Hotel Plaza Grande

Located off of Quito’s Plaza de la Independencia, the Plaza Grande combines a great location with understated luxury.

• The central location in the most important square in midtown
• The classic aesthetic that calls back to the Spanish colonialism era
• The comfortable rooms, each of which have a view

While it has held onto its traditional culture well, ultimately, Quito is a city of change. It’s a city that has seen volcanic eruption, colonization, wild expansion and revolution. There is nowhere in the city that better embodies this change than the Plaza de Independencia. A monument to the battles that eventually won the country its independence, the square is flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the Municipal Palace and, alongside it all, the Plaza Grande Hotel.

The Plaza Grande flaunts this vantage point. Each of its 15 suites has a view (half of them look out onto the square itself). The presidential suite on the top floor offers lines of sight onto the square, the distant mountains and even the basilica. From here, the most important historic spots in the city are just a brief walk away.

Along with its location, the hotel revels in its historic nature. The interiors have been kept immaculately unchanged, with dark mahogany and carpeting recalling every romanticized accommodation from New York to Eastern Europe since at least the 1930s. The staff is dressed accordingly in period uniforms, and all are eager to please.

One downside is that the amenities provided are minimal. Like Casa Gangotena, the Plaza Grande Hotel was originally a colonial mansion. As such, there is no spa or gym. There are, however, two restaurants: a café in the lobby, and the La Belle restaurant on the second floor is a wonderful option for French cuisine.

Most visitors in Quito are only passing through, but staying at the Plaza Grande offers a chance to feel as though you’re a part of the history of the place. So, while it’s by no means a perfect hotel on the global stage, it perfectly captures the essence of Quito.

The Plaza Grande Hotel is appropriate for families and couples alike, while the former will particularly appreciate the various connecting options and the multi-bedroom suite.