The best hotels in Banos

This small hostal sits right in the heart of Baños, half a block from the main plaza and walking distance to the thermal baths. Rooms are basic but clean, with hot water and decent beds. The rooftop terrace has a solid view of Tungurahua volcano on clear mornings. Staff are friendly and helpful with tour bookings. Good for travelers who want a central base without spending much.

Hotel Sangay has been operating in Baños for decades and sits just a few minutes walk from the waterfall side of town. The rooms are dated but spacious, and the pool is a genuine bonus for this price range. Breakfast is included and comes with fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order. The garden area gives you a quiet spot away from street noise. Older travelers and families tend to appreciate the calm atmosphere here.

Perched high on the Runtun hillside above Baños, this property has one of the best views of the town and the volcano in the entire region. The spa facilities are genuinely good, with thermal pools fed by natural hot springs. Rooms are well-appointed and have large windows designed to face the valley. The road up is steep and requires a taxi or the hotel shuttle. This is the standout mid-range option in the area.

Samari sits along the road toward the ruta de las cascadas, giving it a quieter setting than hotels closer to the main plaza. The spa is the main selling point, with thermal pools, steam rooms, and massage treatments available on site. Rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated with local materials. The restaurant serves solid Ecuadorian food with a few international options. Couples tend to book this one specifically for the spa and the peaceful surroundings.

Posada del Arte is a small boutique hotel on Calle Pasaje Velasco Ibarra, decorated throughout with original Ecuadorian artwork and colorful tilework. It has only a handful of rooms, so it feels personal and quiet compared to the larger properties in town. Beds are comfortable and the owners clearly put effort into maintaining the place. Breakfast is cooked fresh each morning and served in a small indoor garden. Booking in advance is essential since it fills up quickly on weekends.

Hotel Isluga is located one block from the central market and within easy walking distance of the main thermal baths and the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa. Rooms are modern and quiet despite the central location, with good blackout curtains and solid wifi. The on-site restaurant is above average for the price and serves a decent set lunch. Staff speak English and are reliable for arranging rafting and canyoning tours. A practical and comfortable pick for anyone wanting to explore the town on foot.

Hacienda Leito sits about 30 minutes from Baños near the town of Pelileo, on a working farm property with direct views of Tungurahua on clear days. The colonial-style hacienda rooms are large and decorated with traditional textiles and wooden furniture. Horseback riding, hiking, and farm tours are available directly from the property. Breakfast is a highlight, with fresh dairy products made on site. Travelers who want nature and space over town access will find this a strong choice.

Chamanapamba is set in the cloud forest near the village of Río Verde, roughly 20 minutes east of Baños along the ruta de las cascadas road. The property has private cabins surrounded by forest, with a river running through the grounds and a waterfall accessible by foot trail. The restaurant focuses on local organic produce and the food quality is noticeably high. Children do well here with the outdoor space and the guided nature walks. It is more of a nature retreat than a hotel, which suits some travelers perfectly.

Luna Volcan occupies a prime spot on the Runtun hillside with unobstructed views of Baños and Tungurahua from nearly every room. The suites are spacious and finished with high-quality linens, stone-tiled bathrooms, and private terraces. The thermal pool complex is exceptional, with three pools at different temperatures set into the hillside. Dinner at the main restaurant is the best meal available in the greater Baños area, with a tasting menu highlighting Andean ingredients. This is the top luxury option in the region and priced accordingly.

Built near the famous treehouse swing on the upper slopes above Baños, this intimate lodge has only six suites and books out weeks in advance. Each room faces the volcano and the valley below, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that make the view the centerpiece. The experience is deliberately slow and quiet, with no televisions and a no-children policy. A private guide is included for hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding páramo. For travelers who prioritize design, silence, and scenery above everything else, this is the best property in the Baños area.