Fodor's Expert Review Casa Gangotena

On the southwest corner of Plaza de San Francisco, this historic mansion is Quito's most luxe boutique hotel, named for the family who built it as their stately home in 1924. Guests are greeted at check-in with a restorative herbal drink, the perfect remedy for the combination of travel and the Andean location, and the top-notch service continues throughout your stay. Common areas such as the terrace and glass-covered courtyard combine plush seating with touches of whimsical; Art Nouveau and Neo-classical design touches are throughtout the property. The decorative molding of the 15-foot-high ceilings is enough to take your breath away, if the altitude hasn't already. Rooms are done in light blues and neutrals with sparkling marble-clad bathrooms. Let the sun wake you in the morning, or block it out with window shutters and heavy drapes. . Be sure to enjoy the ample afternoon tea included in your room rate (4–6 pm), though do let the kitchen know if you're a vegetarian so that they can swap out the savories that have meat. Dinners in the ground-floor restaurant are especially relaxing after a long day of exploring, and the quiet space is only open to hotel guests in the evening.