Newly Restored Historic Mansion Turned Boutique Hotel Dazzles in Quito

Situated in a newly restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story boutique hotel has 31 rooms, each a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, modern technologies and quintessential comforts to impress the most discerning guests.

Casa Gangotena resides in a choice spot on Plaza San Francisco, a cobbled square rich with history stretching back to the Inca. As the Plaza grew in importance in Quito, wealthy families surrounded it with grand homes and the mansion was the residence of several presidents during the late 19th century. Rebuilt in 1926 following a fire, the building was designated a “heritage property” soon after the Ecuadorian capital was nominated as UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site city in 1978. This year, Quito is the Cultural Capital of the Americas.



Casa Gangotena is the perfect base for exploring Quito as well as for short stops on the way to experiencing the wonders of the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific Coast and the Galápagos Islands. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel’s interiors draw the eye with Art Nouveau and contemporary touches combined with original Neo-Classical architecture. Indeed, from painted tin ceilings to handsome aedicules and stucco architraving, huge efforts have been made to preserve and restore original details, assuring an air of history and sophistication dressed up with understated luxury.

All guest rooms are thoughtfully arrayed for utmost comfort beneath towering ceilings, with king-size beds occupying 13 rooms and twin beds the other 18. Glorious Andean light pours through tall windows that look out onto the historic square, the inner courtyard or the Panecillo hillside. Two rooms on the second floor can be interconnected to provide expansive accommodation for families and traveling dignitaries. Full luxury amenities are standard, and there is a stylish Library well stocked for relaxing reading.



A broad terrace on the third floor offers the best seats in the house for everyday life in Quito. Grab a spot for magical views of the square, the bell towers and spires of Old Town, the Panecillo hillside, the Pichincha Volcano, and special events such as the Easter procession from San Francisco Church. Meanwhile, the hotel’s cozy glass-roofed patio is a nice spot for relaxing, with a patio-garden planted with orchids, flowers and ornamentals just beyond.

On the ground floor, the hotel restaurant is decorated in harmony with the rest of the property, presenting a wonderful setting for enjoying the rich and varied ingredients that the stunning natural diversity of Ecuador provides. The cuisine is a modern international take on traditional Andean and coastal ingredients, prepared with verve and passion by an experienced kitchen staff. Still hungry? Room service is available around the clock.



Guests bent on exploring the “navel of the world,” as Quito translates from Quechua, will enjoy easy access to an abundance of nearby sights and scenes. The gilt Jesuit church of La Compañía de Jesus, the City Museum, the Plaza Santo Domingo and the Presidential Palace are all within an easy walk, as are streets dotted with cafés, artisan shops, historic churches and cultural centers. More modern districts with museums, parks, theaters, upscale craft shops, fine dining and exuberant nightlife are just a short drive away.

Conscious of the community of which it is a part, Casa Gangotena has been outfitted with sustainable features including electronic room keys and solar panels to lower energy use for heating water. Since 2008, the hotel has been involved in several neighborhood projects, not least the award-winning community initiative Heritage Guardians that focuses on neighborhood integration, the value of heritage and traditions, and ‘routes’ for visitors to meet locals and experience their lives and ways.

Rates for eight rooms with views of Plaza San Francisco are US $550; for the 23 remaining rooms, US $425. Prices include buffet breakfast and Quito-style afternoon coffee snack, but exclude taxes.

More information: https://casagangotena.com/