The hype
Travelers are blown away by the sheer size of the rooms and the beauty of the grounds but feel misled by the 'Airport Area' name.
La Palma Polo Hotel - Airport Area
$133-165/ noche
Reserva esto si You want a sprawling country estate experience with horses and pools, and don't mind a 30-minute drive to the airport.
Por qué a la gente le encanta
- Massive suites with high ceilings and glass walls
- Beautifully manicured grounds with polo fields and stables
- Heated outdoor pool that's actually warm enough for the Andes
Resumen rápido: A gorgeous polo club that masquerades as an airport hotel—it's 40 minutes away down a bumpy road, so don't book it for a quick layover.
Reseñado por @my.traveling.appetite: I booked this for a quick layover but didn't want to leave! The room felt like a cozy cabin with those brick walls, and the breakfast spread was honestly one of the best I've had in Ecuador. A total hidden gem near the airport.
Lo que dijeron los huéspedes que se hospedaron aquí
Reality check
The restaurant is hit-or-miss—some love the steaks, others call the food 'terrible' and 'overpriced' for Ecuador.
- You love horses and want to watch polo practice from your breakfast table
- You need a family-friendly spot with a heated pool to kill a day before a flight
- You appreciate massive bathrooms and Frette Italian linens
Limpieza y Mantenimiento
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally attentive, though some guests report missed spots or dust in the high ceilings.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are massive and usually sparkling, though plumbing noise is a major detractor.
- Maintenance: Some wear and tear visible—broken floorboards and occasional water leaks reported during heavy rain.
- Linens & towels: High-quality Frette Italian sheets are a marketing highlight and generally feel premium, though some wear is noted.
- Odors & scents: Fresh country air, occasionally interrupted by 'horse' smells (it is a stable, after all).
Sleepability™
6MODERADO
0-4RUIDOSO
4-7.5MODERADO
7.5-10SILENCIOSO
- Plumbing/voices from adjacent rooms
- Wedding/event music on weekends
- Roosters and nature sounds early morning
Antes de reservar
Es bueno saberlo
- The airport shuttle is NOT free; it costs ~$20 USD per vehicle each way.
- The final stretch of road to the hotel is unpaved and bumpy; don't panic, you're on the right track.
- Breakfast is usually included and is a highlight, often served with views of the horses.
Qué llevar
- Warm pajamas and socks: The tile floors and glass walls make rooms chilly at night.
- Earplugs: Essential for the thin walls.
- Swimsuit: The heated pool is a rare treat in the Andes.
Genio de Habitaciones
Mejores opciones
- Deluxe King Suite: Offers the best views of the polo fields and mountains.
- Cottages: More private and spacious, better for avoiding wall-to-wall noise.
Habitaciones a evitar
- Rooms directly facing the event spaces on weekends due to party noise.
- Glass-walled rooms if you are sensitive to cold (bring warm pajamas).
Genio de Solicitud de Habitación – copiar y pegar
“I would love a quiet room away from the main event hall, preferably a Deluxe King Suite with a view of the polo fields. Please ensure the room has a working heater.”
Preguntas frecuentes y consejos ocultos
Todo lo que realmente quieres saber antes de reservar.
Is it really near the airport?
No. It is 'Airport Area' in name only. Expect a 30-45 minute drive, often with traffic or on slow roads.
Is there a shuttle?
Yes, but it's not free. It costs around $20 per trip and must be arranged in advance.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, one of the two outdoor pools is heated, which is necessary in the cool Andean climate.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are strictly not allowed, likely due to the presence of polo horses on the property.
Is there AC in the rooms?
No. Most rooms rely on the cool mountain air, but they can get stuffy in the afternoon sun due to the glass walls.
Can I watch polo matches?
Yes, if you're lucky enough to stay during a tournament or practice, you can watch right from the restaurant or grounds.
Consejos de Insiders
- ✨
Ask for a portable heater immediately upon check-in; they run out quickly on cold nights.
- ✨
Walk to the stables in the morning; the staff are usually happy to let you pet the horses.
- ✨
The 'snack bar' hours are unreliable; eat a full dinner at the restaurant or bring your own snacks.
5 cosas que debes saber antes de ir
💡The 'Airport Area' label is a stretch—it's deep in the Puembo countryside.
💡You can hear your neighbors flushing the toilet as if they were in your room.
💡The glass-walled rooms are basically greenhouses: sweating hot at 2 PM, freezing cold at 2 AM.
💡Room service can be ghost-like after 9 PM.
💡The road to get there feels like off-roading for the last 10 minutes.
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