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Sitting under the gaze of the winged Virgin Maria statue of El Panecillo and with a melange of historic buildings and bustling streets, capital city Quito is nothing sort of enchanting. It's down one of these busy streets that you'll find La Casona de la Ronda, a quiet (thank you, 18th-century walls) oasis in the middle of the hubbub. It also happens to be one of the oldest Spanish houses in Quito, evident in the intricately-painted walls, pretty balconies and pithy artwork. Endlessly cute and characterful, the location is also ideal for a city exploration, and the beautiful squares of Plaza Independencia and Plaza de San Francisco are only 10 minutes away on foot.
From $110 person/night
The charming, historical features that reveal themselves as you head deeper into the hotel: terracotta tiles, the chunky beams and stone walls, and the attractive floral paintings throughout.
For an extra peaceful morning cuppa, head to the courtyard and start your day as it slowly brightens.
Except for the Presidential suite, there is no elevator access to the rooms, which may be a factor.
The central atrium is surrounded by colonnaded balconies and greenery, the bottom floor of which houses the cosy reception and lounge with its chunky, antique furnishings. A spiralling passageway leads to the restaurant, painted a vivid red and adorned in authentic lamps and artwork. The menu ranges from Andean to coastal cuisine - try the Manabi province's signature seafood casserole. For a stellar view over the city, head to La Casona's mirador lounge and enjoy a drink from their well-stocked bar.
The rooms are traditional and warm with hardwood floors, handcrafted furnishings and sound-proof shutters; some can even be flung open for a view of vibrant La Ronda Street. Conversely, the bathrooms are hyper-modern with double basins, rainfall showers and beautiful amenities. The hotel also offers one or two-bedroom apartments, with walk-in closets, kitchens and living rooms. The grandest is the Presidential Penthouse, occupying the top two floors and enjoying elevator access, a dining area and a private rooftop terrace.
Quito is brimming with sweeping plazas, intricate churches and museums that tell of an ancient history and artistic peoples. You could spend a week taking in the refined facades, pouring over pre-Columbian pieces at the House of Praise and eyeing out the carefully crafted items at the city's markets. Head to the top of El Panecillo, which sits 2,000 metres high and enjoys sweeping views of the city, or ride the cable car to Volcano Pichincha for heady Andean vistas.