In 1978, the city of Quito was named UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the city of the first city in the world to receive this nomination. Following this event, the renovation of the historic buildings began, turning the historic buildings into the largest and better preserved historic center from Alaska to Patagonia.  In 1991, for the first time in Ecuador, interior designer, László Károlyi, began the restoration of a listed building to convert it into a boutique hotel. More or less in 1990, the boutique hotel trend was starting in London and can be defined as a small establishment that offers an impeccable level of interior design including unique elements of art and a highly personalized service. These aspects convert a simple visit into a memorable experience. In 1993, the boutique hotel, Café Cultura, opened for business being the first boutique hotel opened in Ecuador.