Casa Gangotena in the eyes of Francisco Baca: From Historic Palace to Icon Of Hospitality | Travel Blog

The historic center of Quito, with the majestic San Francisco Church, is one of the most captivating destinations for travelers attracted to history, culture, and luxury. Casa Gangotena is a luxury boutique hotel located next to the San Francisco Church, combining first-class hospitality, history, and experience in the heart of the city.

In this exclusive interview with General Manager Francisco Baca, you will discover how the hotel has preserved its centuries-old history to this day and offers personalized and sustainable services focused on comfort and attention to detail.

If you are ready to be part of history, read on!
 

 

Table of content

• Historical Background 
  • The secret of the Casa Gangotena Fire
  • After the Fire 
• The House Maintains Selected Features From Its Original
  • Original wooden floors
  • Surviving mirror and restored metalworks
  • Frescoes and original marble 
• Casa Gangotena presents its distinct selling
  • Human quality along with service excellence
  • Prime location and surrounding attractions
• Guest Profile
  • Majority of foreign guests
  • Interest in exploring Ecuador
• Location and Experience
  • Francisco Baca’s Favorite Picture
  • Francisco Baca’s Favorite Spot in Casa Gangotena
• Environmental and Social Responsibility
  • Local product sourcing
  • Heat pumps and solar panels as substitutes to gas and diesel
• Casa Gangotena in SCAPE Magazine
• Future of Casa Gangotena
  • Integration of modern technologies
• Message for you
• FAQs

Historical Background 

Casa Gangotena is a historic hotel that spans many years of existence. The property endured multiple challenges and a blaze before it became a vital aspect of the city's attractiveness.

The secret of the Casa Gangotena Fire

 

Casa Gangotena was a long-time estate belonging to the family of a former president of Ecuador. However, there is a curious story behind how it became the boutique hotel we know today, which will be revealed today.

In 1914, it is rumored that during a wedding, one of the family's daughters did not want to get married, lit a candle, and set the entire house on fire, leaving it devastated. It was later rebuilt by the Russo architects, preserving the original details of the house.

After the Fire 

 

Once Casa Gangotena was rebuilt, the last generation of the Gangotena family lived there until recent years. Later, in 2006, Roque Sevilla of Metropolitan Touring purchased the house to transform it into a luxury hotel.

It took almost five years to redesign it without losing the magic of the palace, and it finally opened its doors in 2011 as one of Ecuador's luxury hotels.

“From there, we are history, and we are the center of Quito, especially the Plaza San Francisco,” said its manager.

The House Maintains Selected Features From Its Original

 

Casa Gangotena has beautiful features of its history. The original wood floors and amazing frescoes come to life throughout the building.

Original wooden floors

 

The bar and VIP lounge spaces have the original wooden floors. They are maintained to conserve the historical nature of Casa Gangotena. The floors create warmth and character to the area.

History can be enjoyed beside the relaxing atmosphere in these designer settings. The beauty of bygone days is incorporated in its craftsmanship making every visit something special.

Surviving mirror and restored metalworks

 

The original wooden floorings open into exciting details. One of the outstanding features is a mirror which survived the fire of 1914. This is a mirror that gives this Casa Gangotena a little charm and a history. It is a reminiscent of the past.

The hotel also is adorned by restored metalworks, both Portuguese and French. These works were revitalized by local Ecuadorian students and artists. Their crafts are both skilful and time consuming, to the extent that they take pride in being unique.

In combination, these factors help to make Casa Gangotena welcoming to guests.

Frescoes and original marble 

 

Casa Gangotena has select rooms featuring original frescoes. These artworks make the hotel more charming and full of history. Visitors can observe their bright colors and exotic patterns, which remind the history of this old palace.

The original marble has been saved in some parts of the hotel. It brings in a hint of luxury and elegance into space. This cautious care is part of what keeps the essence of the house alive as the visitors today visit it.

Now, there is what is special about Casa Gangotena and its features and services.

Casa Gangotena presents its distinct selling

 

Casa Gangotena is a welcoming place which is situated in a good location. The restaurant offers lovely mestizo food. Different rooms in the hotel possess their distinct character. There are numerous attractions in the surroundings that can be visited by guests

At every corner you will find something special! Interested to know more? 

Human quality along with service excellence

 

Casa Gangotena is distinguished by the cordiality and friendliness of the personnel. Visitors are warmly welcome as soon as they come in. Employees are dedicated to customized service, which will make sure that every visitor has a lasting experience.

This dedication to human quality runs through the centre of everything we do at the Casa Gangotena. The team always does extra to satisfy guests. The emphasis on their commitment to hospitality is seen on each contact.

Guests also depart with a new experience and a feeling of attachment to the hotel and staff members.

Prime location and surrounding attractions

 

The excellent location of Casa Gangotena makes it one of the favorite choices among visitors. The hotel is surrounded by major museums and tourist sites. Visitors find it easy to walk to the presidential palace and Plaza Grande.

These attractions provide a lot of history and culture, located within a few steps of their rooms.

Staying in Casa Gangotena means being a part of the lively centre of Quito. They may enjoy art, history and local life in an exciting mood. These locations are very accessible, which adds to their travel experience as no other place can.

Guest Profile

 

Casa Gangotena receives a large number of foreign tourists. They visit to see the beauty and culture of Ecuador.

Majority of foreign guests

 

Most of the guests that visit Casa Gangotena are foreigners. They choose the hotel in order to enjoy the fruitful culture and history of Ecuador. The foreign visitors love the experience of visiting local attractions and foods.

They are forced to associate with some of the peculiarities of Ecuadorian life.

The hotel offers warm hospitality to these travellers. The visitors experience a sense of relaxation in its appeal because they are treated well. This focus on the guest satisfaction makes Casa Gangotena stand out from the ordinary hotels.

A tale of a manager regarding the visit of special guests will show how special this place is.

Interest in exploring Ecuador

 

The majority of visitors of Casa Gangotena arrive here to explore Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands alongside the Amazon Rainforest attract the majority of travelers who wish to explore these famous destinations. The attraction to this nation drives visitors to study its cultural heritage together with its historical background.

Location and Experience

 

Casa Gangotena is in a great location. Visitors are able to explore the history of Quito as well as relax in the serenity of this lovely hotel.

Francisco Baca’s Favorite Picture

 

The main attraction visible from the hotel is the San Francisco Church. That’s why, for Francisco Baca, his favorite picture is the one taken from Casa Gangotena, showing the church. The image captures a stunning sunset that can be seen from the hotel’s windows.

"The hotel lobby is Plaza San Francisco, and every day it comes alive even more with its shops, people, and our happy guests," Francisco mentioned.

Francisco Baca’s Favorite Spot in Casa Gangotena

 

Inside Casa Gangotena, there are many spots that could become travelers’ favorites. However, Francisco Baca’s favorite place is the garden, because he mentions that there is a stone fountain pool, decorated with sofas around it.

"This place is like an oasis of peace in the middle of all the city’s noise," Francisco says.

It is ideal to relax after visiting the attractions in Ecuador.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

 

Casa Gangotena is concerned about environmental and community matters. They employ local goods They also operate heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the consumption of gas and diesel. They have a recycling program that aids in supporting the local area as well.

Local product sourcing

 

Casa Gangotena is local product-oriented. Twenty percent of its products are supplied by local enterprises. This consists of a variety of local vegetables and goods. Using local suppliers, the hotel helps the community and encourages the use of fresh ingredients.

Heat pumps and solar panels as substitutes to gas and diesel

 

The hotel replaced its gas and diesel tanks about one year and a half ago. The new change was the introduction of the heat pumps and the solar panels. These advancements made water heating more efficient.

They also helped to make Casa Gangotena more environmental. The hotel also helps in the sustainability of Ecuador by adopting renewable energy. The switch is one of the initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and ensure a comfortable stay of guests.

Casa Gangotena in SCAPE Magazine

 

Casa Gangotena was one of the hotels selected to appear in Voyagers Travel Company's SCAPE magazine. 

The hotel manager said, 

“For us, it is an honor and a source of pride to be part of this select group, and it means that we are doing things right.”

He also mentioned that this initiative helps them market and give more visibility to their hotel, since they are always looking to form agreements and alliances with companies that focus on the luxury segment.

Future of Casa Gangotena

 

Casa Gangotena will be updated to modern technology without losing the historicity. The restaurant will also be expanded providing even more delicious options to the guests.

Integration of modern technologies

 

Casa Gangotena will incorporate the use of modern technologies into its services. The guests will have a better internet connection all over the hotel They will also have access to Netflix, which will provide them with entertainment in their stay.

This renovation is in line with the expectations of the guests without losing the character of this historic place. The emphasis is to make a comfortable and connected atmosphere to all visitors.

Message for you

 

Casa Gangotena is a hotel that will enable you to explore Quito, like the historic center. It is a vibrant place that can be accessed by foreign and local tourists. There are special rates to the national travelers and this simplifies the visit.

Experience a wonderful mix of the old and the new in this wonderful hotel. Experience a unique blend of culture, luxury and service that Casa Gangotena offers and be part of its history!

FAQs

 

1. What is the history of Casa Gangotena in the eyes of Francisco Baca?

Casa Gangotena was built as a luxurious house in Quito. The building developed to become the symbol of hospitality under the leadership of Francisco Baca.

2. How did Casa Gangotena become an icon of hospitality out of a palace? 

The historical appeal of the building was not lost since it integrated luxury services. The mixture of the aspects resulted in the creation of its new identity and improvement of its reputation.

3. What is special about Casa Gangotena among the hotels in Quito?

The hotel stands out with its historic architecture and modern elements of comfort. The visitors have an opportunity to enjoy both historical depth and high service standards.

4. What role does Francisco Baca play in the guest experiences at Casa Gangotena?

Francisco Baca is concerned with individual touches to every visitor; he makes each visitor feel welcome and appreciated during his/her stay.

5. Where can I find more details about Casa Gangotena’s services, experiences, and booking options?

You can explore more about our best deals on Casa Gangotena by visiting our official websites and blogs! Check our best offers for this and more hotels in Quito.