ILLA Experience Hotel: the first luxury experience hotel in Quito from the perspective of Cristian Enríquez, Assistant Manager of the hotel | Travel Blog

ILLA Experience Hotel is located in the San Marcos neighbourhood of Quito, Ecuador. This neighbourhood is an artsy and lively area with many things to see within walking distance of the Historic District of Quito. This property was the very first luxury experience hotel in Ecuador's capital city.

Since its founding, ILLA was created as a hotel that placed a strong emphasis on family. Hospitality is founded on feelings of closeness, humanity, and authenticity.

In an exclusive interview, Cristian Enríquez, the Assistant General Manager discusses how this family-oriented philosophy, along with partnerships with local artisans and the use of cultural experiences, have allowed for the creation of a unique form of luxury offering that comes from the connections established through Heritage, Experiences, and Human Connection. 

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Table of content

• The story behind ILLA Experience Hotel
• Experiences that make ILLA Experience Hotel unique
  • Toquilla straw hat experience
  • Traditional sweets experience
  • Pyrography experience
  • Watercolor painting
  • The rooftop: Cristian's favorite spot
• Awards and recognition for luxury with purpose
• ILLA Experience Hotel in SCAPE Magazine
• Future plans for ILLA Experience Hotel
• FAQS
  • 1. What makes ILLA Experience Hotel unique?
  • 2. What experiences can guests enjoy at ILLA Experience Hotel?
  • 3. How are local artisans involved in the hotel?
  • 4. What kind of atmosphere defines the hotel?
  • 5. How can I book my stay at ILLA Experience Hotel?

The story behind ILLA Experience Hotel

 

ILLA Experience Hotel is characterized as the first luxury experience hotel in Quito, a space that redefines the concept of luxury through cultural preservation and authentic connection with the destination.

What was once a colonial-era mansion has now been transformed into a family-run boutique hotel, where each floor holds fragments of history and its artisans make the guest's stay more than just an experience.

In fact, according to Cristian Enriquez, the most important thing for them is “personal growth, constant learning, and keeping culture alive through experiences.”

Experiences that make ILLA Experience Hotel unique

 

The experiences and customer service are what set ILLA Experience Hotel apart. They currently work with seven artisans, who make this hotel a complete experience for every guest.

Toquilla straw hat experience

 

Olguita, the Ecuadorian artisan from Cuenca, is the creator of this experience. In search of better opportunities, she left Cuenca and moved to Quito. To this day, Olguita makes toquilla straw hats, which are the main source of income for her and her family.

Through this experience, guests gain historical and cultural knowledge about this Ecuadorian icon and can interact directly with the artisan. Cristian says this is his favorite experience because it rescues and puts Ecuador's traditions back on the map.

Traditional sweets experience

 

Gladys, who learned the craft of preparing traditional sweets at an early age from her mother-in-law, runs and administers this activity for guests at the hotel today. She provides guests with the opportunity to learn about this skill while enjoying delicious sweets like espumilla and pristiños.

Guests use the use of various flavors, stories, and shared experiences they have with Gladys to learn about the importance of gastronomy as a means to preserve cultural memories and cultural identity.

Pyrography experience

 

The pyrography experience is led by Cristian, an artisan specializing in this artistic technique, which involves drawing on wood using heat. During the workshop, guests learn about the creative process and develop their own piece, taking home a work they have made themselves as a souvenir of their stay.

Watercolor painting

 

For those who want to spend time painting, the watercolour painting experience allows you to paint while at the terrace of the hotel or from any place in the hotel that suits your creative inspiration. You will use the architecture, light, and colors of Quito for inspiration in your painting. The event will allow you to connect to the location creatively, through your creative process.

These and other experiences make ILLA Experience Hotel a perfect combination of art, culture, and hospitality in Quito.

The rooftop: Cristian's favorite spot

 

When asked about his favorite spot at ILLA Experience Hotel, Cristian doesn't hesitate: the rooftop. From there, guests can relax and enjoy the breathtaking view. He even shares his favorite image of a sunset that captures the view of the Virgen del Panecillo and the other churches around it.

Awards and recognition for luxury with purpose

 

Conscious luxury excellence, attention to every detail, authentic experiences, and purposeful travel have led ILLA Experience Hotel to become one of the most highly rated hotels by its guests worldwide.

In fact, as Cristian Enríquez shares with us, in 2025 the hotel was recognized with the Gold Travvy Award in the Best Luxury Hotel/Resort – Central & South America category, an award that reaffirms its commitment to quality, authenticity, and purposeful experiences.

ILLA Experience Hotel in SCAPE Magazine

 

For ILLA Experience Hotel, being featured in SCAPE Magazine represents a valuable opportunity for visibility. Cristian says that this platform acts as “a window that allows us to showcase the project to new audiences, reach more travelers, and connect with people who value authentic offerings with identity.”

Through SCAPE, the hotel shares its story and reinforces its position as a benchmark for luxury experiences in Quito.

Future plans for ILLA Experience Hotel

 

Cristian Enriquez said that he wants the ILLA Experience Hotel in 2026 to continue providing each guest with a glimpse of Ecuadorian Culture.

Besides this, he plans to expand the hotel slightly by adding rooms to increase its capacity while still retaining the intimate, personalised atmosphere that defines ILLA.

FAQS

 

What makes ILLA Experience Hotel unique?

 

It is Quito’s first luxury experience hotel, where luxury is defined by culture, human connection, and meaningful experiences.

What experiences can guests enjoy at ILLA Experience Hotel?

 

Guests can enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as traditional sweets making, toquilla straw hat workshops, pyrography, watercolor painting, and other artisan-led activities.

How are local artisans involved in the hotel?

 

Local artisans lead each experience, allowing guests to connect directly with Ecuador’s living traditions.

What kind of atmosphere defines the hotel?

 

ILLA offers an intimate, family-oriented atmosphere where every detail reflects authenticity and care.

How can I book my stay at ILLA Experience Hotel?

 

To book your experience and get exclusive promotions for being a reader of SCAPE magazine, click here.