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Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel

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Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel - Selected hotel in Quito, Ecuador

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Hotel Details

Location

Quito

Ecuador, South America

Key Highlights

  • Service & Staff:** The staff is frequently described as "phenomenal," "amazing," "incredibly friendly, helpful," and "very attentive," making guests feel right at home.

Expert Review: Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel

Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel, Quito: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Sustainable Luxury

Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel in Quito, a distinguished Michelin Key selected property, consistently earns high praise for its seamless blend of historical charm, contemporary sustainable design, and exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently describe it as a tranquil oasis in the heart of Quito's historic center.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently expressing a desire to return or even "move in." It consistently receives high ratings for staff (10/10), cleanliness (9.9/10), facilities (9.6/10), comfort (9.2/10), and location (9.2/10), with a slightly lower but still positive value for money rating (7.8/10). The hotel is lauded as a charming and welcoming boutique experience that makes stays in Quito feel truly special.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the Carlota.

  • Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "phenomenal," "amazing," "incredibly friendly, helpful," and "very attentive," making guests feel right at home.
  • Location: Its prime location in the historic center offers unbeatable walkability to major attractions.
  • Design: The hotel is housed in a beautifully renovated century-old French-style home from the 1900s, blending timelessness with modern, on-trend sustainable design. Architect Veronica Reed's design tempers the historical lushness with industrial touches and modernist geometries.
  • Amenities: The rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the historic district is a major highlight, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the cityscape. Other appreciated amenities include a full-service spa (Golondrina spa), a wine cellar with tasting opportunities, and excellent in-room WiFi. The hotel also offers a complimentary tea hour daily.

3. Room Quality

Carlota's 12 rooms offer a unique and comfortable experience. They feature a contemporary interior with high ceilings and soundproof windows, providing a feeling of space despite some being described as slightly small, which is common in boutique hotels within historic buildings. Each room boasts individual decor and furnishings, with geometric patterns and color palettes unique to each space, often inspired by Quito's birds. Beds are fitted with organic hypoallergenic Alpaca duvets and pillows, and custom-made chairs enhance comfort. Bathrooms are private, with unique tile designs that match the room's aesthetic, offering a separate toilet and shower, along with eco-friendly toiletries. Rooms also include LED TVs with Netflix and heated floors.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's Bistro restaurant is highly regarded for its regional and urban cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, often sourced from nearby markets, offering both vegetarian and vegan options. Breakfast, often included in the room rate or available for an extra charge of approximately USD 12.00 per person, is described as exceptional and delicious, typically featuring fresh seasonal fruit, homemade bread and jam, and made-to-order eggs with coffee or tea and fresh-pressed juice. Guests have particularly enjoyed the presentation of dishes like cevi-chocho and perfectly cooked stuffed peppers.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel is consistently highlighted as outstanding. Guests frequently praise the staff for being "phenomenal," "amazing," "incredibly friendly, helpful," and "very attentive." Many feel a strong sense of welcome and comfort, noting how staff members like Miguel went above and beyond to make them feel at home. The multilingual staff is available 24/7 at the front desk, offering valuable advice and assistance with tours and tickets.

6. Location & Accessibility

Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel boasts an "unbeatable" and "fantastic" location in the heart of Quito's UNESCO-protected historic center. Many significant attractions are within a short walking distance, including Independence Square (2-minute walk), Carondelet Palace (2-minute walk), Catedral Metropolitana de Quito (5-minute walk), St. Francis Catholic Church (5-minute walk), and Basilica of the National Vow (8-minute walk). This excellent walkability means guests often don't need taxis for exploring the main sights within the historic center. The hotel is also near an underground station and bus stops. Mariscal Sucre International Airport is approximately 43-46 minutes away by car, and an airport shuttle service is available for a surcharge.

7. Value & Pricing

While Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel is not the cheapest option in Quito, guests often consider it a "justifiable splurge," especially for special occasions. Room rates reportedly start at just under $200, with an average weeknight price of $199 and an average weekend night price of $145. The price typically includes a full breakfast, one-way transfer, and turn-down service, along with excellent WiFi, adding to its perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring minor issues have been noted by some guests:

  • Noise: Being in a renovated older building, some rooms, particularly on the first floor or facing the street, can experience noise from outside or adjacent rooms due to thin walls.
  • Room Size: While thoughtfully designed to maximize space, some rooms are described as being on the smaller side, which is a common characteristic of boutique hotels in historic properties.
  • Hot Water: A couple of guests have reported difficulties in getting consistently hot water for showers.
  • No Elevators: As a renovated historic building, the property does not have elevators, which could be a consideration for guests with mobility issues.

Sources

  1. hotels.com
  2. booking.com
  3. booking.com
  4. joyandjourney.com
  5. kayak.com
  6. designhotels.com
  7. carlota.ec
  8. michelin.com
  9. quitotophotels.com
  10. expedia.com
  11. michelin.com
  12. marriott.com
  13. quito-hotels-ec.com
  14. hotelsquito.com
  15. quito-best-hotels.com

Points to Consider

  • Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring minor issues have been noted by some guests:
  • No Elevators:** As a renovated historic building, the property does not have elevators, which could be a consideration for guests with mobility issues.

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