Casa Gangotena

Built as a private residence in 1534 and completely rebuilt in 1924, the three-story Renaissance-style Casa Gangotena honors its history through lovingly restored painted ceilings, wooden paneling, oil paintings, murals, and friezes. It’s set in a prominent corner of Quito’s Old Town, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is, if not exactly typical of the city’s lodgings, certainly a fine introduction to the Ecuadoran capital.

It remained a private residence all the way up to the mid-2000s, which means its residential atmosphere remains intact. All rooms have gorgeous high ceilings, towering full-length windows, and beautiful Art Deco furniture, while some suites feature museum-quality murals, spacious balconies and Neoclassical stucco columns. The vibe is decidedly retro — nothing minimalist about it — though the comforts are just as definitively modern.

There’s a proper spa, as befits a luxury hotel of Casa Gangotena’s stature, and the hotel’s award-winning restaurant showcases Ecuador’s rich culinary tradition through traditional techniques and locally sourced ingredients. “Café Quiteño,” the local equivalent of high tea, is a mid-afternoon highlight as well, as are the quiet garden lounge and the cozy, clubby cocktail bar. Meanwhile the hotel’s rooftop terrace features impressive panoramic views of the city and its immediate surroundings.