Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Plaza Grande

Arguably Ecuador's most fabulous hotel (with, admittedly, prices to match) puts you right on the prime real estate of its namesake plaza. The business dates only from 2007, but the structure was the mansion of early 16th century nobleman Juan Díaz de Hidalgo. Suites are done up in such a way that you feel as though you're staying in the guest wing of a 19th-century noble's house, though a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi bring you back to the present. Plush carpets, thick drapes, heavy, dark wood furniture, and the tapestries and art—including drawings by Oswaldo Guayasamín—decorate each carpeted room. The best rooms face the plaza. Though windows are soundproofed, you need only fling open the French doors and emerge onto your private balcony to survey all that goes on below.