Casa Gangotena
Old-world aristocratic mansion meets Andean luxury. Rich carpets, towering windows, neoclassical columns, and gold-leaf details throughout. Decidedly retro in aesthetic — nothing minimalist here — but comforts are fully contemporary. Intimate and house-like rather than grand-hotel impersonal.
Plan at least 3 nights — one night barely scratches the surface of the hotel's programming
Why It Matters
Quito's only Relais & Châteaux property and the only hotel in the city's historic core to earn a Michelin Key (2025). Recognized by World Travel Awards as Ecuador's Leading Boutique Hotel and Heritage Hotel. Named among South America's finest by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's 500 Best Hotels list. The restaurant holds its own national awards, and the location — literally on the doorstep of colonial Quito — is unmatched.
Casa Gangotena is a three-story Renaissance-inspired mansion sitting on the southwest corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Originally built as a private residence in 1534 and completely rebuilt in 1924 after a fire — the Gangotena family, one of Quito's most prominent dynasties, held it until the mid-2000s when Metropolitan Touring converted it into a boutique hotel. The residential feel remains intact. Painted ceilings, oil paintings, murals, Art Deco furniture, and friezes fill every corner, while bathrooms deliver thoroughly modern marble tubs and rain showers.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Balcony Junior Suite
The romantic choice. On the first floor's southwestern side, it has a private balcony overlooking the courtyard garden and the Virgin of Quito on the Panecillo hill. Inside: neoclassical stucco columns, marble bathroom with Andean light. The balcony is the selling point — genuinely lovely for a morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
King
Junior Suite (Tearoom)
The most historically loaded room in the hotel — this was literally the Gangotena family's tearoom. On the first floor, it features a detailed hunting mural and spacious windows with panoramic views of the lush garden and Panecillo hill (home to the iconic Virgin of Quito statue). More space and more story than the standard rooms.
KingLuxury Room
The standard room at Casa Gangotena and genuinely impressive for it. Plush carpets, towering full-length windows, flowing curtains, and Art Deco furniture — desks, armoires, armchairs. All have the mansion's signature tall ceilings that flood the space with Andean sunlight. Private bathrooms with nearly all featuring separate bathtubs and showers. Rooms can be connected on first and second floors to create suites or family configurations.
36.46 sqm
Plaza View Room
Located along the mansion's northern facade, these rooms look directly out at San Francisco Church and its cobbled square — one of the most photographed corners in Ecuador. Ample natural light and the same rich, sophisticated décor as the standard Luxury Rooms. Worth requesting specifically.
36.46 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A spa-inspired ancestral cleansing using medicinal plants and herbs in techniques practiced by an Andean energy therapist. Unique to the property's Wellbeing Space programming.
Visit a nearby artisan chocolate shop for tasting and a deep dive into what makes Ecuadorian cacao uniquely prized. Typically arranged by concierge as a short half-day activity in Old Town.
Hands-on cooking class with the Casa Gangotena chef exploring Cocina Mestiza — the hotel's signature take on Ecuadorian cuisine. Learn traditional techniques, local ingredients, and the stories behind Ecuador's food culture.
Full-day excursion to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world's highest active volcanoes. Ideal for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. About 60 minutes from Quito.
Day trip to Otavalo's famous indigenous market — South America's largest. Includes scenic Andean landscapes, local artisans, and indigenous culture. About 90 minutes from Quito.
A guided tour of Quito's historic center covering religious, historical, and architectural landmarks, finishing at the Middle of the World monument (Mitad del Mundo) where the equator crosses — about 1 hour from the hotel. Knowledgeable local guides included.
A guided tour of the hotel itself, covering the Gangotena family history, architectural secrets, and insights into the surrounding historic center. One of the complimentary guest-exclusive experiences.
Special evening access to neighboring church domes and belltowers in Old Town Quito — a rare perspective on the illuminated historic skyline.
Curated neighborhood walking tour exploring Old Town Quito's artisans, sweets makers, traditional millers, and local shops in the San Roque area. Part of the hotel's community mission to revitalize the historic center. Referenced by Forbes.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A serene orchid- and flower-filled inner patio, the setting for Café Quiteño afternoon tea.
Complimentary wired and wireless internet access throughout the property, including in all rooms.
Full American/buffet breakfast included with all room rates. Consistently praised by guests.
43-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable, pillowtop beds, bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, in-room safe, complimentary bottled water, desk, phone.
Complimentary valet parking for hotel guests — a genuinely useful perk given the chaotic Old Town streets.
Carbon neutral since 2017. Solar panels for hot water, motion sensors in service areas, waste separation, and local recycling participation. CO2 offset through Choco Tropical Forests.
Hotel arranges paid airport transfers on request. Approximately 1 hour from Quito International Airport.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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