Traffic in and out of Quito’s Centro Historico can be very heavy and slow, so I recommend staying in the area and taking a taxi out to restaurants and museums if you want to venture to the newer areas of the city. On Sundays, from 9am to 2pm, no cars are allowed in the historic area which makes it a pleasant day for exploring. My recommendations include:
Casa Gangotena: Located on Plaza San Francisco at Bolivar OE6-41y Cuenca, this is an exquisite boutique hotel in a beautifully restored mansion dating from 1926. Its owners, the Gangotenas, were one of the capital’s leading families, whose members include important industrialists, politicians, landowners, academics and even poets.
The staff is very attentive, the main floor and garden lovely and the restaurant very good. The breakfast buffet was extensive. Both the buffet and afternoon tea are included in the room rate.
The rooms are beautifully decorated with wonderful bedding and fabrics. There was a large plate of local fruits when I arrived with a printed description of each. The marble bathrooms are really attractive.
La Casona de la Ronda: This is a small boutique hotel that comes highly recommended by two local guides. They have a very attractive lobby and dining room where breakfast is served. The staff was very helpful on my tour. It is located in the La Ronda area, at Calle Morales OE1-160, known for its restaurants and music. This is a good option if you want a smaller and somewhat less expensive accommodation than Casa Gangotena.
Hotel Plaza Grande: Located on the main square, the Plaza Grande is a more formal, but very good hotel. The restaurant is nice and very good for breakfast or a cup of coffee.
Friends just stayed at the Mansion de Angel, Calle Los Ríos N13-134 y Pasaje Ascencio Gándara. It is a lovely property with beautifully decorated rooms, a spa, lovely grounds, fine dining and an afternoon tea. I stayed at their sister hotel Mansión Alcázar in Cuenca and loved it.