Arrival in Quito- Our flight from Miami arrived in Quito around 6:45 pm. We chose to come in a day early to allow for time to adjust to the altitude and rest before what we knew would be a far from relaxing vacation. We therefore were not eligible for Celebrity provided transfer to the Marriott and had arranged a car transfer through the hotel. Clearing passport control and customs was a snap. We met another 2 couples from our cruise while at baggage claim, one of whom was also staying at the Marriott that night. They were going to take a taxi so we suggested they share our car. As soon as we exited customs our driver was waiting for us with a sign and after he checked with his boss agreed to take all of us. It was the first of many examples of what a class operation the JW Marriott Quito is.

Quito Hotel and City Tour- As mentioned the Marriott is a magnificent hotel. They were quick to combine our independent and Celebrity reservations so we could remain in the same room. We do not have elite status with Marriott but they still gave us free Wifi. Regrettably we could not take advantage of the beautiful outdoor pool area because our free day was marred by a very heavy and continuous rain storm. Because of the rain we decided to eat in the hotel, the food was good and amazingly reasonable for a city hotel.

The following day we met our group for the Quito city tour. Celebrity has been doing this for awhile and has it down to a science. Having followed the Cruise Critic three part discussion thread for many years I could see how they have responded to feedback and made incremental improvements.They divided us up among 4 busses so that we had about 10 per tour guide, far preferably to traipsing around in a crowd of 40 trying to hear the guide. The local guides are knowledgeable, engaging and clearly focused on making the tour meaningful and entertaining. Our stops included the beautiful Basilica of the National Vow, the Presidential (Carondelet) Palace to see the guards, the Grande Plaza, the Church of the Society of Jesus decorated completely in gold and the Convent of San Francisco. Despite seeing so many sights in half a day the tour was well paced and it never felt like we were being rushed to get to the next stop. Read more