Ecuador Hotel Product Continues to Grow

To keep agents up to speed with some new properties and suites that have popped up in Ecuador this year, Travel Agent here discusses three properties across the country—one that offers a 30 percent commission—that will make booking rooms easier.  In April, Luna Runtun opened two Presidential suites, which have views of surrounding rainforests

The New Villa Colonna

This two-story, 19th century bed and breakfast opened it doors in the beginning of the year in the historic center of Quito. Each of Villa Colonna's five suites includes antiques, fireplaces, lofty ceilings and wood floors. There's also a patio, living room, meeting room and an outdoor terrace with views of Quito.

The owner, Rigoberto Orozco, says all rooms are equally beautiful, and cost exactly the same ($188 in 2007), but his own personal favorite is La Basilica. This room is in the back area of Villa Colonna and has an expansive view of the ItchimbiaCrystalPalace. Note that all rooms will increase to $244 a night in 2008.

Agents receive an unusually high 30 percent commission at Villa Colonna. Contact Orozco, manager and owner, at (593 2) 885 06302 or write to [email protected] or [email protected]. Visit www.villacolonna.ec.

Luna Runtun Inaugurates New Suites and Thermal Pools

Located above the town of Baños and surrounded by 63 acres of rainforest, Luna Runtun recently opened two new suites and five thermal pools. The best rooms at the resort are the new Presidential suites, which opened in April 2007.

The suites each have a private Jacuzzi, bathroom, living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms (one has a king bed, one a twin bed).

All have views of the nearby Tungurahua Volcano, LlanganatesNational Park and the town of Baños. The same views can be had from any of the five new thermal pools.

Luna Runtun is three hours from Quito in the shadow of the Tungurahua volcano. Such activities as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing and rafting are offered.

Guests can choose from an array of spa treatments using natural medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables from the Hacienda's orchards, and therapeutic volcanic stones and ashes from the nearby Tungurahua volcano.

Agents receive a 10 percent commission. Agents should contact General Manager Carmen Luna de Currat at (593 3) 274 08823 ext. 11 or write to [email protected]. Visit www.kunaruntun.com.

The Renovated Hotel Plaza Grande

This boutique hotel, under the management of Swissôtel, reopened in January 2007 after a complete refurbishment. Located in the heart of Quito's historic center along the famous Plaza Grande, it's close to many important landmarks, including the Presidential Palace, Metropolitan Cultural Center, Museo de la Ciudad and the spectacular gold-leaf detailed church of La Compañia de Jesús.

Once the site of Quito's first luxury hotel, the Majestic, before it was completely refurbished, Hotel Plaza Grande now offers 14 appointed rooms and one Presidential suite in addition to a wine cellar, a gourmet restaurant and a banquet room for special events.

The best room is the Presidential suite on the top floor. It is the largest room in the hotel and includes a living room, dining room, kitchen and two bathrooms. It also has a view of the Plaza de la Independencia; three balconies overlook the plaza.

Agents may contact Isabel Calles, sales manager, at (593-2) 256 7600, ext. 6716 or write to [email protected]; or Wendy Narvaez, sales manager, (593-2) 256-7600 ext. 6716 or [email protected]. Commission is 10 percent. Visit www.plazagrandequito.com.