Situated in a newly restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in Quito, Casa Gangotena is a three-story boutique hotel offering eye-catching style with contemporary comforts.

The hotel is in a cobbled square rich with history stretching back to the Inca. Presidents lived there in the 19th century. Rebuilt in 1926 after a fire, the building was designated a “heritage property” when Quito was nominated UNESCO’s first World Heritage Site city. This year, Quito is the Cultural Capital of the Americas.

Casa Gangotena is the perfect base for exploring Quito and for short stops on the way to the Andes, the Amazon, the Pacific Coast and the Galápagos Islands. The hotel’s interiors draw the eye with Art Nouveau and contemporary touches combined with original Neo-Classical architecture. Guest rooms have towering ceilings, with king-size beds in 13 rooms and twin in 18. Two rooms on the second floor can be interconnected to provide expansive accommodation for families and traveling dignitaries.

Luxury amenities are standard, and there’s a stylish library well stocked for relaxing reading.

From the third-floor terrace, guests have magical views of the square, the bell towers and spires of Old Town, the Panecillo hillside, the Pichincha Volcano, and special events such as the Easter procession from San Francisco Church.

The glass-roofed patio with patio-garden just beyond is a nice spot for relaxing. The hotel restaurant features cuisine using traditional Andean and coastal ingredients; room service is available around the clock. Sights and scenes like the Jesuit church La Compañía de Jesus, the City Museum, Plaza Santo Domingo and Presidential Palace are all within an easy walk, as are streets dotted with cafés, artisan shops, historic churches and cultural centers. Modern districts with museums, parks, theaters, upscale craft shops, fine dining and exuberant nightlife are just a short drive away.

Casa Gangotena uses electronic room keys and solar panels to lower energy use for heating water. The hotel has been involved in several neighborhood projects, including the award-winning community initiative Heritage Guardians. Rates for eight rooms with views of Plaza San Francisco are $550; for the 23 remaining rooms, $425. Prices include buffet breakfast and Quito-style afternoon coffee snack, but exclude taxes. Reservations are being accepted for Casa Gangotena through Adventure Associates.

Adventure Associates, 800-527-2500, www.adventure-associates.com; Casa Gangotena, www.casagangotena.com