My dear travelers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. November and December were dedicated to an unusual country in the heart of South America, a country known for the best quality cocoa, bananas and coffee – Ecuador. The time has come to say goodbye to this unusual destination and this will be the last travelogue in the series of travelogues about Ecuador. Good news for fashion story lovers that there are a few fashion stories left from Ecuador, so you can expect them throughout this month on the Mr.M blog.
At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, I would like to thank Hotel del Parque and PRO ECUADOR, as well as other partners who selflessly supported my adventure in South America. With their help, the travelogues from Ecuador and fashion stories that you had the opportunity to read this November and December were created, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.
If by any chance you missed reading the previous travelogue and fashion stories from Ecuador or you want to remind yourself of some interesting things, take the opportunity to visit the following links:
- Letters from Ecuador: Quito, a city coloured by the art and architecture of the Baroque…(Travelogue)
- Sannino Napoli: Discover true Italian craftsmanship with timeless and unique style…(Fashion Story)
- Letters from Ecuador: Quito, the pearl of South America in the middle of the world…(Travelogue)
- Brett Johnson: Fashion for the modern man with refined and refined taste… (Fashion Story)
- Letters from Ecuador: Cuenca, the Vibrant Charming Colonial Gem of South America…(Travelogue)
- Appella: Unique Watches that Combine Classic Design and Swiss Functionality… (Fashion Story)
- Letters from Ecuador: Ingapirca, Gualaceo and Chordeleg, Explore The Beauty of Andean Culture… (Travelogue)
- Brett Johnson: The American Touch of Iconic Elegance… (Fashion Story)
- Letter from Ecuador: Guayaquil, The Most Colourful Pearl of the Pacific (Travelogue)
In the previous travelogue, you had the opportunity to get to know Guayaquil, the most colorful pearl of the Pacific, and today you will have the opportunity to get to know the luxurious natural oasis of peace located in the very heart of Guayaquil – Hotel del Parque. This facility is more than a hotel in itself, the location and the interesting history of this place is reason enough if you decide to travel to far and exotic places and experience the beauty of Guayaquil and Ecuador, you should really visit this hotel, as well as the zoo which is located within this complex. It is important to note that Hotel del Parque is part of Hoteles Oro Verde, a 100% Ecuadorian hotel chain.
Hotel del Parque represents an unusual blend of history and elegance, resulting in an unforgettable living experience. This tropical oasis trapped in time, perfectly located in the neighborhood of Samborondon, is the ideal place to start your Ecuadorian adventure in Guayaquil. This impressive historic building from the 19th century offers a pleasant atmosphere of sophistication and timeless elegance. The hotel is equipped with refined Ecuadorian furniture, impressive marble bathrooms, free wireless internet, mini-bar, air conditioning and many other services that will make your stay more comfortable.
During your stay at Hotel del Parque, you can dine on fresh seafood at the luxurious Casa Julian restaurant on the riverfront. You can also enjoy a massage or beauty treatments in a unique setting within the bell tower, with wooden beams from the original, recently restored, Gothic chapel. Enhance your experience with chocolate tasting, coffee roasting and various walks in a stunning tropical setting.
Can you imagine waking up to the cheerful song of parrots and the call of monkeys floating in the treetops. Hotel del Parque is located in the Historic Park of Guayaquil, a tropical oasis trapped in time, a place where palm fronds and exotic flowers sway in the breeze from the Daula River.
The history of Hotel del Parque is a history made up of kindness and hospitality. The building originally provided shelter for the homeless, elderly and disabled. Today, carefully transported, piece by piece, from its original site in 1891, carefully renovated and placed in the Guayaquil Historical Park, it remains an example of a sanctuary, surrounded by the peace of the natural world. It was previously known as Hospicio Corazon de Jesus. The estate was built in 1891 by the oldest charitable institution in Guayaquil. It would be the first hospice in the city, and its founders, Manuel Galesio and his wife, Mrs. Jesús Pereira, said it should shelter only the homeless, elderly or disabled.
A building condemned for demolition in the 1980s, the property was purchased by the Central Bank of Ecuador and moved, piece by piece, to its current location in the Historical Park. There, the building was meticulously restored along with three other buildings from this heritage. The staff of the Hotel del Parque undertook the renovation of the facade, transforming it, with great care and persistence, from an old structure into the luxury property of today. Designer Julio Vinueza was inspired by the estate’s republican architecture to create sophisticated interiors.
The Green Globe has recognised Hotel del Parque as one of the world’s sustainable hotels. This outstanding five-star hotel, one of the first of its kind in Ecuador and South America, aims to fulfil the requirements of being a sustainable tourism establishment that is acknowledged both domestically and globally.
By adhering to the Green Globe standard, which comprises more than 380 compliance indicators and 44 fundamental criteria, Hotel del Parque sets the bar high for luxury sustainability. As a result, visitors may anticipate opulent comfort and unforgettable experiences without having to worry about the exploitation of valuable sociocultural or natural resources. Almost every aspect of the hospitality industry is touched by Green Globe’s extensive sustainability program, which pays close attention to every little detail. Design and building, food and health, company management, guest pleasure, communication, ethics, and more are all part of long-term sustainability initiatives.
As part of Green Globe’s environmental initiatives, the eco-friendly Hotel del Parque is home to Casa Julian, one of Guayaquil’s top restaurants. This restaurant quickly ascended to popularity thanks to its innovative sustainable food methods and imaginative culinary design. One important metric for the hotel’s Relais & Chateaux rating from a few years ago is its gourmet food. However, Casa Julian is no longer alone itself; the Hotel del Parque now has two more top-notch restaurants.
The most well-known historical landmark in Guayaquil is the Hotel del Parque, and its greatest green space serves as a magnificent tribute to gastronomic excellence. Indulge your senses and enjoy the culinary enchantment of Casa Julian’s wonderful meals beneath the branches of the magnificent Parque Historico. Here, luxury and comfort coexist together, modernism and antiquity are merged, and traditional flavours are tastefully combined with contemporary culinary appeal.
Experience the rich flavors of Ecuadorian cuisine crafted by the talented chef Javier Urrutia, a true innovator in traditional cooking. Hailing from Ecuador, this culinary expert honed his skills at the Institute of Higher Culinary Arts, learning from renowned Guayaquil chefs Diego Hermosa and Juan Jose Moran. With a strong foundation in gourmet cooking and a commitment to sustainable practices, each dish by Javier Urrutia promises authenticity and leaves a lasting impression.
My experience at Casa Julian during my recent stay at Hotel del Parque was quite remarkable, offering a fresh and unique perspective. The restaurant’s interpretation of traditional Ecuadorian dishes is outstanding, allowing me to fully appreciate the enchanting atmosphere through all my senses.
The breakfast at El Jardin, which has replaced the previous breakfast terrace and is tucked away in the hotel’s exotic inner courtyard, was what made my stay at the Hotel del Parque interesting. Today, the room serves the fabled breakfast, and in the late afternoon, the aromas of Italian cooking fill the gardens.
With its main course, House Pasta, which includes traditional dishes like garganelli, tortellini, spaghetti, or farfalle and is served with a glass of house wine, El Jardin’s small menu mimics a dinner at home. Rich treats like tomato carpaccio with cheese in a balsamic reduction sauce or cantaloupe with cured ham infused with Campari are examples of antipasto. Classics like panna cotta or fruit-and-herb sherbets are complemented by dreamy Italian desserts.
The Hotel del Parque features 44 guest rooms spread across two floors, all furnished with Ecuadorian-made furniture that is both contemporary and vintage. Gray and yellow tones honor the building’s historic beginnings while blending in with the lush tropical surroundings.
The Deluxe Double, Deluxe King, Signature King, Junior Suite, and Park Suite are the five categories into which all of the rooms fall. Each of these categories offers visitors an opulent degree of service along with unique extras that make their stay at this storied hotel one to remember.
I had the chance to stay in the Signature King and Park Suite room categories during my six-day stay at the Hotel del Parque.
With a private room with a double bed, a separate living and dining area, a small pantry kitchen, and four large windows overlooking the main historic park, the Hotel del Parque Park Suite is a spacious 170 square meter suite that epitomizes luxury hedonism in Ecuadorian bliss. With views of the tropical gardens, the master bathroom features a sophisticated freestanding bathtub. In South America, this kind of lodging offers a new standard of comfort and luxury.
The lavish marble slab bathrooms in every room only serve to highlight the sophistication and beauty of this unique structure on the banks of the Daula River. While on vacation in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s pearl of the Pacific, the Park apartment’s bathroom is spacious and specially designed to provide you with great comfort and a pleasant time to yourself.
I’d like to now take you on a tour of some of the Parque Historico’s fascinating locations and the people who live there. Nestled within Parque Historico’s botanical gardens, Hotel del Parque appears to be a world away from the bustle of the city. With its restored 19th-century homes, varied ecosystems, and frequent cultural events on the banks of the Daula River, this exotic, intimate paradise offers you the chance to explore.
On more than three hectares, there are natural areas that produce three distinct ecosystems that are home to aromatic and therapeutic plants. The wildlife sanctuary serves as a natural habitat for a variety of exotic animals, including endangered giant harpy eagles, spider monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles. Away from the bustle of the city, I heartily recommend a visit to this park and zoo, which serves as a haven for many stray animals that have made this place their home.
The animals are content and roam freely throughout the zoo because this is a kingdom of peace and nature. Don’t be shocked if a giant iguana blocks your path or a large parrot or exotic bird lands on your shoulder.
My dear travelers, we have come to the end of this sixth and also the last special travelogue in the series of travelogues about Ecuador where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country in South America and get to know the paradise on earth that in Guayaquil proudly bears the name Hotel del Parque. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of PRO ECUADOR and Hotel del Parque in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of the local culture and the beauty of everyday life in Guayaquil. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Ecuador.
A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with many companies and businesses in the tourism sector and I would like to thank PRO ECUADOR and Hotel del Parque once again for this amazing adventure and for allowing me to feel the beauty of this unusual place in a completely different way Ecuadorian culture and feel the beauty of everyday life in Guayaquil.
How did you like my story about Ecuador and the presentation of Hotel del Parque? Have you had the chance to visit Ecuador so far?
If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!
With Love from Guayaquil,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by PRO ECUADOR, Hotel del Parque and other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
How nice to see a useful presentation of a hotel with a detailed review. Usually bloggers don’t write details about hotels but just post pictures without much story. The way you write your travelogues is really commendable and this hotel is really exceptional! I would like to visit Guayaquil and the Hotel del Parque one day.
If someone needs to imagine what heaven on earth should look like, I think Hotel del Parque would be the right answer. I can only imagine how nice it is to be woken up by the exotic birds in the morning.
This is a divine travelogue and your pictures are exceptional, so much detail, so much interesting information. All praise Marko for your hard work and constant work that makes your blog so popular and read.
Hotel del Parque looks like a hotel from a fairy tale, it just looks like a luxury hacienda to me, it really looks amazing and it’s nice that you have the opportunity to visit places like this and show the world hotels like this because everyone who wants a special level of luxury and comfort should visit hotels like this.
Hello Marko, what an extraordinary hotel this is. The fact that the building was originally the Hospicio Corazón de Jesús, built in 1891 as a shelter for the homeless and elderly, and was later moved piece by piece to the Parque Histórico is a story I have never heard before in the hospitality world. That kind of preservation effort speaks volumes about the respect Ecuadorians have for their heritage. I visited Peru a few years ago and stayed at the Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, which is also a beautifully restored historic property, but Hotel del Parque seems to offer… Read more »
Hallo Marko, vielen Dank für diesen wunderbaren Reisebericht über das Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. Die Idee, in einem Hotel aufzuwachen, während Papageien singen und Affen in den Baumwipfeln spielen, klingt absolut magisch. Besonders beeindruckend finde ich, dass das Hotel die Green Globe Zertifizierung erhalten hat, was es zu einem der nachhaltigen Luxushotels weltweit macht. Mich würde interessieren, wie die Anreise vom Flughafen Guayaquil zum Hotel in Samborondón ist bietet das Hotel einen Transferservice an, oder muss man sich selbst um den Transport kümmern?
Hi Marko, I have been following your Ecuador series with great interest and this final instalment about Hotel del Parque is a wonderful conclusion. The Park Suite at 170 square metres with views over the tropical gardens sounds absolutely magnificent. I am curious about the spa treatments you mentioned in the bell tower of the restored Gothic chapel, did you have the chance to try one, and if so, which treatment would you recommend?
Bonjour Marko, quel article magnifique sur le Hotel del Parque. Le fait que cet hôtel ait été autrefois membre de Relais & Châteaux témoigne de la qualité exceptionnelle de sa gastronomie et de son service. La description du restaurant Casa Julian avec sa cuisine équatorienne durable, préparée par le chef Javier Urrutia, m’a particulièrement séduite. J’adore l’idée de dîner sous les branches des arbres tropicaux du Parque Histórico. C’est le genre d’expérience culinaire qu’on ne trouve nulle part ailleurs.
Marko, this is a truly unique hotel review. I have travelled extensively through South America but somehow never made it to Guayaquil, always choosing Quito or the Galápagos instead. Your article has completely changed my perception of the city. The idea that Hotel del Parque sits within a historic park with three distinct ecosystems and a wildlife sanctuary featuring endangered harpy eagles and spider monkeys is remarkable. Is the park open to the general public during the day, or is it exclusively for hotel guests?
Ciao Marko, che articolo straordinario sul Hotel del Parque a Guayaquil. Come italiano, mi ha fatto particolarmente piacere leggere che il ristorante El Jardín propone una cucina ispirata alla tradizione italiana, con piatti come garganelli, tortellini e farfalle accompagnati da un bicchiere di vino della casa. È bello sapere che la cucina italiana trova spazio anche in un angolo così remoto del Sud America. La descrizione della panna cotta e dei sorbetti alla frutta come dessert mi ha fatto venire nostalgia di casa. Complimenti per questo bellissimo reportage.
Dag Marko, wat een bijzonder artikel over het Hotel del Parque in Guayaquil. Het verhaal van het gebouw dat oorspronkelijk in 1891 werd gebouwd als een opvang voor daklozen en ouderen, en later steen voor steen werd verplaatst naar het Historisch Park, is werkelijk ontroerend. Dit soort respectvolle restauratie zie je zelden. De Green Globe certificering bevestigt dat het hotel niet alleen luxe biedt maar ook verantwoord omgaat met natuur en cultuur. Ecuador stond niet eerder op mijn reislijst, maar jouw artikelenreeks heeft me ervan overtuigd dat dit land absoluut een bezoek waard is.
Hello Marko, what a fitting finale to your Ecuador series. Hotel del Parque is clearly a property with soul, the combination of 19th-century republican architecture, tropical gardens, and a wildlife sanctuary is unlike anything I have encountered in my travels. I spent two weeks in Colombia a couple of years ago and stayed at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena, which is also a converted historic building, but it does not have the natural surroundings that Hotel del Parque offers. Your mention of the chocolate tasting and coffee roasting experiences sounds very appealing are those included in the room… Read more »
Hallo Marko, ein wirklich beeindruckender Abschluss deiner Ecuador-Reihe. Das Hotel del Parque scheint ein wahres Juwel zu sein, besonders die Tatsache, dass der Designer Julio Vinueza sich von der republikanischen Architektur des Gebäudes inspirieren ließ, um die eleganten Innenräume zu gestalten. Die Kombination aus grau-gelben Farbtönen und tropischer Umgebung klingt sehr harmonisch. Ich plane seit Längerem eine Reise nach Südamerika und dein Bericht hat Ecuador ganz nach oben auf meine Liste gesetzt.
Hola Marko, muchas gracias por esta hermosa reseña del Hotel del Parque en Guayaquil. Como latinoamericano, me llena de orgullo ver que un hotel ecuatoriano de la cadena Hoteles Oro Verde reciba este tipo de reconocimiento internacional, incluyendo la certificación Green Globe. La historia del edificio, que fue salvado de la demolición en los años ochenta por el Banco Central del Ecuador, es verdaderamente conmovedora. ¿Tuviste la oportunidad de probar la degustación de chocolate ecuatoriano que mencionas? Ecuador produce uno de los mejores cacaos del mundo y me encantaría saber cómo fue esa experiencia.
Marko, this review beautifully captures the essence of what makes Hotel del Parque so special. The detail about the spa being located within the bell tower of the restored Gothic chapel is extraordinary, I cannot think of another hotel in the world that offers massage treatments in such a setting. Your six-day stay clearly gave you the chance to experience the property thoroughly, including both the Signature King and Park Suite categories. I appreciate the level of detail in your writing, which goes far beyond the typical hotel review.
Hallo Marko, was für ein außergewöhnliches Hotel du uns hier vorstellst. Die Vorstellung, morgens von Papageien geweckt zu werden und beim Frühstück im El Jardín im exotischen Innenhof zu sitzen, klingt wie ein Traum. Besonders beeindruckend finde ich, dass sich im Park gefährdete Harpyien-Adler und Klammeraffen befinden. Das zeigt, dass Naturschutz und Luxustourismus sehr gut zusammenpassen können. Hast du während deines Aufenthalts auch die Stadt Guayaquil selbst erkundet, und wenn ja, welche Sehenswürdigkeiten würdest du neben dem Hotel empfehlen?
Salut Marko, merci pour ce magnifique reportage sur le Hotel del Parque. Ce qui m’a le plus impressionné, c’est l’histoire de la construction de 1891, le Hospicio Corazón de Jesús, qui a été déplacée pièce par pièce vers le Parc Historique pour être préservée. Ce genre de dévouement à la conservation du patrimoine architectural est admirable. J’ai voyagé en Équateur il y a trois ans et j’ai visité Quito et les îles Galápagos, mais malheureusement je n’ai pas eu le temps de m’arrêter à Guayaquil. Ton article me donne une excellente raison d’y retourner.
Hi Marko, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Hotel del Parque and your entire Ecuador series. The restaurant El Jardín serving Italian cuisine in the hotel’s exotic inner courtyard is a delightful surprise, I would not have expected to find garganelli and tortellini in the heart of Guayaquil. It is interesting how Latin American luxury hotels often integrate European culinary traditions into their offerings. How was the weather during your visit, and what time of year would you recommend for travelling to Guayaquil?
Caro Marko, grazie per questo bellissimo articolo sul Hotel del Parque. Mi ha colpito molto il fatto che l’hotel si trovi all’interno del Parque Histórico di Guayaquil, con i suoi tre ecosistemi distinti e il santuario della fauna selvatica. L’idea di soggiornare in un hotel dove coccodrilli, iguane e scimmie ragno vivono liberamente nelle vicinanze è davvero unica. Vorrei chiederti se è possibile visitare il parco e lo zoo anche senza essere ospiti dell’hotel, perché potrebbe essere un’ottima escursione di una giornata durante un soggiorno a Guayaquil.
Hallo Marko, wat een prachtig artikel over het Hotel del Parque. De beschrijving van de Park Suite van 170 vierkante meter met een vrijstaand bad met uitzicht op de tropische tuinen klingt absoluut hemels. Ik heb vorig jaar Colombia bezocht en verbleven in het Hotel Casa San Agustín in Cartagena, dat ook een prachtig gerestaureerd koloniaal gebouw is. Maar de combinatie van luxe, natuur en dierentuin die het Hotel del Parque biedt, is werkelijk uniek. Kun je ons vertellen of het hotel ook excursies naar de Galápagoseilanden organiseert vanuit Guayaquil?
Querido Marko, enhorabuena por esta maravillosa serie de artículos sobre Ecuador. El Hotel del Parque es sin duda un cierre perfecto para esta aventura sudamericana. Me ha impresionado especialmente que el chef Javier Urrutia se formó en el Instituto de Artes Culinarias Superiores bajo la tutela de los reconocidos chefs Diego Hermosa y Juan José Morán. Eso demuestra un compromiso serio con la excelencia gastronómica. Visité Lima hace dos años y me alojé en el Country Club Lima Hotel, que también tiene una rica historia, pero el entorno natural del Hotel del Parque le da una ventaja incomparable.
Marko, what a remarkable property. The fact that Hotel del Parque is part of the Hoteles Oro Verde chain, which is 100% Ecuadorian, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience. Too often in South America, the luxury hotel market is dominated by international chains, so it is refreshing to see a local brand delivering this level of quality. The Green Globe certification with over 380 compliance indicators is no small achievement. Your photographs of the tropical surroundings and the wildlife are stunning.
Bonjour Marko, ton article sur le Hotel del Parque est une véritable invitation au voyage. L’idée de séjourner dans un hôtel entouré d’un parc historique avec des animaux exotiques en liberté est tout simplement magique. J’ai particulièrement aimé la description du restaurant Casa Julian et de sa cuisine durable, qui montre que gastronomie et respect de l’environnement peuvent parfaitement coexister. Est-ce que tu as eu l’occasion de goûter au café torréfié sur place? L’Équateur est reconnu pour la qualité de son café et j’aimerais savoir si cette expérience valait le détour.
Hello Marko, this has been an outstanding series of travelogues from Ecuador and Hotel del Parque is the perfect conclusion. What I find most compelling is the transformation story from a hospice built by Manuel Galesio and his wife Jesús Pereira in 1891, to a condemned building in the 1980s, to a Green Globe certified luxury hotel today. That is a journey of preservation that deserves to be told, and you have told it beautifully. South America has been on my travel list for years, and your Ecuador series has convinced me to make it a priority.