I didn’t expect to find an innovative, luxury hotel on a quiet, traditional street in Quito’s Old Town. There’s a hillside neighborhood, San Marcos, filled with homes and historical villas, craftsmans’ studios and bakeries. I joined my host from Latin Trails and to visit galleries, vintage antique shops, cafes and church plazas. Climatically, we stopped in front of a simple, elegant entrance with a starburst logo that glowed next to the door. This was my introduction and the entrance to the Illa Experience, a boutique and luxury hotel.
(Disclosure: I was hosted for breakfast at the Illa Experience Hotel but all opinions are my own.)
A historical ceiling detail in the Illa Hotel office
Creative revival inside the Illa Experience luxury hotel
It’s inspirational. The 1700’s family villa was opened to the elements which transformed the space. Each evening the universe is reflected in a lobby mirror pool inset with twinkling candles. The rear of the building opens to the rooftops and mountains of Quito, which also floods the deeply draped guest rooms with light. Many of the original building’s most unique features have been adapted and preserved. For example, in the office sitting room the ceiling is graced with imprinted tin and an antique convent bookcase features shelves that turn, revealing bottles of local wines.
Illa luxury hotel room with a traditional ceramic coffee maker
There are ten rooms on three floors with details drawn from periods in the capital city’s history: Colonial, Republican and contemporary. Local artwork and traditional ceramic coffee urns nod to the past and culture in each room. The guest suites also have views, from colorful Junin Street or to the famous Panecillo Virgin statue.
One of the breakfast trays inside the Illa Luxury Hotel
Each meal is a work of art aas I discovered at breakfast. In the petite dining room, I enjoyed fruit from the region, homemade butters, savory and sweet (sesame & chocho beans plus herbs.) Three different Ecuadorian cheeses and a smoked, carmelized jam with raw sugar adorned a silvery platter. All that was just one course of many!
Chef extradorinaire
Chef Alejandro Chamorro studied at the ground-breaking Nomo in Scandinavia and his passion for Ecuadorian cuisine infuses everything he makes. He and his wife, Piedad Salaza, run the award-winning Nuema restaurant together. They are magicians at presentation and craft exquisite fare from locally sourced ingredients. Daily menus include harvests from small farmers, foragers and artisinal fishermen. But, for all their innovation, the Illa breakfasts also offer traditional items like Quinoa pancakes with homemade syrup; “As grandma used to make,” Chammoro says.
Step inside the Illa and stroll the neighborhood in this video:
One corner of the private and curated wine cellar with some of the best wines from South America and the world.
One of the Illa’s inspirations are experiences tailored for guests. There’s a painting school in the neighborhood and you can work on your brushwork with a private tutor in a studio at the hotel. Perhaps you’d learn how to make traditional desserts, try a few dance steps or take a lesson from one of the other craftsmen in the area.
Inside the Madera Noble shop, pieces feature small inlays of bone, wood, and Tagua vegetable Ivory, a polished Amazon seed.
The traditional neighborhood whic has been home to generations of artists, writers, and musicians in a tight-knit community. There are small cafes and few cars. It’s a lovely place for strolling and admiring views of town and the hillsides. For all this, the hotel is only a five minute walk from Old Town’s central, Plaza Grande.
One house was previously owned by the artist, Suarez, born in 1918. A memorial tile plaque sits near the front door. It reads:
“The walls and wood of this house … are impregnated with her dreams and life.”
As we stroll, neighbors stop to say hello. I wish there’d been time to join one restaurant owner for lunch. His award-winning purple porridge is a favorite for Ecuadorian style Day of the Dead celebrations. The soup is made from a sweet purple corn and served with dolls and lambs made of bread. Our host says it’s one of the best restaurants in Quito.
A local fruit stand in San Marcos.
Another neighborhood cafe in San Marcos serves an afternoon special on Sundays. “By afternoon she’s sold out,” I’m told. The owner/chef stands in the doorway next to a grill filled with potato patties and pork that’s been oven roasted in a brick oven. Elsewhere small markets offers seasonal fruits from the region, the ingredients go from “cobb to pot,” they say in Quito.
Chef Chamorro in the kitchen. Photo from the Illa Experience website
My dream is to return to Quito and spend several nights soaking up the ambiance of San Marcos. I’d try my hand at watercolor painting and sip wine as gorgeous morsels fill my dinner table, but that fantasy will have to wait for another time.
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55 Comments
Julianne on September 15, 2018 at 4:10 pm
What a gorgeous place in Quito! I’ve never been to Ecuador, but when I go, I’d love to check out this place. How luxurious! I’d especially love to check out that private and curated wine cellar. Best wines from South America and the world? Sign me up!
You are so right! I would have never expected to find a hotel THIS luxury hidden in the streets of Old Town Quito….maybe more near Plaza Foch, but this hotel looks like it has everything you need to feel luxury. That bath tub looks amazing as well, I would for sure find my way in there at some point. Will note this for next time I am in the area.
what a true luxury experience in Ecuador! That bathtub is dream! Are those bath salts with different aromatic oil? I would love to try Chef Chamorro’s Ecuadorian cuisine. Quinoa pancake sounds unique and interesting!
This looks like the perfect place to R&R from the Rat Race of life. I will take the cold room, soft sheets, and that HUGE tub any day of the week! I feel like when I stay in places like this it forces me to relax and calms my anxious mind. Ecuador is still on my list of countries I need to visit, so I will definitely be keeping this in mind when I go. Gonna pin it for later
Illa looks like an extraordinary experience. Every chef’s food that I have had from someone who has been at Noma has been one of the best of my life, so I’m sure that would be my favorite part of staying in the hotel!
Okay, WOW! This place looks beautiful. And THAT TUB! I would stay here for the tub alone. Looks like you had an amazing time and ate your fill. Maybe I will make it to Ecuador and Illa myself, one day!
Beautiful! I know little about Quito (it took me a minute to figure out it’s in Ecuador!) but this little oasis looks amazing. I’d love to have this chic hotel be a base for exploring the neighborhood.
I’m hoping to visit Ecuador next year so the Illa Experience would be perfect! The food looks amazing and I would love to stay somewhere that opened up to the mountains. I find them so pretty in South America so I would be excited to see them in Ecuador! There’s a painting school?? I am ALL in for that-I love to paint. How cool!
This looks luxurious indeed! I am an artist myself, so seeing so many options for being able to participate in artistic endeavors sounds like a true vacation to me. The bathtub would definitely be calling my name with a big glass of wine to round out my day 😉
Illa Experience boutique and luxury hotel in Quito is amazing from the lobby water feature to the rooms and amenities. I would love to stay at this hotel!!
Wow, what a lovely luxurious historic hotel! What more could one ask for!! Always enjoy staying in one of a kind, unique boutique properties. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and review. 🙂
That’s some lobby pool!! The detail on the ceiling is intriguing. So surprised to read it’s tin. It looks like wood. That giant soaking tub has my name all over it!
Illa Experience Hotel looks really nice! I love the design and it looks really luxurious, especially that bathtub! I like how they have experiences like painting, learning how to make traditional desserts or dance lessons—how fun! We had a great time in Quito when we visited last spring, but didn’t get to spend much time exploring the old town. We will have to go back sometime!
I feel like I need to visit here to have a weekend getaway. It looks amazing. The food would be my favorite part. The chef should be commended for his excellent plating.
Quito is a place that has just been screaming my name. It looks unreal; such luxury. I love the breakfast trays. They look amazing! I love that this little luxurious hotel seems so cozy and homey in addition to luxurious. I can totally picture myself soaking in that amazing tub after a day of exploring!
When we were in Quito in 2016, we visited this hotel. We were very impressed with it as well. It is a gorgeous place. And like you said, a surprise in that neighborhood. We spent 2 months in Quito, and Illa was the nicest hotel we encountered. Although, we missed seeing the luxury hotel in Cotacachi.
Now this is luxury! I am going to pin this for inspiration when travel beckons. The food sounds amazing. Ecuador is on our list and we sometimes splurge for a luxurious experience. Safe travels 🙂
What a beautiful hotel. The Quitos Illa does such a great job at blending old world with contemporary comfort. It looks like a wonderful place to stay, and we are sure you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for sharing.
This is beautiful. I like the merging of the different styles in the architecture and furnishings. It looks like it’s situated in a really cool neighbourhood in Quito too, with all the culinary offerings of purple porridge (!!) and potato patties. I love that the hotel has a wine cellar too with a selection of South American wines.
You make it look like a dream and I want to live that dream. The interiors so comfy and luxurious. The food scene too seems great. I am curious about purple porridge.
What a lovely place, the pool and lobby area looks so inviting and the breakfast sounds delicious. We love staying at small luxury hotels with a traditional and local feel. Making a note of this place.
Wow I didn’t expect it too but I am sure my tip to Ecuador would be amazing if I stay in this hotel. I mean, look at the tub, I would stay in there for days before I head out and explore this old town in South America. @ kncyx.journeying
I grew up near this area! So lovely that you had the chance to stay here! But I’m sad to say I never knew about this historical homes up in the hills! I’ve been wanting to go back to SoCal so I can show my husband where I grew up! Could be interesting to check this area out more in depth! It’s sad, I’ve also never made it to Santa Cruz! There’s so much of California I need to see so I’ve definitely pinned this for later!! The beach and boardwalk look so fun!! Happy 2018! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
What a find! I so love boutique luxury hotels! That bathtub looks so inviting, and the food sounds amazing. I’ve never had a quinoa pancake, but since I love quinoa I’m sure I’d love it. Thanks for sharing. I’ll keep this in mind when I find myself in Ecuador.
Elaine, if you stayed in this hotel I cannot be but envious. So much luxury and good taste! And the reflection of those chairs in the pool… wow! I’ve heard a lot about Ecuador, but mostly about the less fancy side. I hope I’ll make it there someday too.
It is refreshing to read about this side of Quito. A beautiful place to stay and delicious food speak volumes about how the city is changing and evolving. I would love to visit Ecuador one day. Well, I hope to visit all Latin American countries. I cannot help to feel at home when I visit one. #WeekednWanderlust
I’d love to stay at that hotel. It looks sooo luxurious and special. The reflecting pool in the lobby really sets the tone. I think I’d go even if it was just to try the cuisine.
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What a gorgeous place in Quito! I’ve never been to Ecuador, but when I go, I’d love to check out this place. How luxurious! I’d especially love to check out that private and curated wine cellar. Best wines from South America and the world? Sign me up!
You are so right! I would have never expected to find a hotel THIS luxury hidden in the streets of Old Town Quito….maybe more near Plaza Foch, but this hotel looks like it has everything you need to feel luxury. That bath tub looks amazing as well, I would for sure find my way in there at some point. Will note this for next time I am in the area.
what a true luxury experience in Ecuador! That bathtub is dream! Are those bath salts with different aromatic oil? I would love to try Chef Chamorro’s Ecuadorian cuisine. Quinoa pancake sounds unique and interesting!
This looks like the perfect place to R&R from the Rat Race of life. I will take the cold room, soft sheets, and that HUGE tub any day of the week! I feel like when I stay in places like this it forces me to relax and calms my anxious mind. Ecuador is still on my list of countries I need to visit, so I will definitely be keeping this in mind when I go. Gonna pin it for later
This place is BEAUTIFUL! It (quietly) screams LUXURY. I can’t imagine wandering through these halls and rooms. I’d feel like I’m in a palace. Love it!
Illa looks like an extraordinary experience. Every chef’s food that I have had from someone who has been at Noma has been one of the best of my life, so I’m sure that would be my favorite part of staying in the hotel!
Okay, WOW! This place looks beautiful. And THAT TUB! I would stay here for the tub alone. Looks like you had an amazing time and ate your fill. Maybe I will make it to Ecuador and Illa myself, one day!
Beautiful! I know little about Quito (it took me a minute to figure out it’s in Ecuador!) but this little oasis looks amazing. I’d love to have this chic hotel be a base for exploring the neighborhood.
I’m hoping to visit Ecuador next year so the Illa Experience would be perfect! The food looks amazing and I would love to stay somewhere that opened up to the mountains. I find them so pretty in South America so I would be excited to see them in Ecuador! There’s a painting school?? I am ALL in for that-I love to paint. How cool!
This looks luxurious indeed! I am an artist myself, so seeing so many options for being able to participate in artistic endeavors sounds like a true vacation to me. The bathtub would definitely be calling my name with a big glass of wine to round out my day 😉
Illa Experience boutique and luxury hotel in Quito is amazing from the lobby water feature to the rooms and amenities. I would love to stay at this hotel!!
It’s a truly unique property, Marilyn. I hope you get a chance to visit one day.
Wow, what a lovely luxurious historic hotel! What more could one ask for!! Always enjoy staying in one of a kind, unique boutique properties. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and review. 🙂
Thanks, Robert. I loved Quito and discovering this amazing property.
What a beautiful hotel. The only problem would be getting myself to actually leave to go sightseeing!
I feel that pain. I was reluctant to leave too.
That’s some lobby pool!! The detail on the ceiling is intriguing. So surprised to read it’s tin. It looks like wood. That giant soaking tub has my name all over it!
Yes, I have a weakness for free-standing tubs as well.
Illa Experience Hotel looks really nice! I love the design and it looks really luxurious, especially that bathtub! I like how they have experiences like painting, learning how to make traditional desserts or dance lessons—how fun! We had a great time in Quito when we visited last spring, but didn’t get to spend much time exploring the old town. We will have to go back sometime!
Glad to hear that you’ve been to Quito. There are so many ways to see the city.
I feel like I need to visit here to have a weekend getaway. It looks amazing. The food would be my favorite part. The chef should be commended for his excellent plating.
It’s really a special place and you’re right about the chef!!
Quito is a place that has just been screaming my name. It looks unreal; such luxury. I love the breakfast trays. They look amazing! I love that this little luxurious hotel seems so cozy and homey in addition to luxurious. I can totally picture myself soaking in that amazing tub after a day of exploring!
I think you’d fit right in, Paige. Hope you can visit one day.
When we were in Quito in 2016, we visited this hotel. We were very impressed with it as well. It is a gorgeous place. And like you said, a surprise in that neighborhood. We spent 2 months in Quito, and Illa was the nicest hotel we encountered. Although, we missed seeing the luxury hotel in Cotacachi.
Thanks, Wendy. The Illa has just opened. It didn’t exist in 2016 but there is another boutique hotel in the neighborhood.
The Illa Luxury hotel seems pretty amazing: i love the details from various historical areas. They really seem to take care of the details!
The details are what it’s all about. I loved the efforts too.
The decorations would definitely make for some great art lessons. And so would the colorful fruit! Simply gorgeous.
You’re right. Lovely attention to detail without being stuffy. I’d love to return.
Now this is luxury! I am going to pin this for inspiration when travel beckons. The food sounds amazing. Ecuador is on our list and we sometimes splurge for a luxurious experience. Safe travels 🙂
Thank you, Kemkem. It was truly a luxurious adventure. Loved Ecuador.
What a beautiful hotel. The Quitos Illa does such a great job at blending old world with contemporary comfort. It looks like a wonderful place to stay, and we are sure you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jeff. It’s such a special property. I was there too briefly.
Wow, that really looks luxurious! I would love stay there for a few days.
It’s my dream to return and stay longer too.
This is beautiful. I like the merging of the different styles in the architecture and furnishings. It looks like it’s situated in a really cool neighbourhood in Quito too, with all the culinary offerings of purple porridge (!!) and potato patties. I love that the hotel has a wine cellar too with a selection of South American wines.
They owners and designers have very sensetively curated the experiences and wine cellar!
You make it look like a dream and I want to live that dream. The interiors so comfy and luxurious. The food scene too seems great. I am curious about purple porridge.
There’s a line from an old musical, South Pacific: You’ve got to have a dream or how you gonna make a dream come true?
What a lovely place, the pool and lobby area looks so inviting and the breakfast sounds delicious. We love staying at small luxury hotels with a traditional and local feel. Making a note of this place.
I can picture you two there…
Wow I didn’t expect it too but I am sure my tip to Ecuador would be amazing if I stay in this hotel. I mean, look at the tub, I would stay in there for days before I head out and explore this old town in South America. @ kncyx.journeying
Thanks, Kennc. You’d find the place and it’s amenities irresistable.
I grew up near this area! So lovely that you had the chance to stay here! But I’m sad to say I never knew about this historical homes up in the hills! I’ve been wanting to go back to SoCal so I can show my husband where I grew up! Could be interesting to check this area out more in depth! It’s sad, I’ve also never made it to Santa Cruz! There’s so much of California I need to see so I’ve definitely pinned this for later!! The beach and boardwalk look so fun!! Happy 2018! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
What a find! I so love boutique luxury hotels! That bathtub looks so inviting, and the food sounds amazing. I’ve never had a quinoa pancake, but since I love quinoa I’m sure I’d love it. Thanks for sharing. I’ll keep this in mind when I find myself in Ecuador.
Isn’t it lovely? I share your passion for boutique properties. They’re so often labors of love and the Illa is definitely loved.
Elaine, if you stayed in this hotel I cannot be but envious. So much luxury and good taste! And the reflection of those chairs in the pool… wow! I’ve heard a lot about Ecuador, but mostly about the less fancy side. I hope I’ll make it there someday too.
I wasn’t able to spend the night as they were still refining things but the morning tour and breakfast made no mistake about how special the hotel is.
It is refreshing to read about this side of Quito. A beautiful place to stay and delicious food speak volumes about how the city is changing and evolving. I would love to visit Ecuador one day. Well, I hope to visit all Latin American countries. I cannot help to feel at home when I visit one. #WeekednWanderlust
Ecuador is making best places lists again and the Illa is one of the reasons why.
Gorgeous place in my favorite color palettes too – I love the combination of traditional and modern details and amenities.
Yes, Noel, you homed in on a very special side of the Illa. Hope you get to visit.
I’d love to stay at that hotel. It looks sooo luxurious and special. The reflecting pool in the lobby really sets the tone. I think I’d go even if it was just to try the cuisine.
You’d love what they’ve created. It’s luxury with a traditional touch and small scale.