Casa Gangotena
Quito, Ecuador
At a Glance
A beautifully restored 18th Century mansion, Casa Gangotena is an elegant and luxury boutique property. The hotel is home to stunning painted ceilings, wooden panelling, antiques and murals.
Right in the heart of Quito’s old town the hotel is set on Plaza San Francisco, perfectly located for exploring the highlights of the old town and mountains that frame the city.
The third-floor terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and light bite as you enjoyed the views of the city and beyond.
You can enjoy daily complimentary activities during your stay that will bring colonial Quito to life – the visit to the San Francisco Bell Tower is fantastic to see incredible panoramic views!
With Relais & Chateau status, the service and food at the hotel restaurant will not disappoint. Each dish has been designed to show of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods from Ecuador.
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
All year round destination. Due to its position on the equator and its altitude, Quito’s temperature varies greatly between night and day. Daytime temperatures average 23-25ºC, while at night temperatures drop to around 10ºC. In general, days are clear in the morning and cloud over in the afternoon, with rain common in the afternoon. The drier season runs from the end of May to the end September, with another brief summertime in early December (which coincides nicely with the city’s fiestas).
Insider's View
The views at night from the roof terrace over the Plaza San Francisco and Quito's floodlit churches are stunning.
Opposite the hotel on the other side of the square is a beautiful shop featuring hand woven furnishings and original Panama hats- it is a great place to purchase some gifts!
The roof top terrace is a great place for a pre-dinner with impressive views of the square and surrounding city (on a good day you can see the Cayambe Volcano).
Casa Gangotena offers an array of daily complimentary free tours to showcase Quito's history and traditions. From chocolate tasting to tours of the neighbouring church, cocktail making or a shaman experience where you can free yourself of any negative energy.
Do not miss the sunsets on the rooftop terrace - they are stunning!
Be sure to ask about their "extras" - private tours for guests only - of the Church of San Francisco Bell Towers and also the Franciscan brewery museum.
Call us on to start planning your holiday to Casa Gangotena or take a look at our itineraries to Ecuador
Description
Casa Gangotena boutique hotel is a beautifully restored colonial mansion in the heart of historical Quito with a prime position at the corner of Plaza San Francisco, a cobbled square rich with history, stretching back to the days of the Inca.
Beautifully and eclectically appointed, Casa Gangotena's recently restored interiors draw the eye with Art Nouveau and contemporary touches combined with original Neo-Classical architecture. From painted ceilings to handsome aedicules to stucco architraving, huge efforts have been made to preserve and restore the mansion's original details, assuring an air of history and sophistication dressed up with understated luxury.
The hotel has 31 sumptuous guest rooms, some with Plaza views, and a wide terrace on the third floor offers further impressive views over the Old Town, the bell towers and spires, the Panecillo hillside, the Pichincha Volcano and special events such as the Easter procession from the San Francisco Church. The hotel's cosy glass-roofed patio, meanwhile, is perfect for relaxing, with a patio-garden planted with orchids and flowers just beyond.
On the ground floor, the restaurant is decorated in harmony with the rest of the property and the cuisine is a modern international take on traditional Andean and coastal ingredients. A range of complimentary activities have recently been added to Casa Gangotena's portfolio. Departing at 7pm daily, guests can embark on tours of the Old Town plazas, explore Quito's history from the hotel terrace or learn the art of mixing the house beverage - Agua de Frescos.
Casa Gangotena is a perfect base for exploring Quito as well as for short stops on the way to the wonders of the Andes, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.
Accommodation
31 guest rooms, all decorated in a contemporary classical style and with full amenities: 20 luxury, one junior suite, eight plaza view, one balcony junior suite, and one suite.
Childcare
Children are welcome to come and stay at Casa Gangotena. However, there are no specific facilities available for them except for the two deluxe rooms which can interconnect to accommodate families.
Activities
Guests at Casa Gangotena are perfectly located to explore the beautiful city of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best preserved colonial cities in the Americas, with a wealth of beautiful churches, monasteries and other historical buildings. It is possible to arrange a ride on the teleferico cable car with fantastic views over the city and the snow-capped mountains, a visit to the equatorial monument, or a trip to one of the colourful Indian markets such as Otavalo or Saquisili.
Reviews
Danielle Diaz-Myers (Staff)
Stepping in to Casa Gangotena feels like a luxury experience in itself. Oppulently decorated, impeccible service and regal design captures the history of this former mansion. Grab a drink at their bar or head to the rooftop to enjoy scenic views of San Francisco Plaza. Once a historic mansion, the property has been transformed in to a luxury oasis in the middle of Quito. Grab a meal at the hotel restaurant and be delighted with the scrumptious menu oferrings.
Jack Guth (Staff)
Casa Gangotena is the definition of luxury in Quito. With a history of housing the Gangotena family, this building has housed poets, aristocrats, politicians and some of Ecuadors most historically important people. Staying here feels like a luxurious step back into the colonial time of Quito. With its central location (directly in Plaza San Francisco) this hotel is the perfect place to stay when exploring the city. The rooftop terrace is a great place to cap off a long day and watch the sun set over Quito.
Scarlett Richard (Staff)
Katie Aston (Staff)
Casa Gangotena has an impressive location on the Plaza San Francisco, one of Quito's most picturesque colonial squares and surrounded by colourful cobbled streets. The hotel was previously a beautiful privately owned mansion and much of the original 19th Century features have been retained so that it is much more special than your average hotel. Lofty ceilings, a palm filled loggia where afternoon tea is served, cosy bar and the elegant Cedron restaurant where you can try typical Ecuadorian dishes, a pretty courtyard garden and rooftop terrace with incredible views over Quito all add to the charm. The guest rooms are spacious and all come with a large marble bathroom. My favourite rooms were the rooms on the top floor which although smaller had their own terrace and the Junior suite which had beautiful murals, but there isn't a bad room or bad view at the hotel, the only thing that sometimes disturbs the peace are the ringing of the church bells. With some connecting rooms this is a good choice for families as well as couples.
Experiences
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Chocolate tasting at Casa Gangotena
Calling all chocoholics! This indulgent experience takes you through the process of transforming the humble cocoa bean into one of the world's most loved sweet treats, sampling a variety of chocolates along the way.
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Colonial Quito Walking Tour
Discover Quito and its colonial centre with a private guide and admire its beautiful baroque churches, gothic basilica and charming plazas. This half day tour is a perfect introduction to Quito and to Ecuador's history and culture.
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Complimentary activities at Casa Gangotena
Exclusive to guests staying at Casa Gangotena, a collection of complimentary, daily activities have been introduced to get under the skin of Quito's culture and history. Activities begin daily at 6pm.
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Cotopaxi biking adventure
Bike down the slopes of Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano, for a thrilling adventure amid beautiful Andean scenery. Learn about the natural history and wildlife, hike to the Pucara pre-Incan ruins and keep your eyes peeled for the condors.
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El Teleferico
Boasting the most spectacular views over Quito's rooftops and of the surrounding volcanoes, El Teleferico takes you up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma lookout for a breathtaking experience.
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Explore Quito & the Middle of the World
A private half day guided tour of Quito exploring the colonial centre, monasteries and churches, before heading to the "Middle of the World" monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere on the equatorial line!
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Panoramic Quito at night with dinner
Soak in the city sights on this drive through tour of Quito, as the city's beautiful plazas are lit in vivid hues adding a magical feel to this already charming capital. Ascend one of the surrounding hills for superb views and enjoy a delicious dinner.
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Quito Gastronomy & Colonial Centre Tour
Get under the skin of Quito and its gastronomic scene as you enjoy a guided tour of the colonial centre, taking in historical highlights and enjoying a selection of foodie experiences along the way.
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Quito's Hidden Treasures & El Teleferico
Explore the hidden treasures of Quito on this full day excursion, taking in the less visited sites of the city such as San Diego monastery and Santo Domingo church on the far side of El Panecillo, the iconic hill which watches over the centre.
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Scenic Walking Tour of Quito
Marvel at the art and architecture of Quito as you explore on foot, accompanied by a private guide. Discover Quito's colonial quarter which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and contains innumerable treasures of design and history.
Holiday Ideas
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Colombia & Ecuador in Style
Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Quito & Galapagos
from £11100 pp inc flights & transfers for 12 nights
- A fantastic year-round itinerary which combines the highlights of Colombia with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos Islands
- Experience the charm of colonial Cartagena, with its colourful houses and vibrant Caribbean culture
- Explore the unique Galapagos Islands and encounter its fascinating endemic wildlife, from sea lions to marine iguanas and giant tortoises
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Family Fun in Ecuador & Galapagos
Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest, Galapagos Islands
from £8200 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Snorkel, kayak and hike on the Galapagos Islands with fearless and unique wildlife
- Stay at Mashpi Lodge in the cloudforest and enjoy adventures up in the canopy on the lodge's sky bike
- Highly qualified naturalist guides make for an awe-inspiring and educational experience
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Family Fun in Ecuador & Galapagos
Quito, Mindo Cloud Forest, Galapagos Islands
from £8200 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Snorkel, kayak and hike on the Galapagos Islands with fearless and unique wildlife
- Stay at Mashpi Lodge in the cloudforest and enjoy adventures up in the canopy on the lodge's sky bike
- Highly qualified naturalist guides make for an awe-inspiring and educational experience
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Ultimate Galapagos
Quito & Galapagos
from £11400 pp inc flights & transfers for 12 nights
- Explore the absolute highlights of Ecuador, staying in luxurious accommodation throughout
- Cruise aboard the luxurious Origin & Theory, snorkelling in the Galapagos for up-close encounters with sea lions, marine iguanas, penguins & sea turtles.
- Combining a cruise with a land based stay in the Galapagos allows you to explore the islands in depth, as well as having some time to relax
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Wild Ecuador
Quito, Amazon & Galapagos
from £7300 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Family-friendly accommodation available throughout, from spacious suites to connecting cabins
- Amazon adventures include paddling safaris to see Monkeys and Macaws to night time safaris to spot caiman, crocodiles and bats!
- Enjoy pristine white sand beaches and snorkelling with sealions, turtles and penguins in the Galapagos archipelago
Location & directions
Quito, Ecuador
Casa Gangotena is situated on Simon Bolivar, overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the San Roque neighbourhood of Quito's historic centre, Ecuador.
How to get there
14-hour 45-minutes international flight (via Madrid) to Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
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