Situated on Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Quito’s historic centre, Casa Gangotena is the city’s leading luxury hotel.
Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, and was one of the first ever listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a wealth of historic treasues. At 2,850 metres above sea-level it is also the second highest city in the world. The Casa Gangotena Hotel is perfectly positioned in the centre of Quito, close to many of the city’s best attractions including several churches, museums and fascinating historical buildings.
The original building was a beautiful 18th century mansion; however, the building was destroyed by a fire in 1914. It was then completely rebuilt in 1924 by one of the city’s leading families – the Gangotenas – who owned the home until the mid-2000’s. The renowned building was then converted into one Quito’s most luxurious hotels. The elegant hotel still boasts several Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements from the original mansion; including oil paintings, wooden panelling, gorgeous mirrors and lovingly restored painted ceilings.
A member of the revered Relais & Châteaux collection, Casa Gangotena has just 31 beautiful rooms and suites across three floors. The rooms reflect the layout of the old mansion – all in different shapes and sizes – but remain spacious, averaging around 35m² in size. Each guestroom has tall, elegant ceilings that draw in light and feature flowing curtains and Art Deco furniture such as desks, tables and armchairs. The rooms also have beautiful marble-floored ensuite bathrooms and 21st century comforts like air-conditioners, in-room safes, Wi-Fi and flatscreen TV’s.
Casa Gangotena Restaurant
Casa Gangotena’s onsite restaurant offers a unique dining experience specialising in “Mestizo Cuisine” a culinary tribute to the mix of cultures that comprise Ecuador. Chefs experiment with flavours, scents, textures and cooking styles of local indigenous traditions and merge them with European flavours. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, “Café Quiteño” (high tea) and dinner. There is also a sophisticated bar where guests can enjoy delightful cocktails amid a relaxed setting.
Luxury Facilities
The hotel also has several other common areas including The Crimson Room – which once acted as the Gangotena family’s ballroom, a splendid rooftop terrace with views over the city and a beautiful garden. Finally, guests can enjoy the onsite spa, a place of sanctuary and peace in the heart of Quito. There are a wealth of pampering options to consider as well as salon services, from hair styling to massage and hand and foot treatments, which can all be arranged through the hotel’s concierge or front desk.
Highlights
- Historic 18th century mansion set in the heart of Quito
- Quito – one of the first ever listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Casa Gangotena – A member of the revered Relais & Châteaux collection
- Just 31 elegant ensuite guestrooms
- Superb onsite restaurant offering a unique dining experience
- Discover Quito’s famous sights and beautiful colonial buildings
Getting there
Casa Gangotena is situated in the heart of Quito’s historic centre on Plaza San Francisco. The hotel is approximately a 45-minute (43 kilometres) drive from Quito International Airport.
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Ecuador Overview
What is the best thing to do in Ecuador?
Ecuador offers an incredible array of experiences within its borders; from heritage-rich colonial cities and luxurious rainforest lodges to opulent Amazon River cruises and exciting rail journey’s – there is something for everyone to enjoy. Most compelling of all is the wild beauty and unique fauna of the Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador Culture
From Amazonian frontier towns and Pacific fishing villages, to colonial cities and country markets, Ecuador is a blend of a many cultures. The country is famous for its excellent handicrafts, whilst Afro-Ecuadorians are known for marimba, a lively form of traditional music and dance.
What can I combine Ecuador with?
Mainland Ecuador can be easily combined with a cruise through the beautiful Galapagos Islands, located just under 1000 kilometres off the coast. Neighbouring Peru is the other county most easily (and best) to combine with Ecuador. Top highlights include Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and historic Cusco.
How do you get to Ecuador?
Ecuador’s capital Quito, and the country’s largest city Guayaquil, are the major hubs for flights into the country. Both cities are serviced by a number of airlines directly such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, American Airlines, Air France and United. Latam Airlines (primarily based in Santiago, Chile), is the major airline in South America and offers direct flights to number of US and European cities. The Galapagos Islands are a 2 hour flight from Quito or 1.5 hour flight from Guayaquil.
US – Ecuador is very easy to fly to from the United States. There are plenty of direct flights to either Quito or Guayaquil from a number of US cities. Airlines that fly between the countries include United Airlines, American Airlines and Latam Airlines.
Europe – There are a number of countries that operate direct flights into Ecuador from Europe including France and the Netherlands. Alternatively Latam fly to European countries such as Germany and Spain.