The old city of Quito is one of my favorite places on earth and I have always wanted to stay there instead of in the new part of town. So I was delighted when we were put in the Plaza Grande on a recent work trip. It's a gorgeous old building and the rooms have been done up in an old-fashioned way, with heavy drapes, lots of velvet, wood panelling and brass fixtures in the bathroom. It's very luxurious and the beds are huge and very comfortable. The staff is fantastically helpful and kind. The location is absolutely perfect. I had lunch in the lobby restaurant and liked it a lot. Also had a great breakfast at the Belle Epoque upstairs. However, I would not have dinner there as I detest fancy food with adventurous sauces (a la El Bulli) . But that's just my opinion. This hotel is horrendously expensive but the experience is flawless.

Didn't stay but had dinner here following a recommendation from the Swissotel where I was staying. They neglected to inform us that the Plaza Grande and Swissotel are owned by the same company. It's location is good in the historic town. The decor is over the top kitsch and the staff too amateur for the prices they charge for dinner etc. Had dinner in the French restaurant upstairs overlooking the main old square which had a nice view - but the food was really dreadful and almost inedible, and very overpriced for Quito. The service was attentive but amateur, trying to be something they are not. The brasserie restaurant serving Ecuadorian food downstairs looks like a canteen so that's why we gave it a miss.

El mejor hotel de la zona monumental de Quito acaba de abrir sus puertas. Justo enfrente del Palacio Presidencial, la catedral nacional y el ayuntamiento, se encuentra el Hotel Plaza Grande, un hotel con encanto con 15 suites, bar de cócteles, sala de fumadores y una preciosa bodega. El hotel también tiene una sala de banquetes maravillosa, con vistas estupendas a la plaza mayor de la zona vieja de Quito, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Este es un establecimiento de lujo que merece ser visitado por todo el que viaje a Quito, aunque solo sea para una comida informal en su cafetería. No te lo pierdas …

The best hotel of Historical Quito has just opened for business. Just across the Presidential Palace, the National Cathedral and the City Hall, is the Hotel Plaza Grande, a boutique hotel with 15 suites, a champagne bar, a cigar room and a beautiful wine cellar. The hotel also has a wonderful banquet hall, with an astonishing view of the Main Square of the old part of Quito, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. This is a luxury property that deserves a visit by anybody who travels to Quito, even for an informal meal in its cafeteria. Do not miss this place......