’s approach to safety and security is different, so stay within your comfort zone in this respect.

The Best Areas to Stay in Quito for Families

Most families traveling to Quito stay in four areas: the Centro Histórico, which offers the best access to Quito’s most popular attractions, La Mariscal / La Floresta, hip up-and-coming neighborhoods that offer a genuine local connection, and Tababela, out near the Quito airport.

Quito Historic Center (Centro Histórico)

This is where Quito breathes—the plazas, the churches, the street food, the alleyways filled with life. It’s the heart of the city and where families who want culture and walkability should stay.

Pros: Walkable, cultural, great for sightseeing
Cons: Streets get quiet late at night, and some hills can be intense

La Mariscal / La Floresta

Trendy, artistic, filled with cafes, markets, and lively energy. Great for slightly older kids and families who want a mix of comfort and color.

Pros: Fun, full of character, easy access to restaurants
Cons: Can be noisy in some pockets

Quito Airport Area (Tababela)

Sometimes you just need a convenient place to stay in Quito for a quick stopover. Tababela is where we stayed for stopovers between our Amazon adventures and our Galapagos cruise. Not culturally rich, but highly convenient.

Pros: Stress-free, close to the airport, comfortable for short stays
Cons: Not ideal for exploring Quito

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Quito Historic Center

1. Casa Gangotena — The Iconic Family Pick

There are hotels that give you a bed for the night, and then there are hotels that are part of the journey. Casa Gangotena is the latter. This is where we based ourselves for most of our time in Quito, and it set the tone for our entire Ecuador adventure.

The moment we walked in, fresh off a morning exploring the Old Town, we felt like we had stepped into a living piece of Quito’s story. Once a grand private mansion, Casa Gangotena still holds onto its elegance. Towering ceilings, historic details, and a quiet warmth that makes families feel like honored guests rather than afterthoughts.

The location couldn’t be better. Directly across from San Francisco Church, within walking distance of the best plazas, markets, and viewpoints. The courtyards give kids space to decompress after long days, and the staff delivers the kind of hospitality that turns a hotel stay into a memory.

And then there’s the restaurant. Casa Gangotena’s take on Cocina Mestiza. A thoughtful blend of Indigenous flavors and global technique. This was one of the most memorable meals we had in Ecuador.

2. Hotel Patio Andaluz

A Colonial gem just steps from Independence Square, this boutique hotel is perfect for families who want charm without sacrificing comfort. Kids love the open-air courtyards, and parents appreciate the walkability and quiet, elegant atmosphere.

3. Hotel Mama Cuchara

Artistic, modern, and full of character. This restored Colonial home blends contemporary design with Quito’s artistic pulse. Kids love the rooftop terrace; parents love the food and nighttime views over the Old Town.

4. ILLA Experience Hotel

ILLÁ is designed to feel like a cultural immersion rather than a simple stay. Every floor is themed after a different era of Quito’s history, which kids find surprisingly cool. The on-site fine dining is next-level.

5. Hotel La Casona de la Ronda

We stayed at Casona de la Ronda between our mainland travels in Quilotoa and our journey to the Galapagos Islands. It made for a convenient, clean, and comfortable place to stay for a one-night stopover, and would make an ideal home base for a multi-day visit to Quito.

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in La Mariscal

Families love staying in La Mariscal because it offers a lively, walkable neighborhood filled with parks, cafés, markets, and family-friendly restaurants, all just minutes from Quito’s historic centre. The area provides a safe, convenient base with easy access to transportation, making it simple to explore the city’s top attractions. With its blend of culture, comfort, and accessibility, La Mariscal is an ideal hub for families seeking both adventure and ease.

1. Swissotel Quito

Located in La Mariscal, this upscale hotel offers families a spacious base with amenities that kids will actually enjoy — including a dedicated “Kids Room” with beds, toys, and DVDs.  com+2expedia+2 The neighbourhood is walkable to restaurants, central plazas, and transit, giving families easy access to Quito’s energetic northern zone.

2. Chakana Hotel Boutique Mariscal

Located within the Mariscal district, this boutique stay offers family-friendly vibes and a quieter niche while still being close to the action. It’s a good pick for families who want to be in the lively zone but still crave comfort and calm after daytime exploring.

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in La Floresta

La Floresta is one of Quito’s most charming and creative neighbourhoods, known for its safe, walkable streets, leafy parks, and vibrant arts scene. Families appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, boutique cafés, and easy access to both historic Quito and the modern city. With its blend of culture, convenience, and community feel, La Floresta makes an ideal base for families looking to explore Quito at a comfortable pace.

1. NH Collection Quito Royal

This luxury property gives families the best of both worlds: a quieter, more residential feel combined with excellent access to restaurants and shops. The rooms are modern and spacious, and it sits near transit that links to Quito’s Historic Center.

2. Hotel Stubel Suites & Café

Also in La Floresta, this hotel offers suites geared for families (more space, self-catering friendly) and is well placed for exploring the city with older kids or teens. It’s ideal for families who will split time between culture, cafés, and independent wanderings.

The Best Family-Friendly Hotels Near Quito Airport

These Quito airport hotels are perfect for stopovers before Amazon or Galapagos flights, or en route to more family travel destinations in South America.

1. Holiday Inn Quito Airport — Our Family Stopover Choice

When we needed a comfortable stop before flying home from the Amazon, the Holiday Inn Quito Airport delivered exactly what tired parents dream of: big rooms, blackout curtains, great food, and zero stress. It’s ten minutes from the terminal and ideal for quick turnarounds.

Wyndham Quito Airport

This hotel was booked up when we looked into it. The Wyndham is a step up in amenities with big rooms and great service.

3. EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito Airport

Luxury and comfort for families who want a seamless, restful airport experience.

Tips for Staying in Quito with Kids

• Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
• Stay central if you want to walk between major attractions.
• Use registered taxis or rideshare apps.
• Pack layers; Quito’s weather changes fast.
• Book hotels with courtyards or common spaces where kids can decompress.
• If you have an early flight, stay near the airport the night before.

Closing Thoughts

Quito is the kind of city that leaves a mark on you and on your kids. It’s a place that challenges your comfort zone in the best way, stretching your world a little wider with every plaza, viewpoint, and conversation. Whether you’re wandering the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, preparing for a Galapagos expedition, or coming down from an adrenaline-filled Amazon adventure, choosing the right base makes all the difference.

These family-friendly hotels and rentals offer a mix of culture, comfort, access, and the kind of small luxuries that elevate an adventure without smothering it. If you’re dreaming about your next family journey through Ecuador, Quito is ready for you—and it’s ready for your kids to discover something extraordinary.

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