Carlota Sustainable Design Hotel
Heritage restoration with an industrial-contemporary edge — geometric patterns, bird-inspired color palettes per room, exposed brick walls, custom reclaimed-wood furniture, and architectural interventions that feel deliberate rather than decorative.
The 12 sqm Standard Single rooms (Golondrina, Carpintero) and smallest Standard rooms (Quinde, Mirlo at 12 sqm) are genuinely compact — book a Loft or Deluxe if you need real space
Why It Matters
First hotel in Ecuador to earn LEED Gold certification — and notably the only heritage hotel in the world to hold it. Also certified B Corporation since 2019, the first hotel in Ecuador to achieve that distinction. Winner at the Pan-American Architecture Biennial for adaptive reuse. South America's Leading Design Hotel at the 2017 World Travel Awards. Just 12 rooms, each named after a local bird species. The hotel runs 30–35% of its electricity on solar power and recycles 70% of water consumed on-site.
Carlota is a 12-room boutique hotel in Quito's UNESCO-listed Historic Center, set inside a carefully restored house built in 1905 by a French architect. Owner Renato Solines named it after his grandmother, who lived there for decades; his wife and architect Veronica Reed of VIVA Arquitectura transformed it after a four-year restoration. The result: bold colors drawn from Quito's bird species, exposed brick, high ceilings, reclaimed wood, and a design sensibility that's genuinely modern without erasing the building's bones.
Where You'll Stay
12 room types available
Deluxe Azafrán (Room 109)
The quieter Deluxe option, facing the inner patio rather than the street. Slightly larger at 20 sqm with a living area and sofa bed, so it can accommodate up to 4 guests. A good pick for families who don't need the loft's extra height.
Queen bed + double sofa bed · 20 sqmDeluxe Campanaria (Room 105)
The standout of the Deluxe category for one key reason: a private balcony with open street views over the Historic Center. At 20 sqm it isn't large, but the balcony sets it apart from everything else in the building. For two guests only.
Queen bed · 20 sqmLoft Brujo (Room 104)
The larger of the two lofts at 40 sqm, Brujo spreads across two levels with the bedroom and a full bathroom upstairs and a living/dining area plus half-bath on the lower level. Sleeps up to 4 and can connect to an adjacent double-bed room. Named after a local bird, like all rooms here.
Queen bed + double sofa bed · 40 sqm
Loft Esmeralda (Room 106)
The second loft at 37 sqm — slightly more compact than Brujo but still a two-level space with a single full bathroom. Same capacity for up to 4 guests with the queen bed and sofa bed configuration. Can also connect to an adjacent room.
Queen bed + double sofa bed · 37 sqmStandard Canela (Room 001)
Ground-floor standard room with a central patio view and full accessibility features — the only designated accessible room in the hotel. At 19 sqm it offers a touch more breathing room than the corridor-view rooms upstairs.
Queen bed · 19 sqmStandard Estrella (Room 111)
At 19 sqm, Estrella is one of the more comfortable standard rooms. Upper floor, corridor view, queen bed. A solid choice if Campanaria is taken and you want a bit more space without moving up to Deluxe pricing.
Queen bed · 19 sqmStandard Jilguero (Room 108)
A standard room on the upper floor with a corridor view and a slightly more generous 15 sqm. Named after the goldfinch. Queen bed for two guests.
Queen bed · 15 sqmStandard Mirlo (Room 112)
The smallest standard room and the only one with a full bed plus a separate twin — making it usable for up to 3 guests or a parent with a child. Upper floor with corridor view. Named after the blackbird (mirlo), which also appears in the hotel's logo.
Full bed + twin bed · 12 sqmStandard Quinde (Room 107)
One of the more compact rooms in the hotel at 12 sqm. Upper floor with corridor view. Named after the hummingbird (quinde in Kichwa). Tight but beautifully detailed — it fits two guests comfortably if you're not planning to spend much time indoors.
Queen bed · 12 sqmStandard Single Carpintero (Room 110)
Same footprint as Golondrina but with a queen bed instead of a full. Ground floor, inner patio view. Named after the woodpecker (carpintero). A step up from Golondrina in sleeping comfort at the same square footage.
Queen bed · 12 sqmStandard Single Golondrina (Room 003)
The entry-level room — 12 sqm on the ground floor with an inner patio view and a full bed. Best for solo travelers or a couple on a tight budget who plan to spend most of their time out exploring the city. Despite the size, the design is impeccable.
Full bed · 12 sqmStandard Torito (Room 002)
The only standard room with two queen beds, making it the most practical option for small families or two friends traveling together on a tighter budget. Ground floor with inner patio view.
Two Queen beds · 15 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Sensory journey through the origin, flavor, and history of Ecuadorian cacao with local producers and experts. Explores traceability and responsible trade of one of Ecuador's most celebrated exports.
Technique-focused sessions exploring the stories behind Carlota's cuisine, from selecting local and seasonal ingredients to final plating. Promotes a gastronomy rooted in territory and natural cycles.
Participatory cooking sessions with local chefs and producers exploring Ecuadorian flavors and responsible sourcing. More cultural encounter than formal class — guests cook and eat together.
Guided tastings in the hotel's wine cellar, featuring a curated international selection. Arranged through the concierge.
Local artists perform in Carlota's intimate spaces, creating cultural exchange between guests and the city's creative scene. Scheduled events; check with hotel.
Occasional in-house movie screenings for guests.
Rooftop becomes a social and cultural wellbeing space — brunches, tastings, and sunset events with 360-degree views over the Historic Center. Promotes low-impact, high-culture moments.
Small-scale talks around culture, design, sustainability, and community. Dialogue spaces for ideas and learning. The hotel also hosts private meetings and events.
Yoga sessions in the heritage setting of the hotel, reconnecting body and mind within the restored architecture. Integrates wellbeing, design, and spatial awareness.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Accessible rooms with accessible bathrooms. Room Canela (001) on the ground floor is the designated accessible room. Call ahead to confirm specifics.
Conference equipment, photocopier, and meeting rooms available for business guests and private events.
High-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the property and in all rooms.
Daily breakfast included for hotel guests, served at Bistro 626 from 8–11am.
Curated international wine selection stored in a snug cellar under the stairs. Tastings available on request.
In-room safe boxes in all rooms.
The open central courtyard serves as the lobby and reception area, creating a visual axis from the main entrance to the rear patio. Bright, open, and designed for conversation and rest.
Open rooftop with panoramic views of Quito's Historic Center skyline, El Panecillo, and surrounding Andes. Home to the rooftop bar and social events.
A quieter, more intimate second patio with a well-preserved stone staircase and planted backdrop inspired by traditional Spanish gardens of Quito. Ideal for reading or calm moments.
Serene upper-floor reading room with complimentary coffee and an honesty bar. Designed as a personal retreat away from the bustle of the city.
Bilingual staff available around the clock for concierge services, recommendations, and arrangements.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available for guests.
In-room dining service available for hotel guests.
System that cleans and reuses 70% of water consumed on the property, using WaterSense-certified fixtures throughout.
On-site photovoltaic (solar) system generates 30–35% of the hotel's electricity. Paired with high-efficiency equipment and passive design.
Airport transfer available upon request. Mariscal Sucre Airport (UIO) is approximately 42 km / 45–60 minutes away.
Street parking available nearby. No private on-site parking garage.
BUILD YOUR CARLOTA SUSTAINABLE DESIGN HOTEL PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning