Review: Casa Gangotena, Best Luxury Hotel in Quito (Ecuador)

Wednesday newsletters feature a hotel or flight review.

A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a fabulous holiday with Metropolitan Touring in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Iberia A350 Business Class from Madrid to Quito
Review: Casa Gangotena, the best luxury hotel in Quito, Ecuador (today)
Review: Mashpi Lodge, luxury hotel in Ecuador’s cloud forest
Review: Finch Bay Hotel, Galapagos Islands
Review: Luxury cruise in the Galapagos Islands aboard the La Pinta Yacht
Review: Iberia A350 Business Class from Quito to Madrid

Review: Casa Gangotena, Quito’s Best Luxury Hotel

Hotel website: Casa Gangotena
Location: Google Maps
Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s historic capital, Casa Gangotena is the finest luxury hotel in Quito, offering a rare combination of historic grandeur, refined hospitality and an authentic sense of place. Behind its stately façade, the boutique hotel reveals an intimate world of elegant interiors, original architectural details, thoughtfully appointed rooms and tranquil gardens. Its intimate scale, with just 31 individually designed rooms and suites, creates an atmosphere that feels closer to staying in a distinguished private residence than a conventional luxury hotel. Culinary excellence is another highlight, with an acclaimed restaurant celebrating Ecuador’s extraordinary gastronomic heritage. A proud member of Relais & Châteaux and recipient of a Michelin Key, Casa Gangotena combines international standards of luxury with the warmth of Ecuadorian hospitality. For discerning travelers exploring Quito, whether as part of an Ecuadorian adventure or a journey to the Galápagos Islands, it is an exceptional address.

Casa Gangotena features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Ecuador.

Have you ever stayed at Casa Gangotena? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

Pros & things I like
Cons & things to know
My verdict
Tips for future guests & save money
Best time to visit
How to get there
Photos

Pros & Things I Like

Set high in the Andes at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level, Quito – home of Casa Gangotena – is one of South America’s most captivating capitals and absolutely worth a visit. Founded by the Spanish in 1534 on the remains of an ancient Inca settlement, the city is celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. In 1978, Quito became one of the first two properties inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List, alongside the Galápagos Islands, recognising the outstanding universal value of its historic center. Its remarkable collection of churches, monasteries, convents and colonial mansions reflects centuries of cultural exchange between European and Indigenous traditions. Highlights include the ornate Church of La Compañía de Jesús, renowned for its extraordinary gilded Baroque interior, the monumental San Francisco complex and the impressive Basilica del Voto Nacional. Beyond its architectural treasures, Quito offers lively traditional markets, fascinating museums, colorful neighborhoods and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Andes. The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring Ecuador’s extraordinary diversity, from the Avenue of Volcanoes and the cloud forests to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands.

Few luxury hotels in Quito can rival the location of Casa Gangotena. The property occupies a privileged position on the southwestern corner of Plaza de San Francisco, one of the most beautiful and historically significant squares in Ecuador. Directly opposite the hotel stands the imposing Church and Convent of San Francisco, an extraordinary colonial complex whose origins date back to the early years of Spanish rule. The cobblestoned square, framed by historic architecture and lively local activity, provides a magnificent backdrop to the hotel. Step outside and Quito’s most celebrated landmarks are within easy walking distance, including the spectacular gold-adorned Church of La Compañía de Jesús, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Independence Square and the Presidential Palace. The charming streets of La Ronda, with their traditional workshops, cafés and restaurants, are also close by. Staying here means experiencing the historic center on foot, discovering its churches, museums, markets and hidden courtyards at your own pace. And after a day exploring the city, returning to the tranquillity of Casa Gangotena feels particularly rewarding. Despite its central location, the hotel feels wonderfully secluded.

The story of Casa Gangotena is closely intertwined with the history of Quito itself. The original mansion was associated with the Ponce de León y Castillejo family before being acquired by the prominent Gangotena family in the nineteenth century. The Gangotenas were among Quito’s influential families, with important connections to Ecuadorian industry, politics and intellectual life. Their residence became a distinguished mansion, welcoming members of the country’s social and political elite. Following a devastating fire in 1914, the property was extensively rebuilt in 1924, giving the residence much of the architectural character that can still be admired today. The mansion remained in the hands of the Gangotena family until the mid-2000s, when Ecuadorian travel company Metropolitan Touring acquired the property with the ambition of transforming it into an exceptional boutique hotel. Following an extensive restoration and renovation, Casa Gangotena opened its doors as a hotel in 2011. Great care was taken to preserve the building’s historic character, incorporating original architectural features, decorative details and period furnishings into the new design. Today, the property offers a fascinating dialogue between Quito’s past and present, allowing guests to experience the atmosphere of an aristocratic Ecuadorian residence without sacrificing contemporary comfort.

Casa Gangotena is spread across three floors, with a layout that retains the intimate atmosphere of its former life as a private mansion. The ground floor is particularly charming, featuring several inviting communal spaces. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into an elegant lobby and reception area, where historic architectural details and carefully selected furnishings immediately establish the hotel’s sophisticated character. Beyond the lobby, the verandah – located under a glass dome – provides a comfortable space in which to relax, read or enjoy a leisurely conversation, a peaceful retreat from the bustle of Quito’s historic streets. The ground floor also houses the hotel’s restaurant, where guests can enjoy the property’s celebrated cuisine in an elegant setting. Further inside, the garden provides a delightful outdoor sanctuary, with mature plants, flowers and a traditional fountain creating a sense of calm. There is also a dedicated spa treatment room where guests can enjoy massages and wellness treatments after a day of sightseeing. Upstairs, the guest rooms and suites are arranged throughout the historic mansion, while the rooftop terrace provides one of the property’s most attractive vantage points, with sweeping views across the rooftops, churches and mountains surrounding Quito.

With just 31 rooms and suites, Casa Gangotena offers a distinctly residential feel. Each room has its own character, reflecting the architectural heritage of the mansion while incorporating the comforts expected of a contemporary luxury hotel. High ceilings, generous windows, decorative mouldings, elegant furnishings and rich textiles create an atmosphere of understated sophistication. Art Deco-inspired furniture, plush carpets, tasteful artwork and carefully selected decorative objects add to the sense of timeless elegance. The rooms are also surprisingly spacious, and are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, soundproofing, Wi-Fi and well-appointed bathrooms. Some accommodations offer particularly attractive views over Plaza de San Francisco, allowing guests to wake up to the magnificent church and the lively square below, while others overlook the hotel’s peaceful garden or the distant hill of El Panecillo. The room categories range from Luxury and Plaza View rooms to more spacious suites and individually distinctive accommodations. One particularly interesting option is the Junior Suite, housed in what was once the Gangotena family’s private tearoom and featuring a beautifully preserved historic mural.

Dining at Casa Gangotena is one of the highlights of a stay, and the hotel’s excellent restaurant deserves recognition as a destination in its own right. Its cuisine is inspired by Ecuador’s remarkable gastronomic diversity, bringing together ingredients, flavours and culinary traditions from the country’s distinct geographical regions. The restaurant embraces the concept of cocina mestiza, a contemporary interpretation of Ecuadorian cuisine that combines Indigenous traditions with Spanish and other international influences. From the rich flavors of the Andes to the fresh seafood of the Pacific coast and the exotic ingredients of the Amazon, the menu provides an excellent introduction to Ecuador’s diverse food culture. The experience extends beyond dinner, with breakfast, lunch and the delightful Café Quiteño, a local interpretation of afternoon tea featuring Ecuadorian coffees, herbal infusions, pastries and savoury bites. The restaurant has also developed a ten-course tasting experience inspired by the country’s landscapes and culinary traditions. Recognised as Ecuador’s Best Hotel Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards in 2024 and included in the World’s 50 Best Discovery selection in 2026, it is undoubtedly one of Quito’s most compelling dining addresses.

Casa Gangotena is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, the prestigious international association bringing together some of the world’s most distinctive independent hotels and restaurants. Founded in France in 1954, the organisation is renowned for selecting properties that offer far more than luxurious accommodation, placing particular emphasis on individuality, exceptional hospitality, culinary excellence and a strong connection to local culture. Its members share a commitment to celebrating regional traditions, preserving cultural heritage and creating meaningful experiences for their guests. Casa Gangotena embodies these values particularly well. Its historic architecture, personalised service, Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine and intimate atmosphere make it a natural addition to this distinguished collection. Rather than feeling like an international luxury-hotel brand transplanted into Ecuador, the property is deeply connected to its surroundings, offering guests an authentic introduction to Quito and the country’s cultural identity. The association also provides a useful indication of the hotel’s positioning: this is a property that places personality, character and a genuine sense of place above sheer size or ostentatious displays of luxury.

An additional advantage of staying at Casa Gangotena is its connection with Metropolitan Touring, one of Ecuador’s established travel companies and the organisation behind the hotel. This relationship makes the property more than simply an excellent place to stay in Quito: it can also serve as a convenient starting point for a carefully organised journey through Ecuador. Metropolitan Touring offers a wide range of travel experiences, private excursions and tailor-made itineraries, with destination expertise spanning Quito, the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Whether you are interested in exploring the historic centre with an expert local guide, visiting traditional markets and artisan workshops, discovering the Avenue of Volcanoes or embarking on a longer expedition to the Galápagos, the company’s destination specialists can help organise the different elements of your trip. Accommodation, transfers, guides, excursions and onward travel can all be incorporated into a coherent itinerary, making logistics considerably easier, particularly for first-time visitors to Ecuador. Casa Gangotena is therefore an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate the convenience of having experienced local specialists behind their stay.

Cons & Things To Know

While Casa Gangotena offers a beautiful garden, a charming rooftop terrace and a dedicated spa treatment room, its leisure facilities are relatively modest compared with those of some other luxury hotels. There is no swimming pool or fitness center, for example. However, this is perhaps to be expected given the hotel’s setting in a carefully restored historic mansion, where preserving the building’s original character takes priority over introducing extensive modern facilities. Casa Gangotena focuses instead on its intimate atmosphere, personalised hospitality, exceptional dining and privileged location in the heart of Quito.

The historic character of Casa Gangotena comes with a few practical compromises, particularly when it comes to sound insulation. Rooms overlooking Plaza de San Francisco enjoy the most impressive views, but they may also be exposed to some of the activity and noise from the square. This was not an issue during my stay: I occupied a Plaza View Room and slept perfectly well. However, light sleepers may prefer to request a quieter room overlooking the interior garden.

The location overlooking Plaza de San Francisco is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s greatest advantages, but exploring area beyond the surrounding historic center requires a little awareness. As in many major Latin American cities, pickpocketing and opportunistic theft can be concerns, particularly in busy streets and less-traveled areas. The hotel can provide advice and arrange guided excursions (which I highly recommend), but visitors should take sensible precautions, particularly after dark.

My Verdict

Layout: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 8/10
Food: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: N/A
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 9/10
Value for money: 9/10
Overall experience: very good 8,5 /10

Tips & Save Money

Book your entire Ecuador holiday: I recommend booking directly through Metropolitan Touring, the company behind Casa Gangotena. They can arrange your entire Ecuador itinerary, including accommodation, private transfers, guided excursions and unforgettable experiences in destinations such as the Mashpi Lodge cloud forest and the Galápagos Islands. This is particularly convenient if you are planning to explore several regions of Ecuador during one trip.

Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Casa Gangotena when booking through Virtuoso:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people/room, once during stay, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimum 3-courses & value of $100USD)
- Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like Casa Gangotena (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Quito is generally during the dry season from June to September, when rainfall is lower and skies are often clearer. July and August are particularly good months for exploring the historic Old Town, enjoying outdoor activities and taking in views of the surrounding Andes and volcanoes. June can be an especially attractive option, offering similarly favorable weather before the busiest summer holiday period. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with daytime highs typically around 20–22°C (68–72°F), although the city’s elevation of 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) means mornings and evenings can be noticeably cooler.

Quito is nevertheless a year-round destination, and visiting during the wetter months does not mean you will be faced with rain all day. The rainier season generally runs from October to May, with March and April usually recording the highest rainfall. Showers tend to occur in the afternoon, while mornings can still be bright and pleasant for sightseeing. The city is also less busy during some of these months, which can make for a more relaxed visit. Whenever you decide to travel, bring layers, a light waterproof jacket and sun protection, as the weather can change quickly in the Ecuadorian highlands.

How To Get There

Casa Gangotena is located in the heart of Quito’s historic Old Town, on the southwest corner of Plaza de San Francisco, directly opposite the magnificent Church and Convent of San Francisco. Most international visitors arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), approximately 40 km (25 miles) east of the city center. The journey to the hotel takes around 45 minutes to one hour by car, depending on traffic. The most convenient option is to arrange a private airport transfer through the hotel or Metropolitan Touring, although official airport taxis are also available. I recommend organising your transfer in advance, particularly if you arrive late in the evening.