Evaluate: Casa Gangotena, Finest Luxurious Lodge in Quito (Ecuador)

November 12, 2026

5

Wednesday newsletters function a resort or flight overview.

Just a few weeks in the past, I loved a wonderful vacation with Metropolitan Touring in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. You may learn my journey studies right here:

Evaluate: Iberia A350 Enterprise Class from Madrid to Quito
Evaluate: Casa Gangotena, the very best luxurious resort in Quito, Ecuador (at this time)
Evaluate: Mashpi Lodge, luxurious resort in Ecuador’s cloud forest
Evaluate: Finch Bay Lodge, Galapagos Islands
Evaluate: Luxurious cruise within the Galapagos Islands aboard the La Pinta Yacht
Evaluate: Iberia A350 Enterprise Class from Quito to Madrid

Evaluate: Casa Gangotena, Quito’s Finest Luxurious Lodge

Nestled within the coronary heart of Ecuador’s historic capital, Casa Gangotena is the best luxurious resort in Quito, providing a uncommon mixture of historic grandeur, refined hospitality and an genuine sense of place. Behind its stately façade, the boutique resort reveals an intimate world of chic interiors, authentic architectural particulars, thoughtfully appointed rooms and tranquil gardens. Its intimate scale, with simply 31 individually designed rooms and suites, creates an environment that feels nearer to staying in a distinguished personal residence than a traditional luxurious resort. Culinary excellence is one other spotlight, 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 worldwide requirements of luxurious with the heat of Ecuadorian hospitality. For discerning vacationers exploring Quito, whether or not as a part of an Ecuadorian journey or a journey to the Galápagos Islands, it’s an distinctive deal with.

Casa Gangotena options in my high 10 checklist of the greatest luxurious lodges in Ecuador.

Have you ever ever stayed at Casa Gangotena? If that’s the case, what was your expertise? Depart a remark.

On this overview (extra information and images beneath my YouTube video):

Professionals & Issues I Like

Set excessive within the Andes at 2,850 meters (9,350 toes) above sea stage, Quito – dwelling of Casa Gangotena – is one in every of South America’s most charming capitals and completely value a go to. Based by the Spanish in 1534 on the stays of an historical Inca settlement, the town is widely known for its remarkably well-preserved colonial structure and wealthy cultural heritage. In 1978, Quito turned one of many first two properties inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage Listing, alongside the Galápagos Islands, recognising the excellent common worth of its historic middle. Its outstanding assortment of church buildings, monasteries, convents and colonial mansions displays centuries of cultural change between European and Indigenous traditions. Highlights embody the ornate Church of La Compañía de Jesús, famend for its extraordinary gilded Baroque inside, the monumental San Francisco advanced and the spectacular Basilica del Voto Nacional. Past its architectural treasures, Quito affords full of life conventional markets, fascinating museums, colourful neighborhoods and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the encompassing Andes. The town can also be a superb start line for exploring Ecuador’s extraordinary range, from the Avenue of Volcanoes and the cloud forests to the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands.

Few luxurious lodges in Quito can rival the placement of Casa Gangotena. The property occupies a privileged place on the southwestern nook of Plaza de San Francisco, one of the vital lovely and traditionally vital squares in Ecuador. Instantly reverse the resort stands the imposing Church and Convent of San Francisco, a rare colonial advanced whose origins date again to the early years of Spanish rule. The cobblestoned sq., framed by historic structure and full of life native exercise, supplies an impressive backdrop to the resort. Step exterior and Quito’s most celebrated landmarks are inside simple strolling distance, together with the spectacular gold-adorned Church of La Compañía de Jesús, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Independence Sq. and the Presidential Palace. The charming streets of La Ronda, with their conventional workshops, cafés and eating places, are additionally shut by. Staying right here means experiencing the historic middle on foot, discovering its church buildings, museums, markets and hidden courtyards at your individual tempo. And after a day exploring the town, returning to the tranquillity of Casa Gangotena feels notably rewarding. Regardless of its central location, the resort feels splendidly secluded.

The story of Casa Gangotena is intently intertwined with the historical past of Quito itself. The unique mansion was related to the Ponce de León y Castillejo household earlier than being acquired by the distinguished Gangotena household within the nineteenth century. The Gangotenas have been amongst Quito’s influential households, with necessary connections to Ecuadorian trade, politics and mental life. Their residence turned a distinguished mansion, welcoming members of the nation’s social and political elite. Following a devastating hearth in 1914, the property was extensively rebuilt in 1924, giving the residence a lot of the architectural character that may nonetheless be admired at this time. The mansion remained within the palms of the Gangotena household till the mid-2000s, when Ecuadorian journey firm Metropolitan Touring acquired the property with the ambition of reworking it into an distinctive boutique resort. Following an intensive restoration and renovation, Casa Gangotena opened its doorways as a resort in 2011. Nice care was taken to protect the constructing’s historic character, incorporating authentic architectural options, ornamental particulars and interval furnishings into the brand new design. At present, the property affords an interesting dialogue between Quito’s previous and current, permitting visitors to expertise the environment of an aristocratic Ecuadorian residence with out sacrificing up to date consolation.

Casa Gangotena is unfold throughout three flooring, with a format that retains the intimate environment of its former life as a personal mansion. The bottom flooring is especially charming, that includes a number of inviting communal areas. Upon getting into, visitors are welcomed into a chic foyer and reception space, the place historic architectural particulars and thoroughly chosen furnishings instantly set up the resort’s refined character. Past the foyer, the verandah – positioned beneath a glass dome – supplies a snug area during which to chill out, learn or get pleasure from a leisurely dialog, a peaceable retreat from the bustle of Quito’s historic streets. The bottom flooring additionally homes the resort’s restaurant, the place visitors can benefit from the property’s celebrated delicacies in a chic setting. Additional inside, the backyard supplies a pleasant outside sanctuary, with mature crops, flowers and a standard fountain creating a way of calm. There’s additionally a devoted spa remedy room the place visitors can get pleasure from massages and wellness therapies after a day of sightseeing. Upstairs, the visitor rooms and suites are organized all through the historic mansion, whereas the rooftop terrace supplies one of many property’s most engaging vantage factors, with sweeping views throughout the rooftops, church buildings and mountains surrounding Quito.

With simply 31 rooms and suites, Casa Gangotena affords a distinctly residential really feel. Every room has its personal character, reflecting the architectural heritage of the mansion whereas incorporating the comforts anticipated of a up to date luxurious resort. Excessive ceilings, beneficiant home windows, ornamental mouldings, elegant furnishings and wealthy textiles create an environment of understated sophistication. Artwork Deco-inspired furnishings, plush carpets, tasteful art work and thoroughly chosen ornamental objects add to the sense of timeless magnificence. The rooms are additionally surprisingly spacious, and are outfitted with fashionable facilities, together with air con, soundproofing, Wi-Fi and well-appointed loos. Some lodging supply notably engaging views over Plaza de San Francisco, permitting visitors to get up to the magnificent church and the full of life sq. beneath, whereas others overlook the resort’s peaceable backyard or the distant hill of El Panecillo. The room classes vary from Luxurious and Plaza View rooms to extra spacious suites and individually distinctive lodging. One notably attention-grabbing choice is the Junior Suite, housed in what was as soon as the Gangotena household’s personal tearoom and that includes a fantastically preserved historic mural.

Eating at Casa Gangotena is likely one of the highlights of a keep, and the resort’s glorious restaurant deserves recognition as a vacation spot in its personal proper. Its delicacies is impressed by Ecuador’s outstanding gastronomic range, bringing collectively substances, flavours and culinary traditions from the nation’s distinct geographical areas. The restaurant embraces the idea of cocina mestiza, a up to date interpretation of Ecuadorian delicacies that mixes Indigenous traditions with Spanish and different worldwide influences. From the wealthy flavors of the Andes to the recent seafood of the Pacific coast and the unique substances of the Amazon, the menu supplies a superb introduction to Ecuador’s numerous meals tradition. The expertise extends past dinner, with breakfast, lunch and the pleasant Café Quiteño, an area interpretation of afternoon tea that includes Ecuadorian coffees, natural infusions, pastries and savoury bites. The restaurant has additionally developed a ten-course tasting expertise impressed by the nation’s landscapes and culinary traditions. Recognised as Ecuador’s Finest Lodge Restaurant on the World Culinary Awards in 2024 and included within the World’s 50 Finest Discovery choice in 2026, it’s undoubtedly one in every of Quito’s most compelling eating addresses.

Casa Gangotena is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, the celebrated worldwide affiliation bringing collectively among the world’s most distinctive unbiased lodges and eating places. Based in France in 1954, the organisation is famend for choosing properties that supply excess of luxurious lodging, putting specific emphasis on individuality, distinctive hospitality, culinary excellence and a powerful connection to native tradition. Its members share a dedication to celebrating regional traditions, preserving cultural heritage and creating significant experiences for his or her visitors. Casa Gangotena embodies these values notably effectively. Its historic structure, personalised service, Ecuadorian-inspired delicacies and intimate environment make it a pure addition to this distinguished assortment. Slightly than feeling like a world luxury-hotel model transplanted into Ecuador, the property is deeply related to its environment, providing visitors an genuine introduction to Quito and the nation’s cultural identification. The affiliation additionally supplies a helpful indication of the resort’s positioning: it is a property that locations character, character and a real sense of place above sheer measurement or ostentatious shows of luxurious.

An extra benefit of staying at Casa Gangotena is its reference to Metropolitan Touring, one in every of Ecuador’s established journey firms and the organisation behind the resort. This relationship makes the property greater than merely a superb place to remain in Quito: it may well additionally function a handy start line for a fastidiously organised journey by way of Ecuador. Metropolitan Touring affords a variety of journey experiences, personal excursions and tailored itineraries, with vacation spot experience spanning Quito, the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Whether or not you have an interest in exploring the historic centre with an knowledgeable native information, visiting conventional markets and artisan workshops, discovering the Avenue of Volcanoes or embarking on an extended expedition to the Galápagos, the corporate’s vacation spot specialists may help organise the totally different parts of your journey. Lodging, transfers, guides, excursions and onward journey can all be integrated right into a coherent itinerary, making logistics significantly simpler, notably for first-time guests to Ecuador. Casa Gangotena is subsequently a superb selection for vacationers who recognize the comfort of getting skilled native specialists behind their keep.

Cons & Issues To Know

Whereas Casa Gangotena affords an exquisite backyard, an enthralling rooftop terrace and a devoted spa remedy room, its leisure services are comparatively modest in contrast with these of another luxurious lodges. There’s no swimming pool or health middle, for instance. Nonetheless, that is maybe to be anticipated given the resort’s setting in a fastidiously restored historic mansion, the place preserving the constructing’s authentic character takes precedence over introducing intensive fashionable services. Casa Gangotena focuses as a substitute on its intimate environment, personalised hospitality, distinctive eating and privileged location within the coronary heart of Quito.

The historic character of Casa Gangotena comes with just a few sensible compromises, notably in the case of sound insulation. Rooms overlooking Plaza de San Francisco get pleasure from essentially the most spectacular views, however they could even be uncovered to among the exercise and noise from the sq.. This was not a problem throughout my keep: I occupied a Plaza View Room and slept completely effectively. Nonetheless, mild sleepers might favor to request a quieter room overlooking the inside backyard.

The placement overlooking Plaza de San Francisco is undoubtedly one of many resort’s best benefits, however exploring space past the encompassing historic middle requires slightly consciousness. As in lots of main Latin American cities, pickpocketing and opportunistic theft will be considerations, notably in busy streets and less-traveled areas. The resort can present recommendation and prepare guided excursions (which I extremely suggest), however guests ought to take smart precautions, notably after darkish.

My Verdict

Structure: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Pool: N/A
Rooms: 8/10
Meals: 9/10
Breakfast: 8/10
Spa: N/A
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
Total expertise: superb 8,5 /10

Suggestions & Save Cash

E book your total Ecuador vacation: I like to recommend reserving instantly by way of Metropolitan Touring, the corporate behind Casa Gangotena. They will prepare your total Ecuador itinerary, together with lodging, personal transfers, guided excursions and unforgettable experiences in locations such because the Mashpi Lodge cloud forest and the Galápagos Islands. That is notably handy in case you are planning to discover a number of areas of Ecuador throughout one journey.

Lower your expenses: get complimentary VIP perks at Casa Gangotena when reserving by way of Virtuoso:
- Improve on arrival, topic to availability
- Every day buffet breakfast for as much as two visitors per bed room
- Complimentary lunch or dinner for 2 individuals/room, as soon as throughout keep, excluding alcohol, taxes and gratuities (minimal 3-courses & worth of $100USD)
- Early check-in / late check-out, topic to availability

Lower your expenses: learn right here my ideas for getting the very best deal at a luxurious resort like Casa Gangotena (and/or obtain many free perks).

Learn my ideas for making ready your journey in time.

Finest Time To Go to

The most effective time to go to Quito is usually in the course of the dry season from June to September, when rainfall is decrease and skies are sometimes clearer. July and August are notably good months for exploring the historic Previous City, having fun with outside actions and taking in views of the encompassing Andes and volcanoes. June will be an particularly engaging choice, providing equally favorable climate earlier than the busiest summer time vacation interval. Temperatures stay pretty constant all year long, with daytime highs usually round 20–22°C (68–72°F), though the town’s elevation of two,850 metres (9,350 toes) means mornings and evenings will be noticeably cooler.

Quito is nonetheless a year-round vacation spot, and visiting in the course of the wetter months doesn’t imply you’ll be confronted with rain all day. The rainier season usually runs from October to Might, with March and April often recording the best rainfall. Showers are inclined to happen within the afternoon, whereas mornings can nonetheless be vibrant and nice for sightseeing. The town can also be much less busy throughout a few of these months, which might make for a extra relaxed go to. Everytime you resolve to journey, convey layers, a light-weight waterproof jacket and solar safety, because the climate can change shortly within the Ecuadorian highlands.

How To Get There

Casa Gangotena is positioned within the coronary heart of Quito’s historic Previous City, on the southwest nook of Plaza de San Francisco, instantly reverse the magnificent Church and Convent of San Francisco. Most worldwide guests arrive at Mariscal Sucre Worldwide Airport (UIO), roughly 40 km (25 miles) east of the town middle. The journey to the resort takes round 45 minutes to 1 hour by automobile, relying on site visitors. Essentially the most handy choice is to rearrange a personal airport switch by way of the resort or Metropolitan Touring, though official airport taxis are additionally obtainable. I like to recommend organising your switch upfront, notably should you arrive late within the night.

Photographs

Beneath is a collection of my images from Casa Gangotena. To view further photographs, together with breakfast and dinner on the important restaurant, click on right here.