On your way to the Galapagos Islands, you need to spend at least one night either in Quito or Guayaquil. My adventure began in Quito. Flights from the U.S. typically arrive evening to LATE evening. I arrived about 11pm and then it took an hour or so to get to Quito. My 3 night stay was at Casa Gangotena. The Casa Gangotena is a beautiful historical hotel with elegantly appointed rooms. It is 3 stories and on the roof has a wrap around balcony to view Old Quito and San Francisco Plaza
The hotel has a lovely public areas.
We took a walking tour of Quito. There is so much history, it is an amazing old city. BUT, you do need to be aware of pickpockets. Never walk around looking at your cell phone. If you aren't sure where you are going, be sure to look it up ahead of time, keeping a mental note of landmarks, streets.