After a short, last-minute excursion to Quito to explore its charming old town, stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, and unwind in the nearby Papallacta hot springs, I found myself en route back to Medellín before continuing on with my unique journey home.
With a three-hours kill after being dropped off from a Quito day tour, I was excited to check out the lounges at Quito’s newish airport terminal—although, if I’m being honest, I wasn’t overly optimistic.
My past experience with a Sala VIP lounge in Mexico City had been less than favourable. Would the Sala VIP Internacional Quito surprise me?
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About Quito’s Airport
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) opened in 2013, replacing the older in-city airport. It’s located about 40km (25 miles) east of downtown, in the Tababela parish. The new airport has won multiple Skytrax awards, including “Best Regional Airport in South America.“
It’s modern, clean, and well-organized, making it one of the more pleasant airports in South America.
I was especially eager to check out Quito airport lounges given the strong reputation the facility has.
Sala VIP Quito Location: Easy to Find
The Sala VIP Mitad del Mundo (also listed as Sala VIP Internacional Quito) is located airside in the international departures area, near Gate B20. After clearing immigration and security, signage to the lounge is clear and well-placed.
Honestly, from curbside to lounge check-in took less than 15 minutes, and that includes customs. That’s a huge win for any traveler, especially with Quito’s unpredictable traffic.
An elevator brings you up one floor, where the lounge entrance sits behind sleek sliding glass doors. First impressions? Big improvement from my last Sala VIP experience.
Access: Free with Priority Pass or Pay at the Door
I accessed the Quito Priority Pass lounge for free, thanks to my Priority Pass membership included with my Aeroplan American Express credit card (a fantastic travel perk). Other access options include:
- Priority Pass and LoungeKey members
- Business class passengers on select airlines
- Paid day passes, reportedly available for around $40–50 USD depending on time of day (check with the lounge desk for exact prices)
With all the amenities offered, that price point is decent—and a solid option if you have a long layover or early airport arrival.
First Impressions: My Quito Airport Lounge Review
Once inside the Quito airport business lounge, I was genuinely impressed. Modern, stylish, and spacious, it exceeded expectations. I dropped my bags and set out to explore.
Seating & Layout
The lounge offers a variety of seating options:
- Leather loungers and club chairs with side tables
- Workstations and a business desk area
- Café-style tables near the food service zone
- Tucked-away couch areas great for quiet time
- A dedicated rest zone with recliners
Almost all seating areas had accessible power outlets and USB ports. Natural light filters in through large windows, giving it a relaxing vibe. There are also flat-screen TVs playing sports, Ecuadorian news, and travel content.
Bathrooms & Showers
The restrooms are clean and modern, and the Quito airport lounge showers were a welcome sight (though I didn’t use them this time, having just come from a soak at the Papallacta hot springs).
Business & VIP Areas
There’s a semi-separated business area with desks, chairs, and power access—great if you need to get some work done.
There is also a Club Miles Executive Lounge within the lounge, reserved for high-tier airline elite members or Club Miles cardholders. I didn’t explore this section, but it appeared even more secluded.
Wi-Fi Woes
Unfortunately, the one downside of my visit was the Quito airport lounge Wi-Fi. It was near unusable—slow, unreliable, and frustrating. This was disappointing, especially in such a modern space.
Thankfully, I had a GigSky eSIM loaded on my phone, which let me stay connected without stress. Highly recommended if you’re traveling through South America—grab one here.
Quito Airport Lounge Food and Drinks
One of the highlights of the Sala VIP Quito is its impressive food and beverage spread.
There’s a self-serve area with hot and cold items, a sweet station, and even a live chef station where staff prepare sandwiches to order—think Ecuadorian Subway but with more charm. Not quite as good as what I had on my Quito day tour, but appreciated for lounge food.
Local Snacks & Flavors
- Plantain chips
- Chulpi (Ecuadorian corn nuts)
- Spiced and candied nuts
- Ceviche
- Mini eclairs and traditional Ecuadorian sweets
- Fresh fruit and infused water
There was also a selection of sushi, which, although not great, was decent and a nice touch.
Beverages at the Sala VIP Mitad del Mundo
There’s a full coffee bar, complete with warm milk and espresso drinks. I loved the freshly squeezed orange juice from the machine—a very welcome touch.
You’ll also find a fridge stocked with soft drinks, agua con gas, and local juices. There was also a cold frío cappuccino machine, which hit the spot.
Lounge Bar: Local Craft Beer & Custom Cocktails
One of my favorite surprises? The Quito airport lounge bar.
A full-service bar staffed with both bartenders and baristas meant you could order everything from a flat white to an Amaretto Sour. While ordering, I was asked to show my boarding pass—possibly for age verification or drink monitoring, which makes sense.
Drink highlights I spotted:
- Aperol spritzes
- Caipirinhas
- Amaretto sours
- Ecuadorian wines
- Local craft beers
I tried a Sierra Negra by Latitud Cero, a Quito-based craft brewery, and it was a perfect preflight sipper.
Where to Stay Near Quito Airport
If you have a long layover or an early morning flight, staying near Quito’s Mariscal Sucre Airport is a smart move. There are several convenient options within 5–10 minutes of the terminal.
The Wyndham Quito Airport is the most popular choice, offering a free shuttle, early breakfast, and spacious rooms. For something more budget-friendly, Hostal Mariscal Sucre and EB Hotel by Eurobuilding also get high marks from travelers. Book ahead—airport hotels near Quito can fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Final Verdict: Quito Priority Pass Lounge Worth It?
With 3 hours to kill after an early airport drop-off, I was pleasantly surprised by the Sala VIP Mitad del Mundo lounge at Quito Airport. The design, comfort, local touches, and food/beverage options make this one of the better Priority Pass lounges in South America.
Would I recommend visiting, even if you had to pay? Yes.
Despite the unusable Wi-Fi, it’s an excellent spot to relax before a flight and a great use of lounge membership. I made the most of my time with great local snacks, rich Ecuadorian coffee, and a final craft beer before heading to Medellín.
Highlights:
- Fast entry (less than 15 mins from curb to couch)
- Wide variety of seating and amenities
- Great local food options and drink choices
- Shower access
- Local craft beer
Lowlight:
- Internet access is a miss
For a full look at how I booked a return to Vancouver from Montreal via South America and Mexico City, check out this Avianca business class review.
FAQs about the Sala VIP Quito Lounge
How do I access the Sala VIP Quito Lounge?
Access is available via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, or by paying at the door (around $40 USD). Some credit cards like the Aeroplan AMEX include access.
Where is the Sala VIP Lounge located in Quito Airport?
The lounge is located airside in the international departures area near Gate B20, just after immigration and security. It’s well-signposted and accessed via elevator. From curbside to lounge took me less than 15 minutes, including customs.
What are the food and drink options like?
Expect a good mix of local snacks, made-to-order sandwiches, sweets, infused waters, fresh juice, and a full bar with cocktails and craft beer.
Are there showers in the Sala VIP lounge?
Yes, there are clean and modern shower facilities available for travelers who want to freshen up.
Is the Wi-Fi good in the Quito airport lounge?
Unfortunately, no. The lounge Wi-Fi was nearly unusable during my visit. Bring your own connection (like an eSIM) if you plan to work.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Sala VIP Quito review?
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