Carlota is a four-star boutique hotel and Ecuadorian restaurant at Sebastián de Benalcázar 6-26 in Quito‘s Centro Histórico, a few steps from the colonial lanes that earned the old town its UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1978. The property combines a restaurant, a wine cellar, and a rooftop bar with views across the red-tiled roofs and church domes of the historic center. Travelers book it for the restored-colonial atmosphere, an extensive wine list, and sunset drinks above the old town, and it suits couples and food-focused visitors in particular.
What to Expect at Carlota
Carlota is a small, design-led hotel rather than a large chain property, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. The building follows the pattern of Quito’s restored colonial houses: thick walls, interior courtyards, and warm materials, set against contemporary furnishings. With a 4.5 rating across more than 340 reviews, it consistently draws praise for its ambiance and its position within walking distance of the main sights of the old town.
The dining program centers on Ecuadorian ingredients and flavors, paired with a wine cellar that is a destination in its own right. Highland staples such as locro de papa (potato and cheese soup), ceviche, and Andean corn and potato preparations are the kind of dishes that anchor Quito’s culinary identity. The rooftop bar is the standout evening venue, with an open-air perch over the historic quarter. For the current menu, cocktail list, and room categories, check the official site at carlota.ec.
- Rooftop bar: An open-air terrace over the old town, best around sunset when the colonial rooftops and church towers catch the last light.
- Wine cellar: A substantial cellar that lets diners pair Ecuadorian dishes with a broad selection of bottles.
- Ecuadorian restaurant: A dining room built around Andean ingredients and regional cooking, open to hotel guests and outside diners.
- Boutique hotel rooms: A limited number of design-forward rooms in a restored historic building, suited to couples and short city breaks.
- Historic-center location: A walkable base for the main colonial plazas, churches, and museums.
Carlota at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Sebastián de Benalcázar 6-26, Quito 170401, Ecuador |
| Neighborhood / Area | Centro Histórico (Old Town), Quito |
| Operating Hours | Hotel open 24 hours; restaurant and rooftop bar hours vary by day, so confirm on the official site |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission fee; rated 4 stars, with restaurant and bar pricing at the upper-mid tier ($$$) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner or rooftop drinks; overnight stays suit a one- to two-night old-town visit |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Short walk from old-town Trolebús and Metrobús stops and from Metro de Quito service at San Francisco station; taxis and ride-hailing reach the door easily |
| Official Website & Phone | carlota.ec | +593 2-380-1410 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Time your rooftop visit for late afternoon so you can watch the light shift over the old town, then stay on for dinner. Reserve ahead for weekend evenings, since a small property fills quickly, and ask for terrace seating when booking. Quito sits at roughly 2,850 meters above sea level, so go easy on the first night’s alcohol and drink plenty of water. For transit, the Trolebús and Metrobús corridors serve the historic center, and the Metro de Quito stop at San Francisco puts you in the old town within a short walk; at night, a registered taxi or ride-hailing car is the more comfortable choice on the cobbled streets.
Colonial buildings and sloping streets limit step-free access, so wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly about entrances, elevator access to the rooftop, and ground-floor rooms. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk you can reach Plaza Grande with the Carondelet Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the gilded Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and the Plaza de San Francisco with the Convento de San Francisco. La Ronda, the narrow pedestrian street lined with restaurants, music venues, and artisan shops, is a natural after-dinner stroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Carlota’s hours and the best time to visit?
The hotel operates around the clock, while the restaurant and rooftop bar keep set hours that differ by day, so confirm them at carlota.ec or by calling +593 2-380-1410. The best time for the rooftop is late afternoon into early evening, when views are clearest and the old town lights come on.
How much does it cost, and do I need a reservation?
There is no entry fee. As a four-star boutique property, dining and drinks sit in the upper-mid price tier, and room rates vary by season and category. Reservations are recommended for dinner and for weekend rooftop seating.
How long should I plan to spend at Carlota?
Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a dinner or a relaxed round of rooftop drinks. Combine it with an afternoon of sightseeing in the surrounding old town for a full day, or stay a night or two to use it as a base.
Is Carlota accessible and suitable for families?
The restored colonial layout and uneven old-town streets can limit step-free access, so contact the hotel about specific needs before booking. The atmosphere leans toward couples and adult travelers, though the restaurant welcomes families at mealtimes.
When planning your Quito travel guide or comparing verified hotels and ecuadorian restaurant in Quito, pair this stop with standout local spots including Maitane, Free Walking Tour Quito, Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua, and Garcia Moreno (nearby).
