We submitted the booking form for this place, then received a reply the following day to confirm our booking. This we duly did, only then to be told that because we had taken so long our room had been sold. This all occurred within a 24 hour timeframe. I'm not sure if the staff understand the nature of travel but unfortunately we were unable to hover over the Internet for the entire 24 period. I can only judge this place on the service we received but I would find it hard on that basis to recommend it to anyone

We spent 2 nights in this nice hostel in Quito. Location is nice, 5 min walk from commercial/touristical district/main buses. Very welcoming staff (they prepared a special breackfast for us at 6h00 am on the day of our departure, borrowed us an hair dryer and a plug adapatator). Large room, large bathroom. Decoration is old but everything is very clean. Nice little garden.

My husband and I discovered Hostal Charles Darwin on the web. We contacted them via email and received a speedy reply from Catalina, one of the owners. After a helpful correspondence via email, we reserved (no deposit required) and Catalina also arranged for a van pick-up at the airport (we had lots of luggage!). The cost for van pickup is $10, paid directly to the driver. Be sure to bring cash.

The hostal (more like a small inn, really) is a delightful haven, conveniently located in a quiet and safe neighborhood, within easy walking distance of the famous Mariscal District. It is well gated, with charming common areas; living room with TV, books to borrow, lush courtyard garden, all decorated with attractive folkloric arts and crafts. Our room was nicely appointed with comfortable furnishings and the bathroom offered up HOT (!) water 24 hours a day. Breakfast (included in the tariff) consisted of eggs, fresh coffee or tea, toast/rolls and freshly squeezed fruit juices. (Afternoon coffee and/or tea are available upon request at no additional cost!)

The owners (Catalina and her two brothers) go out of their way to make all guests feel at home and although Catalina is the only one who speaks fluent English, the entire staff is extremely friendly, helpful, always cheerful, and somehow understood our pathetic Spanish. We couldn’t have been happier. We will definitely make Hostal Charles Darwin our new home-away-from-home in Quito!

Note: All of their rooms, save one, are appointed with either two twin beds or one very small full bed, (suitable for one person). Do call ahead reserve the “matrimonial” room (one double bed and an extra single) if you require more beds/space.

We read about this hotel in the Budget Traveler (the magazine had booked their staff here) so we decided to move here after spending two horrific nights at the Chalet Suisse, Quito. What a pleasant change! Located in a quiet, residential neighborhood just minutes away from the New Town, this charming bed-and-breakfast is owned by two brothers and their sister, at least one of whom was always around. (Sometimes all 3 were present.) Fresh fruit, juice and eggs are served daily at breakfast. Alberto, one of the co-owners who is usually the day person, was very helpful with suggestions, answering questions, calling cabs. He stored our luggage when we left for the Galapagos for 8 days. Our room looked into a calming inner courtyard garden, and although we had a TV in the room, we chose to watch the Olympics on the big-screen TV in the living room. Most of the other guests were European, and we all felt we had stumbled upon a great find. Also, the hotel is only two blocks away from the Orellana station on the Ecovia transport system - very convenient! Reasonable rates, clean, quiet, safe, very accommodating staff - couldn't ask for more.