Illa Experience Hotel

Set in a great location just 10 mins walk from the main square this hotel cannot be appreciated until you pass through the large yellow doors that screen it from the street. The bedroom was a good size with all the amenities one would need creatively designed. Dinner was great and the breakfasts were the perfect start to a day’s walking around Quito. Staff were all excellent.

Do not miss out on this beautiful & newly renovated hotel in the Old City of Ecuador. The rooms, common areas and spa area were clean and beautifully decorated. Our stay included a beautiful breakfast spread, an afternoon hot beverage offering and a free traditional crafting or cultural activity every afternoon. The chef, Juan Carlos was very responsive to our vegetarian requests and went way out of his way for us. The hospitality and generosity we experienced from the staff was amongst the best we’ve ever received during our trips abroad. Muchos Gracias!

For our first trip to Quito, we wanted to stay somewhere very special. That meant eschewing the modern chain hotels in the suburbs in favour of someplace unique in the historic district. I narrowed the list to three places within a few blocks of one another, but the boutique size of ILLA Experience Hotel and Spa, and the glowing reviews here that lauded the staff for their exceptionally personal service, won me over. I can’t imagine having made a better choice. This is one of the best hotels we have experienced anywhere in the world. The outstanding service began well prior to our arrival. So many emails and WhatsApp messages were exchanged between the front desk staff and me as we worked out dinner reservations, airport transfers, potential tours, and one very special request. Since it was to be our first time ever not being at home for December 24th and 25th, I asked if it would be possible for me to pay to have a real Christmas tree put up in our room. It was an instant and enthusiastic “Yes!” from ILLA, and over the subsequent few weeks they sent me photos of the type of tree available, and potential ornaments and nativity sets. Eventually, together, we settled on a selection of typical ornaments, simple white lights, and a large cluster of red Ecuadorian roses at the top. The price was very reasonable as well. The next generous gesture came when we landed at 6AM on Christmas Eve day. The hotel had someone waiting at Arrivals with a sign with my name on it, and she led us to a spotless newer SUV. En route to the hotel, she gave us so much history and interesting information about Quito. We were greeted at the front entrance by two smiling staff members with a silver tray of hot towels. To our great surprise (and relief, as we were exhausted), they said that they could have our suite ready for us in about an hour. Being able to check in so early, and without any additional charge, was such a wonderful Christmas gift! We were escorted to Ines, the hotel’s little restaurant, to have breakfast while waiting, but we weren’t really hungry, so we just had juice, coffee, and some fruit. It’s a charming, bright spot with an open kitchen where guests can observe the preparations by the meticulous chef and crew. Before too long, we were brought to our suite, 248, and I was shocked by how large, bright, and new it was. I thought I had looked at every room photo here and on the hotel’s website, but I hadn’t seen any photos of this suite. It might be the best one they have. And we loved the interior location overlooking the beautifully designed outdoor pool and courtyard with a wall of enormous murals. The only drawback was a serious lack of storage space—especially in the closet. Two short bars did not provide enough room (or hangers) for people who packed enough clothing for a two-week trip. Perhaps a large wardrobe cupboard could be added to the spacious foyer? After unpacking, we slept fitfully for a few hours and then went out to explore the ne