Hotel Otavalo

Though the vast majority of travelers visit Otavalo on day trips from Quito, staying overnight has its benefits, from exploring the nearby crater lakes and waterfalls to delving more deeply into the indigenous craft traditions represented at the town’s famous market. There are some lovely lodges in the surrounding area, but the stylish Hotel Otavalo is the finest option in town. Located in a Spanish colonial landmark that dates back to the 1930s, this hotel was acquired and restored by Art Hotels Ecuador, reopening in 2018 as a luxury boutique hotel.

The current iteration is faithful to its roots — the building’s best features have been preserved, from its charming brick archways and exposed stone walls to light-filled courtyards and heavy wooden doors inlaid with intricate relief sculpture. New additions lean into the theme, including furnishings made by local artisans and wide-ranging programs that enthusiastically introduce guests to Ecuadorian music, art, and cocktails.

Art objects and antiques add character to rooms and suites. All have exposed brick or stone walls, hardwood floors, custom Simmons beds with hand-carved headboards, and coffee stations stocked with locally grown and roasted beans. Modern bathrooms, outfitted in speckled marble and white tile, have walk-in rainfall showers and organic bath products. The highest-end rooms also feature Jacuzzis and private balconies. Downstairs, breakfast is included at the cavernous restaurant, which specializes in dishes inspired by ancestral traditions, and upstairs, a rooftop bar offers sweeping views of Otavalo’s rooftops and the Andes just beyond.