Quito Hotel Review - Hostal Jardin del Sol

A hostal is cheaper than a hotel but nicer than youth hostels. They are common through out South America and often family run.

We decided on this option since it's cheap ( < US$50 per night) and would provide a more interesting/friendly atmostphere than the usual 5 star hotels. We originally wanted to stay at La Casa Sol but being the procrastinators that we are, the place was fully booked by the time we got down to it. We eventually settled on Hostal Jardin del Sol on a friend's recommendation. It turns out that La Casa Sol and Jardin del Sol are right across the road from each other!

Our friend recommended this particular one since it was right in the heart of the Mariscal (gringo land) and you can walk anywhere. Internet Cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants are all close by. The other hotels we looked at were a couple blocks away but apparently it isn't safe to walk around at night even for short distances (armed robberies) so this place was the most convenient. Even the hotels lock their doors at night .... hrmmm.

The view from our room. Notice the spikes on the balcony.


We found the staff to be very friendly and the rooms generally clean. Obviously you shouldn't expect five star quality hehe. I was rather grossed out when I saw a piece of dried gum stuck to the edge of the night stand...eeeks! But I shan't complain too much. Given the price of $33 per night for a double, I'll suck it up.

The bathroom. I'm a girly girl and squeamish about unfamiliar bathrooms. Being an optimist, at least there was plenty of hot water.


Something else to be aware of is that some rooms facing the front of the hotel can be noisy at nights. We could hear the music from the bars down the street and after the clubs close at 3am, you start hearing the drunk tourists making a scene. The second room we got was much better and very quiet.

One weird thing I noticed about the hotel however is that the double room only has 1 large pillow that P and I were to share?! WTH! I like my pillow flat and he likes his firm and fluffy. One size doesn't fit all and the pillow certainly didn't help my AMS! (Yes I'm a wimp and had AMS. I was miserable for the most part.)

In the dining room. Breakfat of eggs, breads, cheese, fruit, and juice is included.


We heard from other travelers that there are other hostals in the area of similar quality but cheaper. So if you're out to save money you might want to shop around a bit. Otherwise Jardin del Sol is a decent choice since you know what you're getting.