Axel's take on González Suárez & Guápulo: #5 of 5 in Quito, 5.8/10
Choose ridge-top comfort and valley views, not effortless sightseeing. González Suárez and Guápulo offer residential character and reasonable value, but weaker hotel options and fewer doorstep choices put them fifth.
On Avenida González Suárez, apartment towers, bakeries and everyday services suit a quieter residential stay, with valley views where buildings face east. Below the mirador, Guápulo changes the mood: cobbled Camino de Orellana, cafés and the church feel more like a hillside village than the modern city above.
Do not treat the ridge and lower Guápulo as equally convenient bases. The descent is steep and the return is a substantial climb, not an effortless stroll after dinner. The Metro is not nearby, so wider sightseeing usually means road transport. Couples and longer-stay travelers may enjoy the separation; anyone with limited mobility or a packed first-visit schedule should choose elsewhere.
- Best for: couples, a quiet stay, luxury travelers
- Skip it if: You want easy Metro access; Steep climbs or frequent taxi trips would frustrate you
- Getting around: Walk the ridge’s everyday services; there is no nearby Metro, and lower Guápulo adds a steep climb. Use taxis for wider sightseeing and an airport taxi or arranged transfer from UIO.
- After dark: Expect a quieter residential evening on the ridge and scattered café/bar activity in Guápulo rather than continuous nightlife; arrange the uphill ride back.
- Rates: Typical Axel rate $57 a night · usually 5% under the public rate
Where to stay in Quito: every neighborhood ranked
Where to look in González Suárez & Guápulo
- González Suárez, around Muros. The ridge avenue has shops and residential towers; suits travelers wanting everyday conveniences without climbing back from lower Guápulo. Hotels here: Hostal Villa Nancy, Hotel Quito.
- Mirador de Guápulo, León Larrea. Choose the upper viewpoint area for valley scenery; the descent toward Guápulo is steep, so plan the return journey. Hotels here: Hotel Stubel Suites and Cafe, Hotel Quito.
- Camino de Orellana. Cobbles, old houses and scattered cafés suit slow exploring; less convenient if you want effortless walks back uphill.
How to choose
- Choose Hotel Stubel Suites and Cafe if valley views are your priority; confirm the exact outlook and balcony before booking.
- Choose Hotel Quito if you want a heated outdoor pool and gardens, and accept dated interiors; check restoration disruption.
- Choose Hostal Villa Nancy if you want a cheaper restaurant-focused base and personal service; confirm reliable hot water before committing.
What paying more buys
Hostal Villa Nancy is cheaper than most here, with basic rooms and recurring shower complaints. Hotel Stubel Suites and Cafe buys a view-focused stay, while similarly priced Hotel Quito adds a heated outdoor pool and gardens. Neither promises modern interiors or quiet nights; the premium is not worthwhile if you will barely use the outlook or facilities. Typical rates with Axel here run from $18 a night at Hotel & Suites Gonsalez Suarez Quito to $78 at Hotel Quito (last 30 days).
The best hotels in González Suárez & Guápulo, ranked by Axel's take
Each hotel scored for what it is by Axel's own review; the rate is one stay Axel priced this week, beside the public rate for the same dates.
- Hotel Stubel Suites and Cafe 8.3/10, small independent 4-star overlooking Quito’s Guápulo valley. A strong pick for valley views and friendly service, with some dated edges. Why it's here: a small-hotel choice for Guápulo valley views and friendly service. Accept: dated fittings, possible nighttime noise and category-dependent views. $73 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate · Customer link — Open hotel details
- Hotel Quito 8.0/10, historic, full-service mid-range hotel overlooking Quito’s valleys. Choose it for the views and heated pool, not polished modern rooms. Why it's here: heated outdoor pool time, gardens and sweeping valley views rather than modern-room polish. Accept: dated interiors, possible noise and restoration disruption to confirm. $57 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate · Customer link — Open hotel details
- Hostal Villa Nancy 7.8/10, small, no-frills 3-star hotel near González Suárez. Friendly staff and a useful location outweigh basic rooms, but showers need checking. Why it's here: a cheaper restaurant-focused base with spacious basic rooms and friendly personal service. Accept: recurring hot-water complaints, limited heating and stairs. $35 a night with Axel; no public rate was seen for these dates. Sign up free to book this rate · Customer link — Open hotel details
- Hotel & Suites Gonsalez Suarez Quito 2.0/10, listed 3-star city hotel with serious doubts about whether it is operating. We'd skip this listing until reopening and usable rooms are independently confirmed. Why it's here: not a current recommendation; reconsider only after independent confirmation of reopening and usable rooms. Accept: reservations may not be fulfilled; operation remains in serious doubt. · Customer link — Open hotel details
