ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Facing one side of San Francisco Plaza in Quito’s Old Town, you’d be forgiven if you, at first, mistook the hotel for a palatial residence or estate, where the fourth or perhaps fifth generation of a family resides. Casa Gangotena, a Relais & Châteaux property, was, in fact, a home for many, built in the 17th century and later home to several presidents. The entrance reminds you you’re on very special grounds, from crown molding ceilings to opulent chandeliers to velvet couches, and staff guided me to check-in, beginning my very own regal stay.

© Casa Gangotena

GUEST QUARTERS: Each guestroom and suite is different, and this relates to the building’s historic origins. High ceilings, understated textures and muted colors all point to an elegant space for relaxation. My specific room overlooked one of the narrow and quiet side streets. During the day I could see the distant green hills dotted with homes.

My room also came with a desk, mini-fridge and bench for my suitcase. The bathroom was its own haven, almost entirely covered floor to ceiling in Carrara marble. I had my choice of a soaking tub or walk-in shower, and plenty of vanity space allowed me to set up my belongings without piling them on top of each other. L’Occitane toiletries sat in the shower and bath for use. And each night turndown service helped me transition to nighttime with a square of authentic Ecuadoran chocolate by my bed as well as freshly stocked bottles of water.

© Aoife O’Riordan

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Casa Gangotena’s own restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. Breakfast offers both buffet-style options as well as à la carte items, always with fresh fruit juices, fruits and coffee. Dinner menus change seasonally. During my visit there in late April, I indulged in refreshingly light ceviche dishes, particularly the fish and macambo plate, highlighting the fresh catch of the day. Ecuadoran empanadas in a variety of flavors and fillings, beef tartare accented with (what else?) cacao nibs and chulpi corn, rib-eye steak cooked to perfection, and spicy shrimp-filled gyozas bathed in an herbed bisque introduced me to different elements of Ecuadoran techniques and ingredients that saw me going back for more. Desserts celebrate guava, coffee, banana and Ecuadoran citrus fruits in a range of decadent dishes.

Cocktails rotate, too, and I enjoyed several tasty tipples honoring different native plants and flowers as part of its Flores menu (I strongly recommend the Flor de Mashpi).

The hotel also boasts a rooftop with unparalleled views of the plaza, an indoor and airy patio for afternoon teas, and a wood-paneled bar outside the main restaurant.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The best of Quito’s history and luxury is evidenced here in the beating heart of Old Quito through careful attention to detail in every aspect of your stay.
• Don’t miss a dinner at the restaurant, and don’t be afraid to try unfamiliar-looking dishes with flair … you’ll appreciate Ecuadoran ingredients and flavors more than ever after dining here.
• Open a window on a sunny day, listen to the sounds of the city and soak in your spacious tub.

CASA GANGOTENA
Bolívar, Cuenca, OE6-41
170401 Quito, Ecuador
tel 844 878 6981