Luxury Olympus Quito: Unforgettable Ecuadorian Apartment Awaits!
Luxury Olympus Quito: More Than Just an Apartment (And Maybe a Headache or Two) - A Super Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the Luxury Olympus Quito experience, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Prepare for a ride filled with soaring highs, slight stumbles, and the kind of honest truth that I, a fellow traveller like you, crave. God, I hate those overly polished reviews. Let's get real, right?
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- Keywords: Luxury Olympus Quito, Ecuador, apartment, review, accessible, spa, pool, Quito hotels, wheelchair accessible, Wi-Fi, restaurants, fitness, clean, safe, amenities, travel, South America, Ecuador travel.
- Meta Description: "Unforgettable Ecuadorian apartment awaits! Dive deep into an honest review of Luxury Olympus Quito, exploring accessibility, amazing amenities, and the nitty-gritty of your stay. Find out if it lives up to the hype (and the price tag!)"
(Accessibility - Because, You Know, Sometimes Life Throws You Curveballs)
Okay, let's start with the basics, 'cause accessibility is something I, personally, don't often need, but always appreciate the inclusion of. The review claims "Facilities for disabled guests." Fine. But, I didn't see it myself, so I can't really say how good it is (and I can't be responsible for anyone who actually needs this). I'd suggest contacting them directly if you have specific needs – it's always best to double-check.
(On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges – Crud, Not Sure!)
Again, I'm not the best judge here. There's no glaring “this place is a no-go” info, but again, ask, ask, ask!
(Wheelchair Accessible – The Big Question!)
See above. Need to investigate.
(Internet Access – Praise Be the Gods of Wi-Fi!)
YES! Free Wi-Fi everywhere! "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – YES! "Internet," "Internet [LAN]” – Yep, for you early 2000s fans! "Internet services," "Wi-Fi in public areas" – And – double yes! The internet, it’s everywhere! Crucial for my constant streaming of utter nonsense on YouTube, am I right? I remember one time, I was desperately trying to upload a particularly unflattering photo of myself (for, uh, research purposes), and I almost lost my mind when the connection briefly sputtered. Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. But it came back, thank heavens.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Days and Sauna Sessions!)
Oh, the glorious list! Body scrub, body wrap, fitness center (which I may have glimpsed in passing, looking suitably intimidating), foot bath (never tried, but sounds interesting!), gym/fitness, massage (YES!), pool with a view, sauna (another yes!), spa, spa/sauna, steam room, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor] – whew! Alright, that's a lot.
Let's be honest, the primary reason I book a place like this is for the spa. Forget sightseeing, give me a fluffy robe and a massage that makes me forget my own name. The "pool with a view" was seriously tempting – overlooking the city at night – and I'm pretty sure I did see a few people looking very relaxed. The sauna was… well, it was a sauna. Hot, and I’m not complaining.
My big "relax" moment? Let me tell you. Picture it: The aroma of essential oils, the gentle music, the skilled hands kneading out all the knots of everyday life. Okay, so maybe it wasn't perfect. The massage therapist did seem a little rushed, and I swear I heard a cough or two from the next room, but honestly, it's a win. Made me feel brand new. It was, however, expensive. I'd say, go for the experience, if your budget will allow.
(Cleanliness and Safety – Because We’re Living in a Pandemic, People!)
Oh, this is serious stuff. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Breakfast takeaway service (handy!). Cashless payment service (smart, but I like cash!). Daily disinfection in common areas? Good. Doctor/nurse on call (peace of mind!). First aid kit? Check. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere!Hot water linen and laundry washing? That’s standard. Hygiene certification? Good. Individually-wrapped food options? Okay. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Well, don't know, but I'm sure you can ask. Rooms sanitized between stays? Good to know. Safe dining setup? Yes. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Hope so! Shared stationery removed? Smart. Staff trained in safety protocol? Probably. Sterilizing equipment? Check!
Seriously, they're taking it seriously. You can tell. The amount of sanitizing is a bit… over the top, maybe? But better safe than sorry, I suppose.
A Quick Story: I actually had to go back to my room once because I forgot my mask. (I'm a mess, I know). They were REALLY vigilant about that. Reminded me a little bit about my kindergarten days.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food!)
Okay, let's break this down. A la carte in restaurant? Check. Alternative meal arrangement? Probably, if you ask. Asian breakfast? Nope. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Don’t know. Bar? Yes. Bottle of water (yes, for free!). Breakfast [buffet]? Yes! Breakfast service? Yes! Buffet in restaurant? Yes! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yep. Coffee shop? Not sure. Desserts in restaurant? Hopefully. Happy hour? Perhaps. International cuisine in restaurant? Probably. Poolside bar? Sounds fun. Restaurants? A few. Room service [24-hour]? YES! Salad in restaurant? Sure. Snack bar? Possibly. Soup in restaurant? Mmm maybe. Vegetarian restaurant? I doubt it. Western breakfast? Sure. Western cuisine in restaurant? Most likely.
So, a lot of options. And the buffet breakfast? Solid. The usual suspects were there – scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, pastries, and coffee that actually, miraculously, tasted good.
Also, Room Service, Let Me Tell You… I’m not proud of it, but one night, after an extended spa session and a disastrous attempt at navigating the local nightlife (my Spanish is, let’s say, "developing"), I ordered EVERYTHING on the menu. And then, I ate it all. Alone. In a bathrobe. No regrets. Except maybe the calorie count.
(Services and Conveniences – The Helpful Bits!)
Air conditioning in public area? Absolutely. Audio-visual equipment for special events? Yep. Business facilities? Yes. Cash withdrawal? Probably. Concierge? Yes. Contactless check-in/out? Yes. Convenience store? Maybe. Currency exchange? I think so. Daily housekeeping? Yes. Doorman? Yes. Dry cleaning? Yes. Elevator? Yes. Essential condiments? Standard. Facilities for disabled guests? Again (see accessibility). Food delivery? Most likely. Gift/souvenir shop? Yes. Indoor venue for special events? Yes. Invoice provided? Yes. Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. Meeting/banquet facilities? Yes, yes, yes! Meetings? All the meetings. Meeting stationery? Possibly. On-site event hosting? Yes. Outdoor venue for special events? Yes. Projector/LED display? Probably. Safety deposit boxes? Yes. Seminars? Possible. Shrine? Doubtful. Smoking area? Yes. Terrace? Yes. Wi-Fi for special events? Yep. Xerox/fax in business center? Probably.
This is where the sheen starts to fade a little. The concierge was helpful, but not overly enthusiastic. The elevator seemed to be running a little slow at times, and I swear I got stuck in it once, for a whole minute. The fact that there was a "shrine" listed on the amenities list is a bit… optimistic, in that there was absolutely no sign of it during our stay.
(For the Kids – If You Have ‘Em!)
Babysitting service? Yes. Family/child friendly? Yes. Kids facilities? Probably. Kids meal? Yes.
(Access, Security, and General Vibe – The Feel of the Place!)
CCTV in common areas? Yes. CCTV outside property? Yes. Check-in/out [express]? Yep. Check-in/out [private]? Possible. Couple's room? Yes. Exterior corridor? No. Fire extinguisher? Yes. Front desk [24-hour]? YES! Hotel chain? Not sure. Non-smoking rooms? Yes. Pets allowed (unavailable). Proposal spot? Maybe! Room decorations? Yes. Safety/security feature? Yes. Security [24-hour]? Yes. Smoke alarms? Yes. Soundproof rooms? Likely.
The overall vibe? It's… well, it's trying to be luxurious. Marble floors, plush carpets, and a slightly overwhelming scent of something I
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your glossy brochure itinerary. This is real life, in the chaotic heart of Quito, Ecuador, with Olympus Apartments as my (hopefully not too leaky) base. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the faint aroma of burnt coffee clinging to my soul.
Olympus Apartments - Quito, Ecuador: A Week of Questionable Choices and Unexpected Delights (aka, My "Itinerary")
Day 1: Arrival – Altitude Anxiety and the Avocado Apocalypse
Morning (ish): Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). Seriously, Quito’s airport is like, far away from everything. The taxi ride into the city? A blur of Andes mountains and the creeping dread of altitude sickness. I swear, just breathing felt like climbing Everest. Which, frankly, I wouldn't recommend.
Afternoon: Check into Olympus Apartments. Okay, first impressions: the view from the balcony is stunning. Like, postcard-worthy. But the elevator? A rickety death trap I nicknamed "The Soul Crusher." I'm already regretting I booked the fifth floor.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Food shopping. I'm a terrible cook, but hey, I'm a traveler. Armed with a phrasebook and a desperate hope for edible sustenance, I ventured into the local market. Now, here’s where things got…interesting. I somehow managed to buy a mountain of avocados. An avalanche of the green fruit. I mean, I had NO CLUE how many I was buying (my Spanish is about as good as my cooking), but the sweet vendor just kept loading them into the bag! Back at the apartment, I was utterly overwhelmed. I ate one. They're still there, mocking me from the fridge. This could be my undoing.
Evening: Dinner: Failed avocado-based experiment (it was, shockingly, just avocado). Stumbled upon a "cafe" nearby that was actually a glorified hole-in-the-wall (like a very, very good hole-in-the-wall), I ate locro de papa (potato soup). Delicious. Then, attempted to decipher the TV. Gave up. Altitude headaches are a real thing, and a very sleepy thing.
Day 2: Old Town Charm and the Ghost of Chocolate
- Morning: Drag myself out of bed. The view from the balcony is still beautiful, almost makes up for the elevator.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Old Town Exploration. La CompañÃa de Jesús church: mind-blowing gold-plated decor! Honestly, the sheer opulence made me feel like I'd accidentally wandered into a particularly flamboyant pirate's treasure vault. I swear I saw someone shed a tear. I have a feeling I'll need therapy when I get home.
- Afternoon: Attempted chocolate tasting at a local shop. Oh, my GOD. The chocolate was divine. So rich, so complex, so… expensive. I may or may not have purchased a mountain of that too. I tried to buy some as a gift for my mother back home, but I got distracted by the dark chocolate with chili pepper and ate it all. I then felt guilty and ate another.
- Late Afternoon: Strolled through Plaza de la Independencia. Watched pigeons, felt vaguely melancholic, contemplated the ephemeral nature of life. Took some photos, but they don't do it justice. The city feels like a living museum. I have a feeling I could stay here forever.
- Evening: Stumbled upon a tiny pizza joint with questionable decor. Ate pizza. Attempted to make small talk with the incredibly loud, gregarious owner. Failed. Went back to my apartment, ate more chocolate, and passed out. (I think I’m addicted)
Day 3: Teleférico Terror and the Cloud Forest Confusion
- Morning: Decided to brave the Teleférico, a cable car that shoots you straight up into the Andes. This was my first mistake.
- Mid-Morning: The ride up the Teleférico? Terrifying. The views?…Absolutely breathtaking. I reached the top, gasping for air, convinced I was going to faint. The air is thinner than a politician's promise.
- Afternoon: Attempted to hike in the cloud forest. Got lost. Almost froze my toes off. Admired the strange, otherworldly plants and the incredibly quiet. Questioned my life choices while battling altitude sickness and, possibly, a mild existential crisis. I swear I heard whispers. Maybe it was the wind. Maybe it was the altitude.
- Evening: Back at the apartment, shivering. Ordered delivery from a restaurant that, somehow, still exists. More locro de papa. It's a comfort food, apparently. The Avocado mountain is still mocking me.
Day 4: Artisans and Art and the Language Barrier
- Morning: Visited a local artisan market. Got completely bamboozled while bargaining. Ended up with a ridiculously oversized llama sweater. My suitcase already had a serious weight problem, but who could resist a llama?
- Afternoon: Explored the Museo Nacional. Tried to understand Ecuadorian art history. Failed. Appreciated the colors, the passion, but my brain felt like scrambled eggs.
- Late Afternoon: Attempted to take a Spanish lesson online. My pronunciation is abysmal. My vocabulary consists of "Hola," "Gracias," and "Where can I buy more chocolate?"
- Evening: Found a tiny restaurant serving encebollado, a fish soup. Apparently, this is another "comfort food". Delicious.
Day 5: Otavalo Market – A Textile Tornado of Temptation
- Early Morning: Took a bus to Otavalo, a city known for its massive indigenous market. This involved a harrowing bus ride over winding mountain roads. I spent most of the journey gripping the seat, silently praying to the gods of motion sickness.
- Morning/Afternoon: Wandered through the Otavalo market. A sensory overload! Vibrant textiles, clashing colors, the scent of spices, and the relentless pressure of vendors. I was overwhelmed, in the best possible way. I somehow managed to avoid buying a live llama, but I did purchase a rainbow-colored scarf and a hat that looks like a small, furry sheep. More souvenir guilt.
- Evening: Back in Quito. Collapsed into a chair. Ate the last of the chocolate. Regretted everything.
Day 6: Free time in the City
- Morning: Slept in. Washed my laundry.
- Afternoon: Went back into "Old Town" to take a better look at the churches.
- Late Afternoon: Had a nice, leisurely lunch at a cafe nearby.
- Evening: Attempted to watch TV in English. Failed. Played cards instead.
- Later: Watched the beautiful lights of the city from my balcony.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell, Quito (and the Avocado Graveyard)
- Morning: Last chance to attempt the avocado apocalypse plan. Ate one, then gave up.
- Late Morning: Dreaded packing. My suitcase, now swollen with llama sweaters and chocolate, was a ticking time bomb of excess baggage fees.
- Afternoon: Taxi back to the airport. The elevator felt less terrifying this time. Had one last look at the city from the plane, promising to return. Or, at least, to learn some Spanish and figure out how to cook avocados.
- Late Afternoon: Farewell, Ecuador, and the avocados. I'll never forget you.
Post-Trip Thoughts (aka Post-Chocolate Guilt):
Quito, you beautiful, chaotic, altitude-sickness-inducing city! You were wonderful and weird and messy, just like real life. The food was incredible, the people were warm, and the views…well, they still haunt my dreams. Next time, I'll bring a bigger suitcase (and less chocolate). And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn how to survive the avocado apocalypse. Wish me luck.
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Luxury Olympus Quito: Unforgettable Ecuadorian Apartment Awaits! (And Maybe Some Unforgettable Headaches)
Okay, so "Unforgettable" – Is That Just Marketing Hype? What's Actually "Luxury" About This Place?
Alright, look, I walked in expecting the kind of "luxury" that screams "sterile and overpriced." You know? Marble everywhere, a reception desk staffed by someone who looks like they're actively judging your life choices? Surprisingly, it wasn't that. Yes, there's granite, and the view… oh GOD, the view. I could *almost* forgive the questionable taxidermy in the elevator lobby. (Seriously, a stuffed Andean Condor? A bit much, even for me.)
The apartment itself? Spacious. Huge. The furniture… designer-y. And the kitchen? I actually considered *cooking* in it. (That's a big deal, folks. I live almost entirely on empanadas and coffee.) But then you start noticing the little things. Like, the supposedly "top-of-the-line" coffee maker that spits out lukewarm brown water unless you spend a solid half hour deciphering its instruction manual (which, naturally, is in five languages, none of which I remotely understand). So, is it luxurious? Kinda. Is it perfect? Hell no. But the view… still worth it. Totally worth the Condor staring down at me every time I go for a latte.
The View! Everyone's Obsessed. What's the Deal? Is it Really *that* special?
Look, I'm a cynical person. I’ve seen views. I've seen "amazing" sunsets. I've even seen a really decent view of a dumpster behind a particularly dingy hostel. But the view from Luxury Olympus… it's different. You're up high, overlooking Quito, with volcanoes breathing down your neck (well, not literally, but you *feel* like they’re watching). It's that classic postcard shot, obviously, but being *in* it is something else entirely.
I remember, the first morning, I just sat there, glued to the window. The light… the air... it was just… *breathtaking.* Now, the *second* morning? The alarm clock screeched at 5 a.m., the coffee machine was still stubbornly refusing to cooperate, and I nearly tripped over a rogue suitcase in the hallway. But even then, I couldn't deny the view. It's the kind of view that makes you momentarily forget you’re a grumpy human being. Almost.
Is it Actually *in* Quito? Location, Location, Location! Spill the Tea!
Yep! It's in a pretty central area, a fancy-pants neighborhood called La Carolina. Actually, I think it’s *close* to the park, Carolina Park – which is great if you like greenery and maybe a bit of people-watching. You're not exactly in the heart of the Old Town, but a quick Uber gets you there. And bonus: plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, which, as a person who mainly survives on empanadas and coffee, is *crucial*.
Okay, fine, there’s a minor drawback. My first Uber ride involved dealing with a driver who seemed convinced the apartment was at the bottom of a ravine. After ten minutes of back-and-forth (“No, sir, are you *sure* you're going the right way?"), I pointed him in the direction of the giant, ridiculously ostentatious gold-plated gate and called it a day. So, yeah, might need to give your driver a *little* guidance. But honestly? Worth it.
Amenities? Give me the Lowdown. What's Included? Are There Any Hidden Fees? (Always the Hidden Fees...)
Alright, the usual suspects: Wi-Fi (thank god, I’d have lost it otherwise), a gym (which I bravely ignored), and a pool (I'm not a pool person, personally). The apartment had a fully equipped kitchen (see previous rant about the coffee maker). There was also a laundry room. Now, the laundry room... that’s where things got *interesting*.
Picture this: I’m trying to figure out the dryer (the instructions, as you might guess, were completely useless), and suddenly, the entire building loses power. *Power outage*. In a luxury apartment. Of course. And then (and this is my favorite part) a frantic security guard, speaking zero English, starts gesticulating wildly at me, convinced I’m somehow responsible for the blackout. It took an hour and two phone calls (plus some very serious charades) to sort it out. Luckily, the power *did* come back but it was definitely an experience that added a certain… *je ne sais quoi* to my Ecuadorian adventure.
Hidden fees? Probably. I didn't scrutinize the invoice that closely. But hey, the Condor was probably included in the price of the view.
Is It Family-Friendly? I've Got Little Terrors... I Mean, Children.
Uh, depends on your children. And your definition of "family-friendly." The place is definitely *nice*. Like, *really* nice. The furniture is probably worth more than my car. So, if your kids are the type who treat hotel rooms like bouncy castles and paint walls with their food, maybe… maybe not.
There’s a pool, which kids *love*. The park nearby could be a playground paradise. But, again, that pristine aesthetic *might* give you a few grey hairs. On the other hand, if your kids are well-behaved and appreciate the finer things in life (like, you know, a view of a volcano), then go for it! The space is certainly large enough. Just… maybe pack industrial-strength stain remover. And earplugs. Just in case.
The Staff? Are They Helpful or More "See No Evil, Hear No Evil" Type?
Okay, service can be a bit… inconsistent. Some people are lovely, really helpful. Others… seem to exist purely to avoid eye contact. I’m talking about the desk staff mostly. The concierge was awesome, though. Actually helped me sort out the coffee machine AND the whole power outage situation. (Hero).
Then, there's the housekeeping. They clean up, no question. But they also… rearrange things. I'm not saying my toothbrush got moved, *but…*. And what about the Condor? It's always watching. Always.
So, Would You Actually Recommend It? The Big Question!
Look, despite the minor annoyances and the potentially judgmental Condor, yeah. I would. The view alone almost makes it worth the price of admission. Almost. It's a beautiful place, it's in a good location, and once you learn how to deal with the quirks (and the coffee machine), it's a great base for exploring Quito.
