What are some of the best places to stay in Quito? I'm heading there early next year and just started looking around. I'm curious to hear what recommendations or experiences other climbers have had? Thanks!

In the Mariscal, J. Rodriguez is a very quiet street and the hostels there are pretty secure. It's nice to have a locked storage room for gear.

Magic Bean restaurant/hostel caters to westerners and is popular with backpackers.

A lot of places on Avs. Foch and Pinto are party joints which may be a concern depending on your preferences.

Things generally get expensive the closer you get to Plaza Foch. Not sure about Old Town but the Secret Garden there seems to have a good reputation.

I'm definitely not looking for a party joint, just a clean, safe place to crash in between climbs (wifi would be a nice bonus). I appreciate the response mtvalley!

Any other recommendations or experiences people can share?

Friends from elsewhere in Ecuador tend to stay at the Maple (http://www.elmaple.com/) or the Casa Bambu (http://hotelbambuecuador.com/quito.php). the Bambu people also have what are apparently spectacular cabañas in Mindo, if you happen to pass that way. Otherwise, Secret Garden in the centro historico is quite nice (particularly the rooftop terrace) but seems crowded - never stayed there but been in there a few times. The best thing about Secret Garden though is that they have a hosteria at the foot of Pasachoa mountain, next to the Cotopaxi nat'l park; they have a jacuzzi with a view of Cotopaxi and the food is excellent (is also more reasonably priced than Tambopaxi).

We stayed at Community Hostel close to La Plaza Grande. It was a nice place to stay, clean, friendly personal, dinner/breakfast ($), wi-fi, and was really close to Central Station from where you can take a bus to all bus stations. They have a market just 5 minutes away, pharmacy, bakery, all close to them. Some of guest they complained about the neighbourhood but nothing bad happened to us while we stayed over there (2 weeks). They will store your duffle bag between your climbs or trips, safely. Mariscal, in my opinion, is more like a party place, where you go for a beer and fun. Mindo is great too, we stayed at Bird Planet Hosteria, clean and nice place. While in Mindo visit El Quezal for the best brownie you will ever have in your live. All the best.

At first I went to Hostal Jardín del Sol, but I wasn't very impressed. At breakfast one day, I couldn't have more than three roles, for then they didn't have enough for the other guests. And imagine my surprise when I suggested they simply go out and buy some more and they replied that they didn't have enough money for that! What did I pay them for?

So I moved and landed up at Casa Helbling. The place looked a whole lot better and the staff was much friendlier. Breakfast is optional; if you prefer you can fend for yourself in the guest kitchen. If I travel to Quito again, this is where I'll go.