When I was a little girl, my favorite make-believe game was playing princess. My sister and I could spend hours riding our imaginary royal ponies, dressing up in our fabulous fancy gowns, and wearing crowns. We’d imagine living in a grand castle, and luxuriating in extravagant royal quarters.
My childhood dream basically came true (aside from the whole royal title thing) with a stay at Casa Gangotena, experiencing a weekend truly worthy of royalty.
Aside from making me feel like a pampered princess, Casa Gangotena also scored five stars in each of my four main hotel review categories: Bang for the Buck, Welcoming Boutique Style, Walkability, and Personality.
Bang for the Buck
Casa Gangotena is not cheap. With rates starting at over 400USD per night, this luxurious Latin American hotel is a definite splurge but your inner princess is worth it!
While the initial sticker shock may stun you for a moment, just wait. It’s a memorable choice for an affordable splurge, even for a night or a weekend, for a special anniversary or honeymoon.
Even if you aren’t celebrating a special occasion, Casa Gangotena should be considered (despite the price). The nightly cost includes many extra, indulgent amenities that make it a special stay.
A fancy and fabulous breakfast is served up each morning, delicious local fruits are provided in the room upon arrival (and replenished every day), and tasty pastries or chocolates are delivered to your hotel door for a world-class turn down service.
Casa Gangotena’s breakfast was one of the best I’ve ever had, anywhere (there’s a LOT of cheese). The tasty dishes include plentiful vegetarian and vegan options, and plant-strong choices are marked clearly.
Welcoming Boutique Style
Casa Gangotena welcomes each guest with a stunning first impression – the grand entrance is unforgettable – and continues with an efficient yet relaxed seated check-in process (a delicious drink included).
After check-in is complete, a member of the staff provides a brief but informative tour of the grounds (including all of the glorious public seating spaces), and a personal introduction to the guest’s room, which are incredibly furnished.
Every aspect of the Casa Gangotena guest room feels luxurious and welcoming. Each detail feels high end and perfectly executed. The tall, double-height ceilings are softened by thick, heavy curtains. Plentiful, soft towels and high-end toiletries await in the gleaming marble bathroom, as tranquil and inviting as any spa.
Of course, my personal favorite touches are also present — comfortable, perfectly-weighted robes and padded slippers.
Walkability
Casa Gangotena offers spectacular views of the historic center, and is walking distance from all of the splendors of Quito’s UNESCO-recognized Old Town. The church of La Compania, the Museo de la Ciudad, and excellent restaurant options are just a short jaunt away.
You don’t have to go far to gain a taste of history and grandeur, as the hotel is located right on Plaza San Francisco, in the center of the historic center.
This area of town feels extremely safe, especially during the day, and I had no fears walking around with my mirrorless camera out and about. However, I would recommend taking a taxi at night just to be safe.
Personality
Casa Gangotena is really, truly royal and nails the old world “WOW” factor. The atmosphere is indulgent and opulent (that BATHTUB!), feminine and floral, while also being stunningly modern. The whole hotel is fancy without feeling pretentious or like you’re stuck in a museum and you need to whisper or risk breaking something.
I couldn’t get over how much I felt like a princess (I seriously can’t say that enough, it was GLORIOUS).
The luxurious hotel maintains a commitment to sustainability, encouraging responsible water and electricity usage, as well as instituting an in-house recycling program.
The Restaurant
Aside from the breakfast (mentioned above), Casa Gangotena has a delicious in-house restaurant, which also supplies convenient and tasty room service at pretty much all hours of the day or night. The restaurant focuses on traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, with a bit of a modern twist.
There are numerous vegetarian options, including for their three-course lunch menu which I would highly recommend.
Necessary Details
To book Casa Gangotena at the best rate, go here.
For getting to or from Casa Gangotena (if you’re not taking advantage of their transfer options), I’d recommend using the Grayline Airport transfer, bookable via Viator. At under $10USD, it is MUCH cheaper than a typical cab, and much faster and easier than public transport (and maybe cheaper as well).
If you’re looking for tours, I can highly recommend the Hop On Hop Off Bus. The bus picks up just a block away and is a great way to see a lot of the city (and learn even more) in a very short time. Commentary is provided in English and in Spanish.
Pin it For Later
Do you have a favorite hotel that makes you feel like royalty?
A short vacation in Thailand turned into a life abroad with a canceled ticket home. Nearly a decade later and after living in Bangkok, Rio de Janeiro, Puebla, and Puerto Vallarta, Steph is on to her next adventure and living back in beautiful, cosmopolitan Mexico City. She is living, traveling, and working (both as an expat therapist and an international health insurance representative) around the world to find the beautiful, inspirational, and interesting while sharing it with you!
what an amazing hotel! certainly worth a splurge… Princess dreams definitely realised haha
For certain! Hahah princess dreams DEFINITELY accomplished!