Hotel Plaza Grande

Location

As mentioned above, Hotel Plaza Grande’s prize position on the main square is second to none (Casa Gangotena may disagree). Although the property was built in the 1930s, the charming, pink hue and Baroque style architecture lends itself well to the Spanish colonial surroundings. Indeed, the hotel is so close to the attractions that a guest could practically be ordained from their bed! Suffice to say, the Old Town sights are all walking distance.

Layout

The ground floor is simply the reception and access to Café Plaza Grande – one of the hotel’s two restaurants – that serves Ecuadorian food. With 56 covers, the trick is to get a window seat, overlooking the square. In the basement El Caustro wine cellar, an atmospheric, exposed-brick hideaway that also host live Flamenco shows. The first floor has a tiny gym and spa, but is primarily their flagship restaurant – La Belle Epoque. The restaurant serves Mediterranean/Gallic cuisine and has the feel of an elite 1940s French bistro. Again, a window seat is a must, to watch the world go by across Plaza Grande. The second & third floors are for dedicated to all the suites. On the fourth floor is a terrace, champagne bar and ballroom; although this area can be hired out privately and so is not always available to guests…which could be irksome.

Rooms

Hotel Plaza Grande has 15 Suites, all of which have spacious, private bathrooms with underfloor heating and hydrotherapy tubs and separate showers. The rooms are meticulously adorned with heavy, dark-wood furniture and elaborate lighting. The 11 Royal Suites have an additional seating area. The three Plaza-view Suites are similar to the Royal Suites, but with a small balcony overlooking Plaza Grande. Finally, there is the gloriously ostentatious Presidential Suite – consuming 1,300ft2 of the third floor! This luxurious pinnacle of indulgence features a king bedroom with two balconies overlooking the plaza, living room with its own balcony, dining room, separate WC and a kitchenette. All suites come with complimentary wine, water & tea/coffee and, significantly, are sound-proofed.

Features

Hotel Plaza Grande offers three options to grab a drink/bite – Café Plaza Grande, Le Belle Epoque and El Caustro wine cellar. The gym and spa are both very limited, but it should be noted guests can visit their sister hotel – the Swissotel – and use their vastly superior facilities (it takes about 15 minutes by taxi, which are not complimentary). Hotel Plaza Grande also run their own horse-drawn carriage excursions around the Old Town…which offers a unique way to see the sights, in a Rom-Com kind of way!