Hacienda Jimenita Wildlife Reserve

The common room is a welcoming spot, with two fireplaces, comfy chairs and couches, and a pool table. Outside, the nature preserve has flowers, plenty of birds including hummingbirds, a couple of miles of trails, and two llamas who’ll gladly eat carrots if you ask staff for some. The setting is lovely, though jets overhead regularly interrupt the quiet. It’s also only about 20 minutes from the airport. Our room was spacious and pretty, with high ceilings, a sofa, a wood-burning stove, and a large, comfortable bed. The shower had good pressure and temperature. There was no room heating, and we couldn’t manage to get a fire going, so mornings felt chilly. We were welcomed with a tasty drink, and staff brought our luggage up promptly. They were polite and helpful when we asked, though they didn’t offer much without being approached. Since we stayed just before and after our Galapagos trip, it was a real help that they let us leave behind things we didn’t want to take. Breakfast, which was included, was quite good. The restaurant was pricey, service took far too long, and most of the food was nothing special, though the onion rings were oddly the best I’ve ever had. Our stay came as part of a tour, so I can’t judge the value. We had a very pleasant three nights despite a few flaws.

We liked staying outside Quito proper, sleeping well, and being just 15 minutes from the airport for early excursions. A day trip into Quito was easy by taxi. We spent four nights here altogether, and would choose this place first if we return. We prefer small, characterful places with an authentic feel, and this had that atmosphere. The service was wonderful. The gardens felt peaceful, and we enjoyed feeding the llamas and spotting well over 20 bird species. The planes overhead didn’t bother us much, perhaps because we were active during the day and tired at night. We had to make an effort to notice the occasional noise. The fireplaces give the rooms a rustic feel, and staff offered to light ours. Our room had heavy comforters and heated blankets, which we didn’t need. The showers were great and the beds very comfortable. The food worked well for all of us: our picky son found things he liked, and we got a nice taste of Ecuadorian cooking. We had no complaints, and food is a big part of travel for us. We especially loved the homemade ice cream and crepes, and wished we’d had more time for the cooking class between stays. We also ate at restaurants in Quito and during our excursions, and found the prices comparable. Since this is a nature preserve, I was glad to pay the prices and tips if that helps protect forest in Quito proper. The cost wasn’t a problem for us.

The food was fresh and the staff were great. We also really enjoyed the hiking trail and the beautiful setting. The downside was how clearly we could hear every word from neighboring rooms, and the planes flying overhead were very loud.

A wonderful first introduction to Ecuador, just minutes from the airport. We had mountain views, lots of greenery, and birds all around. The rooms were spacious and beautiful, the comfort was superb, and the food was amazingly good, from traditional dishes to international options.