This is what all hotels should be like: warm welcome, helpful service, a magnificent view, free WiFi, luxurious bathroom, and right in the historic centre of a fascinating city. Our room had the same view of the main square that the President of Ecuador has from his palace next door! The square is closed to traffic on Sundays and at festivals, so you can enjoy watching the people of Quito promenading, buying their kids balloons, having their shoes polished, meeting friends, heading for the Cathedral or one of the many churches nearby. Breakfast in the cafe looking out on the square is excellent, and we ate twice in the excellent Belle Epoque restaurant on the first floor - the food was very good, and they even have a couple of opera singers Wed - Sat nights to sing some of the familiar hits (Brindisi from Traviata, Habanera from Carmen, the odd folk song). We were using Quito as a hub during our time in mainland Ecuador, and the staff were very helpful about storing bags while we went off for a few nights, and even hung our rainjackets up ready in the wardrobe of our room ready for our return! Our only quibble was the cost of the laundry we had done - but it was turned round in about five hours, so the service was excellent.
- Plaza Grande Hotel
