B&B Hostería Oro Azul ★★★

La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa ★★★★

"Luxurious hotel for an indulgent splurge. The grounds are a virtual botanical garden, with all manner of birds to be seen partaking of the nectar from the many species of flowering trees and shrubs. Guest bungalows are beautifully furnished and quite large, with separate sitting areas, glittering chandeliers and a fireplace to ward off any night chills. Ours (#112) was occupied by the Queen of Spain during her visit to Ecuador in the 1990's. Bed warmers are also set in place during the nightly turndown service. There also a beautiful spa, with a lovely indoor pool and serene massage and treatment rooms. The delicious included breakfast is served in a glassed in setting that allows you to watch peacocks strut around the lawns outside and if you'd like to feed them the staff has bags of breadcrumbs ready for you to toss. The hotel also operates the most elegant restaurant in the area, if not the country and while the prices are above average for fine dining in Ecuador, the food and service more than justify the cost. That said we are not talking serious money by US standards. The most expensive main course, Duck La'Orange, being around $30, at lunch. Bottom line, after braving 13,000 feet to explore northern Ecuador, go ahead and treat yourself to this very special place. "

Neblina Bird ★★★

Hacienda San Isidro Trails & Experiences ★★★★

"History and tranquility meet at Hacienda San Isidro de Iltaqui, a charming property located just 15 minutes from downtown Cotacachi. This 200-year-old haven, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, offers a peaceful escape easily accessible by car. Rosendo and Chelita, the heart and soul of the hacienda, warmly welcome guests like family. Their personalized attention and captivating stories create an unforgettable experience for couples and families alike. The friendly staff is incredibly accommodating, ensuring your every need is met. We highly recommend this hacienda!"

Hostería Hacienda Pinsaqui ★★★

"Established in 1790, this charming Hacienda offers a unique blend of history and comfort. The beautifully restored property exudes rustic charm, with antique furnishings and expansive gardens that transport guests to a bygone era. This historic hotel located at the base of Imbabura Volcano was originally a colonial textile enterprise, it has hosted notable figures, including General Simón Bolívar The attentive staff enhances the experience, ensuring a memorable stay. LOCATION: Conveniently situated just outside Otavalo, Hacienda Pinsaqui serves as an excellent base for exploring local attractions like the Otavalo Market and Imbabura Volcano. Its proximity to the Pan-American Highway makes it easily accessible, though some road noise can be present. DINE + DRINK:The on-site restaurant offers a delightful array of Ecuadorian and international dishes, emphasizing organic, local, and seasonal ingredients. Meals are served in a dining room adorned with lovely chandeliers and leather-backed chairs, overlooking a wonderful garden. The Bar that is located in a former Stables is a magical place to unwind in the evening wth your favorite drinks. This was one of the top highlights of our stay! ROOM: We stayed in Room 15, so this review is based on that; SIZE: Spacious enough for 2 adults and simple baggage; VIEW: Lovely views of the greenery from the balcony above; AIR-CON: The room comes with a lovely old world FIREPLACE that helped in setting the perfect room temperature; BED: Comfortable bed that played the expected part of putting us to sleep; BATHROOM:Good sized bathroom with a Stand-in shower; TOILETRIES: Good quality toiletries FACILITIES: No Gym or pool on site. But the hacienda boasts extensive grounds with walking paths, a chapel, and a reading library. Activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking are available for guests seeking adventure. SERVICE: Friendly staff that cared for all our needs with a smile and made us feel pampered and well taken care of. HOW WIRED YOU WILL BE: Free Wi-Fi that works well all over the property, and the speed is good! No Television in the room"