The Best Western Plaza, formerly the Crowne Plaza, was a very nice base to do touring around Quito with a family. The staff were all extremely nice nice and strove to help with anything we asked. Their restaurant recommendations were all excellent. My son had a birthday when we were there and, just from a casual conversation, the staff made a cake, brought it to our room and sang to him.

We had breakfast included in our rate (seemed standard) which was excellent. The penthouse restaurant couldn't have been more picturesque with views of the volcano Cotopaxi and the beautiful Andes mountains.

The cleaning staff were very good and, although they sometimes needed reminders of specific needs, they were very fast (1-2 minutes) when a request was made.

Right across from the hotel is a pretty big shopping mall that also has a large grocery store in it. So don't worry if you forget anything, because they'll have it there–most likely the brands that you use too!

I travel on business (and always sneak in some pleasure) to Latin America 2 or 3 times a month. In the last 7 years I’ve been to various hotels in almost every country. When in Quito, I always stay at the Best Western Hotel Casino Plaza. It’s a great deal.

The location is really good as it is in the more modern part of town – nearer to banking, airport and etc. It’s really not in the colonial part of town. Although it is only about 10 or 15 minute cab / tour ride to that part of town. That’s good since the colonial part of town has a lot of traffic and isn’t great to be walking around in at night – daytime tour is very much recommended.

When I started traveling to Ecuador a few years ago, this hotel was part of the high-end Crowne Plaza chain - back then it was rated 4.5 or 5 stars and cost $130 a night. I think part of the reason it was rated 5 stars was because it has 100 rooms and they are all suites! So you get a main room for sleeping and then a separate little living room like area which has a pullout couch, another TV, desk and etc. Its great when traveling with kids or if you need more room to spread out business documents, presentation materials and etc. I’m not sure why they changed to Best Western or why it is now listed as a 3 star hotel, but who cares? It’s priced at 3 stars but with more like 4.5 star features.

No pool, and the exercise room isn’t great, but it is located across the street from a big, safe park for an early morning jog. The food is actually much better now then when it was a higher-end hotel. I think it’s a new chef. Anyway, be sure to try the Locro de Queso soup made of potatoes, cheese and avocados.

They have high speed internet service in the business center. And when I was there in March of 2005 they were in the process of rolling out high speed wireless to all rooms and even the lobby (I think). They’ve got a tourist agency in the lobby which is actually really competent and good at getting last minute plane ticket changes and other things done.

As far as entertainment goes, it has a real, almost Las Vegas like Casino. It isn’t one of those lame slot machine only casinos which seem to be all over Latin America. It has a good crowd and all the real table games - including baccarat. And the drinks are free if you’re gambling!