Hotel Patio Andaluz

The inner courtyards were absolutely charming, and the staff went out of their way to help. Breakfasts were excellent, and nearly everything else about this quiet, low-key hotel was delightful. It’s in a former mansion in the old city, just two blocks from Plaza Grande. We weren’t thrilled with the room choices: one was a two-level suite with the bed downstairs and the closet and bath up a narrow flight of stairs; the other was smaller, with windows onto an air shaft to the roof. One tip, hotel laundry is absurdly expensive, though private laundries are only a couple of blocks away.

We appreciated how kind, friendly, and helpful the staff were, and the building is beautiful in a great spot in Quito’s historic center. But our four-night stay at Hotel Patio Andaluz was far from restful. Major construction was underway inside the hotel, and neither Expedia’s website nor the hotel’s website mentioned it when we booked. The noise began in the morning and went on until around 4-5 PM each day, so we couldn’t relax in our room. Reception kindly offered to move us, but the noise came from the central patio, so changing rooms made no difference. The charming building and friendly staff were appreciated, but the construction made the stay quite disappointing. I hope management clearly tells guests about renovations in the future.

The location was great, the atmosphere nice, staff helpful and respectful, and breakfast decent. Still, we wouldn’t choose this hotel again. Renovations were going on, but there was no mention of them on the hotel website or Expedia, where we booked. Every day the noise was extremely loud from around 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our rooms had no windows to the outside, only onto the main patio where the work was happening. Staff offered to move us after we complained, but the noise was just as bad in the other room. On the second day, we realized $72 was missing from our safe. I don’t know whether the door had been left unlocked or somebody opened it, but the amount missing matched the smaller bills we’d set aside for tips. I reported it at reception, and they said they would investigate. The next day they said housekeeping denied taking the money. Later, we found a complimentary bottle of wine in the room. That was a kind gesture, but it didn’t really make up for the missing money or all the noise. It was a disappointing stay.

It feels like a $50/night hotel, and I wouldn’t pay more. The place is overpriced and overrated. It’s stopped feeling old and charming and now just seems old and tired. The AC and TV didn’t work, the bathroom was dark and dirty, the shower pressure was low, and the rooms were dark and noisy. Staff seemed to run around without getting anything done. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend it.