Quinta Carlota

The roof in our room started leaking during a heavy storm, and there wasn't another room available. Luckily the storm passed quickly, or the floor would have been soaked all evening. The room was also chilly, with no heating for the cool night. Even so, for $45 I felt we got good value and would stay again. My wife and I spent an evening at Quintana Carlota Country House before flying home. The property is beautiful, the people were lovely, and we had a fantastic dinner followed by a good breakfast. The free airport pickup and dropoff were a real help, since the drive is about 20 minutes.

Saturday had loud music going all day until 8:00. The staff were friendly at first, but when the toilet was running slowly, they accused us of putting toilet paper in the trash. We hadn't, and they weren't very nice after that. The place was clean, the pool was nice, and the setting really is out in the country. The roads seemed safe to walk on, but they're very rocky and uneven, so watch your step. There weren't landscape views or restaurants nearby. Lunch cost $10 per person, compared with about $2.50 for a typical meal in Ecuador, and breakfast was $5 each instead of the usual $2.50. Airport pickup was $15, and the drive to Minto was $100. We left Monday morning and paid another transport $60 to Mindo.

We were only there for eight hours between flights, so we didn't stay overnight. This is a lovely old hacienda on pretty grounds, with an inground pool, garden, flowers, two dogs, an outdoor patio, and more. You can buy dinner or something lighter, along with beer and wine, and filtered water is always available hot or cold. Airport pickup and dropoff are free. The drive includes two stretches of cobblestone road, about eight minutes in total. The hot water was on and off, and the TV wouldn't turn on. We didn't have time to ask for help.

The location is in a remote part of Quito, and the road to Quinta Carlota is winding and lonely, so you need to take a taxi. Once you're there, though, it feels like paradise. The staff were fantastic and helpful, and the accommodations were great. The private rooms have three queen beds and private bathrooms. WiFi works in the lobby and nearly reaches the rooms. Staff are at the door around the clock.