Hotel El Crater

8.8

Excellent

105 Guest reviews

8.8

Excellent

105 Verified Reviews

Read all reviews

Cleanliness9.2/10

Service9.0/10

Comfort8.8/10

Condition8.8/10

location8.6/10

Neighborhood9.0/10

Value10/10

Amenities9.2/10

It is a rainy season in the area and the staff made sure that we are comfortable no matter the weather.

Peaceful and quiet for a couples experience

Excellent attention to details, very friendly and with great knowledge of the area and activities that you can do. Highly recommended!

Amazing views and service. Just great for a side trip from Quito. Would highly recommend

Comfortable, quiet with amazing views. Food was great and the staff was very kind and helpful too

¡Casi una experiencia religiosa! Mágico, Único, Especial, espectaculares vista, tremenda ubicación, en fin Majestuoso!!! Imagínate estar en el tope de una montaña: a un lado un valle que fue una laguna que al otro lado La Mitad Del Mundo, Lat 0!!!

This is a wonderful location for peace and also ease of accessibility to Quito. Scenery is breathtaking. Food and service at restaurant are excellent. The rooms are clean, spacious and have wonderful views both of the city and the volcano crater. The staff could not be more helpful and polite. I cannot wait to visit again. Visiting the Quito area I cannot imagine staying anywhere else.

We asked for the room on the upper floor when booking and they gave us the one below, the bathroom was outdated and had water problems, the king bed was two and a half square beds pushed together, and the mattress was worn out and very hard. Excessively expensive prices for what they offer, translucent curtain where you could see a lot from the outside, little privacy.

Perfect location, gorgeous rooms, delicious food, excellent staff!

Great relaxing and wonderful friendly people.

Neat stay with great views

The hotel resides in one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced. The grounds are immaculately maintained, tge architecture is gorgeous, the spaces uncrowded and relaxed. Places like this only exist in fairy tales. The staff is friendly and efficient, the rooms large, well-appointed, and comfortable. The on-site restaurant is very good too. I hope to spend another vacation there.

Shout out to OMAR! He was incredible. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. We visited the restaurant for dinner and my husband felt in love with the potato soup. During breakfast we had a cute llama spy on us also keep us entertained. We had a great experience overall.

My spouse and I spent 3 nights at this mountain resort in Feb 2023. It was the ideal place for some much needed R&R. The views are spectacular, the rooms are spacious, the atmosphere is very serene, the spa is amazing (had the best hot stone massage there) and the service at the entire hotel is EXCELLENT! Special mention to Omar who is the heart beat of the resort … he takes care of everything that you can possibly need and more. Thank you for making our stay so memorable PS: The wifi works great !

This property and its surroundings offer the ultimate spa and natural landscape that are truly inspirational.

The rooms are very spacious, gorgeous views from the rooms, and it is a very family-friendly hotel. The staff were so kind and responsive to any question or request and very knowledgeable regarding activities in the area. The food was delicious and a nice balance of Ecuadorian and European/North American food. We highly recommend El Crater during your visit to Ecuador!

Heaven on earth.

Best experience ever had. Heaven on earth, bassically is like living on the clouds.

Amazing place ❤️

El Crater is a hidden gem that is absolutely outstanding. I stayed for almost a week to write and meditate and it was perfect. The property is gorgeous with mid-century modern architecture, furnishing, and art. The restaurant is delicious with organic food and lovely staff and the spa is honestly world-class in the most beautiful space surrounded by nature. And the views! This a power spot on top of an ancient volcano crater with views toward the most sacred mountains in indigenous Ecuadorian culture. I can't recommend it highly enough and would gladly return if given the chance.

This is an incredible hotel. Only twelve rooms, so it's boutique for sure, and you get personalized service as a result. Maybe the best view I've had at a hotel - huge windows overlooking a gorgeous valley (an extinct volcanic crater you can hike into) on one side, more huge windows overlooking the city and mountains on the other. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and super clean. On the top floor, I had awesome skylight windows, adding even more allure to the stay. Everything worked well, and I had no problems whatsoever. There's an excellent restaurant on the property and a great spa, too. But more important than the amenities are the people - the staff were all wonderful: helpful, professional, patient with my broken Spanish. It is more than worth the price. If you go, make sure to follow the little path behind the restaurant - it's only maybe a 50 meter walk and brings you to a point on the crater rim that has an even better view of the crater at sunset.

Mitad del Mundo

Very nice and convenient location.

The view from the Hotel is unbeatable, arrived late in the am driving from Quito Airport, had to wake the Hotel Staff at 2 am, but no one could have been any nicer with the accommodations. The Hotel was very clean and the grounds were meticulously cared for. Differently, if you are in the area you must stay here. We only had a chance to stay one night because we were driving to Termas Papallacta and site seeing along the way. Almost forgot the breakfast was fabulous, enjoy our short stay very must don't hesitate to rent a car and see the country.

Service was amazing. Santiago welcomed us with the greatest smile and was attentive at all times. Room was clean and spacious... everything was fantastic beyond words.

A room with 2 views

Amazing location to wake to in the morning!

Beautiful place, lovely food and very friendly staff

Absolutely beautiful spot, near the Pululahua Crater.

Pleasant surprise!

We read different reviews about El Crater and weren't sure what to expect, but we were SO pleasantly surprised. We spent our anniversary weekend here and it was amazing. The rooms are simple, but nice and beautiful with lovely views of the crater and mountains. It is true the fog comes in usually mid day so if you want to hike, morning is best. It is close to Mitad del Mundo, but there is not a lot of other stuff in the near by area, but Condado shopping is only about 20 minutes away. It didn't matter to us. It was a beautiful escape from city life to get in nature, hike, enjoy the spa, etc. The restaurant is amazing and the filet mignon is one of the best I have ever had. If you're looking for a nice get away, THIS is your place. We highly recommend it and will be back!

Not a nice place to stay! Poor condition run down!

Horrible conditions! Room infested with bugs! Can not put clothes in closet as there is a leak and all my good clothes became extremely wet! Paint on concrete walls is peeling and flaking off constantly! Sky light has leak and drips all the time soaking the carpet in the middle room! Had to turn room key in every day for staff to make bed but no one was available to give the key back when we arrived back on multiple days making us wait 1/2 hour after coming back to get our room key back! Addressed these isssues with staff who apparently never realayed to manager till last day who was never available! Extremely far from everything! Transportation is an issue because it is so far! Arrainged with hotel for transfer to airport for return trip. Flight was at 8:30am was told that the earliest they could pick us up was 6am airport is 1 hour away and it is an international flight. Almost missed fligh as driver did not show up until 6:40! Getting us to airport with almost no time to check bags and get through security had to run to make it onto flight! Included photos. The bugs in the photo are everywhere in the room! You find them in your clothes if you put them in the closet and in your towels and all over the floor! No staff available if you leave hotel before 7 no staff available if you return after 9 during the week. The view from the room is great but can't substitute for all the issues with rooms!

We had a great overnight stay at El Crater. The buildings and rooms were modern and lovely. One issue was there was no signage for Registration so we had to drive around the property and inquire. We had a very good dinner there and the service at dinner and free breakfast was very efficient and friendly.

old and dirty hotel in a bad conditions

Nice location. That is all about El Crater hotel. Dirty, dusty, broken windows. We booked Deluxe room. They offer us room with cracked walls and ceiling. After we refuse to stay they gave us different room. We ourselves have washed windows, we asked to bring the vacuum cleaner and cleaned the room. The restaurant is very overpriced. We stayed 6 nights, for breakfast there only eggs. Ones waiter brought to us leftover food.We refused to eat. I asked where can I store my passport and money they offered me give them for storage.Safety box is not available in the hotel. After visiting this hotel we decided never again will come to Ecuador.

Worth The Drive

The location of this hotel is fantastic. Everything about it was perfect, food, room, staff.

El Crater

Views from room wet gear, food was good and staff friendly and helpful

Great Birthday Getaway in the Mountains

This was a great birthday trip for me (March 14,2015... Very relaxing and peaceful. I arrived late at about 1am and believe me you have to have proof (Printed confirmation letter) that you are a guest of the hotel in order to enter that gate (Security) was uptight which I loved and embraced for I knew I was safe. The views from my room and living room the next morning were breathtaking- walked over for breakfast where I also had mountainous view while I enjoyed up to 6 different sliced fruits and delicious eggs and orange juice. The owner was very friendly and helpful with everything. I was given complimentary flowers for my birthday which were set up in my room with chocolate treats and a special dinner just for my birthday. I would definitely return and recommend here ... it gets a bit cold but there are heaters in the rooms which calms the atmosphere. I LOVED IT!!!

Room comfort great

good experience staff friendly ,need to improve in the same morning meals.

Location! Location! Location!

We booked a couple of nights at El Crater as part of a three-week holiday in the Ecuadorean Andes. While it is only five minutes' drive from the 'Middle of the World' equator site and 90 minutes from Mindo its principal attraction is the hotel's own location, perched on the edge of the Pululahua volcanic crater. The suites have amazing views both down into the intensively-farmed crater floor and back over to the Andes around Quito. When we stayed in January (their winter) we naturally accepted that there would be variability in the weather, even in the same day. When the weather is clear the views are spectacular. This can then turn dramatic as mist and cloud roll around the crater and the hotel, particularly in the afternoon/evening. On the service front the hotel is obviously small (12 rooms) and the staff limited. On our visit a young man called Christian checked us in, treated us to his national and local knowledge of Ecuador, helped with our bags, served us dinner, served us breakfast and checked us out again, all handled in a kindly manner. All our four meals were accepatably priced and prepared. If you get a nice day this will be one of the most spectacular hotel locations you'll ever stay at. Even if you can't stay the night, a visit for lunch on a clear day is highly recommended.

Very nice small quit hotel

we had an enjoyable experience and would stay here again. the staff is very help full and friendly and will go way out of there way to help. Food at there local restaurant is excellent very reasonable priced. There are lots of things to do but a car would make travel to them allot easier

Beautiful hotel with great service

Hotel is amazing and rooms are tastefully decorated. Loved the place. Staff was great and very helpful. Food was nice too. Only issue was to find this hotel. Google directions were not clear and it was at least an hour away from airport. Make sure you get the room on top floor because doors have no sound proofing so anyone coming into the building late at night might wake you up especially if they are talking loud. Rest was great.

Beautiful location with great service

The location of the hotel is lovely with beautiful views over the crater. The staff are wonderful and helpful in every way. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel for any looking to stay outside of the city but yet en-route to many of Ecuador's destinations.

Hotel on crater rim

Great views and interesting location on the rim of a extinct volcanic crater

Missed the views, still got the great service

I arrived at night and left before the sun came up, so I missed the lovely views advertised. But the staff was excellent in that they brought us a portable breakfast before our early departure to the airport and were overall very accommodating. The room was the most upscale I stayed in during my trip to Ecuador, so it was nice to have reliable hot water, a heater, and even a hair drier and cable TV. Overall a nice stay & good night of sleep.

close to Mitad del Mundo

nice room. Booked a twin, was given a king, staff rushed over with new bedding and converted to twins. Was impressed with their 'jump to it'. Dinner in the resto was not so good, fish was seriously overcooked. And no other options nearby. Grounds were great! as were the views.

What a unique place to stay! We were in awe of the views as we drive up to the hotel and we were immediately greeted & taken to our spectacular room. The service was outstanding: from the owner stepping away from the dinner table with his family (?) to say hello, to the staff opening the restaurant for us for dinner. If you have the opportunity, this is an experience not to be missed. I'll never forget my time 'in the clouds'.

perfect meal

it was greate ~ for dinner~ and the sightses~~ is great~

Far from downtown Quito but fantastic setting

The location is fantastic - nestled in the mountains outside of Quito. If you won't be going to the deep Andes this is a great way to experience the next best thing! Views of the crater from one side of windows and the valley from the other side of the room. Everything associated with the hotel exceeded expectations. It's really far away from central Quito and the airport (30-45 min), that is the downside. But it is near the Mitad del Mundo and the adjacent museum, so if you are planning to visit these attractions you will have a long taxi ride from central Quito anyway. We stayed here two nights and spent one full day in central Quito (enough to see the sights). Also, don't miss the folkloric museum next to Mitad del Mundo, right on the equator, it is one-of-a-kind, lots of fun, be sure to take the tour.

El Crater

We have stayed in hundreds of places around the world and this ranks right up at the top. The location is absolutely gorgeous, grounds are well maintained and the staff is very helpful. Each morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast delivered to our room. We arrived late and were treated to a lightning storm that we enjoyed from out living room. Our room was clean and comfortable and the view was priceless. It is bit of a trip back into Quito but if you want to get away from the hustle of the city and relax this is the place to go. We would definitley return

Away from the rush & noise of Quito

A wonderful relaxing hotel up on the tip of a crater.Quiet with wonderful people serving their guests.the restaurant 's food was great especially with the addition of the new chef Daniella. A great place to spend a day or two before taking on the noise of Quito.

Great hotel with a view

Best view in Quito overlooking the mountains and plenty of stars at night. Convenient to hiking and horse back riding. Fantastic staff that caters to your every need. Woke up at 6 a.m. to serve us breakfast and even earlier for our flight. Arranged transportation for us without hesitation to any location needed. Warm hospitality!

Absolutely spectacular hotel, stunning views!

We just spent 5 nights at El Crater, one of the most amazing hotels we have visited. We arranged for the hotel to pick us up from the airport; the hotel is very secluded and about 40 minutes away from Quito airport. I can barely describe the magnificent peace we felt and the awe of nature we experienced while at El Crater. It's definitely a romantic place where folks who yearn for the easy life and enjoy being immersed in nature can truly rest and recuperate from busy lives. One evening, we witnessed a lightning storm in the distance - none like we've ever seen in our lives. The sky was filled with stars and just below the starry sky, lightning flashed every few minutes. Simply magical. The food was wonderful! The El Crater breakfast, which is included in the stay, is the best we've experienced in our traveling the world! Fresh juice, fruit plate, eggs and bread every morning. We had good coffee and wonderful hot chocolate. The view from the restaurant is spectacular as well and we watched hummingbirds feeding on the flowering bushes nearly every morning. The chef is wonderful, every meal we had was special, quickly prepared and served...just delicious. We loved the corn tortillas, the locro (potato soup - YUM!) and every other dish we tried. My fiance is a vegetarian and one evening they made him a special pasta dish with mushrooms that was really appreciated.

Stunning Views worth the short drive out of Quito!

Waking up to the breathtaking views from any direction was fabulous after arriving at Quito after midnight the night before. The room was very nice & I had a wonderful breakfast and plenty of help with taxi, sightseeing, etc. I will definitely stay at Hotel El Crater on my next trip as well.

Peaceful Oasis--Just 30 minutes from the airport

It was great to be greeted at the airport and whisked away El Crater, high above Quito, in just 30 minutes. Incredible views, peace and quiet and excellent service make this a great destination after exhausting trip to Galapagos or a long flight into Quito.