www.ecuadors.org

[Eleie]

I have been looking at a variety of Hotel options. I started with San Francisco in Old Town. I was told Old Town closes at night and is dangerous. I am now looking at Vieja Cuba. A post on TA indicates the gates are secured at dusk, with a guard, and not to walk in the neighborhood afterwards. Is the neighborhood closer to Los Alpes and Cafe Cultural any better than that of Vieja Cuba. Should one not walk around at all at night.

[Tosha]

Cafe Cultura is nice, and well-located. I don't know Vieja Cuba. Whether you stay in La Mariscal or Old Town, you should just be smart at night. You'll see that certain parts of La Mariscal are quite busy most nights (head to Plaza del quinde) and they're fine to walk around in, then just hop a cab back to your hotel.

The Old Town is not as unsafe as it once was - there are now a lot of events that are held there in the convents & museums in the evenings, and restaurants open. I don't know San Francisco, but say Patio Andaluz that is only a block from the main square is perfectly safe. just like the Mariscal, you don't walk down deserted streets after dark. I go there in the evenings sometimes for dinner or an event, and feel perfectly safe walking to and from the parking lot with another person.

[Kayli]

I agree with American in Quito regarding Centro Historico - it's as safe to walk around in as any large city. My husband and I are frequently out after dark, on foot, and have never felt at all threatened by anyone. If you're uncertain, cabs are plentiful and cheap. Just don't leave your common sense at home, and you'll be fine. Wherever you stay, enjoy Quito - it's a fabulous city.