RumiLoma - An Outstanding Quality Hacienda in Quito, Ecuador
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"You are being taken to a very special place", - she told me. The car sped away from downtown Quito, Ecuador towards the Pichincha Volcano, passing through the poor areas on the lower slope, climbing, over gravel road, then gates, stone gates that marked the entrance to RumiLoma. RumiLoma is a hacienda that sits on 100 acres of property that has been in the Freire family for over 60 years. Adjacent to thousands of acres of pristine national parkland, Oswald Freire and his Irish American wife , Amber, an interior designer, have created a luxurious escape from the city center, only 15 minutes away. Sitting on the East facing slope of Pichincha, unknown to most city dwellers below, RumiLoma was to thrill my pallet with good food while pleasing my eyes with its charming interior layout, colorful décor and panoramic vista overlooking the city. As we pulled into the lane-way we were met by Julio , who was to be our personal guide, waiter and servant throughout our visit. We could not have asked for a more pleasant, attentive, yet discrete friend. |
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There are three buildings on the site: the main chalet with an Irish pub, lounge, eating facilities and meeting rooms; the building housing the visitor suites; and a staff building behind the main structure. The owners home, where they live with their four girls, is separate, a short distance up the hill. There is also a children's playground behind the staff building available to guests.
My companion asked for us to be shown the suites before sitting for lunch, the main meal of the day in Ecuador. With the pride of an owner, which he isn’t, Julio led us to view the guest accommodation only a few steps from the dining and lounge facility.
My companion asked for us to be shown the suites before sitting for lunch, the main meal of the day in Ecuador. With the pride of an owner, which he isn’t, Julio led us to view the guest accommodation only a few steps from the dining and lounge facility.
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Wild Llamas grazed undisturbed on the lawn. They would not let us pet them; but, were curious enough to come close enough to be photographed by our side.
Guests with pets need not be concerned as the llama either ignore them or go away if they feel uncomfortable
Guests with pets need not be concerned as the llama either ignore them or go away if they feel uncomfortable
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The suites are delightful. Each has a sleeping area, living space and washroom. The double suites, 600 sq ft each, resembled small, two level town houses, with living-room, wash-room, roomy, luxurious sleeping quarter and private, lush internal garden.
The colors, reds, gold and greens in the bedding and tapestries throughout the hacienda are brilliantly royal. Window placement ensures that every guest unit has a great view of either the bald precipice on the side of Quagua (Baby) Pichincha, a mere pimple on the larger volcano, with surrounding forest and/ or the city below.
The colors, reds, gold and greens in the bedding and tapestries throughout the hacienda are brilliantly royal. Window placement ensures that every guest unit has a great view of either the bald precipice on the side of Quagua (Baby) Pichincha, a mere pimple on the larger volcano, with surrounding forest and/ or the city below.
European antique furnishings throughout the hacienda are well selected and situated, each having its own fascinating character worthy of attention.
As we walked to the main chalet, I thought of how nice it would be to sit on the lawn and look at equatorial stars on a clear night. On the equator both Northern and Southern Hemisphere stars are visible, giving star gazers the best of all panoramas. During the day, every cloud movement changes the beauty of the landscape.
As we walked to the main chalet, I thought of how nice it would be to sit on the lawn and look at equatorial stars on a clear night. On the equator both Northern and Southern Hemisphere stars are visible, giving star gazers the best of all panoramas. During the day, every cloud movement changes the beauty of the landscape.
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In the chalet there was a dining area with tables and booths and, throughout, there were cozy areas where guests could have their own private lounge and dining area with a view.
A common Irish bar "Poor Fockers", staffed with its own barman, was situated centrally for patrons who prefer a pub like atmosphere.
A common Irish bar "Poor Fockers", staffed with its own barman, was situated centrally for patrons who prefer a pub like atmosphere.
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I didn’t know what to do with myself. I enjoyed being in the lounge area, lolling in its eclectic, very comforting ambiance, examining the art and antiques and, yet, was drawn to the elegant table setting for two.
We sat on a cozy couch for a few moments then went to the table where Julio was waiting quietly. After presenting us with the menu, he even showed us how to lock the door if we didn’t want to be disturbed. How considerate !
We sat on a cozy couch for a few moments then went to the table where Julio was waiting quietly. After presenting us with the menu, he even showed us how to lock the door if we didn’t want to be disturbed. How considerate !
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From an ample menu selection, we chose the following:
For me:
Zucchini stuffed Chicken Breast in a Passion Fruit Sauce, served with Truffle Risotto and Red Wine, completed with Marinated Pear. ( It sounds even more delicious in Spanish ! )
And, for my companion:
Shrimps lightly spicy, flambéed a la minute served with Mango Couscous and a local bread.
Complemented by a bottle of Cono Sur 20 Barricas, Valle del Maipo, Chile 2005, we took our time and savored every morsel.
So enjoyable was our visit that we passed the entire afternoon, eating, sipping wine and thoroughly enjoying the tranquil setting, completely unaware of the time.
Readers can explore the menu with its eclectic food selection and extensive wine list on what could easily be an award winning RumiLoma website, http://www.rumiloma.com/ , where no question is left unanswered.
Food prices are comfortably within the expected normal range North American and European diners would encounter at any good quality restaurant. (Main courses in the range of $ 14 – 25 USD). Be warned, however, that high wine prices are a reflection of the fact that RumiLoma only offers high quality wines from Europe and South America.
RumiLoma will appeal to those who want a quiet and/ or romantic escape and families or others who want a safe, peaceful setting in which to stay while on vacation of business. Dining rooms that accommodate up to 16 people also ensure a quality meeting place for business gatherings or those special celebrations. The staff are well connected to the tourism trade and are available and competent to help organize both professional and personal activities.
A taxi ride into the heart of the city is less than three dollars. At night when meters are not used, the cost is $ 5 - $ 6 USD.
Guests are advised to print the map from the RumiLoma website to assist taxi drivers to find this sometimes hard to find get away.
RumiLoma Hacienda: A luxury hotel and restaurant for everyone who appreciates quality, convenience and great service.
Location: On the Eastern slope of Pichincha Volcano overlooking the Quito, Ecuador. See map at http://www.rumiloma.com/html/en/location.html
Room Rates 2010 - Per Night:
- Superior Rumiloma ( Single/ Double) - $ 305 USD
- Superior Rumiloma ( Family ) - $ 345 USD
Price includes American breakfast and rides in and out of the Quito Airport
Restaurant and Bar Menu and Prices: Food is reasonably priced as at quality restaurants in major North America and Europe. Wines are quality and expensive. Flip through the menu at http://www.rumiloma.com/html/en/restaurant/restaurant.html .
Credit Cards: All major credit cards accepted.
Website: www.rumiloma.com/
Telephone: Country code 593, 02 2 548206 / 02 3 200196 / 09 9703130
E-mail: info@rumiloma.com
* Additional photos may be seen by clicking RumiLoma Photos
A taxi ride into the heart of the city is less than three dollars. At night when meters are not used, the cost is $ 5 - $ 6 USD.
Guests are advised to print the map from the RumiLoma website to assist taxi drivers to find this sometimes hard to find get away.
RumiLoma Hacienda: A luxury hotel and restaurant for everyone who appreciates quality, convenience and great service.
Location: On the Eastern slope of Pichincha Volcano overlooking the Quito, Ecuador. See map at http://www.rumiloma.com/html/en/location.html
Room Rates 2010 - Per Night:
- Superior Rumiloma ( Single/ Double) - $ 305 USD
- Superior Rumiloma ( Family ) - $ 345 USD
Price includes American breakfast and rides in and out of the Quito Airport
Restaurant and Bar Menu and Prices: Food is reasonably priced as at quality restaurants in major North America and Europe. Wines are quality and expensive. Flip through the menu at http://www.rumiloma.com/html/en/restaurant/restaurant.html .
Credit Cards: All major credit cards accepted.
Website: www.rumiloma.com/
Telephone: Country code 593, 02 2 548206 / 02 3 200196 / 09 9703130
E-mail: info@rumiloma.com
* Additional photos may be seen by clicking RumiLoma Photos
