Maria Pilar or Pili is the Best Homestay Host in Quito, Ecuador
On the corner of Colon and Almagro in Quito’s La Mariscal district, Maria Pilar or Pili runs one of the best homestays in the city. Her home has three bedrooms, one with private bath. The living room is comfortably furnished and the dining table is the heart of the home. I’m not sure when Pili sleeps. In the evening, she entertains friends and guests. At midnight, she taps away at her computer, organizing reservations. By 7am, breakfast is sizzling on the stove and she is dressed for the day.
“Tranquilo,” she says, “Relax”. Her hand waves us to a halt as we attempt to refill our tea mugs and bus our own dishes. In Pili’s home, you’re both VIP guest and treasured family. Every detail is taken care of. She can arrange tours and transports to major attractions including: Mitad del Mundo and Otavalo’s famed Saturday market. She’ll point you in the right direction for lunch and happy hour. And everything she does is from the heart.
On the wall beside her door, a collage of photos decorates the entry. People from around the world have posed with Pili, smiling and waving. In these photos, you see just how amazing and welcoming a night or six-month stay at Pili’s can be.
At this Quito Homestay, Breakfast is Always Homemade. Maria Pilar Cooks up the Best Banana Pancakes and her Yucca Fritters are Unbelievable!
Pili represents three generations of homestay entrepreneurs. A former chef, she conjures breakfast menus that jolt awake even the least epicurean taste buds. She makes everything from scratch including fresh yellow tomato juice, yucca and cheese fritters, coconut granola, banana pancakes, and veggie omelets. If you stay with Pili, make sure you schedule a dinner with her. Meals begin with homemade soup and continue onto lovely main courses of grilled meats, fish, and rice dishes. Rooms start at US$15 per night, breakfast included. Check out her listings on Air B&B and Homestay Booking. If you book a room with Ecua-Mama, tell her Melissa & Neil send a big beso-beso!!
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Thanks for the terrific tip, Melissa!
I will definitely contact Pili. It sounds like she would be able to help us have a remarkable stay in Quito.
Great! The apartment is in a good locale. Three blocks from Amazonas and three blocks to Plaza de Fochs. Let me know what you plan. I’ll be happy to help.
Hi Melissa
I’m so thankful to have found your site. Unfortunately, I can’t stop reading and need to get to work
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Is there a way to contact Pili directly to inquire about dates? The site for registering only allows contact once I book a stay. I’m not sure of my schedule at this point, and wanted to try and make contact with Pili to discuss options.
Hey Joe! So glad you are finding good info. Pili is also on Craigslist. But here is her email address too! pilarporras50@hotmail.com
Pili also has Magic Jack. So you can talk via phone. Let me know how things work out.