Hotel Yumbo Imperial

At $9.80 a night for a room for two, this is a great deal. People complain about no elevator or not having their room cleaned every morning, but it’s a hostel at that price. The owner, Mario, is lovely and really helpful. Staff keep cleaning vacant rooms and washing linens, so they do pay attention to hygiene. It also feels secure since staff control the door, and you can leave your things in a safe room for free if you’re trekking for a few days. The location is tough to beat, only 200m from plaza de la independencia. Thin walls are the one fair criticism. If you’re on a budget, this is the spot.

We came and went from Quito several times over six weeks, and this family-run hostel started to feel like our second home. The hosts are so warm that it’s easy to feel included. It’s right in the historic center, and everything is kept sparkling clean and tidy. Staff were friendly and ready to help with whatever we needed as travelers. We were sad to leave, but we know we’ll be glad to stay here again whenever we return to Quito.

You’re right in the heart of the city here, and there’s a chance to practice Spanish too. The owner is one of the kindest people I’ve met. He even tried teaching me, though I’m still sounding like a confused tourist. He remembers everyone’s name, which makes the hostel feel welcoming, and there’s a well-equipped kitchen for cooking or just reheating leftovers. It does get loud. The rooms aren’t fully closed off, so you hear what’s going on outside. Some guests apparently took that as a cue to start their singing careers at 6 a.m. That’s not the owner’s fault, but it’s a reminder that hostel manners matter. If noise doesn’t keep you awake, or you bring earplugs, it’s a great choice.

A great spot in the city center, and getting there from Quitumbe bus terminal by metro was easy. San Francisco and Santo Domingo are nearby. I felt safe the whole time. The door is shut each time, so you need to ring the bell to come in or go out, but that was fine for me. It’s a family hotel, and everyone was kind and helpful. Mario is a good man, and they’ll help with whatever you need. There’s a kitchen for making your own meals and a pleasant dining room to eat or relax in. The room was basic but nice, clean, and among the cheapest in town. Bathrooms were cleaned daily, towels were provided, luggage storage was available, and the Wi-Fi worked well. The mattress was firm, which suited me. The windows look into other rooms, so noisy neighbors could be a problem. I was fine, though the first time someone sneezed at night it startled me, it felt like he was right in bed with me. You can also hear people walking on the wooden floor.