Let's Try For Ecuador

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We actually stayed in this hotel in Quito and loved it so much - not super fancy but the ambiance more than made up for it - super friendly staff and the breakfast in the morning was decent. I like staying in the old mansion type places as opposed to big high rise hotels. the upper floors with their own patios are wonderful to sit out on in the evening

Quito hotels in Quito, Hotel Sierra Madre

[omegaet]

-O-, are you still a big fan of visiting Ecuador given the Julian Assange matter?

That matter is between Julian Assange and President Correa. I remain a fan of travel in Ecuador and hope to return soon. I'm not a huge fan of landing on a cloudy day at Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito.

[bonniejoy03]

D-That property looks lovely! We are working on our trip. We had planned to stay out of Quito due to the airport issues but I think that is changing. The city looks so lovely! Thanks for the lodging idea!

[omegaet]

This is one of the other dream locations we want Luxury Link to add for our next Ecuador journey:

http://www.mashpilodge.com/index.php?lang=en

There is even a chance the new international airport serving Quito will be functional by October (never mind the access highways [think small paved roads] are still under construction).....oh, well, it's part of the experience!

To date, Mashpi Lodge has done a less than stellar job of communicating and responding to emails. I have also noticed several mixed TA reviews. Maybe this place needs a little more time to dial in their guest experiences.

[bonniejoy03]

O-The new airport in Quito is just about open....no worries now!

[omegaet]

O-The new airport in Quito is just about open....no worries now!

AA claims they will land their first passenger flight at the new UIO 02/20/2013.

They have made several test landing and take offs and apparently everything went fine. Ground transportation will still be an issue for some time.

[bonniejoy03]

Ground transportation AND hotels close to the airport will be an issue. Would hate to have an early flight. We have a 7:20am flight out of Guayaquil. Glad we aren't flying out of Quito. They recommend being at the airport 3 hours ahead of time. They also suggest a 1.5 hour travel time from the city to the new airport.......

[kyshel]

Ground transportation AND hotels close to the airport will be an issue. Would hate to have an early flight. We have a 7:20am flight out of Guayaquil. Glad we aren't flying out of Quito. They recommend being at the airport 3 hours ahead of time. They also suggest a 1.5 hour travel time from the city to the new airport.......

Sounds like a good reason to become a couch surfer, or do a homestay. Maybe some hotel chains will get the hint...