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.