La Casona de la Ronda

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.