Hotel del Parque
Set within a historic park and wildlife reserve, the luxury Hotel del Parque is a tropical oasis in the Samborondon neighborhood of the bustling city of Guayaquil and along the Daule River. Parrots and spider monkeys roam the trees and the hotel is surrounded by palm leaves and exotic flowers. This elegant boutique hotel blends the world of luxury and nature perfectly with lush patios and a bio-diverse park and wildlife reserve just outside the walls. A ten-minute drive from the airport and 15 minutes to the city center, this relaxing space is easily accessible for a pre- or post-Galapagos hotel.
Book Hotel del Parque in conjunction with our Galapagos tours, Galapagos cruises and/or other Ecuador vacations. This property is a popular pairing with our luxury Galapagos tours. Our travel specialists can help you compare this hotel to others in Guayaquil.
Hotel del Parque Review
AdventureSmith Explorations’ Hotel del Parque review includes a detailed description and photo gallery. Our adventure travel experts can help compare the Hotel del Parque with other Guayaquil pre and post hotels. Choose the Hotel del Parque for a luxurious and quiet refuge close to the action in Guayaquil.
The Hotel del Parque is a welcome addition to Guayaquil, a city with few boutique or luxury hotel options. As the description implies the hotel is an oasis in an otherwise bustling city. Travelers will not find a quieter bed or more tranquil hotel atmosphere in Guayaquil. The hotel itself is extraordinary with history, elegance and five-star sophistication; it must be counted among the finest hotels in Ecuador. The park and riverfront surroundings are a surprising bonus. Spending a day among the history and animals of the Parque Historico, guests inevitably run into local Guayaquilenos families enjoying picnics or lovers strolling the waterfront pier hand in hand. The Hotel del Parque is perfect for travelers looking for an upscale hotel close to the airport or for people seeking a longer stay that will immerse them in the culture and history of Ecuador’s most populous city.
Hotel del Parque History
Built in 1891 by Guayaquil’s oldest charity, the building was named Hospício Corazón de Jesús and was the first hospice in the city providing shelter for the homeless, elderly and disabled. Mr. Julian Coronel founded this altruistic refuge originally in the center of the metropolis. Facing demolition in the 1980s, the property was bought by the Central Bank of Ecuador and moved board-by-board to its current site in Parque Histórico. There, it was meticulously restored alongside three other heritage buildings. The Hotel del Parque team and designer Julio Vinueza transformed this historical building into a modern luxury hotel with the architecture of 19th-century Ecuador.
Amenities at Hotel del Parque
The inside lounge offers sophistication and history in a comfortable setting, the perfect place to read the newspaper and chat with new friends. The two inner patios with fountains and tropical plants are a cool, refreshing place to be revived after exploring Guayaquil. The reading room provides games, television and computers. A fitness center is available 24 hours a day. Meeting facilities and boardrooms are also on site. High-speed free Wifi is available throughout the hotel, as well as concierge services, 24-hour room service, minibars and full air conditioning.
Dining at Hotel del Parque
The Casa Julian Restaurant, set on the Daule River, with executive chef and Guayaquil native Juan Carlos Ordonez, offers delightful and vibrant creations made from fresh local ingredients. The innovative chef combines traditional Ecuadorian fare with new textures and pairings. This waterfront restaurant features fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean paired with local ingredients like avocado, coconut and cacao. Breakfast (included), lunch and dinner are served, as well as daily afternoon tea with traditional Guayaquil sweets and delicacies and local herbal tea infusions. Guests can enjoy meals in the elegant riverside dining room, in the park for a private dining experience (prior notice needed) or in the comfort of their room. Complimentary coffee and juice, fresh-baked cookies and pastries are available 24 hours a day. Dietary restrictions can often be accommodated with prior notice.
Activities at Hotel del Parque
The unique spa offers massages and beauty treatments in the wood-beamed bell tower of the original restored chapel, with 360-degree views. This charming 19th-century chapel-faithfully reconstructed and painted in cool blues with original Gothic, Renaissance, and Mediterranean features-creates the perfect sanctuary for revitalization, especially after an active, immersive trip to the Galapagos.
Guest activities also include picking cacao pods and learning how the pod is transformed into chocolate. Guests can also learn the art of coffee roasting and growing-an interactive experience with Hotel del Parque’s chef. The healing Ecuadorian herb garden welcomes guests to learn about traditional medicine and even acquire personal infusions to cure aliments.
Guided or unguided wildlife walks through the grounds and wildlife sanctuary is on offer for an immersive nature experience. Hotel del Parque guests have exclusive park access on Mondays and Tuesdays, and in the early mornings and evenings when the park is closed to the public. Fun scavenger hunts are offered for kids to explore the gardens and search for rare plants and wildlife.
Nearby Attractions to Hotel del Parque
Parque Historico offers nature trails with three different ecosystems spread across more than 7.4 acres. Wildlife that can be found in the park range from sloths and ocelots to crocodiles and caimans, as well as harpy eagles and toucans. Restored 19th-century buildings like the former Territorial Bank property and the former homes of some of the city’s wealthiest families are placed throughout the park. All of these buildings were rescued from demolition, as well as the fabulous period trams. Folk dances and theatrical performances are a couple of the cultural heritage offerings that happen throughout the park and the Daule River is an excellent spot for sunset viewing.
Outside of the park, options include visiting the markets, gardens, safari park (for kids) at Simon Bolivar Pier. and museums. The riverside can also be explored, via boat. The Lineal Park has a nighttime dancing waters show, views of ‘the most beautiful bridge in the country,’ El Velero Bridge, and a unique Zigzag bridge. The Civic Square is home to many famous monuments, water fountains and viewpoints. These are just a few of the many treats that Guayaquil has to share.
Accommodations at Hotel del Parque
The 44 elegant guest bedrooms and suites are set across two floors and are furnished entirely with Ecuadorian pieces, both antique and modern in style. The pale grey and yellow hues contrast refreshingly with the exuberant tropical world outside while respecting the historical origins of the property. The marble bathrooms ensure elegance throughout this luxury hotel. Each room offers a minibar, smart TV, dining table for two, toiletries, turn-down service, alarm clock, safety deposit box, coffee and tea, and bathrobe and slippers. Hypoallergenic bedding is available on request.
Deluxe Double
The deluxe double guestrooms offer two full-size beds, perfect for guests traveling with colleagues, family, or companions. Luxurious furnishings and courtyard or garden view.
Deluxe King
One plush king bed awaits guests in the deluxe guestrooms, with all the charm and comforts reflected throughout the hotel and neighborhood. Guests awaken to the sun with garden views.
Signature King
Located on the second floor overlooking the gardens, these guestrooms offer one king bed and a cozy sitting area for lounging.
Junior Suite
With more than 1,200 square feet of luxurious space, this suite offers a roomy, elegant ambiance with one king bed and excellent garden views. This space can connect with a Signature Room to form a two-bedroom suite.
Park Suite
Guests revel in Ecuadorian bliss in this spacious suite with a private king bedroom, a separate living room and dining area, small pantry kitchen and four large windows overlooking the main park. The master bathroom has an elegant freestanding bath with views of the tropical gardens. The Park Suite also provides an optional private butler service to ensure comfort and convenience.
