Luxury Latin America: Mansion del Angel: Quito, Ecuador

Situated in Quito's new town, Mansion del Angel provides turn-of-the-century elegance. Stepping out, you are in the midst of La Mariscal Sucre district with its international restaurants, cultural marketplace, shops and plenty of nightlife.

Once inside the gates of Mansion del Angel, you find a garden setting filled with plants and flowers. As you step up to the glass-windowed door, two Grecian goddess statues await your entrance and a three-foot gilded angel greets you-one of many angels throughout the hotel.

Antiques, sofas, paintings, flower bouquets, and chandeliers fill the crimson-colored living room and reception area. At 5 PM, Ecuadorian and international teas are served.

A wooden staircase on the entry floor leads to the second floor landing, also filled with art and paintings. Continuing stairs lead to an enclosed glass-terrace breakfast area with tan wicker furniture, an umbrella for shade, potted ferns, and chirping birds in ceramic oval cages. An elegant breakfast here is included in the rates.

Comfortable brass canopy beds, more flowers, and intriguing angels adorn the rooms along with European antique furniture. Each room is uniquely decorated and there is a range of bed configurations. Extra touches such as ruby-red rose petals scattered on comforters, turndown service, and a hot water bottle to warm the bed add to the ambience. White-tiled bathrooms are spacious with bathrobe, the hotel's own branded toiletries, soft towels, and a large shower.

If the hustle and bustle of La Mariscal's district seems too noisy, you may want to try a room toward the back of the hotel. The second and third floor rooms are especially appealing.

Mansion del Angel does not have a restaurant serving more than breakfast but there are many choices nearby and wines are served by the glass. The host will help with arranging taxis, reservations, and tours. Airport transfers, laundry, luggage storage and Internet access are available.

Mansion del Angel is a charming boutique hotel with character. Its rates are of the best values in South America and the inn is in a great location for exploring Quito.