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LIVING INSIDE A BOTTICELLI
Legend has it that lumber from an olive tree forest in Uruguay was brought to make the window frames of what is now the Cultura Manor Boutique Hotel. The trip began aboard a ship in Montevideo, across the dangerous straits of Magellan, to the port of Guayaquil. The next stage, on mules, carried it to Quito, its final destination.
Anecdotes like this, are found here and there in the architecture of this mansion. They grow with the events that took place during its restoration. For example, modern techniques were employed to transplant ten Quito palm trees, each 46 feet tall, framing the beautiful garden that surrounds this building.
It took seven years to restore this ancient noble house, built in the post-colonial period. The number of original interior details which had to be preserved demanded careful attention along each step of the project. White walls, crowned by turrets, a large terrace, and the traditional green tiled roof, envelop this magnificent Manor.
The Manor was awarded Quito´s architectural prize in 1933. Following its restoration, it was recognized as Quito´s best tourism project. Furthermore, it received an Official Mention at the Habitat III conference. These historic walls, were part of the oldest and most prestigious club, where Quito´s Haut Society gathered to discuss business and politics, are now ready today to welcome the most sophisticated world travelers. Its décor blends the art schools of Florence and Quito.
On the ground floor is, the reception, a restaurant, an Art Deco style bar and a magnificent library, still encased in its original wood paneling, that displays a wonderful collection of books, antiques and paintings. Two broad stone fireplaces are lit every evening. Together with abundant candlelight, they create a cozy ambiance that recalls a lifestyle of those days. Comfortable leather armchairs and a glass of wine tempt the guests to experience the magic of Cultura Manor.
The restaurant, decorated with Andalucian tiles, seems to have been extracted from the heart of Seville. Delicacies are prepared daily, freshly beaked bread out of the oven, homemade marmalades and fine pastry delight the palates of the guests. The tastiest dishes of Ecuador´s cuisine, with in the slow cooking process at low temperatures in a kitchen designed by a Michelin chef, are part of the innovative daily menu, blending new and exciting tastes and aromas in order to please our guests apetite.
The stairs case gallery leading to the second floor, are the starting point of the journey trough out the works of Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli. The wall fresco in room tree describes Persephone adventures in faraway lands. The Spring of Botticelli portrays her travels bringing the seasons to the world.
Thanks to the magical realism (realismo mágico) other works from Botticelli come to life in the walls of the rooms and bathrooms, the elements of the paintings freely emerged from them to the places they see feet, as it happens with the Birth of Venus in room one, the Allegory of The Spring in room three, the goddess Athena in room five, the Judgment of Paris in room six, among other famous Botticelli paintings. A historical and cultural voyage, where every piece belongs to a vision that was masterfully designed and harmoniously created.
The hand carved room doors, a work of art indeed, are made by the oldest craftsman in San Antonio de Ibarra. The carefully designed handmade beds, using noble woods, present the perfect canvas for the Exclusive Dream Mattress designed with the world famous Simmons mattress factory, goose feather pillows and duvets, together with the finest Egyptian cotton bed sheets, guaranties the perfect night of sleep and the impeccable design spacious bathrooms featuring old style lion´s cloths bathtubs and modern cascade showers will forward indulge you.
The roof garden terrace, displays a delicious lounge, with delightful deck chairs, a solarium, and a spa with gorgeous views of the city and Pichincha volcano, including three listed buildings and Santa Teresita Cathedral, one of two Gothic temples in Quito.
Cultura Manor is located where the old colonial town ends and the modern city begins, only a few steps away from artistic and cultural spots. The domes of the colonial downtown churches can be seen from this spot. Museums, theaters, art galleries, the Handicraft Market and all sorts of stores, restaurants and bars are a few steps away from our door.
László Károlyi, the hotel´s proprietor and designer, a tireless entrepreneur who doesn´t stop until his dreams come true, welcomes his guests, according with an old family tradition; a glass of champagne and a cordial invitation to explore Cultura Manor Boutique Hotel.