Casa Gangotena occupies a historic mansion at Bolívar Oe 6-41 y Cuenca, on the south-west corner of Plaza San Francisco, directly across from the San Francisco church. The hotel's own history page traces the site back to an Inca-era temple and later a mansion that housed several presidents of the Republic, before a fire in 1914 destroyed much of it. The Gangotena family rebuilt the house in 1924 and owned it until the mid-2000s, when Metropolitan Touring acquired it and converted it into a boutique hotel, and the building has since been added to the city's cultural heritage inventory. There are 31 rooms across three floors, with double or king beds, and the public spaces include a restaurant, a bar and lounge, an inner patio, a garden, a boutique and a gallery, plus a wellbeing space. A third-floor terrace has panoramic views toward mountains and volcanoes, and a rooftop terrace offers city views with cocktails and snacks. It is the obvious choice for a splurge in the heart of the colonial centre.
Location and getting around: you are on one of the old town's great plazas, so the churches, museums and La Ronda are on foot, and San Francisco and La Compañía are only steps away. The streets here are cobbled and slope, and taxis or ride-hailing are easy to get from the door for the TelefériQo, the airport and day trips. Ask the hotel about transfers and tours when you book, because it is part of a travel company that arranges excursions.
Rooms and atmosphere: expect a heritage building with high ceilings and a calm, refined feel rather than a modern chain. Rooms face either the plaza or the interior, so ask which you prefer, since the plaza side has more activity and the courtyard side is quieter. The terraces are the highlight at dusk, when the plaza lights come on and the volcano skyline can appear in clear weather.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, honeymooners and travellers who want a special base in the old town will enjoy it most. Direct bookings have offered benefits such as breakfast for two, but the hotel notes that some benefits applied only to specific years, so confirm current inclusions before you book. As with all of the Old Town, nights on the plaza can include events and noise at weekends, so request a quiet room if you are a light sleeper. Altitude is real at 2,850 metres, so take it slowly on arrival.
Why stay here
- ✓31 rooms in a heritage mansion
- ✓Plaza San Francisco location
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Panoramic third-floor terrace
- ✓Rooftop terrace with bar service
- ✓Wellbeing space
- ✓Inner patio and garden
Good questions
Where is Casa Gangotena?+
It is at Bolívar Oe 6-41 y Cuenca, on the south-west corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito's Old Town. The San Francisco church faces the hotel across the plaza.
How big is the hotel?+
It has 31 rooms across three floors, with double or king beds, so it feels intimate rather than large. Book ahead in peak season.
Are breakfast and other benefits included?+
The hotel lists daily breakfast for two guests as a direct-booking benefit, subject to availability, but notes that some benefits applied to specific dates. Confirm what is included for your stay.
